Nine Years

I have blogged about this before but when my sister was born, I was already 8 1/2.  All that I cared about was that I was going to have to share my room with a baby!! UGH!!! When we watch home videos and look at pictures when L was little, I knew I was always very close to her. I was always holding her and singing.  But eventually when she became older we actually became best friends.  Who would have thought an 18 year old entering college would be able to be friends with their 9 year old sister.  When I was starting to drink, she was still in grade school.  We never had the same friends or hung out at the same places but were still close. 

Nowadays, I cannot imagine a day without her.  We have not lived in the same house for years.  I have moved to Tennessee and back and now she lives in Maryland.  But we still talk everyday.  I mean who would I send Snapchat selfies to if it wasn't for her?!?  Her friends are actually my friends as well.  I look at my Facebook and Instagram and 50% are her friends.  

We still live very different lives.  She is in her early 20's and I am in my early 30's.  I live with my husband, dog and two kids.  She lived with two roommates.  

I miss seeing her so much now that she lives a few hours away.  I cherish every second she is home.

So when people say they want to have kids close together so they will be good friends, I always think that L and I are almost 9 years a part and could not be closer.  Age is just a number but true friendship lies within your heart.

Random thought Thursday - What are you singing mommy?

Have you ever started singing a song and have NO idea how your know all the lyrics?  This happens to me a lot with songs, especially ones from back in the day.  I have not always been the sophisticated lady I am today and I never claimed to have liked the most "lady like" songs. 

This was never an issue until E started to get old enough to understand what I am saying and even repeat words.  As I was going for a relaxing run ALONE last week, I was trucking along listening to my Biggie station on Pandora.  Singing along not paying attention really ... I don't even think I realized I was singing.  Anywho, at some point I started hearing what I was singing and all I can say is ther lyrics were so degrating to women.  I was thankful I was alone and that there was no one around from me.

Then earlier this week I was in the car with the kids and Salt N Pepa came on and I was singing along.  I heard E in the back just humming and laughing. 

It was then I realized I really need to start listening to more kid appropropriate music.  I have since added a lullaby station on my pandora for when I am running and have one of the kids :)

Back to reality soon

After being off work for almost 3 months so far, I have to come to grips that I am going back to work in a few weeks.  I have truly enjoyed my time home!!!!

What I will miss:

• Seeing my little man all day
• Bi-weekly breakfasts with my grandmom
• Playdates
• Running and working out during the day
• Going to Target during the week
• Walks with my little man

I have been trying to mentally preparing to return to work and how I will juggle two kids, dinners, late nights at work and keep my sanity.  Also, they always says moms have a special bond with their sons and over these last few months, I can truly say I have that special bond with C.  I will miss seeing his smiles and him babbling to me all day.

BUT the truth is, he is in good hands and I need to work, so I choose to make the best of the situation.

I vow to:

• Enjoy every second of these next few weeks
• Not stress about every little thing when I go back to work
• Prioritize what is important
• Worry only about my own life and my family
• Have some "me" time

Wish me luck :)

If I knew then...

That a desk job where you work long hours would be my job, I would have thought more about my major in college.

That eating 1-2 crushers (like a blizzard) from Sweet Lucy's once a week during my first pregnancy would mean it would take me extra long to lose the weight, I would have cut a few out.

That going away on spring break in college were good memories, I may have spent less on "going out clothes" (aka blank pants hahaha) and captain and cokes and saved my money.

That wearing high heels in Old City Philly where there are cobble stone sidewalks, I would have worn wedges or flats.  (Then I would look even shorter though).

That everything people told me about lack of sleep once you have kids was true and definitely real, I would have taken more naps prior to that occurring.

That having a credit card in college while working a part time job was not a good idea, I would never have signed up for one.  In my defense, cc companies should not be soliciting college kids to sign up for cards, even though they make out most of the time.

That when I met my now husband, it was going to be a long term and lifetime thing, I would not have mad him chase me for months (sorry P).

That sleep training a baby is worth it in the long run, I would have done it and suffered through those bad first few weeks.

All these things may have made my life easier, but who ever said life is easy.  You live and learn :)

Life's a journey

Last weekend was St. Patty's weekend and I was thinking about how that was one of the biggest days/nights to go out...well like 5 years ago. 

This year we were thinking about many other things...

Is it going to rain if my parents take E to the parade?

Should we buy a 3 row car when we trade in the hubby's matchbox size WRX?

How do we work our new computer?

Why does our house look like a bomb went off in it?

No where in the mix was "where are we going to drink some green beer" or " what do I have that is green to wear to the bars".

BUT with that being said, I would choose babies, family and domestic stuff over green beer any day. 

Life changes before we know it but cherish every day, even if it is different!! 

My 2013 Goals

I cannot believe we are already into the 2nd week of 2013.  Time flies!!  I know this is going to be a BUSY but exciting year for us.  A new house that is still being renovated, new baby and spunky toddler ... I will definitely need some motivation and goals to keep me on track.

Here are my 2013 goals (no specific order):

• Get more organized at home - I have to be so organized at work that sometimes I let our home get unorganized.  I know it is never going to be super organized with a toddler and new baby on the way, but I do not want to come home to chaos.  I grew up in a house that was ALWAYS neat and clean.  I don't know how my mom did it with 3 kids, but if she can, I can (well I hope).  We just got a storage unit for the playroom and I would like to get some more organizational tools. 
• Spend more quality time with my husband - Sometimes he gets pushed to the side cause I am trying to stay focused on E, the house, dinner, bedtime, bath, etc.  We need to have more date nights or nights at home relaxing watching a movie with a glass of wine once the kids are asleep. 
• Remain more clam during times of stress - I sometimes reach a point and I will yell or be nasty (to my husband not E), which does not help.  I need to remain calm and focused.  When it comes to E, I tell myself she is not even two yet.  She needs her mommy and daddy just as much now as ever. 
• Eat healthier - It is so easy to make quick dinners, especially for E, but they do not have the nutrition.  I need to be more conscious of what I feed her and make sure she gets more veggies and healthy food.  With that being said, we could eat healthier as well.  I have my brand new crockpot with a timer, so I plan to make more healthy recipes with veggies in there.  Pinterest here I come for some ideas...
• Divert some attention back to myself - I know with a newborn and toddler, there will not be a lot of time for "me" time to go for a run or get a manicure.  BUT it is crucial that I try to make some time.  I have an awesome husband that is always telling me to do stuff.  I am just a bit of a control freak, which leads me to my next goal...
• Stop being a control freak - This mainly has to do with how I am with E.  I have created a little girl who loves to be with her mommy, which does not seem like a bad thing, but when you are trying to cook, clean, shower, get ready, etc...it is hard when there is a little girl at your side.  I also got into a BAD routine with putting her to bed every night and now she expects that.  Pete and I were on a good rountine where we switched every night who put her to bed.  Then he started working on the house projects every night and so I went back to doing it.  E loves her daddy and obviously he is capable of handling her.  When this new baby arrives, I will not be able to give E all my attention so this should be interesting.
• Remember to spend quality time with E - Once the baby arrives, it is crucial we do not forget about little E (not that she would let us ha).  It is important we still show her attention and do things with her.  She is still a baby in my eyes and needs attention from us.

I am not sure if this is realistic but I am sure as heck going to try to reach all my goals this year.  I am a lucky person and need to keep in perspective all that I have and everything I am thankful for.

Happy 2013 everyone!!!

2012 in Rewind

2012 proved to be amazing year, challenging at times, but I would not change it for the world!!

Starting off the year with the most amazing 5 month old little girl!!!

Her first Easter!!

We celebrated two blissful years of marriage!!  I could not ask for a better husband!

We discovered we had a little fish on our hands!!!

My little sister graduated college!



First trip to the beach...well when it was warm!

OBX vacation and the longest car ride of my life!

Our little girl turned ONE!!!

Halloween at Milburn Orchards!

We found out Emily was going to have a little brother!

DISNEY!!



Christmas!!

I am so lucky and cannot wait to see what 2013 brings!



30 Days of Thanks - Days 8 to14

I cannot believe it is already mid-November.  This time of year flies and I continue to have more and more to be thankful for.

Day 8 - I am thankful to be able to help two children celebrate Christmas this year through the adopt a child at work.  My team has adopted two children and I am truly blessed to help!

Day 9 - I am thankful for Fridays, which mark the end of a crazy work week and two full days to spend with my spunky daughter and amazing husband. 
Day 10 - I am thankful for my friends.  I had a whole day off from being a "mommy" and went to the beach shopping with my friend.  It was a beautiful day and I just what I needed!!!

Day 11 - I am thankful my husband is handy around the house.  We have always lived in older houses, which require a lot of work.  Our new house is no different.  If you saw the green, blue and white walls in the family room where he ripped down wallpaper, you would understand.

Day 12 - I am thankful for all of vets who fight for our country.  I feel blessed to live in this country!

Day 13 - I am thankful for E's new sleep schedule.  Having her asleep by 8pm in her crib is a blessing in disguise!!!  I am able to spend a few hours doing stuff around the house or just relaxing watching some cheesy shows my husband despises :)

Day 14 - I am thankful for technology.  E was able to speak to both sets of her grandparents last night on Facetime. 

30 Days of Thanks - Day 1 through 7

In honor of Thanksgiving, I will be doing 30 days of thanks...7 days at a time.

Day 1
I am thankful for my family.  I would not survive without them.  I am so lucky to have such amazing in-laws as well.  We are so excited for our new addition in February!!!!

Day 2
I am thankful for a healthy pregnancy.  So far this pregnancy has flown by with no issues.  Praying for a non-eventful next 3 months :)

Day 3
I am thankful to have a job that helps put a roof over our head and food on the table.

Day 4
I am thankful for my grandmother and her health.  Everytime I see her, she teaches me something, mainly how to love unconditionally.  She is an amazing person.

Day 5
(this one is a little selfish)  I am thankful for coffee.  This has been a LONG week at work and poor little E has been sick, which means less sleep for us all.

Day 6
I am thankful for my amazing husband, who is also an amazing dad.  This week he has really picked up th slack since I have been working so much.

Day 7
I am thankful to live in this country.  Freedom.  Opportunity.  We know this does not come easy but if we work together, our country will prosper.  We need to stick together and help out all the Hurricane Sandy victims, especially with this Noreaster approaching.

Miss you already...

When I was 9 years old, I was blessed with the BEST little sister anyone could ever ask for.  There was a pretty big age difference between us and I never thought we would be as close as we are today.  We even shared a room until I went to college.  Although at that point, I was more concerned with my high school dance or football game than my little 7 year old sister.  As she got older, we just got closer and closer. 

She is the not only my sister but my best friend and the godmother of my daughter.  She is the first person I run to tell exciting news.  But best of all, she knows how to make me laugh.  Whether it is by her freakishly long hugs or dancing around the house.  She also makes me a better person...more relaxed about life, more fun and of course more loving.

Little E is so lucky to have her as an aunt and godmother.  Lauren sat in the hospital with us the whole few days we were there AND also sat with me while I got my epidural (my husband was wandering around as usual haha).  We were so lucky to have her work up in our area this summer, so she was over our house a lot.

But now she is moving on into a new chapter in her life and moving to DC.  I am SO happy for her and I know this new chapter of her life will be fun and exciting.  BUT I am still allowed to miss her.  I will miss our Sundays hanging out over mom and dad's, her stopping up for dinner, and MOST of all her long hugs!  However, I look forward to her daily texts and our visits to DC.  I look forward to hearing about this new chapter in her life.

Lauren - Thank you for being such an amazing sister, friend, aunt, maid of honor, godmother.  We will miss you but enjoy every second of your new journey in DC.

Adrienne xoxo

The little things...

Sometimes we go through life so fast that we forget the little things.  A crazy life with an 11 month old and two parents working fulltime leaves little room to enjoy life.  BUT I have come to realize that we HAVE TO start slowing down and enjoying the little things.

Playing on the beach...

Family...

Fun...



Baking Christmas cookies...

Best friends...

Laughing...

Too many drinks (= more fun haha)...

Love <3 ...="...">

Babies...

Life is precious and enjoy everyday, even if some days are harder than others.

Adrienne xoxo

back to reality

Well....back to work today! Our vacation to OBX was very nice!!  Not as relaxing with a almost 1 year old but little E truly enjoyed herself.

The ride down proved to be LONG (10 hours to be exact) and painful.  After 6 hours, I looked at the map and anxiously got excited that we were almost there.  THEN we hit the WORST traffic I have ever seen.  Four hours later in torrential downpours we arrived!  Thank god my sister was in the back with Emily to keep her occupied.  She did sleep about 5-6 hours of the trip :)

Aunt L and E watching Madagascar!

Once we arrived, we relaxed then were eager to hit the beach.  Little E is still getting used to the sand, so we spent countless hours trying to keep her from eating the sand or putting it in her mouth.

She did manage to tire herself out on the beach!!

One thing I learned on this trip is that she TRULY loves her mom mom, who was the only person who could get her to sleep.

And she also loves her Aunt L (prob cause they are both so goofy haha)!

The views were AMAZING from our house.

Next trip is to Disney!  I am praying little E sleeps on the plan.  I don't want to be that person with the annoying, screaming baby! haha

~Adrienne xoxo

2 years and going strong

This post is a little premature but work gets crazy in April and so does our social calendar. I cannot believe my 2 year anniversary is coming up - April 9th. It seems like yesterday we were in Punta Cana surrounded by family and friends!!

I cannot stress how lucky I am. I have married the most amazing man and now have a wonderful daughter who just completes our family. I enjoy every day with them.

Not only do I have the best husband and daughter but also the best family, in-laws & friends.

We enjoy Sunday dinners with my mom, dad, brother, sister and grandmom.

We also love our trips to the beach!!

Playdates are sooo much fun now that Emily is getting older!! She loves her weekly playdate with Anderson at Gymboryee.

All this would not nearly be as happy if I was not married to someone so amazing. He drives me crazy and at the same time make me the happiest person in the world. He knows how to make me laugh and how to lighten up and have fun! Here is to 100 more years of love, life and laughter!

~Adrienne