What a day!

It's hard to believe school resumes tomorrow. I've gotten WAY too used to this time off and have been truly spoiled, I know. Back to life, back to reality...blah! 😩😩😩

It's also hard to believe that tomorrow is February 1st. It's an expensive month for Greg with Valentine's Day and my birthday a week apart! Hehe. 💞💞💞

We had another great family day, with things that we loved and things that irked us to no end: 

1. Will's complete and total obsession with his "doggie." He was far more concerned that Dexter was gone for a few hours this morning to get groomed than my absence. Doggie: 1. Parents: 0. 🐶👶🏻

2. If you're local, I highly recommend the Airpark Cafe right next to the regional airport in Gaithersburg. Great, cheap food and a prime view of all the small airplanes flying and landing overhead! Will was in heaven. 🛩🛩🛩

3. Greg purchased the rest of the supplies we need to paint and decorate Will's new room. Yay! 🚧🚧🚧

4. I was able to take my normal long walking route with Dex for the first time since the blizzard, despite having to walk in the road several times due to inconsiderate people STILL not having cleared their sidewalks. This is how Greg almost broke his foot two years ago, and it drives me crazy. #rude 😡😡😡

5. Another great dinner out, this time with 6 adults and 3 toddlers. No meltdowns + the best sushi around = win for all. 👏👏👏

6. Unfortunately, Greg tripped in the garage once we got home and seriously twisted his ankle, the same one he has twisted many times before. Unlike last time, it hasn't turned black, so this may be a good sign. 😫😜😜 #walkingdisaster

7. I somehow lost my Fitbit outside taking the trash out and spent the next 45 minutes searching for it, thanks to the amazing Find My Fitbit app. I cannot explain my relief when I finally went back outside and found the stupid thing in the snow by the trash. NOT an easy feat in the dark! BTW, that app is worth every bit of the $4.99 it cost, as this is the 4th time I have lost my Fitbit since getting it in August 2014. #badkay 😞😞

8. We are considering taking a short babymoon to Cape May this spring! We've never been. Let the planning begin! 🚗🚗

9. BBL2 continues to grow rapidly and make his presence known. We have another kicker on our hands! 👶🏻👶🏻

10. Will likes to try to feed me everything, especially things he rejects. It really is quite endearing. 🍣🍣🍣

Here's to awesome weekends and productive work weeks ahead, Warrior Women!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Loving today!

What a day! 

We got a heck of a lot done and got some great time together in the process. 💪🏻💪🏻

10 things I was grateful for during the course of the day: 👏👏

1. Having the chance to teach both elementary and high school students this morning at the learning center I work at. It's the start of the spring semester classes there, and I had a blast! Even my 4th and 5th graders seem to have acceptable senses of humor so far. Hopefully, they can handle my sarcasm. 😉😜

2. Greg took Will to his morning swim lesson at the Y, and there was no meltdown! 👏 Will likes to observe everyone and everything first and then focus on the water. Still not comfortable with his head under water, though! In time. 🏊🏻🏊🏻

3. Will actually took a full 3 hour nap this afternoon. That hasn't happened in a long time! Naps should be mandatory for all. EVERY day. 💤💤💤

4. Actually feeling a bit too warm in my winter coat while walking Dex. Maybe all of winter did occur in one weekend. #agirlcanhope ☀️☀️🌨

5. Greg having a chance to help move a good friend in DC into his new place and not doing any further damage to his back. #thankgod 🌟🌟

6. Sneaking a little siesta in too. #mmmm 💤

7. Getting a ridiculous amount of organization done in the nursery and Will's new room. My label maker continues to be a godsend. 👶🏻👶🏻

8. Greg getting me flowers for no reason. #whataguy 💞💞💞

9. Greg making me the most amazing lasagna ever and even cleaning up the kitchen afterwards. He also ensured my sparkling cider glass was never empty. #iamspoiled 🍞🍽

10. Precious time with all my boys. I am trying to cherish every moment. #timefliesmuchtoofast 😍😍😍😍

Now we are trying to decide on a fun family adventure for tomorrow! 👪👪👪

What a week!!

What a blessing this week has been! Never-ending snow days = a surprise winter break #2! 

No, I don't work anymore, apparently, and no, I'm not complaining. I loved every minute of it. 

Top ten things I will miss about a full week of snow days:

10. Going to bed whenever I feel like it (Let's be honest; I'm a Mom, so this was never super late). 😉

9. Endless baking. 🍩🍪🍮🍴

8. Daily Netflix indulgences. 🎬

7. Having no set agenda or real responsibilities (human and dog parenting aside). 🎉🎀🛍

6. MCPS text alerts and emails alerting me to yet another snow day the following day. ❄️☃🌨

5. Going to a Pure Barre class or matinee whenever I felt like it. 💪🏻🎬

4. Being surrounded by a beautiful winter wonderland. Believe it or not, I never get sick of it. ❄️❄️❄️

3. Not waking up to an alarm clock. 🕶🕶

2. Lazy, relaxed, and unhurried mornings with Will. 👶🏻

1. SO much great quality time with all 4 of my boys (the unborn one included). 👶🏻👶🏻👨👩👦👦🐶

I truly am blessed, grateful, and lucky. I also think I chose the right profession. 💞💞💞#donthatemysnowdays #familyfirst #whataweek 

Another snow day!!

Today was a truly beautiful day, one that is best explained by these photos. I'm not sure if Will's smile could be any more contagious. 💞💞👶🏻👶🏻🌟🌟

And yes, we have our 6th snow day in a row tomorrow. While this is getting a bit ridiculous, I'm not complaining. After all, I won't be around at the end of the school year to have to make-up any of these days, thanks to BBL2. 👏👏👏

If you're local, going stir crazy, and thinking of hitting up a matinee, check out 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. It is well-done and well-worth your time. Bring your tissues. I may even go crazy and check out Brooklyn tomorrow while Will is at school, as I heard it is fantastic. Hey, gotta take advantage of this bonus ME time while I can, right?!! 😜😜

Happy almost Friday, Warrior Women!! #soblessed #afullweekofsnowdays #soridiculous #enjoyitwhileyoucan

Mama time!

Today = a huge success!! 🌟🌟🌟

We still got quality family time in before Greg left for work (He was on a 3 hour delay) and I brought Will to his daycare, which opened today at 10. Will, of course, had a total meltdown upon our arrival to his school but was fine 30 sec. after I left, as expected. Toddlers are expert manipulators and guilt trippers. 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻

This left me with several hours to get a ton of errands done and take advantage of some quality Mommy time. Amen! 💞💞💞

I made a quality trip to Wegman's, got to introduce my good friend Becca to her first Pure Barre class (She loved it, and I was beyond happy to be back!!), got my hair cut, and got a mani and pedi prior to picking Will back up. In the process, another snow day was announced for tomorrow. Let the madness continue! ❄️❄️❄️

Sadly, the roads are still a disaster. Many streets are down to one lane, sidewalks and bus stops are still not clear, and 6+ foot high snow piles on every corner make it impossible to see oncoming traffic or turn confidently. Don't even talk to Greg about his commute to VA today. It began with a tractor trailer crashing on the highway and spilling flat screen TVs all over the roads. Why didn't Greg pick up some TVs?!! I mean, really!! #epicfail #totaldisaster 😩😩😩

The black ice is apparently bad news tonight, so we are all happy to be cozy inside. Greg and I are having a blast selecting quirky Netflix comedies to watch every night. The most bizarre short film yet?!! The World of Tomorrow. 😳😳😀

In other news, Will is learning letters and their accompanying sounds ridiculously fast. He will be reading in no time, which is absolutely INSANE to me! #geniusbaby 😏😏

So, bring on our 6th snow day! Perhaps a matinee will be in my future. #gettingspoiled #mustenjoyitwhileitlasts #allofwinterinoneweekend 👏👏👏

A haiku for you!

On this, the end of Day 5 of our big snow in, I offer you a cabin fever haiku:

Let the snow melt fast

We are all losing our minds 

Make daycare open 

And alas, it shall be, at 10 am tomorrow. Allelujah.

Another haiku, this one celebratory:

To school you go boy

Mommy will go to Barre then

And be sane again 

😂😂😂

Stay strong, Warrior Women, especially those of you who are local! The great dig out and snow melting continues!

And my school system is still closed tomorrow...😍😍☃☃🌟🌟

#gottoleavethehousetoday #tohomedepotwewent #willwashappy 

Day 4 and still smiling!

Day 4 of the big "snow in", and we haven't killed one another yet! #smallvictories 😂😂😂

I got to take Dex for a limited walk again (despite the roads still being a mess), got my prenatal workout in, had lots of quality time with my boys, went into full nesting mode (organizing and purging items from my big closet this time), and got to end the day with good friends. They even picked us up and drove us to and from their home, since we couldn't get my car out of the garage into the alley successfully...still!! 😩😩😩

It was such a pleasure to watch our 3 boys together. They were all born within 3 months of one another and were truly hilarious to watch. I kept joking with Greg that this would have been our life with triplets -- I can't even imagine!!!!! I have MAD respect to ALL parents of multiples! I really don't know how they do it. 

Will is learning essential life and socialization skills at school and at play dates like these. I love that he's comfortable interacting with peers and is learning how to share (depending on the hour), which will undoubtedly come in handy in just a few short months. Yay for brothers!

As an only child myself, siblings have always fascinated me. I can't wait to see what Will and his brother are like together! Best friends and buddies for life, hopefully?! A Mama can dream. 🌟🌟💞💞👶🏻👶🏻

Crazy SNOW!!!

Day 3 of our great "snow in", and we are still smiling! The snow finally stopped overnight, leaving us with over three feet. 

Greg spent HOURS continuing to dig out his car, our sidewalk, and our backyard paths. He insisted I not help, so I made sure he had plenty of delicious homemade sustenance throughout the day. I know; I really am such a good little wife. 😂😂

Other highlights from the day:

1. Will is definitely a snow ADMIRER. Hold him, let him look at the snow, and walk him down the plowed street...he's a perfectly content boy. Place him in the snow, and all hell breaks loose. We are working on this. ☃☃

2. Dexter, on the other hand, loves being a snow bunny! I got a chance to take him for two short walks today, and he loved it. We ran out of plowed streets to walk down quickly, but it felt great just to be outside. 🌞🌞

3. Today's homemade food: macaroni and cheese and chocolate chip brownies with marshmallows and expresso. #nomnomnom

4. I started the day with Jeb Bush-like energy but was immediately rejuvenated once outside and in the snow, cold, and sun! I NEED daily outside time for my sanity, which Storm Jonas has graciously reminded me of. ❄️❄️❄️

5. While Will took his afternoon nap, I went into FULL nesting mode. I organized ALL of his clothes into nicely labeled bins (newborn through 4T), thanks to my amazing new label maker! I'm a bit obsessed now. 😜😜

6. I even had more energy to start my annual closet purge and reorganization, which I made great progress on and will continue tomorrow! Organization excites me. Yes, I'm a weirdo. 😂😂

7. Playing with Will continues to be a blast. His constant smile and laugh are truly infectious. 😘😘

8. We love FaceTiming with Will's grandparents. He us especially obsessed with my parents' "doggie."

9. We all have yet another day off tomorrow! Good thing I'm a master at finding projects and things around the house to work on. 🌟🌟

10. I just realized that no matter how many snow days we have this year, I will not have to make them up. Thanks, BBL2!! #babywin 👶🏻👶🏻

Stay off the roads, Warrior Women in the area!! 💞💞

Snowzilla!!

To say this storm is epic would be a complete understatement at this point. 😳😳😳

Over 3 feet of snow -- with well over 4 in the drifts -- safely secures this storm in the record books. Many would say I am unlucky for being stuck inside and home while pregnant with a toddler. I beg to differ. We are still having a blast, and my hubby continues to be amazing. ❄️🌨🌬💨☃💞😍

Some highlights and bits of gratitude from the day:

1. Will's ongoing fascination with SNOW!! He loved watching it all day but was OK admiring from afar. When it's stopped by tomorrow, we are hoping he will be up to exploring it, especially in the new snow fort Greg put together! ❄️❄️❄️❄️

2. More time to bake. Today included blueberry muffins and honey cornbread. 🍽🍪🍫

3. My hoodie footie PJs = perfect for being snowed in! 🙋

4. Greg's hard work and resilience in making sure our walkways and sidewalks were cleared throughout the day. No easy task, with the snow coming down at 2 inches per hour! He was constantly out there working his butt off so good 'ol preggers didn't have to. #whataguy 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

5. Finding cool prenatal cardio, strength, and stretch workouts on YouTube. I wanted something that wasn't too easy and also different from Tracy Anderson's Pregnancy Project. Jessica Smith TV did the trick! I highly recommend her workouts -- fun and just the right amount of challenge! 🌟🌟

6. Greg's delicious salmon, broccoli, and mashed potato dinner. #seriouslywhataguy 🐟🐟

7. Will dancing along with me during my workout and then using my legs as a bridge to walk and crawl through. 👶🏻👶🏻

8. Dexter's disdain for the piling up of snow, but he did have a few moments of being a snow bunny!! 🐶🐶🐶

9. Taking a nap while Will took his. #bliss 💞💞💞

10. Tons of laughs and smiles as a family. BBL2 even joined in on the fun by kicking me all day. 👶🏻💋😘😜

What could be better on a snowed in day?!! Can't wait for tomorrow!! ☃☃☃😀😀😀

Bring on the blizzard!

Well, we ended up having a family snow day today after all! 😀😀😀

Greg actually listened to my advice and decided to stay home. We took Will to his brother's anatomy scan, which took forever but went really well (Just try entertaining an antsy, ever-moving toddler in waiting rooms for 2+ hours!).

Some facts we discovered about BBL2:

1. He is stubborn and difficult, not wanting to fully spread out lengthwise for the camera so his spine could be measured.

2. He likes to suck on his toes.

3. He is not shy and enjoys showing off his manly parts.

Yup, definitely our son. 😂😂😂

We stocked up on more diapers, Starbucks, and alcohol (only for Greg, obviously) before settling in for the rest of the day. Will was an absolute angel (Allelujah!), and we had a blast hanging out. Dex and I got a walk in before the snow really started, I had a chance to bake again, we played a ton, made personal pizzas, and even ended the day watching a ridiculous comedy, The Overnight, together. It's rare that Greg and I actually watch an entire movie without distractions, not falling asleep, and with no responsibilities to attend to in the morning (aside from parenting). 😜😜

I love snow days. I love when we are all stuck inside and have nowhere to be, nothing we have to do, and all the time we want to bond and just BE as a family. I know cabin fever may eventually set in (if we get the 2-3 feet of snow expected!), but for now, I'm loving this. ☃☃☃

Bring it on, blizzard!!!! #blizzard2016 #makewintergreatagain #snowzilla #familytimeisthebesttime 🌨🌨🌨🌨🌨🌨🌨🌨

Oh, the snow!

I was hoping for a family snow day tomorrow, but OPM dashed my hopes just now by keeping the federal government open until noon. Now my fear is that Greg will be leaving at the same time as everyone else and will somehow get stranded in a blizzard on the interstate. Ugh. 😫😫😫

On a happier note, BBL2 has been exceptionally active these last few days. We've got another active kicker on our hands! I love it. 👶🏻👶🏻

I have BIG anatomy scan tomorrow for him. It's at 9:30 am, so we should be OK with the upcoming blizzard, set to begin at around noon now. Up to over 2 feet?!!! Lord, help us! We can't even handle an INCH of snow down here! 😩😩😩

For those of you local, stay safe, stay home (if you can), and stay active! You don't need to go to the gym to get a good workout in; try a DIY one at home! So many free possibilities on YouTube and the web. Get creative! 🌟💪🏻☃🌨🙏🏻💋

And let it snow!!!!! For real. And if will!! ☃☃☃☃☃☃☃

Bring it on, blizzard!

I think Kris is getting one heck of a laugh up in Heaven right now. 😂😂😂

As if 2+ potential feet of snow weren't enough for this weekend (Eek!!), she saw to it that we had a little snow appetizer this evening. Even though we only got about an inch of snow, a sheet of ice remains underneath due to frigid temperatures and untreated roads. No one expected this one to be bad, and already there are over 172 accidents on local highways. Many people are still stranded and cannot get home. 😫

OK, well, obviously, Kris didn't plan for or want the accidents, but the snow part always excited her. She was one of the first teachers I ever met truly passionate about storms and weather, someone whose prediction you listened to. Chance of a snow day? Ask Kris. She always gave the best insight in town.

Being from the North, DC storm hysteria has always entertained me ever since moving down here in 2007. Case in point: Wegman's this afternoon at 4 pm = total apocalyptic zone. My quest to pick up a handful of essentials for the weekend turned into an extended affair and caused me to be a little late to an evening training. BUT we are all now well-stocked! 😎😎

So, bring it on, Kris! Just please make this storm epic enough to shut everything down and prevent all of us from having to venture out into it, especially my hubby with his long, crazy commute. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Let it snow!!!!! #blizzardtime #snowdaydance #stormjonas2016 ☃☃☃☃☃🌨🌨🌨🌨🌨

I am like Jeb Bush!

The infamous Donald Trump might describe me as he has dubbed Jeb Bush today: "very low energy." 

Don't get me wrong; I still got a lot find by "normal" (Ha!) people standards, but I had trouble getting out of a funk, caused by a combination of things. Add to those the bitter cold, endless (mindless) exam proctoring all day, and a fussy toddler didn't help.

Once I finally got Will down a little after 7:30, I too laid down and relaxed. This is hard for me. I like productivity and constant movement. I am definitely undiagnosed but with ADHD. No doubt about it.

But sometimes even objects in constant motion must rest. I recharged for an hour, finished getting ready for tomorrow, showered, relaxed some more with Greg, and am now happily back in bed. 

Cut yourself some slack. You move mountains every day, Warrior Women, whether you may realize it or not. Be kind to yourself. After all, if you don't take care of yourself, who will?!!

#selfcare #putyourselffirst #listentoyourbody 💞💞💪🏻💪🏻😍😍

A life well-lived

My dear friend and former colleague was laid to rest today. Greg and I had the privilege of attending her beautiful and touching Celebration of Life service, complete with music, worship, remarks, and a full celebration of a life well-lived.

Kris taught me many things during my first years in the classroom and then many more about life during her 4+ year fight with brain cancer. As a speaker said today, she didn't lose her battle; Heaven simply gained an angel. Amen.

Here are the top 10 life lessons Kris taught me:

10. There is no inappropriate time to wear sunglasses. 😎😎

9. Having ridiculous stories of your own children misbehaving never fail to amuse. 😂😂

8. Kids matter and need to come first, both in and out of the classroom. 👶🏻👶🏻

7. Multi-tasking is a real skill (Kris was a master at creating creative math lessons connected to March Madness so she could keep up with all the games during the school day = genius!). 🏀🏀🏀

6. Learn how to save money and spend it wisely. 😈😈

5. Swimming is among the best sports in the world. 🏊🏻🏊🏻

4. A little laughter and sarcasm can make any situation better. 😀😜

3. Family first...always. 👩❤️💋👩👩❤️💋👩

2. Life is too precious and short to have regrets or feel sorry for yourself. Live every day to the fullest. 🌟💞

And finally...

1. There is nothing more exciting than the possibility of a snow day. 🌨🌨🌨🌨🌨🌨🌨

Kris, feel free to make this week's potential storm epic. We all know you have the power to do so now. 

Whirlwind Weekend!

What a whirlwind of a weekend!

I spent about 72 hours at my alma mater, Colgate University, from Thursday afternoon to this afternoon. There, I had a full schedule meeting with current sophomore students, moderating 5 different education panels for students interested in a possible career in education, helping students practice their networking skills, and even having the opportunity to house- and pet-sit for a great professor and her family. Along the way, I had a blast reconnecting with other passionate alumni, meeting new faces, and catching up with Alumni Council meetings (I served on the Council from 2010-14). I had a packed schedule and didn't get home every night until really late. How energizing and inspiring the whole experience was, though!

Yes, I have always been a dedicated Colgate alum. I do a lot of admissions volunteer work for the greater DC area and have always enjoyed giving back to a place that brought so much to my life, Greg included. My favorite part is getting to be back on campus and meet with current students. The ones I met with this weekend were intelligent, eager, and gracious. I already received several thank-you emails, including the following note:

---

Dear Ms. LaBanca,

My name is Woohee, and I talked with you briefly about South Korea after the first session today. Thank you so much for giving us great insight into your experiences in the education field. As an educational studies major interested in education where teachers dialogue with the students rather than depositing knowledge, I was excited to listen to your emphasis on showing genuine care and building relationships with students.

It was also great to hear about your graduate school experience. I am strongly considering attending graduate school in education, and would love to hear more about your experiences in the future.

Thank you for taking your time to give us a valuable insight into education, schools, and teaching. You have inspired me to continue being in this field, regardless of what shape my involvement in education might be. Have a safe trip back and thank you again!

---

Teachers matter. Mentors matter. Role models matter. What difference can you make in someone else's life today? It distant matter how small.

#payitforward #giveback #begrateful 🌟🌟🌟

Gone but not forgotten

Sometimes, life isn't fair. This afternoon, I lost a dear friend and former teaching colleague to brain cancer. 

Kris battled with the disease -- and multiple tumors -- for almost four years, beating all the odds in the process. She was a role model for me in the classroom, the kind of teacher who could get through and build positive relationships with ANY child. Kris had a true gift and inspired anyone lucky enough to know her. 

What's even more tragic is that Kris leaves behind three children, twin girls in their senior year of high school and a boy barely in middle school. I have no doubt that they -- and all of us who had the privilege to know her -- will keep her fire, spirit, zest for life, and warrior mentality alive. 

I would like to share with you words from another friend of mine about Kris, as she is far more eloquent than I am currently capable of being:

"I'd like to take a moment to recognize my friend Kristine Neher. After an almost 4 year battle with brain cancer, today the world lost a truly wonderful person. A selfless, hardworking, intelligent, generous, witty, and kind woman. She was a mother, wife, teacher and friend. Those of us lucky enough, have memories that will last us through these dark days. I will always look back on Chong calling us, 'old bastards' on the Tom Sawyer field trip and climbing the jungle gym with the kids. Or Kris' trademark sunglasses (even in the basement), or when she stood with me as Alyssa took Sophie on rides at the OC boardwalk, or when she worried just a little too much about Brandon's cough or the girls allergies. She did it all because she loved her family more than anyone will ever know. I was astonished when she said she made cinnamon buns before school every. single. day. But I was not surprised by the quick way she could build relationships with each and every student. When the brain cancer began to rob her of the little things like her trademark ponytail and playing basketball, she still had enough of herself to hate on DUKE and love on her TERPS. It's time for you to rest Kris. Ms. Neher, you will live on in the hearts of the thousands of children whose minds you molded and lives you changed. Please look down on us fondly and known we're doing our best. Remember, we're not all good with numbers...some of us had to become English teachers. 😊"

I love you, Kris. Thank you for being you and teaching all of us so much about the importance of living every day to the fullest. You were a true Warrior Women, and we are better having known you. 

The Big C

Hearing bad news about a family member is never fun, especially when it involves the big C word.

I've grown up with cancer surrounding me. Three out of four of my grandparents died of the disease. My uncle did as well. A close neighbor did. My mom fought the battle of her life and beat both ovarian and breast cancer over a decade ago. My aunt (like a second mom to me) lost her battle to cancer almost six years ago. And now yet another close family member has been diagnosed.

As we just found out the news today, I don't feel comfortable sharing more about who I'm talking about until the entire extended family knows. The good news is that this loved one has a 70% chance of survival with radiation and is one of the toughest (and most stubborn) people I know. This person will make it through and beat this evil disease; that I have no doubt. This person is a warrior and a true fighter.

I hate cancer. I'm beyond done with it. It impacts all of us in some way or another. It tests us. It destroys far too many lives. It truly is evil.

And yet so many beat it. They survive and go on to continue leading happy, fulfilling, and vibrant lives. Cancer may be an unwelcome -- and often grave -- diagnosis, but it is not necessarily a death sentence.

I've seen some of the best of humanity in loved ones fighting this disease. They remind me of how precious and fragile life is. They remind me to appreciate every day. And above all, they remind me to live with no regrets, find joy in every day, and hug those you love just a little tighter.

I just hope and pray that my newest loved one with the disease doesn't stop fighting and knows just how much he/she is loved. 

Remember -- everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. 

Oh, Mondays!

Mondays have a way of bringing out the worst in people. 

Even though I was lower energy than usual today (I blame BBL2 and the ever-present hormonal headaches I now have 😩😩), I refused to succumb to a "case of the Mondays." 

In celebration of surviving this day, I present my first gratitude list in awhile (11 for January 11):

1. My ridiculous Eskimo hat. It helped me stay comfortable during my morning bus duty outside, despite the below freezing temps. 💨💨💨

2. A crazy busy and productive day at work, much of it devoted to supporting teachers. #ilovemyjob 🏆

3. A colleague's hug. Sometimes, it's the small things that make a big difference. 😎😎

4. The possibility of snow tomorrow night. I'm a sucker for a good storm, though I think this will pretty much be a dud. #bummer 🌨🌨

5. Beyond excited to head to Colgate this weekend!! 🎓🎓

6. Cooked sushi from Wegman's. Yes, you can eat sushi while pregnant; it just has to be cooked. 🍴🍴

7. Dexter's snoring. Completely adorable! 🐶🐶

8. A successful trip to Wegmans with Will. He's obviously already got great taste in grocery stores. 👶🏻👶🏻

9. Never being able to go to the bathroom alone. I still find this endearing, though that's bound to change, especially with two boys and a dog staring at me while peeing. #momlife 😜😜

10. Will's obsession with all "doggies." Like mother, like son. 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

11. Will's insatiable appetite for learning and books. He's already learning some letters and is such a sponge. It truly is remarkable to watch every day! 🔬🌡💈

I'd say this Monday wasn't so bad after all.

#gratitude #blessings #livewithjoy 💞💞💞

People say crazy things!

It's amazing what people have the nerve to say to pregnant women. It's like all common sense, decency, and filters fly out the window, and you're left with verbal vomit and/or some form of lunacy.

Consider several statements made to me just TODAY regarding either my pregnancy or having a second boy:

1. "Are you sure you're pregnant?" (Really?!! We're almost halfway through this round.)

2. "Shouldn't you be showing by now?" - my eye doctor (I was wearing a hoodie)

3. "Is everything OK with the baby? You look small."

4. "You're really almost 20 weeks?!!"

5. "You better stop now. 2 boys is more than enough. Ugh."

6. "Your house will be destroyed."

7. "Don't you wish you were having a girl?!!"

8. "Two boys? You're in for it."

9. "You're in for some pretty stressful years ahead." (No. REALLY?!! #captainobvious)

These were all said TODAY. It's not even a full moon out there.

Rather than internalize any of these statements, I brush them off and laugh. I have to! People are "cray cray" (as our students would say) and have no sense of tact or respect. It truly amazes me.

My favorite fun quote of the day comes from my awesome MIL:

"You have no idea how much food two teenage boys consume." Word.

In other news, my vision has somehow improved over the last year. 

I am also a wee bit obsessed with Pure Barre. See below.

And I continue to smile about my new boy. He continues to make his presence known. A personality already. Oh boy. 👶🏻👶🏻😳😳

#raisingboys #peoplesaythedarndestthings 

Mamas of boys unite!

BBL2 continues to give me a run for my money. He has decided to go through a growth spurt, causing me extreme lower back pain all day. Sweet boy.

Despite the problems he has caused during this eventful week, I am beyond thrilled to be the future mom of 2 boys. I can't wait to see Will as a big brother and meet this new little man. As an only child, sibling relationships have always fascinated me. Soon, I get to see one develop from the very beginning!! Beyond cool.

Here's to all of the awesome warrior mamas out there, especially the moms of boys. I have always known I was meant to have boys for some reason and am truly grateful I will soon have two of my own.

Regardless of what children you may have (2 or 4-legged), give them some extra love today. Time goes by impossibly fast, as I'm already witnessing firsthand with Will. Cherish it. 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻💞💞💞🐶🐶🐶

Yay for another boy!!

What a difference 24 hours makes! I feel like a new person and have a ridiculous amount to be grateful for from today, including:

1. Cathy the catheter is gone! Bye bye, bi***. 😜😜😜

2. I have now peed 5 times on my own with ease since Cathy's departure. Allelujah!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

3. Since I was already at my OB's office, she allowed me to get a sneak peek and early anatomy scan! And yes, we are having another boy!! I couldn't be happier. 😍😍😍😍

4. We have already chosen a name for BBL2, and no, we're not telling anyone until he's here. Hey, there has to be SOME element of surprise, right?!! 😉

5. I am finally starting to feel back to normal.

6. Baby boy and I are OK. Thank goodness!! 👶🏻👶🏻👶🏻

7. Will was in SUCH a better mood tonight and back to his usual sweet self. I think he just went through another developmental leap! Like how he's snuggled on my pillows after saying "Night night" above?!

8. Greg got home in time (despite horrid traffic) for me to make it to prenatal yoga, where I had my very own personal class with Laura. She even taught me some amazing poses to help strength my uterus and bladder!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

9. I was able to briefly walk Dexter for the first time since Sunday without an annoying leg pack!! 🐶🐶

10. Dex actually getting aggressive with his Dognald Donald Trump dog toy. See above. #hilarious 😂😂😂

I'm even looking forward to going back to work tomorrow! Thank goodness -- I've been going crazy at home!! 😁😁

Resting time!

I think I set a new record low for my Fitbit steps today. And as odd as it sounds, that was my goal. To rest. To keep my feet up. To take care of myself. To not stress about anything.

I did pretty well too. Resting, relaxing, and sitting still are certainly not my strong suits, as many of you know, so this was an accomplishment. I also had the best four-legged nurse too (see below) and got to keep Will on his regular school schedule.

If you've never had a catheter before, you're really not missing much. Cathy the catheter continues to provide me with ongoing relief, but man is it strange to constantly empty it with the toilet seat up standing there like a man. I guess this is one of those times I don't care that Greg leaves the toilet seat up! 😜😜

My doctor wants me to continue resting tomorrow until our appointment at 1:30. Fingers crossed for good news and being able to say goodbye to Cathy for good! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

A wise colleague encouraged me to take care of number one, rest, and focus on getting better for baby and me. That's exactly what I will continue to do! 👑

Keep fighting the good fight, Warrior Women! You can accomplish anything you put your mind to...and don't forget to put your feet up and remember YOU in the process. 🌟💞😘

#makeyourselfapriority #youmatter #nodaybuttoday 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Quite a Monday!

This was not the day I expected to have. Amidst a crazy busy day at work, I soon realized I had not been able to really urinate....since yesterday. This is quite strange, since my water bottle is attached to me, and I stay hydrated like no one can. I felt increasing discomfort and a severe urge to pee but never could! 😡😡😡

Following a brief convo with my OB's nurse on the phone, I decided to head to the ER. Good news: no UTI, and a catheter brought immediate relief. Bad news: they're not sure what is causing my extreme I😉urine retention, specifically how much of it the baby is causing. They suspect my tilted uterus is applying a lot of pressure to my bladder, causing it to tense up, spasm, and not release any fluids. These fun spasms will continue for the next 24 hours, probably. Good times. 😳😳😳

I've named my catheter Cathy (because it's more fun that way!), and she will be with me until Wednesday morning. No work or real activity for me tomorrow. I will follow up with my OB on Wednesday morning, where she will hopefully remove the catheter and monitor me to ensure I can pee on my own. If not, back to the ER I go for catheter round 2. 😩😩😩 

We really take the ease of being able to empty our bladders naturally -- and easily -- for granted. I learned that the hard way today. #itsthelittlethings

I did have a wonderful ER experience, though, and highly recommend the staff of Shady Grove Adventist Emergency Center in Germantown. They took great care of me -- and baby! 🤒🤒🤒

So, this equation pretty much sums up my day:

A night in the ER + a host of gross baby-related bladder issues + a catheter = a true case of the Mondays. 🤕🤕🤕

Somehow, I think baby #2 is getting a kick (literally) out of all this too. Evil child. 😈😈😈

Mama advice needed!

It's 2016. I'm already 19 weeks pregnant. The reality of having 2 kids under 2 (at least for a brief time) is starting to hit me.

For all of you Mamas of 2 or more out there, what do you miss or wish you had done with only one child that is now all that much harder with more children? I'm determined to make the most of the rest of the time we have as a family of 3 and enjoy the journey in the process!

Here is my short list of what I can easily do now that will be MUCH harder with 2 kids (so I hear and can imagine):

1. Getting alone time.

2. Dividing and conquering parenting -- one parent watches child while other gets something else done.

3. Traveling to or just attending regular workout classes.

4. Still getting away with driving my Ford Focus. Yes, we are quickly planning our inevitable upgrade to an SUV-type vehicle.

5. The ease of finding a sitter, sometimes at the last minute.

6. Fully getting to enjoy single child's afternoon nap time while home.

7. Flying solo with one child on a plane -- or just traveling in general.

8. Child easily getting your full, undivided attention.

9. Not feeling like I'm neglecting my husband or dog.

10. Did I mention alone time?

Would love to hear your thoughts and bits of wisdom, Mamas!! 💞💞💞

Oh, early January!

I have a love-hate relationship with early January. 

While I LOVE the idea of a fresh start and clear canvas full of possibilities to write the story of a new year on, I despise the end of the Christmas season. I especially can't stand taking down our tree and decorations, which seem to multiply every year.

So, to properly mourn the end of the 2015 holiday season, here is a list of the top 10 things I will miss most about it:

1. Awesome photo cards regularly arriving in the mail. See below (Not all are there, as Will likes to remove the ones down below and hide them around the house). He's like a ferret in that way. ✉️✉️✉️

2. The beautiful neighborhood lights. Things are already starting to get a bit dreary and feel naked. ☃☃

3. Christmas break from school. 🌞🌞🌞

4. The fun countdown to such break. 💫🌟🌟

5. Wrapping gifts (Yes, I'm a weirdo) and giving them. That's what the season is all about, right? Well, kinda.🎀🎀🎀

6. Opening gifts I actually had no idea about or forgot existed completely. 💅🏻

7. Christmas cookies, especially Italian anginetti cookies. They are simply THE best.🍥🍥

8. Christmas parties and getting to reconnect with friends near and far. 🍻🍾🍷🍸☕️

9. Seeing both sides of my awesome family (though we certainly missed heading North this year to see more of them!). 👪

10. A legitimate excuse to help myself to M&Ms, Hershey kisses, and mini PB cups I conveniently scattered throughout the main level of our home in cute dishes. Alas, I finally decided to stop the madness and bring the rest to school with me on Monday.🍫

So long, 2015 Christmas season. You've been good to us all. 💥💥💥

The flight from hell...

I've already learned my first important lesson of the new year. Never post about your child being a good traveler on any form of social media. You will ultimately jinx yourself. 

Tonight, Will barfed twice at the gate while boarding and proceeded to have a hysterical temper tantrum for our entire flight. Good times. Luckily, we both survived. 😩😩😩

In fairness to him, it was a bit of a perfect storm. I had to wake him up early from his afternoon nap to leave for the airport, he hates sitting still, and I'm pretty sure he's getting sick. Joy. 😳😳😳

Bonus lesson: never feed your toddler anything new in any airport, particularly right before boarding. This new cuisine will ultimately be projectile vomited in front of everyone at the gate as you prepare to board. Worst. Moment. Ever. On a side note, yogurt-covered raisins are the food from hell. 😤😤😤

On yet another note, I may want to rethink any future plans of solo flight travel with either of my children the next few years. I may have learned my lesson this time around in a BIG way. 😱😱😱

On a positive note, I couldn't be more grateful to be home with my boys in my own bed, ready to collapse. 🛌🛌🛌

Happy 2016, WW!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

#thistooshallpass #flightfromhell