Foiled Again

This last weekend I was all over the place! Saturday was my brother's birthday so my mom, sisters, Miles, and I drove to Bakersfield and spent the afternoon with Ernie and my "brother from another mother", Corey. Miles had a blast walking all around their bachelor pad and figuring out how to unplug everything he possibly could. Ernie showed Miles how to use the Xbox controller and crawled with Miles up and down the stairs. It's always fun for me to see how my brother loves Miles and vice versa, especially since Ernie was mainly just my little pesky brother until a year or two ago. Seeing him living in another city so far away made me realize that we really are grown up. Well, mostly.

We decided to go get some dinner before heading home, so we went to Famous Dave's. There was a bit of a wait and Miles was already getting antsy, so I put Miles in the sling and we walked around the restaurant several times. He snuggled in happily and it made my heart happy to have him there with me.

On the drive home from Bakersfield, Miles was having a hard time falling asleep in the van and even though he had a bottle and a blanket, he was crying inconsolably until I turned around (my mom was driving), put my hand on his leg, and said, "Mama's here, honey. You can go to sleep and I'm right here." I gave him some reassuring pats for a few minutes and I watched him fall sound asleep. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it really made me feel good that Miles needed me in that way. The fact that he knows I'm there for him when he's tired but can't fall asleep, even though he's fallen asleep on his own so many nights before and for every night since. It just reminded me how much I love my independent boy but that I am right there, available for him whenever he needs me.

On Sunday, I drove to my grandparents' house in Santa Clarita to have my grandma color and cut my hair. It was a great day with her and I love my new 'do! I felt like I was having a real Kate Middleton moment and I kept sneaking looks in the mirror for the rest of the day.

I wound up staying in Santa Clarita later than I thought I would, but that meant I got to see my great-grandpa Cipriano at dinner and I hadn't seen him for a while so that was really special. I can't believe he is ninety-one years old- he certainly doesn't look like it and he was as charming as always!

I hope you all are having a great week!

One Year Later (and the New Year Ahead)

I can't believe it's already been a year since the day I met Miles. It was hard for me to imagine at the beginning, but my love for him really has grown stronger each day. He is a happy, adventurous boy and I could watch him for hours as he explores and tries to figure out how things work. He's very much his own little person and insists on doing things for himself (I wonder where he gets that from...hmm...) and I love it. He loves lights and besides saying "mama" and "dada", his first word was "light"! (Tonight, I turned on the Christmas lights on our tree one more time just to see his face light up in wonder again, wave his arms excitedly and exclaim, "Ligh'!") As a family of three, we've had a lot of beautiful memories and a lot of laughter. It was amazing seeing Parker transform into an amazing dad from the moment Miles was born; the mutual adoration going on there makes my heart want to burst on a daily basis. I can't wait to see how much Miles will change and grow in the next year, and how Parker and I will grow and change together as a couple and as parents.

This year has been wonderful and terrible all at once (I have a feeling that every year may be this way). With all the good times, there have been times of loss and sadness. Through those times, I've really been learning how to treasure moments that I otherwise might have dragged myself through (early mornings, mostly).

I'm a lucky girl to have such an amazing family- every day I spend with them is a beautiful day and I am so thankful. I'm looking forward to 2013.

Choos Day

One day, about two weeks ago, I was able to cross off an item from my fashion Bucket List (am I the only girl who has one?). I am a shoe lover all the way, so it's no surprise to find many pairs the list. While those who know me are more than aware of my love for shoes, I'm sure a complete stranger would know if they happened to see me frolicking around the shoe department at Nordstroms. If I need to go shopping for shirts, I find shoes. Every. Time. I don't know how it happens.

Since Miles arrived, I've been sticking to the basics: my favorite Minnetonkas and the occasional wedge. But when I came across these beautiful heels, I knew they needed to get in my closet ASAP. My husband got them for me for my birthday (one of the many reasons why he's the best husband ever) and when they arrived I just stared at the box for a minute, savoring the moment. They fit perfectly and make me as tall as I could hope for without feeling like I would fall flat on my face with any misstep. And, of course, every girl needs a perfect black pair of heels!

What's on your fashion Bucket List? I've always secretly wanted a pair of those blue Manolo Blahnik heels from the first SATC movie but for now I'm trying to stick to the classics. I've got my eye on a Burberry scarf next!

Have a great weekend!

What I Wore Wednesday

Nice jeans, Mom!

 I'm celebrating another July birthday today (you'd be amazed how many of my family member's birthdays are in July)- my mom! She is a strong, determined, kind, and fiercely protective mama who I am very thankful to have in my life! I came across a photo today of her and me when I was about four or five and it's one of my favorite photos of us because she has that "mommy love" look on her face that I feel with Miles- just so blissfully happy to love and be loved by her little one. There are a lot of things that she was a stickler for when I was growing up that I still find myself hearing her voice with even as an adult- for example, correct grammar (especially "he and I" or "him and me") or how to determine the appropriate length of shorts or the right fit of swimsuits when shopping for summer (a source of endless frustration for the teenage me, but helpful now- no one wants to see Queen Victoria if you know what I mean!). Needless to say, I appreciate her and love her to pieces. Happy Birthday Mom!


Today I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy again for What I Wore Wednesday. I'm just now starting feel more like my normal self after my cold (how sad is it to get sick in the summer?) and I decided to will myself back to full strength by not dressing like I'm sick (also known as a black hoodie and grey yoga pants) and putting my bronzer to good use. Here are the details:


Gold leaf earrings: Pac Sun
Cardigan: Forever 21
Top: Target
Cargo jeans: Pac Sun
Gold flower sandals: Steve Madden


I hope you all are having a great week!