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.

Friday Favorites!

Happy #fashionfriday!!

Eeenie--meanie--miniee-mo.... morning choices are so tough!!



I dressed up last Sunday for my solo trip to Target/Marshalls. I am digging our Drape Collar necklace as the whole 'choker trend' is till hot!

My new Blush Wesley Sunnies arrived and they are everything!! Coming in Tortoise too, I just adore this fun style.

I had a preschool board meeting so I rocked the Reese Necklace, smokey studs and my first clothing purchase off of Amazon.  Not too bad for $8!!

My go to eye shadow lately Palette #3 from Younique. I grabbed it from my friend Elizabeth a few months ago and for some reason, this is my favorite one to play with lately.

Apparently Venus is in Retrograde so it's all about love, healing the heart, sending compassion and just breathing in lots of pink.  I'll totally do that!  I bought these lovelies the other day at the grocery store.  I love roses.

How gorgeous is my mama friend out in California?!  She is rocking her arc pendant and her engravable.  She is the definition of beach babe!!

I love styling my little Mr's hair!! I am not wearing anything fancy, but if I can make him look *extra* cute, I totally will do it. I can already hear the phones ringing/texting when this one gets into Jr High/High school.  Oh my.

I'm leaving the house for the first time today since our crazy windstorm hit; I'm hoping it's ok to travel and that there is not too much damage.  I continue to pray for those without power and hope that all is restored soon.  What a mess. I'm not sure why March is always such an insane weather month.  It could be 80 degrees or snowing.  Wind or ice. It's absolutely nuts. 

Happy Friday!

Fashion Friday

My good friend Shelby let me in on #redpinkweek this year and we are having so much fun on Instagram sharing our pink and red looks!! Join in on the fun; we'd love to see your style!  We are thinking this may turn into a monthly thing...start thinking green & gold for March!

My typical and favorite mom look is this newer hoodie from Athleta and any and all leggings.  Not to mention, this adorable little Mr. making silly faces behind me!



My nails are still hanging on (gotta love gels) and I opted for my lip LuLaroe leggings along with the Gwen Wrap Ring.  LOVE it!

Thursday was bitter cold, so I cozied up in my oversized poncho sweater and layered it over a light pink long sleeved shirt. The Antonia Tassel has the perfect amount of pink/blush to wear over the grey. Roseberry lips for the win!

My cutie patootie! He was so excited to go ride the 'cars/bikes' at the community center.

I LOVED this little outfit on him; but he spilled juice on it as I put him into the car, it soaked him, so that was the end of that cute look (worn for 15 minutes tops!)

Need some V-Day outfit inspiration?

Dress up some denim with a gold bangle, chandeliers, pink pumps and a covet initial necklace.

Have big plans? Fancy gala? Go with gold and cream!! It elevates your level of glam.

Got a hot date? {we don't go out for the actual evening of V-Day, but this is super cute & fun for any date night!}  Can't go wrong with a little black dress with lace, and rose gold jewelry.  Red nails and lips is always date night perfection.

I'm adoring this simple gold look with our Dalilah Pendant, gold cluster bracelet and trove ring.

Weekend goals...jeans, jacket, sneakers, blue scarf and silver accessories.

This collage makes me smile! Mimosas, shades & brunch---yes please! If only we could wear flip flops.  Currently it's snowing outside my window. 

Have any cream colored scarves or purses in your wardrobe? Pair it with your gold toned jewels and you'll be on trend!!

And can we just stop for a hot second and appreciate this new gem...love the handles & tassels! Oh, LV. You make a girl dream! 

Have a stylish weekend!!! Happy Friday!

Mommy Monday

I love being their mommy!! We had a great week with better weather and more time outside, which means better sleeping babes!  We opened up the sand box and although there are tons of leaves and sticks, they were having a blast.  I love watching them play outside.

I realized I don't have many photos of him on the monitor; I just used to be obsessed when Brooke was little, but now I think I just get so busy trying to get stuff done when he's down, but look how big he is in his bed!

Sunshine meant we were outside playing when we could!  He loves the flowers.

He just wants to run all over them though!

Thursday we went to creative play, bounced around & played at the gym.  After that we had a nice little lunch on the lake with my step mom and she gave me this adorable mug.  I realized I snap chatted most of my days, and I'm not saving them all--so follow me @mrsdellefave on Snap Chat for more!!

Friday was a full day of mulching and I felt bad because the only time I could really help was during the kids' nap time.  Otherwise, I was chasing crazy man bubs and trying to keep him out of the mulch!

I'm really trying to keep Brooke involved with cooking.  She loves it and is getting to be such a good helper!  I love grabbing these Naan flatbreads and letting her make our pizza.  I throw some chicken wings in the oven, and we've got a healthier & tastier (not to mention cheaper!) version of pizza and wings.

I still swoon whenever I see my kids reading.  We need to checkout a secondhand book store, becauase our library needs to grow.  We love visiting our local library, but I still would like some more books for the Summer!! 

And Mother's Day? It was wonderful.  Hubby took care of me all day!  He grabbed us bacon gouda egg sandwiches from Starbucks and my Matcha Latte.  The babysitter helped Brooke make me a few cards and Joe gave me this adorable one.  {he also got me some delicious Ghiradelli Dark & Sea Salt Carmel chocolates--yum!}

I really need some more photos of just me and the kids! I am hoping Nikki can take a few when we are hanging out this week.

I'm excited to have a friend/mommy to talk to all week haha! Brooke is excited to have a little friend too! Whether we hit up the museum of play, some fun parks/playgrounds, or even just lounge in sweats and let the kids play with toys, I'm sure it's going to be so much fun!

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