Birthday Week

I'm staring down the barrel of the big 3-0 this week.  But the truth is, now that it's right around the corner, it's not so scary. I've realized that some of the simplest things are the ones I treasure most. Instead of a big to-do, I would be happy if my day included:

Coffee in bed

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Outdoor eating

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Time with my boys

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Candles

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A nap

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Cocktail hour

Flowers

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And bath time with James Robert

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OK, and maybe some cake!

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Lumineux

Precisely what their name implies, the work of Lumineux filmakers illuminates memories on film.  Veiled with hazy softness, a palpable sense of place and time transcend their archives. This one, called Summertime, brings revelry to the season upon us.  Note to self: hit the record button on my own life to capture simple moments.

PS.  If you love the song as much as I do, it's by one of my favorites, Angus and Julia Stone
PSS. If you haven't already checked out Small Fry's blog, hurry over

Words of Wisdom

Life is sweet. I sit listening to a still house as my baby naps and admire the budding spring and hints of summer that is May in Charlotte.  Counting my blessings has never been so much at the forefront of my mind. 

James Robert has my heart completely; there aren’t words to tell how much being his Momma has made my life. How special and significant Mother’s Day will be this year for our family! Not only because it is my first, but also because having a baby has provided a clearer lens with which to view my Mother and the other Mother’s in my life.

Daily, I gain perspective on how selfless, giving and transforming it is be a Mother.  I'm so blessed to have my Mom as an example.  Needing her guidance, I recently asked her what advice she would give me as a new Mom and I received the following words of wisdom:

1.    Trust your instincts. No one knows James Robert better than you. You are his advocate. 

2.    Kiss, hug and tell James Robert you love him every day! Savor every moment possible because time goes by too fast. 

3.   Instill faith. Help James Robert develop a loving relationship with God. 

4.   Teach manners. That gift will last forever.

5.   Read to James Robert. It provides comfort and entertainment.  Also let your imagination flow and make up stories.  You will cherish the memories.

6.   Instill a love for music.  It's a great outlet and expression of feelings. Plus, it's been an important element in our family history.

7.   Be consistent.  That's not always easy, but make sure you and Mat are on the same page.

8.   Slow down and embrace it all.  Make time to laugh. Experience fun times as a family and you'll treasure the memories. 

9.   Be a good listener and play with James Robert. Make spending time with James Robert your priority. The dishes and laundry can wait!    

10. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Repeat as many times as necessary. Being a mom is tough, but it's endlessly rewarding.

Perhaps you've asked your Mom the same question? If not, I highly recommend the exercise! I'll cherish this advice.

James Robert with his Grandma's 

Both Mat and I grew up with unconditionally loving, supportive and inspiring women. I can only hope to provide that type of example for James Robert. 

Wishing all the Momma's out there the very happiest of Mother's Days.  xoxo

30 before 30: The Lemon Tree

With my 30th birthday quickly approaching, I recently revisited my 30 before 30 list.  I've had so much fun completing numerous items, but there are quite a few left! Thankfully, #24 is now taken care of- I received my lemon tree in the mail this week.  Now to find it a home... here is some inspiration: 

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Wouldn't these pots be pretty?

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The Days Are Long But The Years Are Short

Over the years, my blog has become a tremendous time capsule of major life events.  Moving from New Zealand, buying our first home, welcoming Major to the family and now the birth of James Robert.  It has also connected me with inspiring people and ideas.  I regret not keeping up with it better over the last couple of months.

I once heard that the days are long but the years are short when you have kids. How true that must be! With time flying by, I'm feeling more inspired to document our life and reconnect with this corner of the internet.  I want to be able to look back on these early days as a family.

Last week James Robert turned 2 months old.  It seems like both an eternity ago and just yesterday that he was born.  Truth be told, I've experience incredible peaks of happiness and also some intense challenges over the past 8 weeks and through it all have come to love our little family more than I ever thought possible.

As I have had a number of friends recently have babies or become pregnant, I collected some of our favorite baby items from the last month.  For details and a 2 month overview, click here. 

If you're still out there, dear readers, thanks for stopping by.  See ya soon!

Mother's Day Ideas

What better way to get back to blogging than sharing some ideas for Mother's day?  With a new appreciation for the holiday, I gathered some items for the Mommas in your life.

1) A subscription to birchbox is a fun monthy way for Mom to be pampered
2) David Austin roses to plant and enjoy year after year
3) A keepsake necklace made with a child's fingerprint
4) Some inspiration for the kitchen
5) Pretty silver frames to display pictures of loved ones
6) A panama hat is perfect for summer and those days that a hair wash didn't make it on the to-do list
7) A comfy robe for relaxing 

Reese Look for Less

While I fully admit that showering and putting makeup on each day with a three-week-old has become a daily challenge, I'm busy daydreaming about stylish looks for when I break out of the house a nursing mom on the go.

Reese has the effortlessly put together look down pat, mom or not.  That's why, when I saw this dress on sale...

Old Navy

it reminded me of this look...

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and it promptly landed in my basket.  Free shipping to boot. Weather you're in the land of spit up or not, I thought this look for less was a great way to end the week. Happy Friday!