Diaper Bags (Part 1)

{Written while hearing my mother's voice in my head say "No shoes on the bed!"} I feel like preparing for a new baby is a monumental task with so many moving parts, but in reality, newborns really don't need much. Especially for the first few months, but that knowledge hasn't stopped me from scurrying around to get it all done! I have all of the nursery bedding, drapery and furniture and some wall decor but I am trying to get the wall coverings done (more on that in a later post). I am 32 weeks and I want to get my bags packed (and his bags packed) so that we are ready for the big day! That got me thinking about diaper bags.... for my daughter, I used this Gucci bag and it worked out well. I could use the same bag for this baby because it held up nicely, but I am looking for a new one.  I am thinking that I might want a backpack this go around so that I am hands free (although I like the cross body option just as much). I also love to use little internal bags for feeding, diapering, clothing and maybe one for toys. It keeps everything in place and it makes it so much easier to find everything in the diaper bag when things aren't just all jumbled up together. That's why these and these seem like a great option. I also can't help but want to be somewhat stylish and fashionable. It depends on where we are going as to whether I will take my purse as well (or just stick my wallet and some lip gloss in the diaper bag) and this is a great option (plus,  it can be monogrammed!! ) These are just a few of the options I am looking at. I am going to do another post with whatever bag I actually end up buying and my packing list for the hospital! Hope your Saturday has been terrific dearest reader!! Sweetly, Michelle

Florals and (home) Furnishings

{written while watching the NBA semi finals}  Well here I sit, on the eve of a three day weekend and is there anything to fill a tummy with more excitement? I can't wait to be outside in the sunshine and sand with my family.    I hope you are all spending yours in the same beautiful way!

I am in the final stretch of this pregnancy!  It has both flown by and seemed to last forever.  I am in that weird nesting mode.  I don't know why I do this to myself, but I am simultaneously decorating the nursery (current status: furniture, drapery and bedding delivered; wallpaper search underway), the master bedroom (current status: new bed is here; searching for new bedding and wall coverings) and office (current status: turning it into a closet/office) Phew! All of this is keeping me busy and making me a smidge crazy but I love it.  I like to have a lot of plates spinning at once and I also know that I will be way more home bound once this baby boy arrives so I need to tackle it now!  I will do room reveals as they are completed!! 

This pregnancy is also making me so sleepy! Like, I am able to nap at the drop off a hat!! Last night, I got my daughter into her bed and walked into my bedroom, fully clothed at 8:40 and zip!! I was asleep in 5 minutes.   And I am finding it harder and harder to get office styled.   Dresses are still comfy for me though and this one is great.  It's structured and the print is really nice (um, maternity clothes in general-- especially those for the office-- are not often my style).  This is from Asos and it is working out wonderfully!  I can wear it to the office or to a deposition with a cardigan thrown over my shoulders and it does the trick. Outfits for Court are still a challenge but we will leave that for another post!  Enjoy your weekend beautiful readers-- Sweetly, Michelle

dress here ||  sunnies here||

What Motherhood Means to Me (Part 2)

{Written after reading When Breath Becomes Air... Sooo good} Hello dearest reader! This is the second in my little motherhood series and here, my mom answers some of my questions.  It was amazing to me that when I became a mother, I became part of a club whose members (mommies) had so much wisdom and insight.  I find myself asking for advice or input from other moms all the time- not only do I think it is healthy to admit that you don't know all of the answers (hint: no one does!), but it's wonderful to share experiences and tips with others who are going through the same things.   It is an incredible lifelong group that I am so proud to be included in.  

There is no question that everything I know about being a mother, I learned from my mom. She is the most positive, selfless, supportive, loving, sweet person ever.   I tell everyone that any success I've ever had in my life is because my mom made sure that we knew there was a net under us at all times.  That net was the unconditional love she (and my dad) had for me.  It's very easy to chase your dreams in life when you know that no matter what you do,  whether you succeed or fail, your family is 100% behind you. Unquestionably, and without judgment-- just support and love.  It is so important to me that my children will know this – – that no matter what they do, what decisions they make, wherever their hearts might take them, I will be right there, cheering them on, raising them up, and covering them with love.    

In honor of Mother's Day, I sat down with my mom (over a chocolate chip cookie and a cup of ☕️) and asked her some questions about motherhood.

GDSL: What do you think is the very best thing about being a mother (besides, obviously, having me for a daughter, ha ha)?

The very best thing about being a mother is the love you feel. Having your heart grow with so much love and loving someone in a way you could never imagine before becoming a mother.

GDSL: Isn't that the most unexpected thing? This little being comes out and within a second, you would lay down your life and do anything...ANYTHING... for this child.   What do you think is the most important thing a mother can give a child?

In my opinion, the most important things to give a child would be unconditional love, strong values, and a great family foundation. As a mom, I knew that if I instilled values in my children and created an unbreakable family unit, they would go out in the world as confident, good, loving human beings.  And I am proud that they did. 

GDSL:  Aww!  That is so sweet.   I feel like I learn from my child everyday....What did you learn about yourself through motherhood?

That you will never feel like you know the right answer.  That you will need to ask for help.  That some days are long and exhausting and those will be followed by beautiful days that seem like a dream.  That motherhood, like life, is a marathon and not a sprint-- and the collection of days are what matter.  I learned that my greatest pride and love come from being a mother. I learned that my capacity to give and care are limitless.  I learned that to be a mother really is about teaching and shaping and hopes and dreams for these little people that you love.  Motherhood has been my greatest journey. 

GDSL: Gosh, that is the perfect answer.  I know those feelings and how connected you can feel to the sadness and the happiness of your child-- how you want the best for them at all times...How is being a grandmother different from being a mother?

I don't know if there's any difference between being a mother than a grandmother. The love you have for your daughter and then to become a grandmother is so special on many levels. I'm a grandmother to my daughter's child. I fell in love with her as soon as she was born (actually before she was born). At that moment I remembered becoming a mother myself and the overwhelming love I had for my own daughter. Now I'm seeing my daughter entering motherhood.  It's the beautiful circle of life. 

GDSL: There is a little baby boy in my tummy--how do you think this baby will fit into our lives?

This little guy is already loved so much and he is going to fit into our family perfectly.  He has a big sister who is over the moon to have a little brother and he is going to be smothered with love by his cousins and aunts and uncles.  A baby is a beautiful blessing and now, its about making memories together.

GDSL:  It's true.  I knew as soon as I found out I was pregnant that telling my daughter would be the very best part.  She wakes me up with kisses on my belly and must say 15 times a day "Tell baby brother I love him". It is the sweetest, purest thing and it gets me emotional every time.   You've watched me and guided me through motherhood – – what has been your favorite part of that?

Pride and joy fills my heart as I watch you as a mother.  You are an amazing mother-- so loving, kind, attentive and always there for every one of Addison's needs, guiding her to be polite, thoughtful, kind and considerate. Addison is truly blessed to have you as her mother.

GDSL: (Blushing)...That is so nice!  I think we are all blessed....

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mommies out there- in every form motherhood takes (to 4 legged babies too). Moms are heroes to me, each and every one of you! Hope everyone has a beautiful day...Sweetly, Michelle

What Motherhood Means to Me (Part One)

{Written while GOT obsessing....so many theories, so little time...}  Mother's Day is fast approaching and this time of the year always makes me reflective....mostly about what I can do for my mom and my grandmother to show them how much I appreciate them and the incredible women they are.  Lately (maybe because I have a nice, round, getting-to-the-third trimester reminder), I have been thinking about motherhood and what it means to me and how it has changed my life.   I went into this journey with no real expectations.  I was never that girl who thought about weddings, wedding dresses or babies....I was focused on studying, and then law school,  and then working like a slave for partnership.  When my husband and I started our family, I was excited and scared but oblivious to what it really meant. Motherhood is so much more than simply having  a child.  For me, motherhood was the permanent passing of a baton from living for myself to forever living for someone else.  Gone were the days of weekly manicures and daily workouts and monthly facials and all of that. Suddenly, every moment mattered.  I became so aware of leading by example and of instilling values and teaching my child life lessons.   I tell everyone that motherhood is very personal- it will be different for everyone because every child is different, but generally, there are some things that are universal and here is what I believe they are:

• It really does take a village. Motherhood practically requires other moms around you...for support, for advice, for reassurance that you are not completely screwing up...and to help. To my daughter (and for my son when he is born), all of my friends are Aunties and these girls (and my mom and grandmother and aunts and cousins) are there for me (and me for them) for birthdays and sporting events and dance recitals and for carpool and if my daughter is sick, one of my besties might pick her up and help.  Moms need help...and need to help each other.  You can't tackle it alone.  
• There will never be enough time.  For whatever you want to get done. For house chores or day trips or play dates or whatever. And the big outings don't matter so much anyway. Be present. Be engaged. Laugh and tickle and play and DANCE (dance parties seem to cure anything, by the way). Let go of the schedule and the plans and just be. This was one of the toughest lessons for me because I am a person that makes to-do lists and in my work life at least, lives a very regulated and scheduled day. Learning to let all of that go, without guilt, takes practice. And I'm still practicing. But it's worth it.
• Establish traditions that are yours. Ever wonder what makes a family? It's all those little rituals and inside jokes and things that you do that are exclusive to you. Very early on, we established a bedtime ritual that includes reading (before it was me reading to her but now, she is reading to me too), and talking about our days and praying. For weekends, we have little rituals for Friday and Saturday nights and I hope that when my children grow up, they will remember these. I think I have the tendency to try and plan grand events and I feel bad if I don't have something fabulous on our calendars every weekend but I am starting to think that it doesn't really matter to Addison.  I think my daughter is just as happy when we are painting our nails or coloring and this is a good lesson- just be there. 
• Love your child for who they are. Before I had children, I had all sorts of ideas about how I would raise my child, how my child would  integrate into my life, how we would keep traveling and eating out just like usual. I look back on those days and laugh. I believe it all depends on the child you are blessed with. Sometimes, you are lucky enough to get a child that allows all of this ...My daughter was not that way. She did not like riding in the car, she would not sit calmly in a stroller, and that was OK. We adapted to her so that things could run smoothly. I suppose you have to let go of your expectations sometimes and just live a life that is in front of you. And guess what? That life will be incredible because it is yours...
• Get used to living in constant fear and anxiety and hope for your child. Nothing will ever mean as much to you as your child's happiness and nothing will ever hurt you as much as your child's sadness.  Everything I ever do now that I am a mother is with my family in mind. There is literally nothing I would not do for her.

For me, motherhood is a journey that I will continue to learn from every day. I've said it before, but it really did give my life new meaning for me.  And my heart has expanded to fill with a love that is like no other....

And speaking of new... We were lucky enough to spend an afternoon at Pacific City in Huntington Beach with other beautiful mommies and kiddos. Has everyone but me been already? It is so gorgeous. It has the ocean as a backdrop and the cutest stores and restaurants ever.  Adds and I were lucky enough to participate in crafts and story time and a beautiful little flower making project.  This was a preview of the events that are set to take place on Mother's Day...go to www.pacificcity.com for more details.

Thank you as always for stopping by,  dearest readers. I appreciate it so! Sweetly.... Michelle