Three things

...about this pregnancy.

1. The first three months were rough. I found out I was pregnant at about 5 weeks. A few days later I started feeling really sick and tired. I never actually "got sick", but for the first three months I felt like I was getting over a bout of bad food poisoning - weak, sleepy, and nauseated by most foods. I lived on lots of cereal and clementine oranges and naps during that stage. And then, at 12 weeks I felt better! It was amazing how quickly it changed, and such a relief! I still don't want meat very much, but I've had lots of other (mostly sweet) cravings: peaches, ice tea, s'mores (with peanut butter), ice cream, strawberries, milk, hummus and greek salad, pizza, and popsicles.

2. It's possible that my memory is fuzzy, but this baby seems a lot more active than Michael was. I felt the first kicks at 15 weeks and they were strong! Ever since then, this little guy has been flipping and rolling and kicking almost constantly. I'm so interested (and a little scared) to see how his energy level compares with Michael. I thought Michael was active, but I think this one might keep me even more on my toes....

3. Once those first few yucky months were over, this pregnancy flew by. We've still got 9 weeks to go, and I can feel time slowing down a little bit, but overall I can't believe how quickly it has passed! I'm so thankful that the baby and I are healthy, and I'm thankful that I have Michael to keep me distracted from the countdown. I'm so excited to meet this little man and cover his sweet face with kisses.

...to do with a toddler in Boston. 

A year ago, if you had asked me if I'd ever want to live in Boston I would have said something like, "I'd love to! But only for a little while - not forever." Well, I still can't believe that we were blessed with those exact circumstances! Over the last three months we've gotten up close and personal with one of our favorite cities, and familiarity has only made us love it more. 

That said, getting to know a city with a child in tow is so different than getting to know a city without a child. For example, in the past we would explore a new city by eating our way around, but at this stage in Michael's life it's not always enjoyable to eat in the "nice places". We're all for teaching him to behave in restaurants, but there are times when we all need an atmosphere of pure fun, without the pressure to sit still and use indoor voices. Hence, this list is full of activities that involve good food, yes, but allow for (and even encourage!) food-spilling, running-around, yelling, and general toddler shenanigans. 

* * * * * * * *

1. Have a picnic at Christopher Columbus Park. This is one of our favorite things to do, and we've repeated it several times because it's so easy and fun. We like to grab food in the North End (we love the sandwiches here and the pizza here) and then walk to Christopher Columbus Park on the Boston Harbor. We love it because it's a beautiful spot to sit and eat by the water. Michael loves it for the boats, people-watching, and the chance to run and play with all the friendly dogs.

2. Play in the fountains at The Rose Kennedy Greenway (picture above). In my opinion, this is one of the best summertime spots in the city for kids or adults. Pack a picnic (or have a bite here first) and bring a blanket so you can lay on the soft grassy lawn. The park is enclosed by a garden on one side and a fountain on the other, so it is a great space to let your little one run around and play. Be sure to bring dry clothes and a towel because on a hot day it's impossible to stay out of the water. We love it because it's a peaceful little oasis in the North End. Michael loves it because splashing around in a fountain with other little kids is totally allowed.

3. Walk and play on The Esplanade. More water, more boats, more puppies to pet. The Esplanade runs along the banks of the Charles River and gives some really beautiful views of the city. We started this outing with the best pizza in the city here, then walked through the gorgeous Beacon Hill neighborhood toward the river. There are public landings perfect for watching sailboats on the river, and an awesome playscape. Bring snacks or grab an ice cream cone at the Esplanade Cafe near the Hatch Shell. We love it because this is how we always imagined Boston. Michael loves it because he's never seen so many ducks in one place.

* Honorable mention *

The New England Aquarium - huge sea turtle, penguins, seals, and a tank where you can pet rays and sharks (if your mommy will let you).

Boston Public Gardens (in April) - swanboats, ducks to feed, and the prettiest tulips your toddler will ever sniff.

Freedom Trail to Boston Inner Harbor and Bunker Hill Monument - footbridge over the Charles River, lots and lots of boats, a big grassy lawn around the monument and great views of all the airplanes coming in and out of Logan.

~linking up with Covered in Grace, Bits of Splendor and Lowercase Letters~

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...that I'm enjoying about all these rainy days we're having.

Michael sleeps in. 

He's such a rooster. Most days, when the sun comes up he is up and looking for action right away. 

But when it's dark and cloudy even he wants to sleep a little longer. So very nice.

A second cup of coffee. And a cookie. While I blog. And my baby sleeps. 

The only thing better than that first cup of the day.

My cords and jackets and scarves. 

Because the day is coming when I will be so tired of sun and heat and sandals (imagine!), 

I will wish for just one cool rainy day.

...about Michael.

The boy loves food. *All food. And he'll try anything.
This amazes me because until I got to college I never tried new foods. New foods terrified and disgusted me.
But not this kid. He's fearless. Or maybe he's just that hungry.

*One exception is broccoli. But then, who really likes broccoli?

He loves other kids. It doesn't matter if they're young or old, male or female, playing quietly or engaged in a rough game of soccer. If there are little people around, he wants to interact and he will walk right up (no awareness of social boundaries at all) and either stare or get right into the action. These days he seems to be putting a lot of his energy into trying to run. 

I think he's mainly motivated by his desire to keep up with other kids and dogs.

A couple of weeks ago I started counting things with Michael in the voice of the Count from Sesame Street. ("One...two...three...three Cheerios! Ah-ah-ah-ah!") He started imitating the "ah-ah-ah-ah" laugh whenever we would count things, and now he does it all the time and in the funniest (wrong) contexts. Like, I'll hand him a toy to play with in his carseat and if he doesn't want it he'll throw it down and do the Count laugh, "ah-ah-ah-ah!" And today when he woke up from his nap, he didn't cry or babble. He just stood in his crib doing the Count laugh until I came in to get him up.

...that have already made this week fantastic - and it's only Wednesday!!

* * *

Michael and I met my Mom in Brenham yesterday. Michael lit up when he saw her - we've been talking on Face Time and he seemed excited to have the real Gigi in front of him :) We shopped, we had lunch, we went to Bluebell and had ice cream. And it was the perfect time of the year for a drive through the country - I've never seen Texas looking so pretty (see above). 

It was a really special day!

* * *

We spent part of our Sunday with some very dear, old friends and their sweet girls. 

Have you ever moved to a place where you don't know anyone? I have. 

And it is so much more fun when you move to the same city as friends you love!

* * *

Michael is more obsessed with Ella than ever before. He totters around after her trying to land a good pat on her head. 

He has also taken to scolding her and sharing his toys with her. I think it is precious. Ella just wants to nap in peace.

* * *

I hope your week is off to a great start, friends! xoxo

Three things

Buried treasures I came across while packing today:

A box full of our old love letters. 

An unlikely pair.

Every issue of my favorite magazine of all time - sticker tabs still in place.

Three things

...for your right brain and your left brain.

Colorstrology (spotted here) uses your birth date to find your own personal pantone color. I know, I know. But this stuff is fascinating to me. (And the colors and personality descriptions were totally right for me and the people who are close to me. Yeah, I looked up everybody I know.)

How to be creative.

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And The Complexity of the Creative Personality.

Three things

...that make me happy! Inexpensive late-winter luxuries that bring a smile to my face.

The yellow in these sandals is a total pick-me-up! I wore them around the house for hours yesterday because once I tried them on I couldn't bear to take them off! I know the black and white would have been more timeless and practical, but I am pretty much powerless against yellow right now.

I'm loving this roasted green tea. 

The smell is delicious, and it's so soothing to a scratchy throat.

And this lip gloss. It's moisturizing enough for end-of-winter lips, 

but bright enough for my springy state of mind. (Nutri berry is the perfect bright pink!)

What's making you smile today? Anything good to share?

Have a great day, friends! xoxo