Baby Posh

Following up my last post with thoughts on fashionably dressing a child is incredibly superficial at best. Yet, this is what is on the brain today. (I will take a second though to acknowledge how lucky I am that I have the time, energy and funds to make 'toddler style' something that I readily consider...)

Anyway, as you know, right now Annalise and Violet do not go to daycare. We have the wonderful Erin (who is seriously the world's best babysitter) coming to the house 3 days a week. However, I love to dress both girls to the nines each and every day. Annie always has a matching bow in her hair and is completely coordinated from head to toe. And Violet, although still little, gets the star treatment too, with cutey little outfits and matching socks and headbands...

This past week my BFF Bramble was visiting, and we were heading out (with both kids) to go take a class at the gym. (Which, BTW, is SO much easier with a second pair of hands to help wrangle the kids and get them into the gym daycare.) And, since Annie had gotten food on her pants, I changed her into a whole new- completely adorable- outfit before we left. Bramble laughed at me and said 'do you always dress the kids up to go to the gym?'. And, I realized, yes, yes I did.

But why? Am I superficial? Do I worry too much about appearances and material things? Do I see my kids as little accessories (a la Jessica Simpson and the unfortunately named Maxwell)? I started thinking about it all and these are the conclusions I came to:

1. Appearances do matter. Although the girls are too young to care right now, I really do think people judge based on the way someone looks, and my theory is that people are nicer to cute, well put-together kids. (And since gym day cares aren't always the highest caliber, I want to do whatever I can to ensure 'quality' care.) <Also, when I'm being honest, cute, well put together kids do help to make me look more well put together. We don't coordinate outfits or anything, but a posh tot on my hip can certainly complete an outfit ;)>
2. If you look good, you feel good. We all know this to be true. When you put on an awesome outfit and do yourself up, you feel good about yourself. (says the lady wearing an oversized sweatshirt and yoga pants, with no makeup on and hair in a messy pony-tail). And, when you feel good, you are happy and have confidence. And what more could anyone want for their kids than to be happy, confident people? They are certainly too young now to derive happiness or confidence from the way they look, but I don't think there is anything wrong with starting early.
3. But where do you draw the line? I think there is a fine line between having an adorably dressed kid and creating a kid who is overly concerned with their superficial appearance. I want these girls to always be confident with the way they look, but I also want them to be kids and to get dirty. I don't want them to worry about what they are wearing or how they look for many, many, MANY years. Ignorance is bliss, and I sincerely wish for a decade (or more) of naiveté and cluelessness on their behalf!  But can I have both? Can I raise adorably dressed, well-put together kids who could care less about how they look? Or, am I creating a monster(s)?

Definitely things to ponder. Or, is this entire post just completely ridiculous?
#FirstWorldProblems

Adorable babies or divas in the making?

A Helping Hand

I've been peripherally involved with a charity group in DC called 'Healthy Babies Project'. They are not politically motivated (and have no pro-choice or pro-life agenda), but they do focus on helping teens who are pregnant and have decided to have the baby. Their motto is "protecting tomorrow's children" and they work with the young moms-to-be to teach nutrition, pre-natal care, job skills, parenting skills, and overall life skills. The last couple of years I have 'adopted a family' through them at Christmas time and have gone to their holiday party to meet the families and hear what are very often inspirational stories. 2 years ago, a young mom- who was set to be valedictorian of her high school class, got up and talked about her life, her difficult childhood, AND the fact that she, her fiancé, and her baby were homeless! These kids overcome so much, and still succeed above and beyond expectations. (Makes me feel like a schlump for just skating by in school!)

Anyway, they send out a newsletter every month or so, and I received this yesterday. I found it beautiful and I thought I'd share. When life gets tough, remember how good we really have it! And, when people out there (eh um, Republicans) are yelling about welfare and the people abusing the system, take a second to think about how much harder someone in 'Susan's' position would have to work to even accomplish the most simple things, like graduating high school. I can't even begin to imagine... Yet, with a hand up (not a hand out), these kids overcome the seemingly insurmountable odds that life has dealt them, and make better lives for themselves and their children. They are taught that do not have to accept the culture of hopeless and poverty that they see everywhere around them. They are taught to empower themselves and stop the "cycle of despair" ... Can I get an Amen?

A SPECIAL SALUTE TO A RESILIENT TEEN MOM

A message from Regine Elie, Executive Director

A few days ago, I received an early morning phone call from a recent TPEP graduate. Susan* asked if she could use the shower at Perennial House before she goes to school each day.

Susan's phone call made me think hard, even as I headed into the shower myself before starting my day.

Many of us, me included, take running water for granted ... especially when you consider that we live in our nation's capital, a leader in the western world.

I can choose to focus on the failed system that contributed to the sad side of Susan's story. Or I can choose to focus on this young lady's amazing resiliency.

HBP Clients Develop a Remarkable Resiliency

Susan's resilience is rooted in a tenacity of spirit - a  determination to embrace all that makes life worth living, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Although Susan lacks running water and other necessities in her home, she had always appeared meticulous in her personal grooming and presentation. She is an honor roll student in her school and excels in math and science. Susan is also a caring mother to her daughter. She has become resourceful, finding creative ways to take care of herself and her responsibilities.

Susan inspires me. HBP doesn't just provide young mothers like her a place to take a shower. We equip them with a clear sense of identity, purposeful vision, and tools to press forward. What happens after that is amazing.

These young women develop a resilient strength that defies explanation. The way they're choosing to live their lives motivates me to hold fast to our vision of a better future for the next generation.   I salute them ... and I pray you join me.

Spring has sprung (with this little flower at least)

Spring!!?

Neighborhood Easter egg hunt. Sidewalk chalk drawing. Hike/roll through the woods. Saturday in Suburbia at its best!

Our country is becoming an odd place. Seemingly overnight, most people support gay marriage (where it seemed to be very much NOT supported just 5 years ago) and legislatures across the country are decriminalizing, if not legalizing, marijuana. What a liberal country, right?

Wrong. Yes, we (they) are waking up to the fact that all human beings deserve equal rights (case in point, gay marriage) and that smoking the doober (as Dad would call it) is not the worst thing on the planet (though not my cup of tea), but gun control laws still can't get a fair shake!? I just read this article, 'Assault weapons ban dropped from Senate bill' and became so incredibly disheartened. Have we not learned anything since Dec. 14th? Will nothing change? I'm sure we have the NRA and all its power, not to mention the strange Republican fixation with an American's right to carry weapons of mass destruction, to thank for this. But where do we go from here?

I haven't been able to talk/write/think about Newtown since it happened. It's really just too much and the depth of it is to great for me to even begin to go near. It breaks my heart so completely that I am afraid to even let myself open up to it. But, it happened. It touched way too close to home for many of us. And something anything needs to be done to make sure this will never happen again. I know there are no easy fixes and I know the issue is a gazillion times more complicated than just implementing stricter gun laws, but isn't it a start?

Happiness is...

Growing up, I had a Snoopy book entitled 'Happiness Is...' and I often think of it. It was one phrase per page, like 'happiness is a warm blanket' and it was really perfect in its simplicity. Happiness really is the little things, and I think too often we overlook those things. Way back in 2006, when I created my first blog, I posted a list of 'things that make me happy', but I haven't done one since. So, in a continued effort to see this crazy world as a glass half full, I'm going to write another one. I warn you that it will be cheesy, but it's supposed to be ...so suck it up.

Happiness Is... by Amy L. J. Sayler

• Morning snuggles with a cuddly toddler
• Waking up at 8am and realizing that EVERYONE slept all night long, and is still asleep.
• Slobbery doggy kisses from my favorite mutt
• The sound of Brad tooling away in the workshop (He really is an amazingly handy dude, which is a post marriage bonus. I had no idea of the extent of his handiness.)
• A perfectly made bed (to compliment a perfectly clean house)
• Walking through the woods
• Gram 
• Annie saying "night night by-let" to her little sis
• Cousins' Weekend 
• Getting together with the girls
• Wide-mouthed baby tooth-less grins, first thing in the morning
• Keurig (so fast, so good. Although I do miss the smell of a freshly made pot of coffee)
• The moment when you realize BOTH babies are asleep
• Writing out my 'house improvements' wish list (with many things for Handy Brad to complete)
• Saturdays with nothing to do
• Friday nights with lots to do (and by 'do', I mean 'drink' ;)
• A forecast of snow that actually materializes
• Fire pits 
• Flipping through home decorating magazines
• A good beer
• Mady and Lorelei coming to visit and bursting through the door with squeals of excitement
• Fresh flowers in the house
• Dancing to a band at a bar
• A bushel of crabs
• Watching the deer from the sunroom windows
• Long 'Dad' stories
• Good friends
• Organization
• A big bowl of pho
• Trips to CT (preferably with healthy friends and family to visit)
• Pedicures
• Family
• Calm

See, I feel better already.
Happiness is using work time to make a cathartic list of just how good you have it... 

Sunday morning selfie

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Although we have no green beer plans (how times have changed), we do have matching green outfits for our little leprechauns. That's exciting, right!?

#Wild&crazySt.Patty'sDay

Best co-worker ever!

How cute is this little tomboy?

Spring has sprung!

I was looking through my pictures this morning for a 'skinny Amy' inspiration pic and, while doing so, stumbled upon pics of my old buddy, Kevin. We dated back in the day, but more than anything, he was my friend. And, I miss him.

So today, instead of dwelling on negative things (like not looking like the skinny Amy in the pic I found), I am going to be grateful for what I have, who I have, and where I am in life. Life is good... but as we all know, can be fleeting. So make every moment count.

As an homage to my pal who isn't here to do it for himself, live life to the fullest (today and everyday), love yourself for who/what you are, and tell the people you love just how much you love them.

This song just came up on my Pandora station. I'd never heard it before, which means nothing because I am so music clueless these days, but I love it. Do other people know this song? It's really sweet.

My Little Corner Of The World ~ Yo La Tengo

Come along with me to my little corner of the world
Dream a little dream in my little corner of the world
You'll soon forget that there's any other place
Tonight, my love, we'll share a sweet embrace

And if you care to stay in my little corner of the world
We could hide away in my little corner of the world
I always knew that I'd find someone like you
So welcome to my little corner of the world

And if you care to stay in our little corner of the world
We could hide away in our little corner of the world
We always knew that we'd find someone like you
So welcome to our little corner of the world

It's the little things

$4 grapevine wreath at Michael's + $3s worth of garland and burlap + 1/2 hr spent watching Martha Stewart's 'how to tie a wreath bow' tutorial = springtastic fabulousness

These are a few of my favorite things!

Year of Amy update

There is irony in deeming my first year as a mother of two as 'the Year of Amy'. God knows I don't so much have very much 'me time' these days, but I am slowly and surely trying to reclaim pre-pregnancy Amy.

1. Body: It's not easy to counteract over two years of inactivity (at least athletic inactivity) and the body devastation pregnancy caused, but I'm working on it. I've been getting to the gym whenever I can (which was much easier pre-kids), and I am starting to see results. I don't even dread getting on the scale anymore, so that's something. One step at a time, but I am slowly starting to feel like the 'old me' again...


2. Mind: I'm the type of person that needs to be on the go in order to feel good about myself, but having two young kids can make things pretty damn sedentary around here! So, in the YOA, I'm trying to get out and do more, with and WITHOUT the kids. I've brought the kids to a couple story-times and activity groups (which is still daunting with two), and just bought the Cadillac of double-strollers (used, of course... I'm vastly too cheap to pay the full astronomical price for our big-pimpin Bob stroller) so we can start hitting the park more and start going out for nice, long walks/jogs. I've also gotten out for a lovely Girls' Nights (complete with drinks and dancing), a Girls' Weekend in Philly, and Brad and I have been able to have a couple much needed date nights. 

• The irony of my life though, and I doubt I'm alone on this one, is I'm either too busy, or completely bored. I'm an extreme person anyway, but there's just no happy medium for me. Weekends are insane around here. We are always on the go and always have plans. But check me on a random Wednesday night and I'm wishing for activity and any reason to get the hell out of the house! Brad working long hours, me working from home, and lack of babysitters or family in the area, definitely contributes to my stir-crazy-ness! I am hoping to find a decent after-work babysitter, just so I can run out when I need/want to, but I'm still on the hunt. I'd also love to start volunteering. Assuming I can find someone to watch the kids, there is an adult literacy program at one of the local libraries that I would love to work with. (I love the idea of helping people who really want to help and better themselves.) But, we shall see. Right now, I still spend an awful lot of time at home ,in yoga pants, either in front of a computer or a TV blaring The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Spring is almost here though, and with it, hopefully the end of gray dreary days, winter Seasonal Affective Disorder induced lethargy, and the 15 minutes of child bundling just to walk out the door. 

more sunlight and warmer weather + more activities, plans, and on-the-go = happier, healthier Mommy (and babies)

**As I write this, a bird just started singing outside. #spring.is.coming!

All partied out!

This pic of Annie just about sums it up. We are both beat after our fabulous mommy-Annie weekend in Philly.

Had so much fun, but it was tough to get going today. I am old.

Post procrastination

Been a bad poster, but I promise something new this week. In the meantime, Tuesday cuteness to tide you over.