1.07.2016

Julia || 5 Months

Sweet, sweet Julia,

Here we are, staring down yet another month. Time sure does fly, and I so desperately wish it would slow down. Long gone are the newborn days and ways.

Just a few weeks ago I caught your first, real belly laugh. My heart about burst. Ever since then I've done everything possible to make you laugh. I'm sure I look and sound crazy, but you love it and those giggles are worth looking like a fool. More often than not you oblige and laugh that sweet little laugh. I could listen to that all day long.

You've discovered your toes and I die every time your little fingers grasp those chubby little toes. This may be one of my favorite infant discoveries.
You are to Marcus like a moth is to a flame. Whenever he is near you gravitate towards him. He has solicited a few laughs from you, and seeing your interaction is what dreams are made of.

A favorite of yours includes talking with your dad and me. Your little eyes just light right up when ever we hold a conversation. And your smile, oh Julia, your smile is infectious and can brighten any mood and any room. You are genuinely a happy baby, and I love that people outside our immediately family pick up on that so quickly.
Your personality is really starting to shine, and my goodness, you are quite the little ham. If you are giving us any indication of how you will be years from now, my guess is you'll be full of jokes and have the greatest sense of humor. I also have a feeling your dramatic moments won't be stopping any time soon.

I'm pretty sure eating still ranks quite high on your list of favorites. You nurse every 2-4 hours. And, I'm so thrilled that we are still about 95% nursing. This journey hasn't been an easy one, but it's a journey we're still on, so for that I'm thankful.

Bath time is forever your favorite time. You could probably spend all evening in there if we let you (and if the water stayed warm). Watching you kick your legs and flail your arms about, all while squealing with delight is downright adorable. I'm itching for warm summer days when we can get you into a pool.
Sleep. Let's just talk about the four month sleep regression that hit us, and hit us hard. For the longest time you'd go down at 10pm and wouldn't wake until 7am, sometimes later (there were even mornings I would have to wake you at 8:30 so we could bring your brother to school). But, this past month you've been like clockwork, waking at 2:30/3, and sometimes again around 4:30/5. I know one to two wake-ups a night isn't terrible, but it sure takes some getting used to after the great sleep we were having. Naps are pretty consistent - for every 2-3 hours you're awake you require a cat nap of 20-60 minutes. Rarely do you nap for longer than an hour... I wouldn't mind if you changed this habit and added a 2 hour nap somewhere in our day.

You continue roll from your back to your front (left side to right side, only). But, if you're on your stomach for too long you let us all know how much you don't appreciate your position. One of these days you'll figure out just how much fun you can have with your toys if your not in the prone position.
It is amazing at the amount of drool you are able to produce. You are a slobbery mess and chew on literally anything you can get into your mouth. I keep thinking we are going to see a tooth pop up. But, so far, no dice.

You're still not a fan of your car seat. That's something you're just going to have to get over. We live in L.A. We are resigned to our cars for ridiculous amounts of time. Sorry.

Sweet Pea, the joy you have brought to our lives is indescribable and immeasurable. Each day with you is such a blessing, and I cannot believe I'm so lucky to be your mommy.

Here's to month five.

We love you to the moon and back, twice.

Love,
Mommy

Stats (unofficial - the next well checkup is in February)
Height: 25ish inches :: the online calculators are all over the place, one says 20th percentile while the other says 50th.
Weight: 15ish pounds - this may explain the nightly feedings, as you've gained two pounds in a month :: again, roughly 50th percentile
Clothing: Still squeezing into some 6 month clothes, but 6-9 and 9 month items seem to have a better fit
Diapers: Pampers Swaddlers size 2
Teeth: none
Posted by 14 comments:
Labels: ,

1.06.2016

2016 || Focused

It's been well over two weeks since I've written an actual post. But, I have to say, my little blogging break was about the best thing ever. Two glorious weeks were spent dedicated to family and enjoying a little trip to the Midwest. During that time not once did I think, "Shoot! I need to write a post." "Shoot! I need to read a post!" "Shoot! I need to reply to a comment!" And, while I'm sure there were several great posts written in those two weeks I'm going to just hit the refresh button on my reading list and start 2016 right here.

With all that said, I wanted to take a quick minute to reflect on 2015 and how wonderful it was for our family: We discovered we were expecting, Marcus turned three, we took trips to Cabo and Yosemite, we saw the Royals play and win Game One of the World Series, but most importantly, we welcomed Julia into our lives. 2015 was pretty spectacular, and will be a tough one to beat.

However, now it's time to focus on this year.

Resolutions aren't really my thing. Only once in my life can I remember making a resolution and actually sticking to it (the year was 2008, and I vowed to run a half marathon that year... I did. I haven't followed through with any other resolutions since). So! Like many other bloggers, this year I'm going to focus on a word. For 2016 I've chosen the word "Focused."
There are so many aspects of my life that I feel deserve more focus.

 1. My family.
When I'm with them I really want to focus on them. Not my phone. Not the computer. I want to be focused on them and only them. I want my people to feel like they have my full attention. I don't want to hear myself say, "Hang on." "Just a sec." "One more minute." "Just let me finish this." I'm going to try my best to focus on how much time I'm actually spending in my phone and on the computer. I want to lift my head up out of the technology suck and really focus on my loved ones. Family is of utmost importance, and they deserve to feel that way.

 2. My fitness.
If I'm being 100% honest, I've done a lot of phoning it in with my fitness and workouts lately. I've come up with too many excuses to skip getting in a good workout or going for a run. Sure, I'm tired, but aren't we all? My kids deserve the best me, and to be that way I need to spend a little time focused on me. I also want want to focus on an ends to the means with the miles I run. I've talked a lot about finding half marathons to run. It's time to find them, focus on training, and run them.

3. This blog. 
I love this space. But, I really want to focus on its content. There is always room to improve my writing and photos, and I'm hoping 2016 allows me the focus to bring our stories to life with good, quality writing. 

So, 2016, I'm focused on you. 

Now tell me, what goals do you have set for this year?
Posted by 17 comments:

1.04.2016

M & J Monday

We had the best Christmas (and blogging) break:

Christ's birth was celebrated.
Copious amounts of family time was had and cherished.
Gifts were given and received.
We rung in the New Year by being asleep well before midnight.
New Year's Day was celebrated by welcoming Julia into the Catholic church with her baptism.
And we played in the snow.
Some of us enjoyed the snow a little more than others. 

Happy Monday!
Posted by 16 comments:
Labels: , ,

12.25.2015

Merry Christmas

Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases and Happiest of New Year's.

Posted by 9 comments:
Labels: ,

12.24.2015

Christmas Photo Challenge Recap #3

It's here! Christmas is here! It seems impossible how quickly December has flown by, but alas, tomorrow we celebrate Jesus's birth and get to check out all the goodies Santa has left beneath our tree.

Before doing so, there's one last #2015ChristmasMoments recap to get in the books. Here are Challenge recaps One and Two. Let's take a look at the third and final recap:

Day 17 - Clothing
Day 18 - Inspiration
Day 19 - Happiness
Day 20 - Movie
Day 21 - Keepsake
Day 22 - Favorite
Day 23 - Gathering
Day 24 - Cookies
And that wraps up a successful #2015ChristmasMoments photo challenge! Be sure to follow me, desireemacke, on InstaGram for all sorts of IG goodness. A big thanks to Stephanie for creating the challenge and daily prompts. I had a blast with each one, and trying to put fun interpretations on each. Merry Christmas, friends!
Posted by 5 comments:
Labels: ,

12.23.2015

Candy Cane Lane & Chill

With just two days till Christmas we are packing in every last bit of holiday fun.

Last night we made our annual trip to Candy Cane Lane - a neighborhood where almost every house strings lights and decorates. It's house after house, block after block of Christmas cheer. And, it's a big deal. A chain of cars snakes its way through the streets, and hundreds of people take foot and walk the neighborhood. 
The pigs were among Marcus' favorite display. It certainly wasn't mine top pick, but whatever. 
Of course no phone photo - or any photo, for that matter - does the lights justice. But I pinky swear it's a sight to behold. 

The festivities for the week didn't stop there. This morning we headed to Queen Mary's Chill. We went a couple years ago with friends, and I thought it would be something Marcus would love. 
The ice tubing slide? Smash hit. 
After a few times down the slide I figured a trip through the Ice Kingdom would be as successful, as it was complete with an ice slide. Well, the Ice Kingdom is kept at a frigid 7°, and Marcus was not at all a fan of the cold. We were in and out in record time, and right back to tubing. That's not to say I didn't snap a few photos of all the icy awesomeness. 

The theme was A Christmas Carol. I wish we could have spent just a little more time with each ice display. Maybe next year... 

And just like that we are wrapping up our Bucket list and counting down the hours till Santa comes, and more importantly, the celebration of Christ's birth.


Posted by 4 comments:
Labels:

12.22.2015

The Nutcracker

As much as this time of year is magical, it is also busy. And tiring. And if we're being honest, a *smidge* stressful.

When the opportunity to see The Moscow Great Russian Nutcracker presented itself I knew it would be the perfect chance for some time to step away from the craziness the holidays inevitably bring. 

After Scott politely declined to join me I quickly made a lady date of it with my good friend, Barb. 

We started with a perfectly trendy lunch in L.A.'s Koreatown. Beer Belly had the best selection of microbrews, and their duck fat fries that were simply scrumptious. 
Post lunch we made our way to our seats in the historic Wiltern Theater. 
The Nutcracker has always been a favorite of mine, and I was so excited to see the classic without worrying about kids or my mountainous to-do list. 
I didn't take any photos of the performance for a few reasons: rude, prohibited, and I just wanted to soak it all up without worrying about getting the perfect shot. But, trust me when I say it was outstanding. The Moscow Ballet left us captivated, entertained, and in awe of dancers beauty, poise and grace. For a few fleeting hours we were transported to a world filled with the iconic Tchaikovsky score, mighty mice, dancing gingerbread men, and of course, the nutcracker prince.

Here's a quick clip of one of my favorite parts of the show.
Our little lady date to see the Christmas classic was just what I needed to come up for air from all the holiday hustle and bustle. 
If you have a chance to see The Nutcracker I say, go! Make it a lady date, make it a mommy and me tradition, wrangle your husband or significant other (if you can), just don't miss it. It's entirely too good to pass up. There are still a few shows left on the tour, to see if your city is one of those on the list click here. If this year is a no-go be sure to mark you calendar for next season - I know it's already on mine. 
This weekend's Nutcracker escape also meant one more item crossed off the Winter Bucket List!
Bake a holiday treat here & here
Christmas Book Advent
Decorate the tree
Drink hot chocolate
Go caroling
Play in the snow
Ride a holiday train
See a holiday parade
See a harbor holiday parade
See a tree lighting
See The Nutcracker
Visit from Elf of the Shelf, Teu
Visit Santa
Zoo Lights
Just a few more and we will have completed our Winter list!

 Disclaimer: I received complimentary tickets to The Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker through USFamilyGuide.com in exchange for a review. However, as always, all opinions are my own. 
Posted by 13 comments:

12.21.2015

M & J Monday

Here comes Santa Clause! Here comes Santa Clause! Right down Santa Clause Lane!

Marcus has had his fair share of Santa sightings this year. And, while Julia was there for each and everyone of them, she slept through a majority. Our last two Santa visits I may or may not have disturbed her slumber so I could get a shot with both kids with the Jolly Old Elf.
This was our last Santa stop, and also included our first ever Christmas caroling experience.
I love this picture for so many reasons.
Marcus had seen Santa so many times I'm fairly certain he was 100% over it by this point.
Julia - sweet little lady - this is the best Santa fail I could get of her this year: a slightly pouted lip and watery eyes. Maybe next year she'll produce that classic screaming shot I not-so-secretly love.
I was so desperate for a picture of both kids with Santa that I made a trip to see the mall Santa. I'm actually pretty pleased with how they turned out. I had to wake Julia from her slumber, and she had exactly zero idea of what the hell was going on. We were smart to get to the mall on a weekday, right as the mall opened. We were the first in line and Marcus was able to have a small chat with Santa without being rushed.
My favorite Santa stop - The Santa Train! I was so bummed that Julia slept through this one. He's my favorite Santa, and though the pictures are taken at night - thus making it difficult to photograph well - I just love the stage and display. I also love how apprehensive Marcus looks.
Santa surprised all the kids at Marcus' school and stopped in after their Christmas program. Santa was in a gymnasium, so the lighting was not at all awesome. But, the kids were so excited to see the Man in the Red Suit.
Our first Santa visit - The Zoo Lights - and I mentioned before, the pictures with Santa came with insanely inflated prices, so I shamelessly screenshot and bootlegged this photo. 
And that's a wrap on visits with Santa this year!

Linking up with Jenny, Larueen, Liz, Sara, Stephanie and Courtney for Visits with Santa.

Posted by 14 comments:
Labels: , ,

12.18.2015

The Holiday Fun Edition

Another fun, festive week is in the books, so let's get right to the highlights.

1. The Cube! 
Last Friday Marcus and I had a morning date with Elizabeth and Mason. The boys had a blast, particularly in the Hot Wheels exhibit. 
While we were there an annual pass may have been purchased as a Christmas gift.

2. Santa Train!
Checking another item off our Winter Bucket List... The evening after our Cube fun we met up again with Elizabeth and her crew for our annual trip to ride the Santa Train, and of course, see Santa!
Naturally, Julia slept through the entire thing. I was hoping both kids would have a moment with Santa, but no dice. I'm waiting to share our Santa pics for next week. Instead, I'll share a couple shots of the light displays we saw while on the train. 
The photos don't do the lights any justice. 

3. Preschool Christmas Program!
Marcus had his preschool Christmas program this week. Oh my gosh, it was hilarious. 
Marcus sang all the songs but had zero interest in doing any of the choreographed moves. 
As you can see, he's in the front row and doing none of the moves.
I loved the performance and laughed my way through it. I don't think performing arts will be Marcus' forte as he gets older.

Santa also made an appearance at the school, but again, I'm saving that to share next week. 
I'll end it right there, as we have more fun lined up for this coming weekend and following week (think Nutcracker Ballet, touring neighborhood lights, caroling, and a morning of ice tubing and ice sledding).
Have a great weekend!
Posted by 11 comments:
Labels:

12.17.2015

Christmas Photo Challenge Recap #2

Things are trucking right along this month, and I've surprisingly managed to keep up with the #2015ChristmasMoments challenge. Here's my week in review.

Day 9 - Family
Day 10 - Tree
Day 11 - Secret
Day 12 - Elf
Day 13 - Green
Day 14 - Sparkle
Day 15 - Messes
Day 16 - Stockings
That wraps up this week!
This coming weeks prompts are:
Day 17 - Clothing
Day 18 - Inspiration
Day 19 - Happiness
Day 20 - Movie
Day 21 - Keepsake
Day 22 - Favorite
Day 23 - Gathering
Day 24 - Cookies
Follow me on InstaGram (desireemacke) for all the photo challenge fun!
Posted by 5 comments:
Labels: ,

Holiday Jams

There is something about babes in holiday jammies that gives me all the warm and fuzzy feels. But, it's not just any old holiday that does it for me. It's specifically Christmas pajamas. When it comes to this time of year I can't say no to all the footed, festive goodness.

And, this year? With two kiddos? Oh my gosh, the attempts to coordinate are too fun.

Let's take a look at the threads the kiddos are donning this year. 
Marcus || similar
Julia || Pajamas * bow
Marcus || Pajamas
Julia || Pajamas * bow
Marcus || Pajamas
Julia || Pajamas * bow
And because Marcus has some jams from last year that still fit and clearly deserve some attention...
Pajamas - similar
Linking up with some fabulous ladies for the annual Pajama Party! 




Posted by 13 comments:
Labels: ,

12.16.2015

Fix #2

I wanted to dedicate today to a holiday home tour, but honestly, there's not a whole lot to show. We live in a townhome which leaves little space to store all the decor I wish we could have. Maybe someday I'll have space to store and decorate. Plus, aside from our tree (which I already posted last week), the only other notable thing I'd want to share are our stockings - but that's coming up in a few days on InstaGram (follow me: desireemacke if you want to see my mother's amazing sewing talents).

Anywhoooo... My second Stitch Fix arrived this week! So, let's discuss.
I specifically asked for cardigans, a more fitted jean, and dresses. Julia's baptism is next month and I desperately need something appropriate for the occasion, as well as suitable for winter weather (she's being baptized in Kansas City - surely it will be chilly).

Alrighty - the clothes!

My stylist, Alex, did an outstanding job keeping my notes in mind.

Items one and two:
Kate Distressed Boyfriend Jean
Carly Graphic Print Cardigan
The jeans. I don't know how they do it at SF, but I'm smitten. I pretty much need these in my life. They fit like a freaking dream. The color is a dark wash - which I'm partial to, and I love the little bit of distress. I like the taper and how versatile these could be. I threw on a pair of Toms, and thought they went quite nicely.

The cardi. I so desperately wanted to love this, but it was just so, so. I felt it was a little bulky and didn't do a whole lot for my figure. Plus, it was super heavy, and I just know it would get little wear while we are living in Los Angeles.

Jeans - KEEP
Cardi - RETURN

Item three:
Martina Slub Knit Open Cardigan
I kept the same jeans on - because, WINNER, but this time chose to play up the look a bit. I threw on some sparkles and the slub cardigan. I loved the pockets and the fit, as well how light weight it was. It would certainly get lots of wear here in LA. However, I already have three black cardigans and I just couldn't see adding another to the closet.

Again - the jeans! And, I thought the booties were the cutest with these.

Slub Knit Cardi: RETURN

Item four:
Marlow Printed Dress
This dress. When I saw it in the box I was a little apprehensive. It's not a color or print that I have in my closet, like, at all.  I was pleasantly surprised when I put it on. It's super comfortable, the sleeves are long, and I liked how fun it was. However, it kind of reminded me of a dress I you might see in the movie American Hustle. And, I wasn't thrilled with how it flattered (or lack of flattering) my figure.

Marlow Dress: RETURN

Item five:
Ivey Dress
The color! The style! The cinching on the side! Yes. While it's fairly form fitting, and I will have to keep my posture in check while wearing this, I'm pretty sure this is the winner for Julia's baptism. I'm clearly going to need a sweater, or blazer, or something to keep my upper half from freezing, but I like how this one flatters me in all the places I'm currently super self conscious about.

Ivey Dress: KEEP

And there you have it. Fix number two. While I thought/hoped/dreamed it would be the unicorn of fixes, it was close but not quite there.

Are you a Stitch Fixer? No? *gasp* Do you want to be? *heads nod* Use my referral link to get started!

Ok - time for your thoughts. Did you like the pieces? Did I keep the right ones? Send the right ones back?
Posted by 17 comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)