Saturday, January 26, 2013

Don't want to miss a thing

You hear so much about sleep deprived new parents.  Perhaps I just have a wonderfully mild mannered son or much more help from my husband than most, but I've never felt more energized than I have during my pregnancy and now Joseph's first months.  We wake early and instead of rolling over for another few hours of sleep, I find myself happily getting out of bed just eager to start and enjoy another full day with my baby. 

I've said it a few times here but I just want to reiterate so I never forget how fully and wholeheartedly I am loving every second of this little guy's early life.   I never imagined it could be so great.  It is incredibly cheezy but that Aerosmith song from Armageddon was on the radio --- even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream will never do...  I don't want to fall asleep because I'd miss your face and I don't want to miss a thing.   That's how I feel these days.  I want to just soak up this bliss in it's totality. 

There's simply nothing further to say here ---- just thank you, thank you, thank you.  My heart is so full.






Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Spirituality

"Spirituality is the measure of how loving you are" - Mastin Kipp.

What beautiful words to remember in the ever-going debate of spirituality vs religion.  Let it be a reminder that the answer is kindness and love, always.

(image)

Friday, January 18, 2013

Eight Weeks!

My little man, you were 8 weeks this week.  Wow, is time flying!   You continue to be the truest joy we've ever experienced.  Dad & I are just pinching ourselves.   You're starting to make lots of adorable oohs and ahhhs and coos and you're giving some huge smiles, they MELT OUR HEART every single time.  You love to stare at the pictures from London we have in our living room.  It's where mommy and daddy met and one day you will hear all about your parents lovestory. We hope you are as happy with us as we are with you, little guy.

I read this great piece of parenting "advice" --- it said to remember you are raising a man, not a baby/child.  It really resonated...  Even though you're still so tiny and helpless, we need to always keep our eye on the target -- to raise a good person; a sincere, confident, kind, generous man who knows what it is to be unconditionally loved and who gives and receives that love and makes his own dreams come true, whatever they might be.



Thursday, January 10, 2013

Legacy

Yesterday we lost a great man.  He lived a great 90+ years and passed away at home in his favorite chair.  His passing is bittersweet.  Everyone that was honored to know him will surely miss his warm smile and cheerful demeanor yet shouldn't we all be so lucky as to live more than 90 years in great health, watch your children grow and have their own babies and watch those babies grow and have theirs.... 

My great Uncle Freddie was a wonderful person. He hosted 70+ of our family at his home every year for the Annual Rapallo Party.   His family, in it's entirety --- cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, spouses, children, stepchildren --- was his passion.  His door was open to everyone.  He greeted every person with genuine warmth and hospitality.   Nothing made him happier than that party - to witness his family growing and thriving. 

I hope yesterday Uncle Freddie was reunited with his wife, his daughter, my grandfather and grandmother ...and all of his family & friends that went before him. I hope he was able to tell them all about their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren down here.  I hope he went with a smile knowing that his family will carry on his tradition of getting together every year to celebrate our heritage.  I hope he realizes that he taught us all an invaluable lesson of the importance of family and roots.  I hope yesterday the Heavens rejoiced and maybe the Sandy Hook children that went before him got some $2 bills and silver dollars.  Rest in Peace, Sweet Uncle Freddie. 

(image)


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Blackberry Cobbler!

I just have to write about what I made last night!   It takes my "baking for the non-baker" to a new level of easy but more importantly healthy AND delicious!!    I've been saying, I could easily gain the same amount of weight during these 3 months at home as I did during the pregnancy.  The "boredom" and hanging around just can easily lead to way too much snacking and I still haven't got clearance to get back to exercise so I'm more sedentary than ever. 

In an effort to get back to reality and back into my pre-pregnancy jeans --- I was looking for some easy, healthy snack recipes.  Enter - this Blackberry Cobbler.  I got it on the cooking light website but modified it a bit. 

1 half-pint of blackberries
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of flour
pinch of cinnamon
1 egg
1 tbsp butter
*Can easily double for larger batch

Preheat oven to 375. Place blackberries (or any fruit) on the bottom of a pie plate.  Mix sugar, flour, cinnamon and egg together to form a paste.  Top the fruit with paste.  Melt the butter and pour over the mixture.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Broil on low for 1 minute.  Enjoy warm or at room temperature.  Can be served with ice cream, whipped cream, yogurt --- or just plain, like I had it..last night and with coffee this morning.   A new favorite for me! 

I forgot to take a pic, oops! Here's one I borrowed.

(image)


Friday, January 4, 2013

Welcome, 2013!

A few more concrete resolutions.... writing them here gives me a sense of accountability.   Last year I wrote this post and generally did pretty well with my goals.  Of course, I strayed a bit but all things considered I don't think it was an epic disaster.  Let's hope this year I can stay on course again.

1.  Breathe. Love more. Continue to look within, not outward, for approval and acceptance.
2. Art.  I will start with a small, achievable goal --- visit one of Boston's art museums.  The ICA, the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Gardner or someplace else.  Research an exhibit or just spend a quiet morning. 
3. Consume less stuff.  As we donate bags upon bags to charity in our effort to de-clutter, I am reminded yet again of a goal to buy less.  Save that money for something more worthwhile....
4. Travel.  Continue with my goal of visiting a new place (or two...or three...) every year. We have a few ideas brewing.
5. Journal.  As I often say, this little spot here is a great outlet for me and whether it be here, or on paper, write it out.
And most importantly, live with intention relishing in the sheer amazement of it all.