Play Hard // Laugh Harder

 SERIOUS BABY + SILLY MAMA

So I thought the family motto this weekend would be work hard/ play hard, but somehow it morphed into play hard/ laugh harder. Ah, well. Good times were definitely had by all completely balancing out the fact that very little productive work (like painting the bathroom) was accomplished.

Friday we read books, enjoyed some living room dance parties, and tried to keep ourselves happily occupied indoors. It was a much needed calm day. After Ez went to bed I fought the urge to busy myself around the house, instead I prepared a relaxing set up in our bedroom (candles, heating pad for my back, soft lighting, and a glass of wine), and read. These little mini-dates with myself are small little bits of self love that feed my soul. After a week of toddler chasing and funkitude some quiet and a good book was so very perfect. When the hubby got home we cuddled up in the fortress of relaxation I had created and watched some West Wing (which at this pace will probably take us 10 years to get through all 7 seasons).

Although we had planned on lots of cuddly family time on Saturday I think we were all feeling the need to stretch our legs and get out of house, so family thrifting filled our morning. As usual Ezra made out like a bandit with many new books and a crazy adorable fresh summer outfit. After Ez's afternoon nap he and I hit up The Lucky Tiger for their First Saturdays event. Nothing makes my heart sing like some live music, good friends, and a chili cook off! With a single veggie chili in the mix the little guy and I were able to fill our bellies and vote in the contest. Ezra had a blast dancing and running through the store grabbing everything in site which made for a hilarious (and cardio filled) afternoon. When we arrived home I was feeling high on good (and brief with all the previously mentioned running) conversation. Wanting to continue those conversations, but maybe while actually sitting down this time we enlisted our number one, amazing sitter at the last minute. Spontaneity is a bit of a rarity these days, so this was an especially nice little treat for us. Kellen and I headed out after dinner and met up with some lovely friends before heading to see local favorites, The Souveneers play at one of our favorite spots. It felt good to be surrounded by so many amazingly talented friends and to kick our heels up and dance the night away.

 ENJOYING THE DAY'S FESTIVITIES // PHOTOS BY DOMINIQUE QUIJAS

THE LUCKY TIGER CREW + FRIENDS // PHOTO BY BROOKE KUYKENDALL

Sunday we rested. All that unexpected heel kicking had taken it out of us and a total comfort day was in order. Peanut butter pancakes, homemade banana soft serve, Hugo, and lots of snuggling were top priority.

It wasn't the quiet weekend I expected, but it was sweet and pure and a hell of a lot of fun (and who can ask for more?).

Now today...today was the first day of pantless potty training and wowzers if that hasn't been interesting. Poop in the windowsill. POOP IN THE WINDOWSILL, PEOPLE. Every blanket we own is currently in the washer from the mess that was today and I am so ready to just crash out and not worry whether someone is peeing on their books. I know the first day is notoriously difficult, but anyone who has used this method and would like to share some tips they would be much appreciated. Here's hoping tomorrow we'll hit the potty a bit more!

Hope you all had a great weekend as well!

Namaste.

Tara

Hey Weekend! Where'd You Come From?

This week has flown, like crazy fast. I have begun working again (very part time) at a local tea house. It's a pretty seasonal thing, picking up around April and ending typically some time in October. People love to sit outside an adorable Victorian home, eating scones, and drinking gourmet tea. I totally get it. For the most part it is a really lovely work environment (the owner is a bit much, but often times I can deal), pays well, and I am able to work when it is convenient for my family. I definitely can't complain.

This weekend will be pretty jam-packed for this little family, but in the best way possible. Tonight a good friend of mine is coming by after my little guy (and my big guy) hit the hay. Wine, snacks, and conversation on the rooftop is the plan and I'm so looking forward to it. I absolutely adore this lady and we rarely get to see one another with our work/mama/wife/etc... schedules, so I'm very excited to have this time with her.

Saturday is a good friend's wedding and reception. Lucky for us they are having both in our building, making the whole thing pretty amazingly convenient. My dad will be coming over to watch the little guy after his bedtime so that we are able to enjoy the reception to its fullest. (And hey, we can just walk upstairs when we're done. Another glass of wine, well don't mind if I do...) Thanks, dad. You're the best (as always). 

Sunday we rest, snuggle, and lounge (in that order).

This weekend is looking to be pretty darn awesome and I'm very ready for lots of time with good friends and the fam.

What's everybody up to this weekend? Plans? Staying in?

The First 48 Hours

Remember than mini vaca I mentioned? Well after lots of last minute planning and too much yelling at Expedia, it finally happened. My moms and I had a weekend getaway to Dallas, TX. We were trying for something a little more beachy a little less, well, a little less Texas, but Dallas had great last minute deals, nonstop flights, and some fun attractions... so Dallas it was. 

Without sharing too much, my ma is going through some pretty rough stuff right now and really needed some time away. There seems to be a tradition forming that when stuff hits the fan for one of us we pack out suitcases and get the hell out of Dodge together (at least for a few days).

Obviously picking up and traveling across the country isn't as easy as it was sans baby, but I found a way to make it work and I'm really happy that I did. Once I decided to really try to make it happen everything just seemed to fall into place (thank you, Universe). Kellen's mom was able to come up and help with the little guy and the financial concerns were worked out (thank you, mom). It was an opportunity that I really couldn't turn down and so I didn't.

I haven't been away from Ezra for any significant amount time before so of course I was just as nervous as nervous could be about the whole thing. Obviously I knew that he would be well taken care of and happy with his dad and Gram, but oh, to be gone from him for that long... What would I do with myself? Would he be okay? Would I?

In total I was gone for almost exactly 48 hours. On the plane ride back there was a little baby (probably very close in age to Ezra) napping in front of me. His little bare feet were sticking out into the aisle and looking at them I starting crying a little bit. I missed my baby. I missed my husband. 48 hours was long enough and I was very ready to be home.

I had a great time in Dallas. Yeah, it was spread out, the highway system was insane, and I think there must be some kind of state mandate prohibiting vegetarian options at restaurants, but it was still a really fun trip. It was a breather. It was sleeping in (until 7:30 AM, ha) and having a moment to myself. It was exactly what I needed.

And the best part....

coming home to this. 

This Weekend

Lots of crawling (and Jon Stewart)

Lots of playing

Spring, we love you so much. Will you marry us? 

 

A perfect end to a long day.

Friday= Lovely early Spring day. Awesome weather. Fun at the park. Outdoor bbq after the babe fell asleep. 

Saturday= Kellen gets the stomach flu. All of Ezra top incisors start popping through. Playing nurse to my poor miserable boys. And after they're both tucked in and dreaming, attending a seriously wonderful bachelorette party.

Sunday= Group recoup. 

What about you? How was your weekend?