Weekending...

 Today (well tonight technically haha), I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... 

{FRIDAY}

- Friday night, my husband and I went out to dinner with my parents and my youngest sister Nicole to Not Your Average Joe's. They have really good bread (not as good as Bertucci's bread haha), and amazing pizza. We had such a good time, and Addison slept the ENTIRE time! 

{SATURDAY}

- Saturday, I woke up feeling terrible. My head was pounding,  my nose was stuffed, and my throat hurt. I hate colds. I hate them. I REALLY didn't want Addison to get my cold, so I washed my hands CONSTANTLY-- I was getting a little OCD about it. 

- We planned on visiting my husband's family in the afternoon (it had been a few weeks since they had seen Addison) and we were supposed to leave our house by 1 pm.  However, a mid-morning nap interfered with these plans (all three of us napped-- and we hadn't set an alarm!). While I thoroughly enjoyed our nap, I had to rush to get ready. I quickly tossed my hair into a messy bun, put a little bit of make-up on, and we were out the door by 2:30. Timing fail haha. 

- We had such a great time visiting with my in-laws and my niece and nephew. They LOVE Addison and it was so cute to watch them interact with her. 

- We got home late Saturday night, and because Addison's feedings had been a little off, I stayed up till 12 to feed her. My husband kept me company and we watched a little bit of Saturday Night Live. It was funny-- but definitely not what it used to be. 

{SUNDAY}

- Sunday morning came early, and I heard Addison stirring at 7 AM and I just wanted a little more time to sleep! I had fed her at about 5 AM and we didn't get back to sleep until 6. Jim ended up taking her downstairs so I could sleep until 8 AM-- it was blissful. 

- We went to church, and Addison was pretty good haha. She was still super loud-- when she is eating, playing and even breathing haha. But at least she didn't have a crying spell where I had to take her out of the church this time! 

- When we got back from church, I snagged these cute pics of the little one: 

- I still wasn't feeling quite right, so before we went to my grandparent's house for dinner, I took a little nap. 

- When I woke up, my daughter was smiling and cooing at my husband and it was perfect.  

- We had dinner at my grandparent's, planned a family trip to Quebec, and then relaxed at home. 

Although I wish I hadn't been sick for most of the weekend, it was still a pretty good weekend. I got to spend time with the people I love the most. 

Weekending....First Weekend in February

  I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... 

After a long and tiring weekend,  I am trying to catch up on laundry, lesson planning, insurance calls, scheduling, and oh ya, sleep. I am also trying to get in as many snuggles as I can with my little love. I hope you can all understand :)

With that said, check out the blog later this week for an update on Addison and her cataract surgery. 

For now-- here are a couple pictures of our recuperating little girl. Isn't she just the sweetest? :)

Weekending... Cabin Fever!

 Today, I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... 

We had BEAUTIFUL weather this weekend and we were lucky enough to enjoy it! It looks as though we will survive this winter without being completely snowed in :) I have mixed emotions about it haha.

{FRIDAY}

During the day Friday, I had cabin fever and I was losing it haha. We were instructed by the doctor to try to refrain from bringing Addison to public places. It is really important that she is not sick for her surgery this Friday, so I have been staying inside for the past week and a half with her. I do all of my errands when my husband is home with her, so that I don't have to bring her to places like the grocery store or pharmacy. I absolutely LOVE my time with Addison, but I have a hard time just staying put. My several snapchats to everyone Friday definitely displayed my need to get out! 

Friday afternoon, my husband was able to come home relatively early. He had a networking event in Boston, MA, but was home by about 4 which was such a nice surprise! We had a low key night-- we ate leftover meatloaf and vegetables. The meatloaf was terrible-- I had to force myself to eat it (I feel bad wasting food). 

Aside from the awful dinner, we had a really great night just the three of us. We rented "The Intern"-- wow such a great movie. It was funny, charming, and has a great message. Even my husband liked it haha. 

{via}

{SATURDAY}

Due to my desire to get out and about, my parents offered to babysit Addison while Jim and I went to the movies and got dinner. We decided to see "Star Wars" and it did not disappoint! I also decided to get a beer (something I had been craving), and it was delicious! Well worth the wait :) 

Beer and quesadillas-- I mean does it get any better than that?! 

{SUNDAY}

Sunday we slept in and it felt WONDERFUL! Jim then made us breakfast :) which was also very nice. It was GORGEOUS outside-- about 50 degrees-- so we decided to take advantage of it. Jim really needed new boots, so we headed to the outlets. While Jim looked at shoes, Addison and I walked around the outdoor outlets and just enjoyed the fresh air. It felt AMAZING! I didn't take her out of her carseat, and I kept her safe/protected so that she wouldn't be exposed to anything. But- it was so nice to take her outside! 

Sunday afternoon, we went to my grandparents for dinner. Addison was loved on the whole time, and I just can't believe how lucky I am. Never in a million years could I imagine how good  my life could be. 

And that's pretty much my weekend (aside from trying to sneak a few views of "Grease" while my husband was distracted haha). Quiet, full of family time, and beautiful weather! 

Hope you all had a great weekend too! 

Weekending...

And it's Monday again! Today, I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... 

We had a great weekend-- and I am just enjoying these moments as a family of three. We had an interesting experience at church this weekend... so let's get started! 

{FRIDAY} 

• Friday afternoon, Addison and I went over to visit my maternal grandparents . I am so blessed to have my maternal grandparents around, and I am so glad they have the chance to bond with Addison. When I go back to work in a few short weeks (insert ugly crying), they will be watching her on Fridays and they are so excited! They keep asking me when I go back, and I know it's because they are just so ready to have her during the day. It was so cute to watch them hold her, kiss her, and just love on her. For the three or so hours we were there, they just kept passing her back and forth! Having Addison has definitely made me realize (even more than I had before) how lucky I am to have most of my family close by. I wish my paternal grandparents lived close to us-- but we will just have to plan a visit out to Arizona sometime soon! 
• Friday night, I planned on running a few errands (Ulta Beauty and Buy Buy Baby to be exact) after our visit. Addison was SO good in Ulta Beauty, but as soon as I put her in the car, she started crying hysterically. I scratched going to Buy Buy Baby, and started to head home (which was about 30 minutes away). Well..... she was just not having it. Thankfully my sister Elizabeth's house wasn't that far away from the Mall so Addison and I stopped by so that I could figure out what was wrong. Baby girl was so hungry!!! 
• I quickly fed her and then decided to stop by my sister Nicole's high school basketball game to visit. My mom and most of my sisters were there, and were very happy to see us. Well, mostly happy to see Addison haha. 
• After our visit, we started to make the trek home. And then....the crying started again....poor little one was just not happy Friday. I tried to make it as far as I could, but this new mommy just couldn't stand to hear her baby crying in the back seat. I pulled over twice to try to comfort her---- once I had her settled, I finally drove us home. I know it's normal for her to cry, I just didn't know why she was crying (hungry, gas, diaper change, hurt, etc). When we got home, I fed her again and she was very happy afterwards. My husband thinks she  baby girl is  going through a growth spurt. I agree- but I also think she just loves to be held close and feel that comfort.  
• I also know that Addison is finally starting to have more awake time during the day, so I am wondering if she is overtired as well? She has been sleeping for longer intervals at night, so I am also thinking that maybe she is off because her feeding schedule is different?  Any moms out there have any advice?! 

{SATURDAY}

• Saturday, we all slept in! It was so nice to just relax and not have to worry about going anywhere! 
• After our nice morning, my husband and I got to work cleaning the house! I just love love love a clean house and thankfully so does my husband. While we cleaned, Addison was completely content and entertained swinging in her : Graco Simple Sway LX Baby Swing

• The swing moves horizontally, plays music and sounds including white noise, and has a seat that vibrates. Addison LOVES this thing! The combination of swinging and the vibrating seat is really soothing, and the portability of this device makes it one of our favorites. There are other varieties out there, such as these:

Fisher-Price My Little Snugapuppy Cradle 'n Swing

Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Cradle 'n Swing

Ingenuity Inlighten Swing Lamb

• While Addison was enjoying her time in the swing, her father and I were enjoying our time cleaning and listening to Harry Conick Jr's Pandora station using our new Amazon Echo (I FINALLY got my husband a good Christmas gift!). This thing is amazing! I was skeptical at first, but now I am a fan. Not only does it play music, but it can tell you the weather, locks our doors, and shuts off the lights in our house on command. It is truly amazing haha. 

If you need any gift ideas for the man in your life- seriously look into getting the Echo. It won't disappoint! 

• After our cleaning spree, we decided to do some errands as a family and then go out to dinner just the three of us for the first time! 
• Addison was so good in the restaurant! Learning from my mistake the day before, I made sure she was fed before we went inside.  
• Saturday night, my husband and I continued watching a documentary special on Netflix about the Roosevelts (seriously fascinating stuff)

{SUNDAY}

• After a few weeks of enjoying our time at home and getting into a routine, I decided I wanted to bring Addison to church with us. I was a little nervous-- I didn't quite know how she was going to react-- but I figured as long as I fed her before we left we would be okay! 
• Fortunately, Addison slept for a solid 5 hours the previous night! It was amazing! Unfortunately, I think that screwed up her feeding schedule. Mommy mistake/fail #1-- I did not bring a bottle with me. I am breastfeeding but I also pump for a bottle for my husband to give her and for storage . When Addison became fussy in church, panic ensued haha. We became THOSE people. Obviously I should have brought a bottle with me-- rookie mistake haha. I didn't even think of it-- now I know for next time haha. Embarrassingly, I had to walk past ALL the parishioners with a wailing baby during the second reading. 
• I fed and changed her-- baby girl was much happier after that! I rocked her to sleep and made my way back. 
• Oh but did I mention Addison has really bad gas pains?! As soon as I passed her off to my great aunt to hold, she started crying and straightening her legs. I felt like the whole church was looking at me-- I felt so bad disturbing mass!! Fortunately, Addison LOVES music and quickly settled down. For the rest of the mass she relaxed and slept in my arms. There is always next week-- we will figure it out eventually :) 
• One of the nicest parts about going to church though was seeing all of the members and how excited they were to meet Addison. My church community is so loving and supportive-- I am very lucky. 
• I would have to say, even though it was the ideal first church experience, I am glad we went. My immediate family , my grandmother and great aunt and my cousin Kelly and her family (and new baby Noah) were all there. It was just perfect. Noah was a preemie baby, and was just released from the hospital a week ago. To have Addison and Noah with us at mass was so special-- it was a meaningful mass that's for sure. 
• Sunday afternoon was spent at my grandmother's house. I don't know what I would do without these Sundays. I get to see and spend quality time with my grandparents, aunt and uncle, cousins, sisters, and my parents. They get to enjoy and play with Addison. These are the memories that will last a  lifetime.

Here is a picture of the two cousins, born 12 days apart! 

• Sunday night was spent relaxing and preparing for the week. We all went to bed early (thank goodness!), and got some much needed rest. 

And that, my friends, was my weekend! They certainly look a little different since being on maternity leave, and I am loving it! I can't wait to catch-up and read about what you all did this weekend. 

Thanks for reading :)  

Weekending.. I Can't Believe It's Over!

Happy Monday everyone :) I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... 

And just like that...it's over. I have enjoyed this Christmas season unlike any other thanks to my newborn daughter Addison :). Even before she was born (11.23.15), I was listening to Christmas music and getting into the spirit of the season. This time of year is by far my favorite, and my husband's favorite as well. Sure, I love the Fall with all of its colors and smells, and don't get me wrong, the newness that comes with Spring is undeniable. Oh and Summer- I do love Summer. A break from the hustle and bustle of the school year is definitely welcomed. But nothing compares with the holiday season. It just makes me happy. I am having a hard time letting go of all of the decorations this year-- we have had most of them up since before Thanksgiving (I wanted to make sure our house was ready for Christmas whenever "baby" came haha). But--  our tree is shedding something fierce so I think this week we will be putting it all away. 

This year was extra special because of this girl: 

Words cannot describe how much of a blessing it was to have Addison with us this year for Christmas. Having a child definitely changes you-- and I wasn't prepared AT ALL for all of the love I could feel for my daughter. It is overwhelming-- my heart bursts everyday when I see her face. Honestly-- I didn't need any gifts this year. She was seriously the best gift I could ever hope for. I cannot even imagine what my life was like before having her-- it just seems so incomplete.  

Christmas Eve was spent with my husband's family, and Christmas Day was spent with my family and it couldn't have been more perfect. Good food, great company, and good times! 

Saturday was spent doing errands (yes we braved the crowds haha), and it was so nice to go out as a family of three :) Addison was amazing--she is such a laid back and easy-going baby (for the most part haha). Saturday night, all three of us cuddled and watched movies :)

Sunday was spent sleeping in (much needed), and the afternoon was spent at my grandparents house. We watched the Patriots lose (boo) and enjoyed the company of my parents, sisters, aunt and uncle, cousins, and grandparents. I can't complain-- we got in a lot of family time this holiday weekend and I couldn't ask for anything more. 

I hope your holiday and weekend was enjoyable AND relaxing. 

Savor the last week of 2015! Bring on the New Year! 

Weekending.. Christmas Week Edition!

Happy Monday everyone :) I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... 

Mondays definitely different for me now that I am on Maternity Leave haha. I don't feel any less busy-- but I am so enjoying the time with my daughter, Addison.Before getting pregnant I never really thought about Maternity Leave or what FMLA actually entailed. Since my pregnancy and having Addison-- I definitely have a new appreciation for all those moms who have to go back to work exponentially early. I am off until the first week of March and I am already dreading it. It really is a shame that moms (and dads for that matter) don't get as much time off as they should--paid time off that is. I feel so blessed that I am able to take off as much time as I am. 

 Thankfully Jim is only working Monday and Tuesday this week so he will be able to join us in the Christmas fun :) We still have a few gifts to purchase (no I am not one of those people that gets it all done months in advance-- I wish!), but I am excited to be out and about with my little family. 

While I am so excited that Christmas is this week, it feels bittersweet. It is almost over :( I love this season- my husband loves this season. There is just something about the holidays that the rest of the year can't compete with. I also will admit that the past few years hasn't truly felt 100% like Christmas up here and that's because of the lack of snow! There really isn't anything like a white Christmas. Ah-- oh well. I guess we will just have to venture up to the White Mountains (hint, hint). 

Onto what we did this weekend.....

{SATURDAY} 

- Saturday (after sleeping in of course) we ventured to Jim's aunt's house for their annual extended family Christmas Party. Good food, good company-- it was just perfect! Addison definitely stole the show-- she was loved on by just about everyone! 

- I made Monkey Bread for everyone and it was a hit (per usual haha). There are so many recipes and variations out there-- I made the classic bread which you can find here. 

{via}

- I loved seeing Jim's parents interact with Addison-- the love they have for her already is so beautiful! 

- After the party, we headed home, relaxed and watched movies. Perfect ending to a great day. 

{SUNDAY} 

- On Sunday, my cousin Kelly took newborn pictures of Addison! 

- Kelly is an amazing person- she just had her baby two weeks ago via C-section, she had been in the hospital for over 9 weeks due to some complications, and was a trooper through the whole process. Her baby, Noah, is still in the NICU but he  doing amazingly well! I am so glad and honored that Kelly was able to take Addison's pictures. I can't imagine anyone else capturing these memories for us. 

Here are some sneak peak images (courtesy of my husband my aunt who captured some of the magic!) 

I mean..I can't even haha. I know I am biased-- but she is so adorably perfect.  I can't wait to see what Kelly has captured-- I know it will be amazing. 

If you are in the NH/Massachusetts area, feel free to check out her website: Kelly and Kristina Photography. 

- After Addison's photoshoot, we went to my grandparent's house for dinner and to make our family's famous peanut butter balls. I don't have a copy of the recipe- but I will see if I  can snag it from my grandmother :). 

- Sunday night after we got home, we ended up watching my absolutely favorite movie ever: The Sound of Music. Although-- my husband and I were both a little confused. We weren't sure when this movie became a Christmas movie? There is literally 0 Christmas scenes in this film! Oh well-- any excuse to watch it is fine by me :) 

I hope you all had a great weekend-- enjoy the last week of Christmas! 

Weekending...Beginning of November Edition!

Happy Monday everyone :) I am linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending... 

Well it has been a busy weekend! I feel as though all of our weekends will be busy until the baby comes. I KNOW our weekends will be even more busy after the baby comes haha but we will be busy for a very good reason haha. I am also trying to keep up with normal planning for school and starting to plan for my maternity leave so insert stress emoji. Enough of my complaining-- onto the the weekend re-cap! 

{FRIDAY}

Friday afternoon all I wanted to do was de-stress. What better way to do that than to visit the outlets and buy baby clothes? What was even better? Both stores I went into were having major sales! How perfect was that?! 

Here are a few items that I just "had" to get! I refrained from buying anything Christmas because we don't know if we are having a boy or a girl. You can bet that once the baby is born, I will be purchasing a Christmas outfit! 

via // via  //  via // via // via // via 

{Saturday} 

Saturday was spent doing normal chores/errands and a LOT of grading! 

Saturday night, I passed out candy to the adorable trick or treaters in our neighborhood, and we had my sister Nicole over for dinner and a movie. We watched "Inside Out" which is such a cute movie! If you haven't seen it-- you must! 

{Sunday} 

Most of Sunday was spent at a cheerleading competition for my sister Nicole (and my sister Elizabeth is one of the head coaches). Their team did amazing and came in third out of eleven teams! 

Sunday afternoon was spent at my grandmothers house just relaxing, watching football, and getting to spend time with my family. By Sunday night, I was exhausted and went to bed early to get ready for another week! 

On the docket this week: working on my maternity leave plans, finalizing my grades, and hopefully writing my Thank You cards for my bridal shower. 

Another busy week ahead....Have a great day everyone! 

Friday Favorites/ 5 on Friday and Weekending......a SUPER POST!

Today, I am linking up with Momfessionals, A Little Bit of Everything, and Grace and Love for Friday Favorites, but also A. Liz Adventures, Carolina Charm, Hello! Happiness, and The Good Life for 5 on Friday 

AND....

I am also linking up with B Loved Boston and Champagne and Suburbs for Weekending...  

The past week has been so hectic and busy-- both personally and professionally. I also feel as though I am starting to understand why people talk about the third trimester in a certain way ;) haha. One reason for why I am feeling EXTREMELY stressed and overwhelmed is that my school is being observed by a NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) committee. This group is made up of fellow educators from all different New England states who observe a school and provide recommendations and praises toward that school. Essentially the final result of the visit is the accreditation piece which comes from the office of NEASC.  This New England accreditation is a volunteer accreditation, but most schools in New England opt to obtain it. My school has been working on preparing for this visit for two years, and the committee visits us for four days to evaluate what aspects of education we do well and what aspects of education we need to work on. Everyone at my school has been tense and nervous for these meetings. Our classes are being observed, we have engaged in interviews with the committee members on multiple occasions. And we still have two days left! 
I have also been a little on edge and stressed lately since I still don't know who will be replacing me during my maternity leave. I want to make sure that whoever takes over for me is comfortable, prepared, and ready to go! I have about 5 1/2 weeks left to go until the baby comes, and in case I go early I want to be prepared. I don't want my students to be left without set plans either. They have worked so hard this semester, and deserve a schedule. 
I am also stressed/worried/nervous because I feel totally unprepared. The nursery isn't ready, our kitchen isn't ready, our car seats aren't installed, our rock-in-play and pack-in-play aren't ready, and more importantly I'm not ready! I am scared. I have been emotional and crying non-stop lately--gahh pregnancy hormones. Thankfully my husband and I are taking a newborn class in two weeks and I'm hoping that I will feel better after that haha. 
Sorry to vent on here-- but that is what has been on my mind lately! 

Friday night my husband, my sisters Elizabeth and Nicole, my mom,  my dad, and I went out to celebrate my dad's birthday at an Italian restaurant. The bread was fantastic-- warm, thick, great flavor. We also got amazing mozzarella sticks as an appetizer-- I shouldn't eat so much food before my meal! By the time our entrees   were ready, I was a little full haha. The only good thing about being full-- leftovers haha. 

Saturday morning, I attended my sister Nicole's cheerleading competition (Elizabeth coaches them), and they did so well! I was really impressed with their routine and showmanship! After the competition, I stopped by the apple picking station one last time for the season :(. I will be making the last apple crisp of the season this week :(. I can't believe it is almost November-- and then we will be talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas! 
Saturday afternoon-- it was all about the laundry. I had so manyyyy loads to do! And yes I know that I will have so much more laundry when the baby comes haha-- I have already been warned. Saturday afternoon, I spent the greater part of the day grading essays. Thankfully, while I was grading, I was also re-watching "The Office!" 
Sunday was spent cleaning and finishing up some grading before I had to report at school. Teachers and staff had to be at school between 1-5 pm for the NEASC committee meeting. Afterwards, I came home, had dinner, continued to grade (see a theme here) and went to bed early. I needed to rest since it had been a pretty long, stressful weekend. I was so ready for Monday to come! 

Now.... onto my favorites...

{FAVORITE ONE}

We FINALLY received our wedding video a few weeks ago (10 months after the fact- but I digress) haha. I have been watching it non-stop (I blame the pregnancy), but it is such a nice reminder of the perfect day we had :)
You can watch it here! 

{FAVORITE TWO}

I am LOVING these cute holiday baby items:

  

via // via // via // via 

{FAVORITE THREE}

I am also loving these baby items from Etsy:

via

via

via

{FAVORITE FOUR}
I am also loving pendant necklaces! These are my favorite right now:

 

 

via // via // via

{FAVORITE FIVE}

The fact that it has been cooler this week! I love Fall weather, and it FINALLY feels and smells like fall haha. 

I hope you all had a great end of the week, and beginning of the week!