A weekend of the Best kind

A weekend home full of everything I needed- family, friends, food, and of course a mani/pedi.  The best kind.

I'll let the pictures do {most of} the talking.

We left well before the sun came up on Thursday.  A few hours into our drive the sun came up and the day greeted us with snow capped hills and trees.

 It was like driving through an Ansel Adams calendar.  Beautiful and peaceful.   We only stopped once, made record time {under 10 hours}, and my little miss only slept 40 minutes.  Good thing she tolerates the car well.  She was excellent the entire trip.  We can only hope this next little lady enjoys our road trips as much as her sister!

We arrived to Valentine goodies from Gma and Gpa...A Minnie Mouse shirt.  Girlfriend is totally obsessed with "Mimmie" and seriously has wanted to wear this shirt every. single. day. since. Thursday.  

After putting on her new shirt, she made some snowballs with Daddy.

 After a long trip and little sleep, we got to fill our tummies with some of Gma's yummy home cooking.  Somebody loved the corn on the cob!

 We had some Grandpa and Grandma snuggles and then we all hit the sack! 

Friday we woke up the way everyone wakes up when staying with the grandparents, I'm sure...Donuts for breakfast!  Someone was clearly happy.

 

Donuts for breakfast make me happy, too.  But if you wanna know what makes me *REALLY* happy, just look at the picture below.  This is my happy place.  Mani/Pedi=Heaven.

Wanna know what else makes me happy?  A night out with my handsome husband.  We were fortunate enough to get out to one of our favorite local places for some drinks {that would be a Shirley Temple for this girl} and some friends.  My very bestest friend, Katie and one of our other best friend couples came out to meet us.  It was such a nice night.  

We've shared half our lives together.  18 years.  Damn, I love this kid.

Saturday we had such a FUN morning.  Our niece Ailish recently had a major surgery and we couldn't wait to get home to spoil her.  Paul was super excited and had told her we were going to take her shopping at her favorite store when we came home.  Boy did he deliver.  Paul's brother and our sister-in-law, along with our niece & nephew and my mother in law, all came along for the shopping spree.  She had so much fun and the smile on her face was absolutely priceless.   We made Justice our bitch.

We had lots of cousin loving this weekend and Elena was blessed to see ALL eight of hers! 

 Saturday night we went to my Aunt's house and had a really nice dinner with my Aunt and Uncle and my sister and the kids.  The kids had so much fun playing together.  We had a cake for my Uncle and Paul to celebrate their upcoming birthdays.  That cake may have been the best thing that's ever happened to me.  Seriously.  It was that good.

Sunday we went to visit our dear friends who just welcomed baby girl #4!  There is nothing like snuggling up with a new babe.  That smell!  I can't believe I get to do it all over again.  So excited.  Elena was surprisingly so good.  When Paul was holding sweet Sophia, Elena brought over a little pretend bottle to give to the baby.  I died.  She didn't get jealous when I was holding her either.  Here's to hoping she reacts the same when August rolls around.

We ended the weekend with Sunday dinner with my in laws and a birthday party for Paul.  My father in law made my favorite...Puttanesca sauce and stuffed artichokes.  That may just be my death row meal.  Add that chocolate cake for dessert and it's a done deal. 

Seriously with her blowing out the candles?   I can't. 

And her are just a few of some of the delicious things that filled my belly. Yes, friends, that is a REAL pizza.  Jersey style.  It was damn good. 

We relaxed the rest of Sunday night and went to bed early.   4 am comes really quick!  A great weekend with great company and great food.  The best kind. 

Our Week's End: A Good One

We start our weekends early around these parts.  Kinda like in college, if I can remember back that far.  Oh wait. Yes.  Now I remember.  The good old days of drinking a Natty Lite in the shower before dressing up in my Buffalo boot cut jeans, Steve Madden clodhoppers and bulkiest J. Crew sweater.  #meow #wepartiedlikeitwas1999becauseitwas #holyshitimold

Anyway, Thursday night is when Daddy comes home from being gone all week.  That beats nickel draft night at the bar in college any day of the week.  Elena agrees. 

A great weekend for me these days doesn't require much more than husband companionship help,

toddler smiles and silliness,

puppy loving,

Friday take-out and a Sunday home-cooked meal,  

 

and of course, a family trip to Target.

Lucky for me, the end of our week had all of the above on tap.

We rounded out the weekend with a Fresh Beat Band dance party, a giant bowl of Peanut Butter Panic ice cream for Mama, and a call with our sweet niece, Ailish, who is headed home today from Boston after a major surgery. 

 

God is good, friends.  Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Weekend Stuff

My mind has been focused on family and home after the devastation of Sandy.
Thank the good Lord all of my family and friends are safe.
I hope all of yours are, as well.
My in-laws finally got power back last night and my sister and her family were up and running today.  Several of my friends are still living in the dark.
Some are living in hotels.
It has been quite humbling to experience Sandy 500+ miles away, warm and plugged in. 

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It's hard for me to believe we ushered in the first weekend of November.  It's officially red cup season at Starbucks and I couldn't be happier.  I celebrated accordingly with a Peppermint Mocha.  It was better than I remembered.  I'm a little excited to sample the other holiday goodness Sbux has to offer this year...Toasted marshamallow latte?  Uhm, yes, please.  I also am a nerd and looked on their website heard they are serving up S'mores hot chocolate.  So it's basically looking like I'll be meeting (read::exceeding) my calorie quota in liquids for the months of November and December.  Perhaps I'll throw in some holiday cookies for good measure.

So yes, November is off to a good start.

It was a busy weekend around these parts.  Friday is traditionally Pizza Night in our household.  However, we've yet to find anything that resembles pizza out here in the mid-west.  Not hating, just speaking some truth.  I put my foot down to another Friday of Domino's and we wound up at Whole Foods for dinner.  A dangerous place when you're hungry.  Hell, it's a dangerous place even when you're not hungry.  Anyway, Paul decided on some prepared foods and I kept with tradition and got pizza for Elena and I.

Spinach, bacon, apple, and bleu cheese.

After dinner it was bath, play, and bed for the little one...It sure was nice to have Paul home to help battle the witching hour  share the routine and wrap up the day.   After that, I lost him to Fox News.  Not the most romantical evening we've had, but that's what I know to expect during an election.

I actually dragged my butt down to the garage and did my Turbo Fire workout.  I was pretty impressed with myself for getting my workout in.  On a Friday night.  Times sure have changed.

Saturday we had family pictures.  They were scheduled for 10:30 at a park about 20 minutes away so we were up early getting ourselves ready.  It was a beautiful day, albeit a cold one.  I layered Elena good and hoped she'd handle the cold okay.  Honestly, the cold isn't what really concerned me.  And for the record, cold-schmold.  This kid is no wimp like her mama.

My husband is always telling me to manage my expectations.  So, I expected Elena not to sit still.  Or take direction.  I expected her to give the photographer the stink eye and maybe a scowl.  I expected she'd refuse to hold any cute holiday props.  Expected she'd flail about like we were kidnapping her if we tried to hold her for a family shot.  I expected she'd go all psycho-baby-limp-wet-noodle-cray-cray if she saw something she wanted and we didn't give it to her.   Well, I'm happy to report that managing my expectations was just about the smartest thing I could have done.  Thanks, Paul.  She lived up to and even exceeding ALL of my expectations.  I've yet to see a sneak peek and I'm hoping it's b/c the photographer is busy, and not because she's clamoring, trying to find a way to tell me she didn't get a decent shot.

Glad to be leaving the photo shoot

I caved and bought my almost 18 month old daughter Uggs.  They are so cute.  I die.  

We grabbed lunch on the way home.  For some reason I thought it'd be a good idea to get Skyline Chili.  It's kind of so gross it's good.  But not.  I can't even think about it.  Moving on.  Paul had to leave us for a work event in Cincinnati, which totally depressed me so I decided I needed to nap while Elena napped.  Once Elena went to bed I took advantage of my solo girl's night by ordering sushi and watching We Bought a Zoo.  I actually really enjoyed it.


Paul got home in the late morning on Sunday.  We played, cleaned, and played some more.  Paul introduced Elena to cards. 

 

We took a trip to Target after her nap and then attempted to vote early.  Total shit show.  We got stuck in traffic getting to the early voting center, which was a mob scene, complete with the entire Sesame Street gang dancing to Michael Jackson amidst people carrying signs of aborted fetuses.  Total family affair.  Not to mention, the line was about 1,000 deep.  Needless to say we turned around and came home.  

We stopped at Outback for some curbside take away deliciousness and ended the night with some good TV.  #Homeland #BreakingAmish #BoarwalkEmpire #TheWalkingDead

Crazy post-ponytail hair.  This kid loves bread.  

Excited for the week to begin...we're going home to NJ at some point and I'm just hoping our travel doesn't collide with the impending Nor'Easter.  Clearly the world is ending.  Hurricane, earthquake, and Nor'Easter in one week?  #doomsday

Weekend Review

So yeah, it's been a while.  Not sure what's up with me lately.   I suppose life is getting the best of me.  That's a good thing though, right?  We have been busy living here in Ohio, that's for sure.  We're finding our groove and getting into it more each day. 

Blogging has been on my brain a lot lately, though.  I don't know how all you devoted bloggers do it.  Make time to be so thoughtful and witty and real each and every day. Teach me.  Honestly, this toddler gig is no joke and I am spent by the time Elena goes to bed.  Like literally, good for nothing.  I honestly have to accomplish all I want or need to do before she goes to bed.  If I don't?  It doesn't get done.  Once she goes down I just want to hit the bottle and catch up on DVR decompress.  And nap time?  Well, that's when I do all the stuff I'd be too tired to do *after* she's gone to bed.  Clean.  Cook.  Work out.  Catch up with calls and cards and all the other stuff.  I find myself checking FB and Twitter on pee breaks and red lights and at 2 in the morning, thanks to my old friend insomnia. 

I'm re-evaluating a lot of things in my life lately and realize I need to work on my time management.  Making time for important things like documenting our life *is* important.  So,  I'm signing myself back up for blogging.  Starting tonight.  This little girl of mine is growing up at such an alarming rate and this mama doesn't want to miss one iota of it.  There is so much on the horizon that deserves to be captured and celebrated and remembered. 


And now, here's a little weekend recap for ya! {b/c if you're still here and still reading, you at least deserve some pics of my little love}

Friday Elena and I went to a local farm with the Mom's group we are a part of.  We're having fun making friends and getting to enjoy this beautiful mid-west fall.  For six bucks we got to pick a pumpkin from the patch and choose a gourd, enjoy a sinful sugared donut with some juice, and have some playtime.  Elena loved driving the trucks through the corn box (like a giant sand box, but with corn, obviously) and running around through the giant hay maze.  She had a blast and cried when it was time to leave. 

She's been a solid napper lately and Friday was no exception.  She was well rested for her second stop on the campaign trail...Lancaster, Ohio for a Romney/Ryan rally.  It was great energy and super exciting for all three of us.  We had a great view of the Governor and Congressman.  I haven't uploaded the pics from my camera yet, so here's a pic from the freezing cold rally we went to earlier in the week {we left before Romney arrived} and a mobile pic of Daddy and his little conservative at Friday's rally.

We left before Mitt was done speaking {Not gonna lie, I kinda felt rude, like hellloooo, we are walking out on the next President of the United States!?} But I hoped Mitt would understand this mama did not want to be stuck in traffic almost 2 hours from home.  Yeah, no.  Apparently Mitt doesn't like sitting in traffic either.  So, despite our best efforts to get outta dodge before the masses, the highway was SHUT DOWN in anticipation of Mitt's tour bus.  We were literally stuck. Luckily we were able to pull into a McDonald's so we could eat.  Here is Elena shoving a grilled cheese in her face.  I mean, seriously, I'm lovin' it.  Sorry.  I had to.  But really, she looks like 8 or something. 

Saturday was a big day for all of us.  It was Elena's first day without "milkie".  We are officially weaned.  It's an emotional subject.  Certainly due it's own post.  I've already written about in the notes on my iPhone and I'm hoping to transcribe it to the blog in the next week or two. We've gone steady and strong for the past 17 months.  To make it easier on both of us, I started a very gradual weaning process that eliminated one nursing session about every 2 weeks.  It has gone smoothly for the most part.  Today is day 3 and, though she is still wanting to nurse, she is easily distracted and I just keep reminding her that she has her big girl cup for milkie now.  My emotions and hormones are all over the place and I find myself crying at random moments.  Honestly, I would have been happy continuing until she self-weaned but b/c we are hoping to start fertility treatments soon, I can't be nursing on the meds I'll be taking. She's never been a big drinker from the sippy to begin with and although I've been offering whole cow's milk  in one since she turned 1, she is finicky.  Well, here she is on no-milkie-morning number one and girlfriend downed all of that milk in her tilty cup, which seems to be the only one she'll take it from.  And I've tried them all.  She drinks water from a straw sippy but will not take milk from one. Needless to say it was bittersweet but I was one proud mama.  There may or may not be some strawberry Quik added per pediatrician's advice.  And yes, those are Christmas pajamas. 

Take note of Lola going in for the snack trap of Cheerios. 

Luckily we had swim lessons on the morning agenda so we could keep her occupied and tucker her out.  She loves splashing with Daddy and had a blast dunkin' the punkin'. 

stupid blurry iPhone pics

Learning to get out of the pool

Sunday we did some stuff around the house and ran some errands.  Capped off the weekend with some Chipotle for dinner and lots of good TV.  

Loving this pic and how they are making the same expression and gesture.  My favorites, these two.  I just adore the bits out of them.  And yes, that's a tutu over her sweats #lovehavingagirl

Phew.  I feel like I just lost 10 pounds after all that.  Feels good to get some stuff out of my brain.  I needed that.  

Can't wait to get back to reading and catching up and commenting.  All that good stuff.  

xoxo

Weekend Review

It was a good weekend.  One that I was not ready to say goodbye to.  Paul left for Indiana yesterday, putting the kibosh on our family fun a little too prematurely for my liking.  Elena was not pleased either and cried, "Daa Daaaaa Daddddaaaa," complete with big, fat crocodile tears when he left.  Broke. my.  heart.  

Friday, Elena & I met up with one of the girls that I've become friendly with.  Her cutie pie son is a few weeks younger than E.  We went to Touch-a-Truck, which is an event where kids can touch and explore all different types of trucks and vehicles from police cars to semis to school buses.  It's an awesome concept, but definitely requires another adult if you want to maximize the experience.  It would've been great if Paul was there to take her inside the trucks while I manned the camera/stayed with the stroller etc.  It was hot as balls and all Elena wanted to do was run around {on the pavement, of course, earning her her very first barely skinned knee}.  Needless to say we didn't see the inside of any trucks,  but it was still nice to get out of the house and be social.

 

She was this laid back for about 5 minutes.

On the move. 

This walking business is the bomb.  Sure, I have to chase her all over the place but she is seriously exhausting herself, which equals napping AND sleeping through the night.  #canigetanamen

Paul got home shortly after E woke up and we headed out to have cocktails eat.  I shared some nachos with Paul and had a salad, but this lover could have easily  been my main course. 

Salt rim +green bean/olive/celery/jalapeno garnish= Party in my mouth.

The rest of the night was spent assembling Elena's play kitchen, watching the Olympics, and sending hysterical texts and pictures back and forth with my sister-in-law while Paul was ready to kick me out of bed.

Me demonstrating how I look when I get my face wet in the shower b/c I am afraid of the water going in my eyes and up my nose. 

 

 Saturday morning we did our usual Target run, which would normally go without a mention here but I needed a segue for the below picture b/c I just couldn't *not* post it.  Not sure if this was before or after Paul begged me to put Elena inside the display crib.  

Sharing crackers with Darth Daddy.

Later in the day, we headed over to the local Irish Festival in our town.  Supposedly, it is the 2nd largest one in the country. Not surprising, considering I live in a town called Dublin. Daytime drinking ranks high on my fun things to do list, so I was quite excited.  I was also pretty excited because I'd heard that The Cheesy Truck was going to be there, which I have been dying to experience.  It's a specialty grilled cheese food truck.  'Nuff said.  I'll let the pics speak for themselves.  {Sadly I am not crafty enough to know how to make a fun little pic collage, or even how to post pics side by side, so you will have to deal with my novice skills of posting one underneath the other.}

Cheesin' for the camera by The Cheesy Truck

Pulled pork & Mac and Cheese on Texas toast with a side of loaded tots.  Tater tots with hot sauce, cheese, jalapenos and bacon. 

Words to live by

Jeni's salty caramel.  don't mind if I do. 

Sharing some of Daddy's Ugandan Vanilla Bean

The one advantage of living away from home is that we're doing a lot of things that I don't think we'd be doing if we were back in NJ.  If that makes any sense.  It's just us on the weekends...no family, no friends, no birthday parties or other social obligations.  We can't decide if there's more to do in Ohio or just that we weren't forced to take advantage of all the like opportunities back in NJ.  Either way, I'm glad we're getting out there #livingfortheweekends.

Sunday was spent doing stuff around the house.  Usual chores plus adding some touches to Elena's nursery and playroom.  We put together a toy bin that I had ordered from Land of Nod {love it)  and hung a mirror in E's room.  Lots of things checked off the list.  Love that.  

As sad as I was to kiss the weekend goodbye, I'm ready for a new week.  So is my waistline.  A clean slate with healthy eating and exercising.  We're going home in 2 weeks and it would be nice to feel a little better about myself than I've been feeling.  This week is gonna be all about self-control and dedication.  Really using the link up with Kristen and Raven to keep me motivated!

Hope your weekend was a great one!  Happy Monday!