millennial mom

Hello 2020!

Holy moly it has been a long time since I wrote a post on this site. Once Jadyn started preschool my work got busy and I was just trying to hustle so I could enjoy some family time up in Oregon for the holidays.

I last updated you on Jadyn’s first few weeks of preschool and it’s now safe to say that she absolutely LOVES it. So much so I added an additional day this second semester. She has made friends and says “I had fun at school!” when I pick her up. It just warms my heart. Oh ya…now she’s two! I can’t believe I have a two-year-old. It feels like just yesterday I was updating this site saying that she had finally arrived. Now, I’m just maneuvering this thing called toddlerhood.

We kicked off 2020 by celebrating her birthday on the 2nd and just this past weekend we threw her official birthday party with all her classmates. She had a blast, and the parents did, too. We had her party at this fabulous place called Fox & Kit near our home and they were super accommodating. I usually take Jadyn there on rainy days because it’s just perfect.

One of my goals for 2020 is to be more diligent about updating this site! I want to do a better job of documenting how I’m handling everything in this crazy time in parenthood (can you say “terrible 2’s?!”) and also share any cool recipes, tips and tricks and lifestyle hacks.

Now I feel like we’re past the milestone phase and into keeping things fun with littles. I hope to see you in the comments this year!

The Importance of “Me Time” When You’re A Mom

Whether you’re heads deep in the latest project at work, planning countless events, a working mom, a WFH home or a SAHM, “me time” is so important. This didn’t occur to me until my best friend insisted I join her at her wine club in beautiful Sonoma, Calif. (aka, Wine Country). Mind you, she asked and kept asking about three weeks ago, so I figured that’d be enough of a heads up for the hubby to watch our 15-month-old while I go and have a good time with a close friend.

Boy did I need that me time and girl time. I’ve been so in tune with my daughter since she was born last year, then my job when I came back from maternity leave, that I haven’t really taken the time – or the day – for myself. Sure, I’ve gotten mani/pedis since Jadyn was born, but I’ve never really ventured away from comfy clothes and hair in a bun since becoming a mom. Only the rare occasions of a wedding or special event will I get all spruced up.

Since becoming a mom, my focus has been on my child and what is good for her: healthy foods, what products to use, breastfeeding vs formula, is she hitting every milestone, etc, that I have forgotten what it’s like to really be me.

I have missed me.

I have missed getting dolled up just to go out with a friend for an afternoon.

I have missed putting on a cute outfit, perfume and fixing up my hair.

I have missed conversations that don’t revolve around my daughter (although, they all end up that way when your kid is cute!).

I have missed laughing over stupid-funny memes and stories.

I have missed not having to worry about getting home quickly because I felt bad about being out.

It feels so good to have a little of the old me back.

The question I’m asking myself now, is how do I actually keep a little of the old me front and center in this new, absolutely amazing life I have with my beautiful daughter and cozy family?

Short answer: sign up for a wine club.

That’s right, I took the plunge. I signed up for the same wine club my bestie took me to: Gloria Ferrer Vineyards. This will give me an excuse once every three months to venture away from my day-to-day, get dolled up, indulge in a free flight of bubbly and just be me. Granted, I’ll likely bring a friend or two so I don’t have to do it alone.

Since becoming a new mom (or dad!), how did you find your old self in your new life? I’d love to know, so please leave a comment below!

Planning Jadyn’s First Birthday: Part One

I can’t believe it. My little girl is 11 months old today and I’m already in full-swing first birthday planning mode. Looking back at the last 11 months, I can truly say that this has been one heck of a ride and I can’t wait for more.

Even though I know Jadyn won’t remember her first birthday, I want it to be memorable for our family and close friends. Keeping it simple for myself in terms of decor, I’m sticking with the same theme as my baby shower: blush pink and gold. And let me tell you Etsy has been my BFF so far in this planning and purchasing part.

For part one of this birthday party series, I’ll share what I’ve purchased so far (sans outfit, because that’s a surprise!!).

The Invite. Let’s be real: I kept it suuuuuper simple and easy by going with good old evite.com for my invitation. They have super cute first birthday invitations and I was glad I found one in my theme colors. Also, the whole “ONEderful” thing is spot on to some of my decor.

The Outfit. Ha! I won’t show a picture of it yet, but I’ll tell you that I ordered it from Etsy.

The Decor. Well, this will likely be a category in Part Two of this post once I have more, but the one thing I’m really excited about is the time capsule at her party. Everyone that attends needs to leave a message for her to be opened on her 18th birthday. I got this custom made for me by EllenPrintable on Etsy (woo!). Also, I purchased a “My First Year” frame at Macy’s Backstage (think Nordstrom Rack or HomeGoods) where I’ll be putting her monthly photos in and will have it by the time capsule table.

The Smash Cake. I haven’t decided if I’m going to buy her smash cake or have my friend help me make it, but regardless, it needs a topper. Bought this one on Etsy from FancifulChaos.

photo courtesy of Fanciful Chaos

The Favors. I’ve decided to make treat bags and I wanted the toppers to be custom made with the ONEderful and blush pink and gold theme. Enter Dreaming Mind Cards on Etsy. She was able to take my theme and make this beautiful treat topper.

I can’t wait to share with you everything that I have pulled together for this birthday. This is just the beginning!

What did you do to celebrate your little one’s 1st birthday? Share in the comments below!