Being a Mom to Littles

It hit me last night, like a ton of bricks.  As I lay in bed, thinking about the day's activities and such, my mind began to wander.  I started to brainstorm ideas for my Christmas gifts; ones that would be fun to play with the kids like a silly board game.  I thought how Bradley is getting old enough to listen and possibly take direction.  I weighed the logistics of how often we'd play the game during the week, since Brooke is in school 3 days a week---and my mind went there.

It went to September 2018, where our little girl will be getting on a school bus and riding off to Kindergarten.  It seemed so far off up until this moment in my mind and I burst into tears.

Babies don't keep, this I know.

My littlest just transitioned from his crib to a toddler bed.  {Joe removed the big rail and replaced it with the small.} In an instant, it feels like my days of being a mom to littles is nearing an end.

I know I still have two full years of Bradley in preschool and the rest of this year, but wow---what a shot to the heart!  In the trenches, I always say, sometimes it is super hard.  The days where Joe works long hours and I felt like I never talked to anyone other than baby babble?  Gone.

I have two blonde cuties who can both talk my ears right off any given day!

I have an almost 5 year old who dresses herself.

Brushes her teeth.

Helps with chores.

Buckles herself up in the car.

Helps herself to water if she's thirsty.



But as much as I get choked up at thinking of how all the "babyness" is gone from my house, my heart lights up as I began talking about Christmas cookies and all the cut-outs we wanted to make.  And in those moments I saw her eyes light up so big, and I realize that this too is a gift, this time of innocence, curiosity and wonder.

I suppose this is all normal, just the typical feeling mommas get as their babies grow into toddlers, into preschoolers, and into kids.

I'm savoring each sweet step and just wishing I could bottle the feelings and emotions right up!  In a sense however, I feel as if I already do.

This time of year I reflect on when I was pregnant, preparing for my January babies.  All it takes is a scent, or a sight and I am taken right back to when it was all so new and strange.

That's the thing about memories, they can creep right up when you least expect them.  They can bring tears of joy or a twinge of sadness.

Did I spend enough time loving on them? Teaching them? Holding them? Kissing their little heads? Letting them "help" me, even when I know it will be a bigger mess?


I vow to myself to soak up every last moment of these days with Brooke until we set her free in the land of full day school.  I know she'll thrive and flourish.  She's so eager to learn, to play, to become more.



But for now, I'll let her play and cuddle and be that little skunk or cat that she wishes to be.

Motherhood is such a beautifully strange journey and sometimes there are no words to truly describe how I feel.  I just know that I love these two little souls that the love of my life and I created, more than anything in the world.  Although it is not easy at times, it certainly deserves my time and attention.

They won't be little for long, and I already miss it.  I know that I will miss this stage too.

Mommy Monday {on a Tuesday!}

Whoa nelly!! September has come in like a hurricane.  I'm trying to juggle my many hats over here chez Delle Fave, and although I'm triple booking myself here and there (whoops!) I am having so much fun with all of the "new" that's happening in our lives.

I hired a sitter to come and watch the kids so I could go to a yoga class Monday night.  I have been telling myself for years I would go to one. Still hasn't happened yet! LOL

I also made plans with my good friend Alison to meet up at a pumpkin patch.

I then had Keep Collective Social online at 8pm.

Needless to say, I cancelled everything but the social and was glad to just be home and be mommy.  I had been away a lot of the weekend and honestly?  As much as I love getting out here and there, it was a little TOO much time away! It makes me very grateful that I can stay home with my babes.

Our rental properties are all running fairly smoothly, and all of the school taxes came in so I'm a little busy with that.

I also have had quite a few Trunk Shows & Socials, so that's keeping me going.

Today I just received my first "craft" for the preschool to start cutting out.  LOL I may be a little nutty, but I am actually really enjoying all of this "stuff" that's keeping me busy.

I had to share some of our fun moments, so I can look back and remember this crazy time!  I busted out the big girl camera to practice some shots before the first day of school.

Cheese~

This one is just getting SO big.

I swear he looks like neither of us at times...but he's so darn cute!!

And miss b?  Oh my.  Her faces say it all.  She was SO excited to go to school.

New kicks, owl shirt, skort and backpack.  She's the real deal!

Of course bubs wanted some attention too.

 She's such a little goof.

We made a healthy zucchini bread {recipe here} snuggled on the couch watching some good old fashioned Road Runner cartoons, took a nice evening walk and had a nice day.

Since I wasn't getting to Yoga, I at least juiced a bunch of goodness.

Kale. Apple. Lemon. Ginger. Parsley.



On a random note, I jammed my finger...really freaking hurts!! Do you know how much you use your middle finger? A lot.  It's a little bruised and swollen and I probably should try to not use it...

This morning (Tuesday) was our first run to the grocery store without Brookie.

Her first "full" preschool day.  She just stays for 2 hours, and was NOT happy that I picked her up.  She was hoping for Daddy!  It was quite the sight trying to drag both kids crying out of there, (Bradley wanted to stay and play with toys.)

I know it's all new and we'll get into the swing of things...I'm confident!

It always works out the way it is supposed to, doesn't it?

Thursday I go in for a "Helper Day" and bring the snacks! I am excited to see what her time there is like.  Thursday night I was lucky enough to grab the sitter I cancelled on, so Joe and I can sneak out for a little one-on-one date night.

Last night we had fun watching half of the niners game--it's been awhile since we have actually high-fived each other over a play or two!  Maybe this season will be good boys?  As for the whole Kaepernick ordeal--whatever.  I don't have much to say other than I think he's being an idiot.  He's not even actually playing so....yeah. There's that!!

Hope your Tuesday is as beautiful as ours!!

It's grilled pork chops tonight too---loving this warm weather.

Tuesday Tidbits

Happy Tuesday all!!

Have I mentioned how much I love the freaking sunshine?? Seriously, if you live in a place where it's 90% sunny, you are lucky!! Here in NY we will go days and days, no joke, without seeing the sun.  It's been popping its pretty little head out a lot more these days and I am so thankful.  Sure, it's still 25 degrees and freezing, but the sun makes me so happy!  So do white roses, so I bought myself some.

It could also be that I have worked out three days in a row! Woop woop!  I know some people may be like, oh wow 3 days, no big deal...but to me?   It's a big deal.  And I do believe there is a direct correlation with my mood and me working out.  The floors have a few crumbs, the laundry needs to be done, but I feel awesome and had such a fun day with my kids yesterday.

Showers are getting interesting, as he is all over the place! I let her use her "Ipeg" she calls it, and he usually empties my maxi pads, throws them all over, tries to dump something in the toilet and bangs on the shower door until I'm finished.  But this picture? Priceless.

I decided to take them to the Museum of Play since they love it there and we have the pass.




The hot wheels exhibit is all the rage...



He is obsessed with the dog's water at home, but since there was nothing in this one, he wasn't too  impressed with this one.



Brookie loved this Barbie house.  I felt bad because she would've stayed longer, but someone was on the move, so we had to wrap it up after awhile.



I'm really impressed with my ability to 'bob and weave' and Joe puts it.  I like to plan everything out in my head and be as organized as I can, but I have learned to make the most of everything.  Before he left for work yesterday morning he said, "If the kids are up for it, stop by after the museum."  Sounds totally innocent, but as a momma, you know exactly how long kiddos can go until they crash, how much food they'll need and when they'll need to eat!  So I packed up some lunch for all of us (including the butt of the bread pb & j for Joe--haha) and dairy free stuff for Bradley, reflux friendly for me, and toddler food for Brooke.

She likes to pretend she "goes to school" with the containers, especially the apple & peanut butter one. ;)

My guys!! How cute are they?

I couldn't tell if it was teeth or if baby boy was getting an ear infection.  He's all sorts of miserable, pulling at his ears, falling over when he walks, crying, and running a small fever.  He was up a lot last night and I wasn't going to take any risks so we went to the Dr this morning.


She said, and I quote, "It's just his teeth.  Good luck momma."  Which I get, I am happy it's not his ears, but man I feel terrible for the little dude!! Lots of extra snuggles and hugs...

So he fell asleep in the car as soon as we left, so Brooke and I drove around the lake and then went to grocery shopping and woke him up a little later.  He was actually in a better mood.

He still doesn't have much of an appetite and threw most of his lunch on the floor.  Man I miss Sadie lady!!

Which is why I'm dreaming of our new kitchen and how grateful I will be that the kids will not be in this messy baby stage!!

I made a random purchase at the grocery store---have you tried this before?  There was a $2 coupon and so it was $8.  I'm eager to see how well it works?!  I love a good mani, but I am lacking in the time department!!

That is all for today, my friends.  Stay beautiful!! xox

Mommy Monday: Happy Birthday Brooke

I know almost every mother feels this way, but I am still not sure how it was 3 years ago today you came into this world.  Now we're taking you to dance lessons & talking about which pre-school you'll attend.



You are the sweetest and most thoughtful little girl I have ever known.  Before we go anywhere to meet up with friends, you make sure to bring enough stuffed animals for each of them.  If someone is sad, you run to him and tell him "it's okay," and softly touch a shoulder.

You're also full of spunk and spice and everything in between.  I've learned to let you come into things on your own, as you always do on your own time.  Sometimes I cannot believe how much you know and how capable you are at so many things. I have no doubt you will hold your own in this world baby girl, and you will be amazing.



Your second language is currently "Dog" and your barking actually sounds quite real.  Daddy and I know that one day you won't be leaving your toys all over the floors and barking at your brother.  You won't want to "snug" on the couch, or blow kisses to us each night.


Although I feel as though you're 3 going on 6, I still try to slow time down.  To stop and eat the pretend cupcakes.  To allow the messy playdough to pile under your chair as you rip it into a million pieces.  To let you help me unload the dishwasher or fold the clothes.

To enjoy the moments each day.


Happy Birthday Brooke Lynn.

From the day we found out we were having you, we have loved you more than you will ever know.

Out with the Old, in with the NEW!

Brooke turned 2.

We had a baby boy.

I struggled with nursing and switched to formula.

First family of 4 holiday. 

Celebrated being a momma of 2

We enjoyed Summer.

We took a family vacation to ADK.

Hubby & I loaded up on Date Nights

We bought 20 acres of land 

A Dragon & Anna

I launched my new biz


Just a few of our highlights!!  Ups & downs.  Successes and mistakes.  Tears & smiles.  I wouldn't change any of it, as it is leading us into a brand new chapter of us.


I am so ready for this New Year----to the point where my head is almost spinning!  I have so many thoughts about last year and in typical fashion, I am trying my very hardest to focus on the good.  2015 taught me a lot, which is great.  You're never supposed to stop learning.  I've also taken a few steps in better directions regarding balance, and I want to continue to do that.  I have so much to be grateful for, and one thing I am going to work really hard at this New Year is to wake up and focus on 3 things I am thankful for.  I will record them in my journal as well.

I believe everything happens for a reason, and I keep hearing that idea of "gratitude" being thrown my way, so I best start opening these old ears, tinnitus and all, and listen.  My thoughts are if I really focus on what we have, all the beautiful abundant gifts right in front of me I will be--

-happier
-healthier
-richer
-smarter
-funnier
-prettier
-calmer
-better

Need more inspiration for being grateful?  Check this out...Gratitude

I am going to really work with what I have and use it all to my full potential.  Sometimes I get all wrapped up in reading articles, dreaming about what is the next best thing, and really?  I should just take a step back and breathe.  Breathe in the moments with the babies.  Breathe in the mess.  Breathe in the current state of my being.  Breathe in my almost 8 years with my husband.   Just breathe!!

Here's to a beautifully epic New Year!! 

Ending September with a case of the Sickies!

Hey there, is this thing on?!  Wowie it has been a little hectic around these parts.  Babes have come down with their first cold of the season, and first one ever for bubs.  Nothing major, but enough for mama to stress over.  Plus, I think I have it too, I'm just fighting it off like a boss.  Or trying to, but the constant wakes in the middle of the night are taking a toll on me, so I need to get back into things.  I realized that I have now been blogging for 4 years.  I started this little old site back in 2011, when life was like…super…super….simple.  Of course my old self thought I was really busy and had tons going on, but reality?  It was me. Joe. 2 dogs. And I was a housewife.  What the heck?!  I think about that time often and and so grateful we were able to have it.  As much as I longed to be a mommy, I am so thankful we had some precious time just us two.

{first post evaaaaaa:  here}

I must say, I've done a lot of growing up.   A lot because, well, mostly it's just me.  And Joe.  He's always with me, but usually at work.  But any time I need him, I know he's got my back.  I have a few good friends I can rely on, and of course there are parents.  

But I think you get to a point in life where you realize that no one is really ever going to be what you want them to be.  I could sit and whine, cry, and write about how I really feel about things, or I can just pick myself up and realize that this is my life and all I can do is focus on the good.  It could always be worse.

That said, here's some lightheartedness to share off my mind…

Meet my new bff.  Orange OTG.  OMG. Haha it's really so good! I like all the flavors, but my fave is the orange and it's out of stock. SAD FACE.  I never like the G stuff with tons of sugar you can buy at any old store, but this stuff?? Heaven in a to go container.  Love love love.

Fall at the Farmer's market.  We were able to buy this with ONE $20 bill y'all.  Yes, purple cauliflower! It didn't taste any different than the reg, but man wouldn't that make a puurdy little smashed cauli recipe? I just roasted mine in the oven, but it was good!  And on top of being sick, Brooke had this habit of scratching her nose with her finger as she sucked her thumb.  Finally I got smart and stock socks on her hands like I did when she was a baby.  I think it has improved since this photo…

Friday the new iPhones arrived at our house!! I was ridiculously excited and probably wayyyyy too into the fact that I was getting a new phone. .  . only to find out somehow instead of rose gold, a gold was ordered and so that is what showed up at my house.  Hubby had his brand new silver/grey and I was all like….wahhhhhh.  I couldn't figure out if I was more upset about not getting my phone, or if I was more mad at myself for being that upset.  Either way, I now have to wait until NOVEMBER for my phone to ship.  The #strugglewasreal and I could have just kept the gold, but I reeeeeeeeally like the pink (rose gold) so patience is a virtue or something like that.  I just keep telling myself it's just a stupid phone….but no really, I almost cried. I'm awful!

This little peanut was the worst on Saturday.  I have never seen him so sick.  He just wanted to sleep and cuddle.

Sunday we had a lovely Fall day, but still had the sickies, so we spent some time outside while Joe grilled dinner.

He was still pretty clingy Sunday, but he seemed a bit better.

Monday was a long, long day and Brooke was really feeling awful.  We did a lot of TV time and snuggles.  She seems much better today (Tuesday) but I'm still trying to keep her low key.

Both kids are down napping, right now…Bradley just coughed and woke himself up so I hope he goes back to sleep.  I just wanted to write a little bit, so I can look back and see how we ended the month of September back in 2015…

I've been putting myself on the back burner (again) because that is what we do as mommies.  But I need to do something to make myself feel good, so I am going to get a quick workout in.

A nice hot shower.

Put some real clothes on and some makeup!

I still feel congested and post nasal is driving me crazy, but I think if I sweat some toxins out, it may help?!

We have a fun October ahead, so I hope we all get healthy and well soon.

xox