February 2016

Last month I did a recap of January 2016 and I really liked reflecting on how much has changed and what we were doing so I've decided to keep it up!

Baby was still growing strong. I had become obsessed with my belly and resorted to taking a belly picture everyday. I'm pretty sure this is our last and I'll never get these moments back so picture overload it is!

Gymnastics remained one of her favorite things to do. It was super adorable! 

Speaking of adorable. She also got her first pig tails! I was barely able to get a photo cause you know... moving toddlers... but they came out super cute but made her look older.

One of "our" favorite things to do is check out Snapchat filters. Whenever they are being super crazy and I need them to settle down (like before bed) I pull out Ssnapchat and it works like a charm every time!

My children continue to amaze me every day. They grow so fast and learn very quickly. My son insisted on showing me his "rock climbing" abilities one day after school and I was quite impressed! The rock wall isn't very high at all but I was happy to see him negotiating his next move and using placement of hands and feet to get to the top! Little did he know he was learning problem solving, strategy, and building confidence!

Unfortunately the month wasn't filled with all fun, games, rainbows, and unicorns. A dear friend of ours lost their mom. The matriarch of their family succumbed after a lengthy illness and long battle. We spent several weekends traveling back and forth to be there through this difficult time. Our children didn't know any different but they learned that they will never see her again because she lives in the sky now. I think my son understood a little bit and felt that this was a sad time. It might have been overshadowed a bit by our hotel stays (they LOVE staying in hotels) but it was a good life lesson.

Valentine's Day is always fun. Despite my disdain for the holiday (see #12) I love to do fun things for our children. I typically make them Valentin's to share with their classmates and my husband and I get them small treats/gifts. I know we don't need to do those things but I enjoy it so we do it. This reminds me- I need to get on it for this year!

My son has an insane number of friends born in February. I'm not sure exactly what was happening in June of 2010 where we now live but it makes for an interesting party schedule. Seriously- his social calendar during the month of Feb is insane!

 I'm taking notes from this family- this might be one of the est party favors he's ever gotten! very child in attendance got a Walmart gift card so they can buy their own toy! Now we don't need more toys in this house but I though it was thoughtful of the birthday girls family to be so kind as to do that.

My favorite part of February might be winter break. Hubby and I took the later part of the week off and took the kids on adventure. I also roped my mom, dad, brother, best friend, her husband, and son into going with us. It. Was. A. Blast. I'll have to share more details in another post (i am getting giddy just thinking about the fun we had) but here is a small glimpse of what we did. It's a 3D replica...

Thanks or reading!

January 2017

This is my recap of the first my month of the LAST year. Yes, 2017.

We bought in the new year with friends as we normally do. I remember being so exhausted and just wanting to get home to my babies and in the bed.

We spent the first weekend of the new year back home in Jersey. I almost never pass up a chance to go to Jersey.  My oldest went to a friend's party while I attended the funeral of a baby from my church. It was incredibly heart breaking and I wish no parent ever had to bury a child. The party was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle party at a karate school. It was my son's first intro to karate and he loved it! he even got to break a board and he was absolutely floored when he did it!

I also hit my second trimester with baby #3. I'll have to cover more on that later but here's a gratuitous belly shot.

Hubby is a Green Bay Packers fan, therefore we are all Green Bay Packer fans. They were making their way through the finals so we all had to go out representing. My husband is serious about team mojo and nearly freaked out when I took my sweatshirt off (hello- hot pregnant woman over here!). Of course not soon after they had a fumble or something or another and I immediately had to put it back on. I just went and got a fan. 

We also took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese. We go about once every two years so the last time I went I was pregnant with my second. My oldest was super happy about going- the youngest was just along for the ride.

We also had unusually warm weather so we took full advantage with a park date...

But that didn't last long at ALL...

We also started gymnastics! It was her absolutely favorite. She always knew exactly when was gymnastics day too. In the sweetest little voice she would ask me for 'nastics?!

The bonus about taking so long to update your blog is that you get to relive some of the best memories which had become long forgotten.

2017 Survey

I've been diligently doing this for four years now. I usually start this post early so I have time to think about my answers and gather pictures. Plus, I can never answer all the questions right away. 366 days is a long time!

2013 Survey
2012 Survey
2014 Survey
2015 Survey
2016 Survey

1. What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?

Went to a funeral for a baby. A little baby. 7 months old. It was absolutely heart wrenching.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think so. I tend to not make resolutions. But I did accomplish some goals- so there's that.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

I did!!! I did!! I'm a mom of three... woah.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

There were a few deaths in my church family. Some of which were quite shocking (also, see #1).

5. Did you visit anywhere exciting?

We visited quite a few places this year. I'm not sure I would call them exciting but we went nonetheless!

6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

Some sleep. Did I mention I have three children?

7. What date from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

The birth of my baby girl. I honestly couldn't believe we would be welcoming another person to our brood but we did and we're in love!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Changing jobs at 6 months pregnant. Our society has come a long way from pregnancy discrimination. We are not completely there yet but I'm glad that pregnancy discrimination is illegal.

9. What was your biggest mistake?

There are a few things I wish I would have done differently but you live and you learn.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing too big thank goodness. I did give birth, have a couple of colds, allergy related stuff and so on.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Baby gear. I've kept a lot of stuff we are able to reuse but everyone knows how expensive a baby is regardless!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I'm really proud of Rhianna and the launch of her beauty line along with her responses to critics of her weight gain and use of transgender models. She gets it!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Oh we not even gonna go there. Not on my platform.

14. Where did most of your money go in 2017?

My children. It's always my children.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Having another baby! I feel like this who survey revolves around her but she is a big deal!

16. What song will always remind you of 2017?

I honestly don't think I downloaded any new music this year. that's ridiculous. I don't know if I should blame music artists or my lack of caring about anything beyond the itsy bitsy spider.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

Incredibly exhausted. (see last year and the year before that)

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Praying, Blogging, Exercising, Saving. Sleeping.

(Some things never change)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eating bad foods. Although, we did sign up for a plant based meal service this year. We have good intentions but execution can sometimes be an issue.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my loved ones the same way it's been for years!

21. Did you fall in love in 2017?

I was in love with her from the day I found I she would be joining our family.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Same as last year. Who has time for TV? Although I will say during my maternity leave I was able to enjoy reruns of Moesha and Sister, Sister. I loved those shows growing up!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Nope. I try not to let negativity consume me. If I come across someone I don't care for then I quickly disassociate.

24. What was the best book you read?

Good Night Moon?

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

26. What did you want and get?

A healthy and safe child birth. I've read of horror stories and am so grateful that I have been spared.

27. What did you want and not get?

Sleep.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I spent it with my family. Much like last year I started at work mainly because my maternity leave left no choice but to show up to work on my birthday. We do a little celebration for everyone's birthday at work so that was fun. Next year I'm not working on my birthday though. I'm going to the mall and actually use my birthday coupons.

I took my oldest and youngest to the doctor in the later afternoon and it actually went well.

Next year I have a milestone birthday so perhaps I'll be at the mall in the Caribbean (unlikely but a girl can dream).

29. What’s one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Paid maternity leave. The state I live in did pass a paid maternity leave to begin January 2018. I was 7 months too soon.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?

I have no sense of fashion. It's quite sad.

31. What kept you sane?
I truly picked a good man. My husband keeps me so sane!

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
See #12

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

#TakeAKnee

34. Who do you miss the most?
All my grandparents. Grandparents are awesome!

35. Who was the best new person you met?

You guessed it... my baby girl!! And here is one last gratuitous photo of this precious little baby.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017?

Don't give up. I've always known that but 2017 was pretty good to me because I didn't give up. Also, I learned that I need to be more confident. I can do more than I give myself credit for.

37. What are your new years resolutions for 2018?
Last year my word for 2017 was Grateful. I wanted to be consciously grateful for all the blessings bestowed upon me. Even during the hard times. I haven't quite chosen a word for 2018 yet but I like having a word of the year rather than resolutions. Although I do need to resolve to get healthier.

2016 Survey

Yep, that title is correct. I'm a year behind. But what's new? This is my life now. The good news is- I'm planning ahead for 2017 and I'm not publishing that a whole year later- haha!

In case you have (or haven't) been following along here are the previous years...

2013 Survey
2012 Survey
2014 Survey
2015 Survey

1. What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?

Make a Halloween costume. Well, I kind of made it. I mean I gathered materials and such. So that kind of counts, right? 

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I haven't made new year's resolutions in years. I did want to make some but never got around to it. Maybe next year?

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My childhood best friend had a baby girl. She and I aren't as close as we used to be but still it's exciting!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My Father-in-law. Although he and I were not by any means close, it is worth mentioning. It definitely caused some emotional upheaval in our household as well.

There were also a few distant relatives. This is a stark contrast from the way life used to be. My father's mother had 16 siblings- they all aged at the same time which means a cluster of funerals that no one ever believes. That's a story for a different day.

5. Did you visit anywhere exciting?

Bermuda!! Last year it was just hubby and I, this year we were able to take our children and my parents even came along (super helpful!!). I love that place. Hopefully we will make it back soon!

(spoiler alert: we haven't been back yet)

My babies and I on the beach

The best group picture I could get. My little girl is asleep in her stroller!

We also took a cruise. It was my children's first (hopefully not last- I have my eyes set on a Disney cruise) and my parents first as well. My brother was missing for both of these trips!

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

I can't really post about that on such a public forum. But it comes down to finding my passion and pursuing it.

7. What date from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

1. My children's first international flight.
2. All of the milestone birthdays we were able to celebrate!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Being a wife, mom of 2, daughter, sister, friend, and employee. I wear so many hats and keep on juggling. I also joined the PTA at both my children's school. Life can't get any busier... or can it?

9. What was your biggest mistake?

Letting things I can't control get to me. Generally I am pretty good at distinguishing the difference but sometimes things can get rough!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Luckily the extent of it was the common cold and allergies.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Every year I invest in family pictures. I sometimes struggle with this because how much of an investment is too much. Then again I don't want them to be crappy because then the worth is lost. I wish my brother would be more open to doing portraits. He's a still life photographer and that's where his comfort zone lies- I need him to photograph me and my family which would be even more meaningful!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My son started Kindergarten this year and I am extremely proud of his transition. I was probably more nervous than he but he's soaring and I couldn't be happier!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Facebook trolls sometimes get to me. I can't stand keyboard warriors.

14. Where did most of your money go in 2016?

My children. Between childcare and extra curricular activities- these little guys take it all! But then we did travel a lot too so maybe they didn't take it all.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Both of our trips. The Bermuda trip was planned and I looked forward to it the entire time. The cruise was very, very last minute and I was pretty skeptical about going but I am so glad we did.

16. What song will always remind you of 2016?

Rhianna's Work featuring Drake has a (to me) a Caribbean feel. Since I absolutely love Bermuda and it was a big deal for me to go there with my family this song is it!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

Exhausted. Although I'm sure I was exhausted last year at this time too. Is there anyway to become well rested?

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Praying, Blogging, Exercising, Saving. Sleeping.

(Some things never change)

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Eating sugar (i.e. sugary foods). I have awful eating habits and tried to make a conscious effort to change that. In April and May I did really well and ended up losing quite a bit of weight. But then excuses happened, follow by lack of self control, followed by more excuses.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my loved ones the same way it's been for years!

21. Did you fall in love in 2016?

Absolutely, although I haven't met or her yet.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I probably watched a grand total of 5 hours of TV in 2016. Ok, perhaps that's an exaggeration but still, TV watching is never on my to do list.  I've watched an entire season of Bring It, an episode or two of Ayesha's homemade, Tia Mowry at home, and that about sums it up. What's probably worse is that I just found out that we have a Netflix account. My husband downloaded the app on my iPad and I have since watched nothing.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Much like in previous years, my answer is still "No". I consciously remove "the negative" from my life. That will never change.

24. What was the best book you read?

I don't get to read for pleasure. I read to my children almost nightly but I rarely get to read grown-up books. However- leave your recommendations in the comments. One day I will get to read for pleasure again.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I took a liking to Nick Jonas and Tove Lo's Close. It's really catchy.
I also like Flume's and Kai's Never be like you. Also catchy. FYI: I prefer the radio version
And I can't let a music reference go by without mentioning Beyonce. Hold Up is my jam!

26. What did you want and get?

I got to travel overseas with my family. I had hoped we'd be able to pull this off when hubby and I went in 2015.


27. What did you want and not get?

I'm still without a computer. As you can tell by absence from my little blogging space.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I spent it with my loves! I started at work (boo!) which is surprising because I refused to work on my birthday. But my job is going through quite the transition period and taking a day off is almost like hell when you return. Then I had to take my son to his 5 year well visit. This was not fun. At. all. He hated every moment of it. I felt really bad (not a fun way to spend your birthday). Hubby made it all better with a wonderful meal made specially for me :-) And there was cheesecake too!

Crab legs, broccoli slaw, sweet potato chips, caprese salad, lobster tails, and pasta shells for the littles!

29. What’s one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Meeting some of my financial goals.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

Fashion... what's that?

31. What kept you sane?
I truly picked a good man. My husband keeps me so sane!

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I tend not to "look up" to them too much. I feel like they have to much pressure to have a public persona and a lot of that isn't genuine.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

I think this is worth repeating...

Black Lives Matter, and just in case you didn't know Black Lives matter is not anti police- it's anti police brutality (yes, there are some who have gone overboard), and BLM also doesn't mean that other lives don't- it means black lives matter as well.

34. Who do you miss the most?
All my grandparents. Grandparents are awesome!

35. Who was the best new person you met?

I've become a lot closer to some of the mom's in my neighborhood. It's been great! We have a lot of the same ideals (that mainly center around our children) and together we've been able to affect some change in the schools. I really like these mama's and best of all- no drama!

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016?

I can do anything I put my mind to.

37. What are your new years resolutions for 2017?
I typically don't do resolutions. But I am doing a word of 2017 and that word is GRATEFUL.

2015 Survey

This is the third installment of this yearly survey. As always, I love reflecting on the year and envision what I'd like for the year ahead. I know I'm all late but that's what happens when you unintentionally take some time off from blogging.

2013 Survey
2012 Survey
2014 Survey

1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?

Visit the beautiful island of Bermuda
Ran a 5K at 7 months pregnant
Become a mommy of two
Become a girl mommy :-)

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I didn't make any so I didn't have any to keep. I am contemplating making some for 2016.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Me, me, me, me meeeeeee!!!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

There were a few deaths in my circle- most of which were due to old age.

5. Did you visit anywhere exciting?

Bermuda!! Our baby moon was amazing. And can I share a secret with you? We get to take our children soon. I am so freaking excited about that!!

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

Honestly, I'm so overjoyed with the blessing of having a little girl, I'm not sure I could want anything more.

7. What date from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

My little girls birthday. It's been months but I need to write down the rest of her birth story. Although I feel like I could never forget that day- the little details sometimes slip your mind as it tends to do when you have to remember all the other things in life.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Giving birth without pain meds. Chiiiile, I never thought that could be me, but lo' and behold. I wear that badge with pride.

9. What was your biggest mistake?

Putting down my camera. I miss being attached to it. Good thing I can still rectify that!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Just the kind from giving birth. Cause you know...

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I pride myself of find good deals. However I can't think of one right now.

Also, I'm a hoarder. And I knew that eventually my husband and I would have another child. So I saved every baby item my son has which left me to only purchase diapers. Score!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My son has settled into his role as big brother nicely. He helps, he's patient, he's the best big brother she could ever have!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I'm going to leave this to the imagination.

14. Where did most of your money go in 2015?

Child rearing. It always goes to child rearing.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Becoming a girl mom. Dresses, bows, shoes, and all things girl. I suspect I'm going to end up with a tomboy though.

16. What song will always remind you of 2015?

Lean On by Major Lazer and DJ snake. My son names songs after the people it reminds him of. This song was called "Uncle!" It's also the song  that I tried to teach him to snap too. We''re still working on that. I listen to the instrumental version more often than the original.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

Working on Grace. I recently saw a TV segment about a $12 bracelet that "all the celebrities" are wearing. It's called My Intent. You identify your "word", it's but on a bracelet and serves as a reminder.

I honestly find it hard to come up with "A word". I've seen many people declare a 'word of the year' before but that's never been me. It seems so definitive and not all encompassing. But when I forced myself to think about it- for now I'd like to work on extending a little grace to others.

We could all use it. We're all humans.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Praying, Blogging, Exercising, Saving. Sleeping.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Time wasting, sitting at work (but only if I still get paid), figuring out how to fix the craziness.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve was spent with my husband's family. Christmas morning was spent with my family and Christmas evening was spent with my extended family. We had way too much fun. Since I'll likely never recap our Christmas on here I'm going to use this as an opportunity to share my favorite photo of the day. I hope my family doesn't mind.

21. Did you fall in love in 2015?

Yes. She stole my heart before I even met her.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

During maternity leave I was able to catch a few shows. I don't want to say what my new guilty pleasure was for fear of backlash but I also enjoyed Bring It! (Lifetime) and Tia Mowry at Home (cooking Channel). I've always liked the show Flip or Flop (HGTV) but being pregnant at the same time as Christina was kind of cool. Our babies are exactly two weeks apart (her son is younger).

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

My answer to this has always been "No. I consciously remove "the negative" from my life. In the most gracious way possible." See #17.

24. What was the best book you read?

Without a doubt- Goodnight Football.
I'm sure that wasn't the answer you were expecting but the extent of my reading (beyond Facebook and come on, that's not real reading) is bedtime stories. And I love this one. Although I had to end up hiding it because it was all we read.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Nothing really. But didn't Adele release her 3rd studio album? I like her music but don't really follow her like that so when all the hoopla came out surrounding it I wasn't all strung out like everyone else. But I did learn that her albums titles are her age in which she wrote it.  I like when artist put thought into stuff like that. Everyone always has at least one self titles album and one album named after a song on that album and this is neither. Which I love!

26. What did you want and get?

As if I haven't mentioned her enough in this post yet... And here's another gratuitous photo.

27. What did you want and not get?

I desperately need a new computer. For real. I don't get anything done unless it's at work or on my phone or tablet. And there are just somethings I despise doing on my phone like blogging. I've been procrastinating on getting one mainly because I can't make a decision about what to get.

Leave some suggestions in the comments.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I actually had to go through my photos to answer this. I spent it with my family. it was great! My mom even made me a peach cobble and whoamahgawd! Heaven in a bowl! I was still on maternity leave so hubby took a day off of work so we could stay at my family's a little longer.

29. What’s one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

A longer maternity leave. Scratch that paid maternity leave. I seriously missed that benefit of my old job. As a result I definitely wrote to my senators about paid maternity leave. Yes, I know all about the sanctimommies who were able to save all their coins before having a baby and why it's not anyone's else responsibility to pay me for having a baby, and small business owners wouldn't be able to sustain such a cost but seriously- there has to be an answer. I know because I lived it!

And if you are so inclined to support paid parental leave I urge you to read about little Karl (grab some tissues) and his mommy's cause. Just to clarify Karl's story isn't linked but the cause is.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?

Awful. Moving on.

31. What kept you sane?
Hubby. He always does. Love him!

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hmmm.... I've been writing this post over the course of three months and still not quite sure of the answer.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Black Lives Matter, And just in case you didn't know Black Lives matter is not anti police- it's anti police brutality (yes, there are some who have gone overboard), and BLM also doesn't mean that other lives don't- it means black lives matter as well.

34. Who do you miss the most?
I miss my grandpa's. I think I've said this before in a previous year but there nothing like a Grandpa to make everything all better.

35. Who was the best new person you met?

If Iv'e met you in 2015 and we have a great relationship blame my mind- not my heart, but I'm going to say no one.

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015?

Mommy strength is real. Maybe one day I'll get to post my birth story but I unexpectedly and proudly gave birth to my daughter without any pain meds. Whoa!

37. What are your new years resolutions for 2016?

Seeing how we are bout  a quarter of the way through the year I'm going to go with nothing. Never mind what I said in #2. Maybe next year.

Hello July!

Alriiight! Let's get this summer started!  First, I am thrilled to say that I made it another month in this here space. Another whole month! I really like to blog and connect with you guys so I'm very excited that here I am at the beginning of July still plugging along when usually it's about this time that I stop for awhile.

Last moth I was able to keep up with:

- Baby's gender reveal

- A recap of Mother's Day

- more of my momtography

- anything else fun we got going on.

And as I predicted we still had a lot to do. Here are some things that likely won't get a recap.

1. We participated in our first 5K fun run/walk. My son likes to run, run, run so this was right up his alley.  It started with a fun run for the kids. The littler ones did a quarter mile and up to age 10 did a half mile. So stinking cute!!!! But we did put him in his stroller for the actual 5K part.  I have been looking forward to this for a while. It's a fundraising event for my son's future school and we were happy to participate. Plus, I've never run a 5K before.

My cousin's 30th birthday. My twin cousin's are like my brothers. They moved across the country at a very young age and we were all sad about it. But that didn't stop us from being so close. It's funny because we were able to maintain our friendship being on opposite ends of the country and we didn't have social media to help us. Every summer they would come back to visit and we couldn't wait. My brother and I would spend all day playing with them and their younger sister. We have some of the best memories. It was the 5 of us every summer. Their girlfriends planned them a nice 30th birthday cruise which was also so much fun.

That is probably the best picture I have from that night. Everything else is fuzzy because of the lighting, movement of the boat, and some family inebriation, lol!

This month I'm hoping to share:

- A recap of Father's Day

- How we spent our babymoon (considering it's been nearly 6 weeks)

- Sharing our visit with Baby girl
- Some maternity pictures!

and fingers crossed: a really fun project that we were invited to participate in. I don't want to jinx it just in case, but I am so over the moon about it (and watch it turns out to not be a big deal, lol!)

Here's to another month of blogging and my last month as a mommy of 1 :)