I'm OK...

It's been a whirlwind month. I've learned a lot. Everyone keeps asking how I'm doing, and the answer is -- I'm OK. I'm going to be OK. And I'm taking things one day at a time. 💪🏻👍🏼🤗

Part of this process is recognizing and re-prioritizing what is most important -- my boys, my health, and my marriage. Nothing else can ever truly compare. I can be replaced in my school in an instant, but my family is always going to be there. I want to be the best version of myself for them. Every day and always. 💗💗

This weekend was perfect, crazy busy but exactly what we all needed -- lots of good times with family, friends, and the outdoors. 👶🏻👶🏻💞😎

Summer may finally be ending, and my favorite season is upon us. I LOVE fall. The changing leaves, everything pumpkin, apple cider, apple picking, perfect running weather, and more moderate temperatures. Mmmmm. I'm reminded of my falls running cross country through the beautiful trails of New England. Something about the brisk fall air makes me feel immediately content and at home. That is comforting. 🌟

Having two kids in under 2 years is NO joke. Luckily, Dan is a zen Buddha baby, but 2 is still rough. We are constantly dividing and conquering, and I still have trouble letting go of things. I still want the house to be in order and crazy organized. They say you can't have that AND happy kids or your sanity, so I'm a definite work in progress.😬😬

This school year may not have started as anticipated, but I'm learning more than I thought possible -- about me, my boys, my husband, life, and what truly makes me happy. I know I will have good days and bad days, and that's OK. I will continue to stay positive, work on ME, and keep some perspective in all that I do. 😀

Life is short, so we must take advantage of the days we have. We must remember that we can matter little in the grand scheme of the universe but mean EVERYTHING to those whom we love. At the end of the day, nothing truly matters but them. 💞💞💞💞

Serenity prayer...

I have yet to write much about my exhaustive and life-transforming journey over the past two weeks and promise I will. 

In the meantime, here are some things that are keeping me focused on the positive and taking things one day at a time, all while being gentle with myself:

"You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars; you have a right to be here.  And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."

And, of course, the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity 

To accept the things I cannot change; 

Courage to change the things I can; 

And wisdom to know the difference. 

Living one day at a time; 

Enjoying one moment at a time; 

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 

Taking, as He did, this sinful world 

As it is, not as I would have it; 

Trusting that He will make all things right 

If I surrender to His Will; 

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life 

And supremely happy with Him 

Forever and ever in the next. 

Amen.

What more can we ask for? 💗💗

A new beginning...

Tonight is quite bittersweet. 😥😩

It marks the end of my almost full/partial maternity leave. And what a blessing it's been! 💗💗

I have treasured the time I had home with Dan and tried my hardest to soak in all the baby snuggles, coos, laughs, smiles, nursing, and yes, even the endless spit-up, poop, and being soaked in my own breastmilk constantly. I will miss it all. 💞💞💞

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new journey for me. After I drop both boys off at school at the crack of dawn (by 6:30 😩😩😩!!!), I will start a brand new position at a brand new school, my first high school experience. I'm definitely a bit trepidatious but mainly excited. I know I have a lot to learn but am trying to remain open-minded, positive, and welcoming of this new opportunity. I will get to work closely with 47 students who have recently exited ESOL services, being their advocate and case manager. I will get to support them directly in their classes and also share and practice new strategies with teachers. I will be as strong of a resource and guide as I can to both these kids and their teachers. 💪🏻👏🏼👍🏼👏🏾

Last week, I met with my new principal, who is coming back to the school after being a successful middle school principal for several years. He seems personable, caring, gracious, hard-working, and extremely kid-centered. He has already expressed great gratitude with me being there and wants me to really make this ESOL Focus Teacher position my own. Flexibility is the name of the game for him. I have a feeling I will be treated like a professional and have my time be respected, both of which are extremely important to me. 🤗

On the parenting front, Will and Dan had their first (almost) full days in their respective new rooms at school. Will loves his new teacher and especially enjoys circle time in his new big boy room. Dan continues to be a calm sweetheart and has already made a lot of friends in the infant room, both old and young. He hasn't slept through the night for awhile now, though, and I think he's going though a growth spurt. Hopefully, he relearns his old awesome habits soon! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

On the workout front, I am really enjoying my Orange Theory Fitness HIIT workouts a few times per week. On weekdays where I'm not going to OTF, I will stop at Anytime Fitness right by my new school to get in a quick workout (via live classes with Skyfit) on the way home before I pick up the boys. When something matters to you, you make time for it. Fitness is my sanity, so I will continue to make it a priority this fall. 💪🏽💪🏻

Some mantras I am trying to start the new school year with:

1. Be kinder to myself.

2. Be OK with not getting my to do list done every single day.

3. Sleep more. - Early to bed, early to rise. 🙏🏻😂💤💤💤

4. Work smarter, not harder. 

5. My boys come first. Always.

Here's to new beginnings!  

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Read this!!

If you're a parent about to send your kid(s) back to school, teacher, or anyone concerned with the well-being of our next generation, this is definitely a must-read. 

This is definitely what our kids need to hear, learn, focus on, and hopefully absorb each and every day. 

Thanks for sharing this, Mary!! 💗💗💗

https://www.facebook.com/glennondoylemelton/posts/10154425315164710

Strauss arrives!

I've always had a soft spot for animals. 🐱🐱🐭🐹🐰🐻🐼🐨🐯🦁

In fact, I am a bit obsessed. I've always been an animal lover and loved having pets. In fact, I'd probably have a pack of dogs and several cats if no one stopped me. Thankfully, for our house, wallets, and sanity, Greg regularly prevents this from happening. And I'm not looking for him to run away either. 😝😝

I've owned many kinds of animals throughout my lifetime -- from fish and guinea pigs to ferrets (best story ever😂😂), turtles, hermit crabs, bugs, cats, and, of course, dogs. I also had a neighborhood pet-sitting service from 5th grade through college. My first dream career path? Becoming a veterinarian. 🐱🐶

Naturally, having a newborn and toddler at home is the absolute BEST time to introduce more four-legged friends to our home. 😂😂😂😂😂

But Kay, as we know, is not normal. 😂😂

Meet Strauss. He's a beautiful 5 year old big gray boy who is such a cuddler and lover. He's coming from a family who had two young boys and was absolutely fabulous -- and so chill -- with them. He may currently still be in hiding in our house after arriving this afternoon, but we are beyond excited to get to know him. And who is THE most thrilled?!! Will, the early animal lover, of course. #hesclearlymyson 😍😍🐱🐱

I've always believed children deserve the gift of pets early on to instill a lifelong love of animals. Pets teach us responsibility, compassion, humor, loyalty, trust, and what unconditional love and joy can be like. What a privilege for any child! 💗

Welcome to our crazy household, Strauss! Despite how insane and loud it may get, we will love you to pieces. 

Always. 💞

And we also love to cuddle. 😍🐱👍🏼🤗

Oh, Will!

It's true. I have been slacking on this blog. 😬😬

And it's all the Olympics' fault. 😝😝

But hey, a girl's got to sleep. And when you go to bed after midnight every night, your newborn has not been sleeping as well recently, and you're teaching first thing in the morning, sleep is precious. 💤💤💤

We've also had quite a lot going on. Shortly after my BIL and his awesome girlfriend (and their two adorable cats) left us (once they found their new apartment in VA as travel nurses in the area), my wonderful, long-time friend Marcia arrived with her father and 1 year old (also named William). We had such a blast introducing our boys to one another and getting to talk about the highs, lows, and unpredictability of motherhood. So candid. So honest. So real. It was a short but certainly awesome 48 hour visit! 💗💗💗

My in-laws arrived on Thursday night in time to begin Daniel's baptism weekend. My parents followed on Friday night, and my aunt and uncle the following day (Those two couples stayed at a hotel; our townhome is big but not THAT big). 😜

Dan's baptism day was certainly memorable, all thanks to his big brother's antics. Throughout the mass and baptism ceremony, I was reminded why we cannot bring Will to church currently. 

Luckily, there were plenty of emergency vehicles for him to play with in the "cry room". 

Still, here are the two main highlights:

1. Will held it together for about 9 minutes in the pew during mass before deciding he needed to repeat everything the priest was saying and continually say "Hi _______!" to each family member around him. He also clapped and yelled "Yay!" every time the soloist sung or responded. Then he started to run his toy firetruck along the pew until he couldn't go any further. "Move, Grandma, move!" 😩

It was at that point Greg removed Will from the mass. 😩😩

2. Perhaps the most impressive Will stunt of the day was his discovery of the baptismal font. The deacon told him he could touch the font water, which resulted in him splashing the water furiously, scooping it out, and drenching his shirt and the entire floor in the process. Then he decided to run his little fire trunk around the rim of the font, telling, "Grandpa! Grandpa!" (Yes, he finally made the association that his grandpa was a fireman). Perfect timing indeed. 🚒🚒🚒

Needless to say, the other family whose daughter was being baptized gave my MIL the look of death. 😩😩😩😩

So, my MIL scooped Will up and ran to the closest door she could find, a small un-air conditioned chapel. And yet we could still hear Will yelling how much he wanted to go outside. 😩

"Can Grandma take you outside?"

"No."

"Can Grandpa take you outside?"

"NOOOO!!!"

#ilovetoddlers

Did I mention it was also the hottest day of the year yet?!!😩😩

You may be wondering where Greg and I were doing this stunt. The deacon insisted that we (the parents and godparents) move to the front entrance of the church to wait and then walk into the baptism area with the baby. It only felt like a few minutes, but let's be honest -- toddlers need only a few seconds to wreck havoc in any scenario. 😇😜😝

Well-played, Will, well-played. 😂😂😂

I heart the Olympics!!

It's true -- I am addicted to the Olympics. I always have been. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Growing up, I would tape record every figure skating, gymnastics, and swimming event in the Olympics and then continually rewatch them, trying to commentate what was happening by memory. I then would write handwritten letters to my favorite athletes and often get return letters with autographed pics! I really need to find where all of them are.😁😁

How fitting that my (part-time) maternity leave would coincide with this year's Summer Olympics. NBC will be continually on in our home for the next 2+ weeks, and I know what I am doing every night.🎉🎉

We even have gotten the boys into the Games. Even Dan has enjoyed seeing the American gymnasts in action!👶🏻👶🏻

I'm not sure what it is about the Olympics that make them so ridiculously watchable and addicting. Sure, there's the grandiose idea of all countries being united for 17 days. There's also the thrill of seeing Americans dominate many of the events. But I think what most impresses me is all of the athletes' dedication, hard work, and commitment to make it to the pinnacle of their sporting careers. We don't see the long, hard days of training over many years these athletes put in daily. We don't see the blood, sweat, and tears involved. And we certainly don't see the sacrifices they regularly make just to continue competing and realize their Olympic dreams. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I am most impressed by the athletes who are parents themselves and are somehow able to balance their lives as athletes and parents. This is no easy feat, and many of them say they have a renewed perspective and appreciation for what really matters since having children. 💞💞

Isn't it the same with all working parents? Aren't we all just trying to be the best examples and role models for our children that we can be? Aren't we all not exactly sure what the heck we are doing and just trying to take things one day at a time?🙏🏻🙏🏻

We may not be racing or competing for gold medals, but we are each running our own kinds of parenting marathons....just hoping we have enough endurance and gas to get us successfully through each day and be the absolute BEST people we can be for our kids. 💗💗💗

You're amazing, warrior women. Never doubt that!! 👍🏼👏🏼🎉💗💞😍🌟💪🏻

A whirlwind week!

What a whirlwind week it's been! 🤗

I successfully survived four days of having Dan in daycare in the mornings and teaching. The teachers there love him, and it certainly helps that he is such a happy and calm baby. #dreambaby 👶🏻💞😍

On Monday, we also welcomed by wonderful brother in law and his girlfriend into our home. They are going to be serving as travel nurses in VA for the next few months and are now in the process of finalizing housing. I really wish they could stay with us, but both of their commutes would be WAY too insane, even compared to Greg's. Fingers crossed everything is squared away for them today!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Kevin and Ashley also brought their two cats, which causes Dexter great curiosity and Will great joy.🐱🐱

We are also continually getting furniture delivered for our new guest bedroom downstairs, which was previously Greg's office. This will help to comfortably accommodate future guests, especially for Dan's baptism later this month!🌟🌟🌟

A good friend suffered a miscarriage this past weekend, so we are taking her out tonight for a much-needed ladies' night out. And yes, I am happily seeing Bad Moms again. Mamas, you MUST see it! Of course, it's hilarious, but the serious message is important too -- and very unexpected! 💗💗💗

I've made it back to Orange Theory for some quality workouts, which have felt amazing. I continue to be reminded of the importance of a little "me" time every day, even if it just means a quick walk with the dog after the boys are in bed.💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Remember to take care of yourselves. If you don't, who will, and how on Earth will you ever be able to really take care of anyone else?!! 👏🏼👍🏼💪🏻💗🌟

Bittersweet!

Today was a strangely emotional day for me. 😩

It's my last full day of maternity leave, my last full day of Dan and me getting to hang out all day. 😩😩

While I know I am ready to go back to teaching part-time -- and know it is good for me -- it's also very bittersweet. This may be the last day EVER that I will get to spend a whole day cuddling and doting on a newborn of my own. It may be the last time I have the luxury of letting Dan call the shots for the day and avoiding things on my to-do list in favor of napping, snuggling, and comfort nursing instead. 😢

I have tried to cherish this time, but the days still went by a bit too fast. I've tried to capture lots of mental "photographs" to imprint these precious moments with Dan in my mind. Hopefully, time won't completely erase them.💗💗

I know I'm not meant to be a stay-at-home mom. I admire those who do, as it truly is THE hardest job in the world. I applaud each and every one of you for what you do and sacrifice on a daily basis. Truly awesome. 🤗🤗

Each of my sons has already made me a better person, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. I hope they grow to see the passion I have for teaching and education and that they feel inspired to do what they truly want to do in life. Always. 🌟🌟🌟

In the meantime, I will try to sneak in as many baby snuggles and toddler hugs and kisses as I can. After all, these moments are FAR too fleeting. 👶🏻👶🏻😍😍💞💞

Time flies...

It's hard to believe that Dan turned 8 weeks yesterday. Where has the time gone?!! 😩😩😩

By this point, I was already back to work after Will was born. And I was ready....mainly. 🤗

I recently made the decision to return to work part-time next week. I will teach two classes at the Chinese learning academy I work at during the school year. This will allow me with a much-needed teaching outlet in the morning while still giving me precious time with my boys in the afternoons. Dan will begin daycare at the same school Will is in, and our back-to-work transition will begin. Hopefully, this will make my first full-time teaching day on August 23rd a bit more bearable! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I have treasured this time with Dan and will continue to do so. We are making an extra effort this week to go on fun outings and lunch dates with a wide variety of great friends. Dan is even accompanying me to my haircut tomorrow afternoon. 👍🏼

I continue to be amazed at what a sweet, chill, and happy baby Dan is. He rarely cries, is such a snuggler, and seriously knows how to sleep. Last night was a 9.5 hour stretch night, which would have been awesome had some idiot not continually rung our doorbell and knocked on our door at 2:40. NOT cool.😡😡😡

My boys are my world, and I continue to feel beyond blessed. We are figuring out our new rhythm as a family of four, which will only to ebb, flow, and evolve over time.💗💗💗

And I have to remember that Dan will not be a baby forever, so I must savor and take advantage of the endless snuggles and cuddling time now.👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻💞💞💞💞💞

Chores!!

I love this concept.

What do you think? How do or will you handle chore responsibilities and/or possible allowances with your children?? 💵💡🚽🚿

http://www.scarymommy.com/club-mid/why-i-wont-pay-my-sons-to-do-chores/?utm_source=SM

We survived!

We survived 9 days. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

9 whole days of having both boys to ourselves with no help from anyone else or school for Will. Add in that a 5 day "vacation," and it's safe to say we are WIPED. 😩😩😩

We were able to host some awesome friends in our home this weekend, though, including great longtime friends (going back to college), Dan's future godfather, and even one of my wonderful former students. 💗

This student, Catherine, is a rising senior at UMD studying bioengineering and kicking serious a** in a very male-dominated field. She was a serious varsity runner in HS and still hits the pavement most days. Most importantly, she has grown to be a beautiful, mature, and thoughtful person, inside and out. I felt honored that she contacted me and we were able to check-up over such a nice visit for the first time in 7 years. Moments like this make me so excited to be working directly with students again this year -- and also make me seriously consider going back to the classroom full-time as an English teacher. We shall see! 👍🏼

On the homefront, Dan had a particularly fussy day as he continues to go through his second major mental development, the world of patterns (Yay for the Wonder Weeks app and book!!). He demanded on being held all day, which made me extremely grateful for the Baby Bjorn Amanda lent me. I will pick up my own tomorrow, thankfully! 💪🏻

Will continues to be hilarious and was quite impressive on his scooter this evening, even in the crazy heat and humidity.☀️☀️

Dexter is SUPER protective of both boys, always. Tonight, while pumping, Dan was making unusual but cute snoring sounds. Dex was so concerned that he attempted to climb up onto his rock 'n play to make sure he was OK. He then didn't want to leave Dan's side once I left the room. For all of the daily abuse and rough play Dex endures daily with Will (and Dan in the future, I'm sure!), he is every the loyal, tolerant, and loving canine companion. 🐶💗💞😍

Now, if I could only convince Greg he needs a feline buddy to keep him company again... 🐱🐱🐱😂😂😂😇😇😇

We survived!!

Well, we're home! We survived!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

And now we need a vacation from our vacation.😩

You fellow mamas know the feeling of sheer exhaustion vacationing with your little ones evokes, the kind that cuts deep into your core and makes you want to hide under the covers.😩😩

Yes, I feel your pain, and yes, traveling with a toddler, newborn, and dog is NO JOKE. We were tested to the limit every day, and despite it all, we wouldn't trade this vacation time for anything else. We LOVED Deep Creek, made memories that will last a lifetime, and cannot wait to go back!🎉🎉🎉

For those of you looking for traveling advice with your littles, please take the following words to heart: 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻

1. Less is more. Over planning and overpacking your day with endless outings and activities is a sheer disaster waiting to happen, for both you and your kids. 🤗

2. Go with the flow. Things will not go as expected, and someone will have a meltdown or a blowout diaper when you least expect it. Breathe. You will laugh about this in a few years, maybe even sooner. 😝😝

3. Keep your kids to a schedule. We had a rough plan for what we hoped to do every morning and afternoon but let the kids' moods and needs guide us. Ensuring Will had his midday nap was a must and kept him much happier and calm.💤💤

4. Figure out a method of organization that works for you. We went to Deep Creek with a loaded minivan, but every bag had a purpose. We kept bags and supplies for the beach in the van and minimized what we dragged back and forth in and out of the house. When you've already got a car seat and toddler to carry, this is key.👏🏽👏🏽

5. Have a bag of snacks, wipes, bottles, sippy cups, plastic bags, and versatile toys on hand at all times. Consider keeping this in the car along with a ready-to-go diaper bag. You will thank yourself later, trust me.👍🏼👍🏼

6. Baby wearing is an absolute lifesaver. My favorites for newborns are the Baby Bjorn and Nesting Days baby carrier. Both are sturdy and easy to figure out. The Bjorn was comfortable to wear during our hiking adventure to Swallow Falls and allowed me to remain mobile and wade in the water at the beach while watching Will. I never used carriers or wraps much with Will, but I'm seeing what a necessity they are with subsequent children. #musthave 🏊🏻🏊🏻

7. Yelp was an amazing resource for us to find kid-friendly eateries, even in the middle of nowhere.🍴🍴

8. As you can, divide and conquer kids and responsibilities with your spouse or partner. Greg spent much of his time with Will and me with Dan, for obvious reasons.🍼🍼🍼

9. Organize as much as you can for the next day the night before, even if it's the last thing you want to do. Believe me - it will make your mornings 10,000x easier, especially on the last morning of your trip when you're trying to load the car while your newborn wants to comfort nurse and toddler is having a hysterical meltdown for no apparent reason.  😩😩😩

10. Don't forget about your significant other. Show and tell them how much you love and appreciate them. Every day. Be kind and patient with them, especially when your kids are being particularly impossible. Yelling and getting impatient and angry with each other solves nothing. A little understanding, empathy, and support goes a long way.💗💗

Yes, we learned a lot this trip, especially about how strong Team LaBanca is. We also gained a bit of confidence in our ability to travel with 2 boys under 2.5 -- and a dog. We both feel strongly about exposing our sons to new places, experiences, and cultures early on. ✈️🚤

And this past week was certainly a step in the right direction.💞💞👏🏼👏🏼

Ugh!!

It's a good thing Daniel is so cute and adorable. 👶🏻

Today was challenging, quite challenging. 😩😩

Take an already really constipated baby and combine that with the traumatic 7 week mental leap, and you've got yourself what we call a HOT MESS. 😩😩😩 This is by far the most fussy and impossible he's been yet. 😩😩😩😩

Our great friends Ally and Matt came all the way from DC to witness this magic. 😁 I think they left our house reminded once again why it's better to wait to have children. 😳 They did just get a puppy now, which is a gateway drug to child, as far as I'm concerned. 👶🏻🐶😍

Once both boys were finally in bed by 9 pm, I hurried around like a mad woman trying to pack all of our necessary 10,000 bags for our 5 day trip to Deep Creek, as we leave tomorrow midday. This is where my OCD and love of packing lists and organization serve me well. In fact, such high intensity packing is like my version of the Olympics, where my gold medal is ensuring everyone has every possible thing they could need while away, even the dog. I find this kind of organization energizing and strangely therapeutic. Maybe that's why I still have so much energy now after midnight, despite not sleeping well at all last night. 😝😝😝

In other news, I went back to the Barre for the first time post-pregnancy! 💪🏻 The opening arm exercise sequence was surprisingly OK; it was the extended planks that did me in. I felt great overall, though! Even so, I am going to continue being kind and patient with my body and take things slowly. After all, a little human exited it a month and a half ago. 😝😜👶🏻

Wish us luck as we depart for our first vacation as a family of four (plus the dog)! Fingers crossed that Dan is over the worst of his leap and that we can ALL get a bit of much-needed relaxation at the lake. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🏊🏻🏊🏻🏊🏻

Find your sweet spot!

While Greg and I may still be in "the blur" and have a long way to go to get to our parenting "sweet spot" (see article), I already want time to slow down. It's already all going by WAY too fast, most days. 😩😩😩

In parenting, the days are long but the years are short. Be present. Be grateful. Unplug and just BE there for your kids. 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻

And definitely read this article. 

Time may fly, but we can capture mental memories of each stage and maybe even find a "sweet spot" -- or two -- in each. 💗💗💗

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3617506.html

Friends matter!

I really miss being near my extended family. 😓😓

This reality hit me hard this week, especially with Greg working late most nights (tonight until 10 pm, and he has to go back in tomorrow by 6 am!!). 😳😳

It's not easy. Many of you know what I'm talking about.😁😁

My awesome MIL texted this to me tonight: "Thank God for your wonderful friends. They become family when you don't have family nearby." This couldn't be more true for us.💗💗

Tonight I am especially grateful for one family in particular. In addition to always being there for us (physically and mentally), they are amazing hosts and go out of their way to make us feel comfortable and loved. Take tonight, for example. They both knew Greg wouldn't be home until really late, so they invited the boys and me over for a delicious dinner and playdate, even asking what kind of cut of steak I preferred ahead of time. #ridiculouslyawesomehosts 🍽🍽

It was a wonderful evening and always fun to see our sons playing together. Jay even brought Andrew (his 2.5 year old son's) baby swing upstairs for Daniel to enjoy. This allowed me to eat dinner in peace and get some time for real adult conversation and laughter. #justwhatineeded🍷

Amanda and Jay are truly incredible, and I am so blessed that our sons brought us into one another's lives. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Tonight and every day, treasure the friends you have who are like family, regardless of how far away they may be. Especially in parenthood, they can be our lifelines and saving graces.🙏🏻🙏🏻

So, here's s virtual toast to Amanda, Jay, and all similarly awesome friends! Thanks for keeping us happy -- and sane -- on a daily basis! We couldn't do any of this without you. 💞💞💞

#momoftheyear

I am glad I survived today. 😁😁

It was epic. 😳😳😳

And yes, I enjoyed a bottle of hard cider at the end of it.🍾

Some top moments from this glorious day: 😝

1. Having to change Dan's diaper and then breastfeed him in a restaurant bathroom stall. Long story.😡😡

2. Having the lights go out in said stall (Damn motion sensors) and then having to exit the stall with Dan still attached to my boob and dance like a lunatic to activate the lights. They eventually came back on, thank God. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

3. Will acting like a total nutjob during his haircut, screaming like a banshee and disturbing everyone in the shop, including an Autistic teenager, who had to cover his ears and rock back and forth to drown out Will's noise next to his mother. I felt AWFUL. 😩😩😩

4. Attempting to feed Dan and find the exact YouTube school bus video Will requested, which changes every 0.05 seconds. Finally, I thought I found THE one. Oh great, a FIVE minute ad in Spanish to get through before being able to see the video. It held Will's attention for about 2 seconds. Yes, it was the longest five minutes EVER. When the video started, Will screams, "No, Mommy, no no no no no." Cue extraordinary toddler meltdown. I can't win. 😩😩😩

5. Attempting to cook another delicious Blue Apron meal with Greg. Smoke alarm goes off. Greg panics and loses it while disarming the alarm and swearing (Remember I said he has ridiculously sensitive hearing?!!!). Dan wakes up. Cue more comfort nursing.🍼🍼😩

And now cue bed, finally!!

Yay!!!

So, yes, yesterday was an awesome day. ☀️☀️

In addition to my doctor saying how well I've healed and how great my weight is, she also cleared me to workout again. 💪🏻 I know this may shock you, but I have yet to rejoin any of the various gyms I was affiliated with before Dan arrived (Yea, I've always been a little bit of a gym whore 😝). Life has been a bit too crazy on the homefront, especially with a newborn constantly on my boob, a toddler who enjoys screaming and melting down while the newborn is at his most needy, and a hubby with a crazy a** commute. 😩😩😩

I did, however, recently discover an awesome new fitness app -- Skyfit. It offers unlimited on-demand elliptical, treadmill, indoor cycling, strength training, and yoga classes (by fitness level) in addition to running training programs, ranging from the 5K to marathon. It's cheap too -- $9.99 month to month, $49.99 a year, and another in-between option that escapes me currently. I attempted to start a yoga class today, but then Dan woke up. 👶🏻 Can't wait to get started soon! 🙏🏻

Yesterday also marked our 8 year wedding anniversary. Time really does fly! We've actually been together 15 years this fall too! We even managed to have a friend and neighbor baby-sit both boys while we enjoyed a nice local dinner out. Plus, we actually got both boys in bed prior to 8 pm to *almost* be on-time to our reservation. Luckily, it's only a five minute walk away. This time away with just the two of us was perfect and allowed us to reconnect and really enjoy our company kid-free. Bliss! 💞💞💞

I continue to be so grateful to have such a hands-on husband who is an amazing father to our boys. He will be such a strong and influential role model for them, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. 💗

Here's hoping my short-term future involves working out again so I don't go completely insane!! 😝😝😝

Great day!

We took it easy today, and it was awesome. ☀️☀️☀️

Top 10 things/moments I'm most grateful for from today: 💗

1. Greg letting me sleep in after Dan's first nursing of the morning. #sheerbliss😍😍😍

2. Dan slept through the night for 9.5 hours! 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻#keepitupdreambaby

3. It was much less hot and humid today, making a long family midday walk much more pleasant and bearable. ☀️☀️☀️

4. Really enjoying breastfeeding now. I'm so glad I stuck with it and treasure the time I have with Dan during it, despite feeling like I'm his personal cow all the time. Rarely have I been seen more on a chair in front of our TV before!💗💗💗

5. Greg = expert grocery shopper who can actually stick to a list. #goodman🤗

6. Both boys' utter satisfaction in my homemade macaroni and cheese. Tonight's special ingredient = Old Bay seasoning! #itwasahit🍽🍽🍽

7. Will being quite the social and happy boy on the playground, even showing great resilience after falling hard on his knee and drawing blood. #trooper 💪🏻

8. Audible has made it sooo easy for me to experience great audiobooks while BFing and walking the dog. #addicted🎧

9. I've still kept our new Betta fish Gogol alive! #shocker🐠

10. The amazing USA female gymnasts! WOW. Go get 'em in Rio, ladies!!! Definitely worth staying up for!!! #girlpower 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Compromise!

It's hard whenever you watch your better half reach a breaking point. 😩

That definitely happened for Greg tonight. We had a really busy day with both boys -- first at the neighborhood pool and then at a friend of a friend's incredible farm -- and I could tell both Greg and Will were losing it during the latter. They were done, overstimulated, and wanted nothing more than to go home. 😩😩

This is where knowing your partner and making compromises is key. I have always been much more of a natural extrovert than Greg, making friends easily and getting energized from being around others. Greg, on the other hand, is much more wary and guarded, taking awhile to open up to others, trust them, and gradually ease into a friendship. As a result, Greg has fiercely loyal and strong relationships with a small group of close friends. I have that but also a ton of not-so-close friends and acquaintances in several social circles. It's how we've always been. 🌟🌟

By the time he put Will to bed tonight (while I, per usual, nursed Dan downstairs), Greg looked like he had been hit by a truck. I encouraged him to get some alone time and literally had to turn off the lights in the basement so he could fully shut down stimuli and relax. This is how he decompresses and recharges before bed after difficult days/nights. He says his "autism" was setting in again.😩

No, Greg is not autistic, but he's definitely a bit quirky and OCD. He needs his space and time alone desperately, something I'm seeing now more than ever. I guess a newborn and toddler will do that to you.😂😂

So, perhaps today's insanity is a good lesson for me. Perhaps I need to help my boys SLOW DOWN on the weekends and just chill. 💤 Perhaps I need to stop making plans and see what the day brings, including what the current mood and feelings of Greg and Will are. And perhaps I need to be more sensitive to their needs, just as I hope they would be of mine. 💗💗

Balancing personalities, preferences, and energy dynamics in a family is never easy, especially when it involves compromise. Paying attention to what each person needs, however, certainly can go a long way. 💞💞💞

We have absolutely NO plans tomorrow. And that may be just what my boys need. ☀️☀️☀️🤗

Wake up!

I'll just leave this right here. 

You may agree or disagree with me, and that's OK. Our nation is in a deep state of crisis, and it's time for all of us to wake up, for our sake and for the next generation. 💪🏾💪🏻💪🏾💪🏻💪🏾

And if you've been ignoring what's going on or thinking it's not your problem, think again. 👶🏾👶🏻👶🏾👶🏻

Read on, listen, and learn. Please.

http://fusion.net/story/170591/the-next-time-someone-says-all-lives-matter-show-them-these-5-paragraphs/

Thirtysomething mums unite!

Beautiful, on point, and totally worth reading, whether you're a Mom or not. 💞💞💞

https://littlesloveandsunshine.com/2016/07/05/to-the-thirtysomething-mums/

Gratitude matters!

It's been awhile since I've written a gratitude list. Let's rectify that now! 🌟🌟

My top 10 moments of gratitude from today:💗💗

1. Extra snuggle time with Dan the man this morning. I am really treasuring my maternity leave and days with him.👶🏻💗👶🏻💗👶🏻💗

2. Enjoying a long walk with Dan and Dex before it got crazy humid. Combined with audiobook listening and a slight breeze, I was in heaven! ☀️☀️☀️

3. An amazing lunch at an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet with a great friend I met in grad school. Awesome food and conversation! Dan happily slept the whole time. 🍽🍽🍽

4. Finally getting to use some of my Target gift cards to pick up some essentials AND actually sticking to my very short list! Tip: if it doesn't fit on or below the stroller, don't buy it.😜😜

5. Will not having a complete meltdown leaving school or on the ride home. #smallmiracles💪🏻💪🏾

6. A fun visit from another good friend and neighbor who helped me bring the boys and dog to the playground and witnessed firsthand how insane life with a newborn and toddler can be.😩😩😩

7. A third great friend coming over to help with the boys and make us a delicious tuna steak meal from HelloFresh. Any of you guys subscribe to this or other food/meal delivery services? I'm debating whether to try this -- or Blue Apron.🍽🍽🍽

8. Successfully putting both boys to bed by myself.💪🏻💪🏾👶🏻👶🏻

9. We expected it to be one heck of a late night at work for Greg, so what a pleasant surprise to see him home at 7:30! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

10. A handwritten thank you note in the mail. Isn't snail mail the best?!! And WHAT has happened to the lost art of letter-writing??!😍

I continue to feel so blessed and filled with joy. And 3 visits with awesome girlfriends today? #solid 💞💞💞

What a weekend!

I need a weekend to recover from my weekend. Big time. 😩😩😩

Meltdown central Friday night, pool time with friends and the boys Saturday, non-stop nursing, staying on top of the Olympic trials, too many poppy diapers to count, reading 10,000 books to Will, running errands, cooking, getting together with good friends yesterday and today, and, of course, our disastrous trip to Frederick in heavy rain today. I'm tired. 💤💤💤

It's funny how much things have changed. Less than a year ago, Will was one of the only kids in our good college/DC friend group. Now, most of us have at least one kid or one/another on the way. Beruit tables and boxes of wine have been replaced my kids' cars, trucks, other toys, and even "lactation stations" full of nursing mamas. We all look a bit older and much more tired, barely able to handle a fraction of the alcohol we used to consume back in our young, DC days. 🍷🍷🍷

And yet, I don't think many of us have ever been happier or felt more fulfilled. I know I haven't. We are all beginning new life chapters together, and I hope our children will grow up to be life-long friends too. How exciting to consider! 👏🏼💗👏🏼💗

Parenting is THE hardest job in the world, so it's nice to have friends and confidants to cheer you along and commiserate with every step of the way. We are not alone, life can be insane, and we don't always have it together. It's OK. 💪🏻💪🏾💪🏻💪🏾

And our friends know that's OK. We're doing the best we can. Every. Single. Day. That's all that matters. 🌟🌟🌟

Do your thing!

I feel so lucky that breastfeeding is now going so well with Dan and me. It's less painful, convenient, and allows for such great daily bonding time with Dan. It's the ONE thing -- aside from just holding my boys -- that I enjoy sitting for long periods of time for. 😜😜

With Will, who hated nursing and never latched well like Dan does, pumping and bottles worked best. And that worked perfectly for us. 👶🏻

That's the key -- with breastfeeding, there is NO right or wrong answer. I get sick and tired of moms judging moms and preaching their personal values and beliefs on other moms. Let's stop the mom hating and start EMBRACING one another. Let's celebrate our achievements as moms, even if it means just getting out of the house in one piece in the morning, not losing it, or deciding to supplement to fully meet her baby's needs. We matter and do amazing things each and every day! 🤗

I always hoped I could and would breastfeed my babies. My mom formula-fed me, and I think I turned out relatively OK. She did what worked for her, and I am doing what works best with my boys and me. 👏🏼👏🏼

Don't apologize for your decisions as a mom or feel guilty based on others' opinions on what you should do. Frankly, it's none of their business. If you follow your gut and truly do what you believe is best for YOU and your baby, you've done quite alright. 🌟🌟🌟

Let's stop trying to earn the ridiculous title of World's Best Mother and embrace the World's Okayest Mother filled with joy, not guilt.💪🏻💪🏾💪🏻💪🏾

And when it comes to breastfeeding, make the decision that's best for you, your baby, and the boobies. Nothing else -- and no one else -- matters. This article is a great reminder of that.🍼🍼

Keep on being awesome just as YOU know how to, Warrior Mamas!! 💞💞💞👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻

http://www.ozy.com/pov/breast-feeding-sucks/3647

Finding inner strength...

Greg and I just held each other after the boys were in bed tonight, on the verge of tears. 😳😳

This whole parenting thing is the hardest yet most rewarding endeavor of our lives. We realized it with Will as a newborn, and we're sure as heck experiencing deja vu on a whole new level this time around with Daniel. 😩👶🏻👶🏻

If you're a new parent and haven't read The Wonder Years book or downloaded the app, do so. It offers a week by week, day by day analysis of why your child is acting the way he or she is based on what developmental leap he is currently undergoing or approaching. Particularly fussy days often precede major developmental leaps, causing you to feel like you have a new kid a few days later. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Dan is experiencing his first real leap currently, and it's terrifying him. He basically cluster fed (out of both necessity and comfort) every 1-2 hours today and cried every hour last night (rarely waking himself up during each crying spell, which I find incredible!). Needless to say, it was a long day today. I looked in the mirror and realized just how exhausted I look -- and am. 😩😩

But this TOO shall pass. 

Apparently, Dan will be like a new baby in a day or two. We can do this...🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Let's end on a cute, positive note here. Will now calls Dan "Danny," tried to give him a high five, and even offered him his pacifier when he was crying this morning. #adorable 😍😍😍

The older brother cuteness overload continues, and those small, precious, fleeting moments make it ALL worth it. 🍼💪🏾🌟🍷😍💗💞

Brothers!

Three incredible things happened today. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

1. Greg arrived home at 5:38 pm. I knew he wouldn't have the late night he expected (That will be next Tuesday instead), but this was such a wonderful surprise. I thought someone was trying to break into the house, but alas, it was him! 😳🤗

2. Will was in an amazing good mood both when he woke up AND for the ride home. This continued into the evening hours. I am wondering where my temperamental toddler went. Oh wait, their moods can change every 5 seconds. 😂😂

3. Will presented Dan with one of his prized blankets when Greg was holding Dan on the rug. Will thought Dan looked cold, so he gave up his blanket and wrapped it around Dan (Being as obsessed as he is with his blankets, this is an ENORMOUS gesture). Dan, in turn, reached out to Will, and Will grabbed his hand gently. Sooooo sweet. 💗💗💗

Yes, my heart is still bursting with happiness. 💞💞💞

If this is any sign of what is to come with the beautiful aspects of their brotherhood, bring on the tissues. Big time. 👶🏻👶🏻😍😍

Calm is strength!

I survived. Yes, I survived my first night totally on my own with both boys. We are all still alive. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

And Greg says I even look calm and happy. He's clearly delusional. 😝😝

Greg has a lot of crazy, amazing things happening at work right now, causing him to pull in long hours tonight and tomorrow night. 😁 Judging by how sensitively and gingerly he approached me tonight, it was evident he thought I was going to have either lost it or be in tears. But alas, I was OK. I still am. 💪🏻💪🏾👶🏻👶🏻

Despite meltdowns/tantrums from both boys during bedtime and a few other challenging moments throughout the afternoon, I managed to take things in stride, remain at least somewhat calm, and even find some hilarity in the insanity that is the reality of raising two boys under three. 😂😂

Both boys were comfortably asleep by 9. Will chose to continue happily reading and talking to himself for well over an hour after he went down, while Dan just wanted to continually comfort nurse and snuggle until drifting off to sleep. We are blessed with two awesome sleepers so far -- keep it up, boys! 💤💤💤

It's also hard to believe that Dan is already a month old today. 😳Well, he was born May 31, and with only 30 days in June, today will have to do. Time is already flying, and I need it to slow down. Now. 🌟🌟

I've been told it gets easier. I know it will, and I think that knowledge gives me newfound strength during the trying moments. 💪🏻💪🏾💪🏻💪🏾

This too shall pass. Repeat. 💗💗

One day, the boys will be old enough to play together. I can't wait to see what their relationship as brothers blossoms into! 👶🏻👶🏻

And in the meantime, I will continue to embrace educational expert Fred Jones's favorite adage -- Calm IS strength. 🙏🏻😩🍼🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

Grandparents rock!!

I never really got to know my grandparents growing up. I was never close to them. 😔

The fact that Will -- and eventually Dan -- already has such strong connections to and relationships with both sets of his grandparents is beautiful to see. Even though neither set lives close to us, we treasure the time Will has with them whenever they visit or we make the journey to them. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

My amazing mother-in-law recently shared an article with me that highlights how special and meaningful the child-grandparent relationship can be. I want to continue to encourage, foster, and honor this bond while I still have the chance to, certainly before it's too late. 👶🏻👶🏻

I hope some piece of the article resonates with you and that your children get to know the true beauty of a grandparent in their lives. 

💗💗💗

As my MIL said, "I'm so sad that my boys did not have this grandma and so happy to be this grandma for your boys." 💙💙

And we are beyond lucky to have you, Grandma!! 💞💞

http://www.upworthy.com/a-letter-to-my-mother-in-law-about-my-3-boys?g=2&c=ufb1

Feminist dads rock!

Greg is definitely a feminist dad. Thank God for him. 😍😍😍

Too exhausted to write more, but definitely check out this article! Definitely worth the read. 🌟🌟👏🏼👏🏼

http://www.scarymommy.com/shout-out-feminist-dads/?utm_source=FB

Ahhhhh!!!

There's nothing quite like a nice, warm shower at the end of a long day of Mommyhood, especially when you're soaked in your own breast milk. 😂😂😂

Yes, it was definitely one of those days. 😫

Dan likes to turn into a monster at around noon and refuse to calm down until I either nurse and/or continually hold and walk him around. I know this is normal newborn behavior, but when combined with a cantankerous toddler with regular tantrums, it's a hot mess. 😫😫

I know it may seem like I usually have my shit together, but today -- and especially this afternoon with both boys -- was not the case whatsoever. I took everything in my power not to have a screaming or crying tantrum myself. 😩😩😩 And, of course, the DMV traffic was a nightmare, per usual, so Greg couldn't get home until later. 😫😫😫😫

My great friend Catherine told me today about "rage rooms" she heard about on a documentary where you can go in, scream, and throw things until your heart's content. Yes, they exist. And the most popular customers? Teachers and stay at home moms. 😂😂

I know; this too shall pass, but today made me question why anyone ever has more than one or two children. Y'all deserve real gold medals and designated sainthood.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🌟🌟🌟💗💗💗

Dan will be up again soon, so to bed this exhausted Mama goes. 💤💤💤

So grateful!!

Greg goes back to work tomorrow. 😥😥😥

I know; I know. I'm blessed he got THIS much time off (4 weeks). He was originally planning to take up to 6 weeks, but I can tell he's getting eager to return, and Dan is doing so well. So, we figured this timing made sense. 😁

Yes, I will miss him. Greg has been an absolutely phenomenal help this last month, with Will, Dan, Dexter, the house, meals, the yard, everything. He even managed to get several house and garden projects done, including a complete reorganization of our entire basement this weekend. The layout is completely different and SO much more inviting. It's not done yet, but I'll post a few pics! 💪🏻

Greg and Will have a really special connection now. Will is completely attached to Dada and prefers him right now, which works out well with Dan practically living on my boob. 👶🏻🍼

I treasured the time the four of us had last week, especially after we got our house back following our houseguests' visits. We really tried to make the most of it!! Have newborn, will go to a brewery AND winery on the same day! 😊😜😉🍷

My turn to rant for a moment -- This country is absolutely ridiculous with the lack of quality, consistent, or long enough paid maternity or paternity leave, as we all know. Greg is fortunate enough to work for a team that allows him to use his accumulated sick time for paternity leave. He has an absurd amount of days saved up too, so this worked out well. And I'm lucky with the timing of Dan -- and my new job -- to not worry about using any leave this summer as a teacher. Even though I delivered him on May 31, I still burned through my remaining sick days and had to use our union's sick leave bank to ensure I was paid through June 21 (Our school year was longer this year due to our high number of snow days) So, I will start the fall with a very limited number of sick days and two small children. Joy! 😫😫😫

Back to positive things, though. I'm beyond grateful for Greg and all he does for our family! And I know there's a teeny tiny part of him that's excited to get back to work tomorrow too. 😉👏🏼😝

The dreaded 6 week wait!

I'm getting antsy. 😝😝😝

I hate the six week rule. 😫😫😫

I'm fine with the no swimming and pelvic rest. It's the no working out that drives me a bit nutty. 😜😜😜

With Will, I was so overwhelmed being a new parent that the six week rule didn't matter. For some reason, the wait seems a lot longer this time around. 😁😁

I know; I know. 

Six weeks really isn't THAT long, and I shouldn't be rushing back into any exercise too soon. My body has been through a traumatic event and needs time to fully heal. And the six week appointment is where my doctor can give me the all-clear. 😊

In the meantime, I'm still trying to get in a reasonable amount of movement every day with daily walks with Dexter and the boys. But it's not the same. I really miss Barre (Shocker, right?!). I would love to go back to the studio soon and attend a class, modifying as much as I did into my 40th week of pregnancy and avoiding all ab work. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the 6 week wait! I know I can suck it up (I only have two weeks left come Tuesday), but I also know my body and would not do anything stupid.

Help!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

New job!!

It's been quite the awesome week so far! 🌟🌟🌟

After over a month of house guests, we finally got our space back to just the four of us Monday morning. While we are certainly grateful for ALL of the help my awesome in-laws and parents provided us, it's such a relief to finally get into a daily rhythm and routine as a family of four. Such a blessing!👨👩👦👦

Dan continues to be an amazingly chill and easy baby, practically sleeping through the night already. 💤💤 I know there are bound to be regressions, but we are enjoying every good night we can get right now! 

Nursing is finally hurting less. I am grateful for all of the advice and support many of you have given me. Thank you! 🍼🍼🍼

Perhaps the biggest news of the week -- I have a new job starting in August! I will be the brand new ESOL Focus Teacher at Northwest High School. This basically means I will be a kind of case manager and "guardian angel" for 45 RELLs (students recently exited from ESOL services) in grades 9-12, all of whom are chronically ineligible (GPAs less than 2.0). I will pull into their academic classes and pull them out of classes to provide individualized support. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

This is my kind of dream position right now -- flexibility, access to and working with kids all day, and the opportunity to collaborate with teachers across subject areas to find creative ways to best meet the students' needs. I couldn't be happier or more excited!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

I interviewed and was offered the position on Tuesday. Apparently, the principal ran all over the parking lot and school trying to find me shortly after the interview (I was in the Media Center visiting a friend). She then called me, and I found her in the office. 😜

"The job is yours. Please say you'll accept," she said. She's a no non-sense kind of leader I love.

"Of course," I replied. 

I was warned this might happen a truly felt confident about my decision. 💗💗

It is bittersweet leaving behind such a wonderful staff at my current school, but I had to listen to my gut and intuition about keeping options open for next year. It was a heck of a long process that started in February.

And it was most certainly worth the wait! Here's to new opportunities and beginnings!! 🌟🌟🌟

Whirlwind weekend!

What a whirlwind weekend this has been! 😝😝😝

We survived Will's 2nd birthday party yesterday with 38 people, including 12 toddlers. Nothing was broken, and our house is still standing. #win 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

It was adorable to see how excited Will got when everyone sang him "Happy Birthday." He loved it! He especially loved opening all his presents today, many of which involved his favorite cars and trucks! What a lucky boy. 🎉👶🏻🚚🚗🚒

Last night, we moved Daniel into his own room for the first time, and he did beautifully! He slept for over 5 hours straight, nursed, and then went for another 4 hours (even putting himself to sleep after being wide awake post-nursing!!). He's a speaker and "talker" in his sleep, so I actually ended up getting a lot more consistent rest with Dan across the hall. Greg was right; I'll admit it. Keep up the great work, Dan! 💤💤💤

Today marked the last full day my parents are in town, so we tried to make it a special Father's Day for everyone. From iHop to lots of family time to Jimmie Cone, we did things my Dad especially likes. It will be weird not having them here after tomorrow morning, but getting back into a family routine after so long will be nice indeed.👨👩👦👦

I hope you enjoy some fun pics from our weekend adventures. I love how calm and chill Dan looks in his! Will, not so much. 😂😂😂

Leaving the house!

"Do you always have this much energy? I think I have a lot of energy, but I am exhausted just listening to you!"

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Yes, the principal I interviewed with today asked this at the end of my interview. My response:

"What you see is what you get, though I may be a bit crazier than normal due to having a newborn and not sleeping." 😂😂

Gotta love it.😜😜

It was a fun, happy interview, a lot less stressful than the Central Office ones I had last month. I should know something by midweek next week. Fingers crossed!🙏🏻🙏🏻

It's funny just how excited I am to leave the house these days, even for mundane errands. Yesterday was talk therapy, today the interview, and tomorrow we are having a crowd for Will's 2nd birthday. The weather is supposed to be beautiful, and I am beyond excited!!!☀️☀️☀️🎉🎉🎉

Daniel continues to have a fussy period between 5-9 pm, which basically consists of me nursing him on the couch constantly, him getting fussy, and lots of crying on his part. Good times for all! He slept for a good 5 hour stretch last night after this, though, so we are hoping for a repeat performance tonight! Come on, Daniel! You can do it!! 💤💤💤

I also need more caffeine in my life, perhaps in the form of a delicious cup of coffee in the AM. This morning, I woke up with an excruciating headache, which I think was caused by dehydration due to all my nursing. I never drank coffee before Will, and perhaps it's something I need to think about more regularly now.☕️☕️☕️

I really should go to bed now to get ample rest for the party tomorrow. Ha!! I guess that's all up to Daniel.😝😝😝

Ah, parenting. 😍😍😍

Sleep, please!!!

It's too bad we don't remember being newborns, a time when all we had to worry about was eating, sleeping, and pooping. Talk about having the good life! 💤🍼💩

Around the two week mark, most newborns go through a particularly fussy stage characterized by the 3 Cs: crankiness, clinginess, and crying. This is where Daniel was all day today. He constantly wanted to be held and nursed -- and protested quite a bit when this did not happen. What a set of lungs he has too! My boobs ache; they've worked hard today! 😫😫😫

I neglected to mention the good news from the doctor yesterday -- Dan is already up to 7 lb, 3 oz (His birth weight was 6 lb, 7 oz!), and he has also grown 2.5 inches since birth too. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 This means we no longer have to wake him up for middle of the night feedings. Score! My boobs were in so much pain overnight last night that I ended up pumping at 2 am. Ahhh, relief! Dan slept in over 4 hour segments, and the sleep felt amazing. Keep it up, little guy! 💤💤💤

To add to our insanity, Will was also a total mess tonight. We have had house guests for over a month now, and I think it's finally catching up to him. We are all eager at this point to get into a new routine for the four of us, which will happen beginning on Monday morning. Woohoo! We can't wait.🌟🌟🌟

Because I am such a crazy person, I have another job interview tomorrow. I think I should have Dan attached to my boob during it for dramatic effect. 😂😂😂

So, yes, life is crazy, and I'm reminded of the mantra: this too shall pass. It did with Will, and it will with Dan. We have much more confidence this time around, and I am beyond blessed to have such an active, amazing partner by my side. 💗💗💗

So now, sleep, please, Dan, sleep!! 💤💤💤

Already two years old!

We survived bringing both boys to the doctor's at the same time!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I smartly coordinated Dan's 2 week well visit with Will's 2 year appointment. Boy, was I glad to have Greg there with me! Will was a hot mess during the entire experience while Dan was chill and quiet, barely even complaining when they had to prick his foot. What a trooper! 🌟🌟

I still can't believe that Will turned 2 yesterday. Time flies by WAY too fast. He had an awesome day celebrating at school and then with us at home. We are looking forward to his official birthday party this weekend too!!🎉🎉🎉🎈🎈🎈

I am struck by how often Greg gets complimented for being a kick-ass Dad. He totally is, but I find it a bit disappointing and surprising that people still are thrilled to see hands-on dads today in 2016. Come on, people! Dads SHOULD be just as involved with their kids' lives and upbringings as Moms are. After all, it takes a village! 👶🏻👶🏻

I don't know what I would do without Greg, particularly with his laidback nature and "calm is strength" attitude. He approaches parenting with confidence and ease and is a real natural. I learn from him every day. 💗💗

So, take time to thank your partners for all they do. We don't do this enough, that's for sure. 💞💞💞

Exhaustion!

"Honey, you look tired."

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Gee, I wonder why!! 😜😝😩

I bet I will look this way for the next 18 years. 😩😩😩

But my boys are worth it. For sure.💞💞💞

Let's go back to our breastfeeding discussion again. I've been told that the pain lessens after two weeks, which is tomorrow for us. Fingers crossed! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I've also been told nipple shields help, and I am seriously considering getting one to help with the latch pain. I also need to get better at applying nipple cream after each feeding. Any fave recommendations?? 🌟

I am determined to make this work with Daniel and am already in a much better place with it than I ever was with Will. Keep those words of encouragement and suggestions coming! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

I have also started pumping whenever I feel really uncomfortable. I figure this will help me build up a freezer supply for when I go back to school in the fall.👶🏻👶🏻🍼🍼

In other news, Will turns 2 tomorrow. I'm still not sure exactly how this happened.💗💗💗

In parenting, the days may be long, but boy, are the years short!! 😍😍😍

Weekend madness!

Weekends used to be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation, a time where you took care of yourself and did exactly what you wanted. 🍶🍵🍸🍹🍨

Then came children. 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻

Now, every weekend is like an episode of Survivor where I am just trying to stay alive and on the island, all while ensuring those depending on me are safe, healthy, and happy. 😫😫

Yes, this gets exhausting. Fast. 😫😫😫

While I certainly am not complaining about motherhood, let's take a moment to mourn the pre-kid weekend rituals you are unlikely to fully have again until your kids move out: 😝😝

1. Sleeping in. 💤💤

2. Breakfast in bed. 🍳🍞🍹

3. Long brunches in the city with bottomless mimosas.🍾🍾🍾

4. Spontaneously doing whatever you want however you want to do it.🎤🎟🎭🎖

5. Putting your needs first.👙💋👣

6. Going out to eat as much as possible and cooking as little as possible.🍽🍽🍽

7. Midday naps just because.💤💤💤

8. Bar hopping.🍺🍻🍷

9. Pretending you're 22 again and staying out as late as possible, since you have no real responsibilities the next day anyway.😂😂

10. Being able to fully recover from a hangover without being badgered by a little person.👶🏻😝😫

The list goes on.😜

My point? If you don't yet have children, live it up and don't become fully lame just yet. There's still a little bit of hope for you.😂😂

And if you've already been blessed with little rugrats, don't fear. One day, they too will leave the nest, and you'll be left there crying with a box of tissues.

No, life isn't fair. 😜

But this too shall pass, and it's still ALL good. 🙏🏻💪🏻🌟

Breastfeeding!

Let's talk breastfeeding. 🍼🍼

Will and I never really got into a good rhythm with it, and I ended up exclusively pumping for over 8 months. This was like having another full-time job. No joke. 😫😫😫

I'm determined to do things differently this time around with Dan. And thus far, it is working out SO much better. Dan is a champion latcher and nurser who LOVES the boob and, as said before, would stay on it all day if I let him. Silly boy. 🌟😝

I'm trying to be patient with myself this time around as well. I still find the initial latching a bit painful but am getting into a routine and rhythm with Dan quite nicely. 💪🏻 The breast engorgement is down, I am more comfortable, and I'm continuing to gain confidence that this time, BFing is going to work. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

I am considering joining a La Leche League support group to help motivate and encourage me. Any of you Mamas have experience or luck with this? I am curious.🌟

For now, I am taking things one day at a time, not putting unnecessary pressure on myself, and enjoying all the bonding time with Dan during our nursing sessions. 💞💞💞👶🏻👶🏻

After all, some day, I will look back and wish he was this little and innocent again. I must enjoy this while I can! 🍼🍼

My birth story!

My birth story. I guess I should finally write it down before I forget -- or repress -- it. 😂😂

I lost my mucus plug throughout the day on Monday, 5/30 but proceeded with life as normal. By Tuesday morning, my contractions had started, causing my doctor to say head to the hospital. We did, checked in, and then spent the next few hours in triage, with my variable contractions being monitored. After 2 pm, Dr. Apgar decided to admit me. He explained that there was no medical reason to keep BBL2 on the inside, since he was already overdue, so I was brought to a Labor & Delivery room (with windows!!), and Petocin was started to regulate my contractions and get the process started. 👏🏼👏🏼

With Will, I didn't have time to get an epidural, so I knew I would get one this time if all went well. I did, and it was glorious! 🌟🌟 My contractions intensified, and I could barely feel anything. The weirdest part was the total numbing of my legs. Very bizarre. 😜

A few hours later, I could feel BBL2 descending. I was fully dilated, and Daniel Robert LaBanca was born at 8:02 pm after just three pushes. He even managed to cause a second degree tear and burst an artery on his way out! Sweet boy. 😝😫😫

Then the annoying part happened. The umbilical cord broke prematurely, and my cervix closed with my retained placenta still inside me. After only a few minutes of getting to hold precious little feisty Daniel (and lots of unsuccessful digging and attempts to retrieve my placenta by the doctor), I was whisked away to the OR to undergo a D&C to get the rest of the placenta. I was placed under general anesthesia and warned that a hysterectomy might have to occur if anything was abnormal with my placenta. Ahhhh!! Totally NOT what I wanted to hear going into the procedure! 😫😫😫

Within minutes, I was fully out, and the procedure began. Luckily, all went well, and I woke up soon afterwards on oxygen. I went to a recovery room and was beyond eager to be reunited with my boys, which happened a few hours later. 💞💞

Luckily, I was blessed with absolutely fabulous doctors and nurses throughout everything, who clearly explained what was happening. I so appreciated that. Daniel and I were both in extraordinary health. He passed all of his little screenings and tests, and we were able to go home less than 48 hours after his birth. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

I am grateful that my recovery at home has gone so well. My bleeding has pretty much stopped already, I only take Motrin and Tylenol as needed (despite having Rxes for painkillers, which I found very unnecessary), and I enjoy my sitz baths three times a day. 💧💧💧

Daniel is completely worth it, and we are beyond blessed. I'm pretty sure he would still be in my womb if he hadn't been evicted!! 👶🏻😝🌟💗😜😍

We got out!!

We made it out of the house for an outing for the first time today as a family of 4! Woohoo! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Granted, it was only across the neighborhood to our good friends' house, but that's still something! 😜 It was the first time we got both boys out of the house together and sat them in their car seats next to each other. Brothers for life! 👶🏻👶🏻

I cannot stress to you just how amazing it is to have a husband who is SO hands-on as a parent. Greg isn't afraid to get his hands, clothes, and self dirty -- with any kind of secretion, literally -- every day. He loves his boys more than anything, and it shows. He is able to take up to six weeks off for paternity leave and always puts our family first. I am truly blessed. 💗💗💗

Daniel continues to be a ridiculously sweet and chill baby. I cannot wait to see how his personality grows and develops -- and what kind of younger brother he will be to Will. 💞💞

Thankfully, Will was in a MUCH better mood today and started requesting me more again. This is a welcome change from the "Go away, Mommy"s of the last few days. He is dealing with a lot of change right now even before the age of two, so I'm trying to be as consistent, loving, and patient with him as possible. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Life is good. I am blessed and grateful. And every time I look at my boys, I am reminded of what is truly important in life: family, love, faith, and cherishing the time you can spend together. Nothing else matters more. 

Beyond blessed!

Yes, I've been gone awhile. And yes, I have a good excuse. 😜

Greg and I have been adjusting to the awesomeness and chaos that is having 2 boys under 2. Daniel was born a week ago last night, and we couldn't be happier with how everything is working out so far. 💗💗💗

Let's talk about little feisty Daniel. In addition to being a very chill and relaxed baby who sleeps well (so far -- knock on wood!!), he is also a championship latcher and nurser. He would happily stay on my boob all day if I let him. I had issues nursing Will, so this is a huge relief. Dan is also extremely alert and curious, constantly taking in the world around him when not sleeping, eating, or popping. Unlike his brother, pooping is no issue. Allelujah!!💩💩💩

And thankfully, for the most part, Will is adjusting beautifully. He calls Dan "Baby Daniel" and often verbalizes who his family members are: Mommy, Dada, William, Baby Daniel, and doggie. How sweet is that?! 💞 He had a meltdown tonight from being overstimulated but loves still going to school every day and having my parents here (They arrived Monday night). 👶🏻👶🏻

We are quickly getting into a routine with both boys, and Greg could not be a better or more hands-on father. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I have barely changed a diaper yet! It has been a beautiful emotional roller coaster. We couldn't be happier and feel beyond blessed to have both of these precious boys in our lives. What an enormous gift! 😍😍😍

I even got out of the house today to drive to my weekly talk therapy session and get Panera for lunch, which felt amazing. I may have overdone it with a long walk today, so I will get more rest tomorrow. 💤💤

Parenting is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done, but I still look forward to having the privilege of doing it every single day. I may be an outnumbered #boymom, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 👨👩👦👦

I promise to share my eventful birth story with you all soon too!😝

Keep fighting the good fight, Mamas. You rock!! 👏🏼💪🏻🌟😍👶🏻🎉