my first mother's day.

since my mother passed in 2003, I haven't had a reason to celebrate Mother's Day. meaning that Sunday was the first time I'd even acknowledged the holiday in 10 years.

and even though I didn't really "get the day off" from motherhood, I still had a pretty fantastic day. I got to sleep in a little bit and I received an amazing gift from Sean & Ronin. they got me a sweet little personalized necklace. it has two silver discs and a little peridot (August birthstone) gem - one disc says "you are my sunshine" and the other disc says "ronin." I just need to find a better chain for it - can't wait to wear it!

we didn't really do anything special for the day - we just kinda laid low and did some housework. my dad stopped by later on in the day to drop off some fresh Maryland rockfish that he'd caught. he also schooled my ass on my veggie garden that I put in a few weeks ago - apparently my plants are WAY too close together. so I guess I'll be transplanting some of them next weekend, haha. 

I did, however, get to spend an hour or so outside on the patio planting all my new flowers into containers. I'd been collecting pots and planters for a few months, and on Saturday, I finally went to our local nursery to pick out some annuals. 

I'm pretty excited to watch as those pots get more and more full and start to overflow with gorgeous blooms. 

Ronin and I also got to nap together, which is one of my absolute FAVORITE things to do. 

all in all, it was the perfect first Mother's Day. I got to spend the whole day with my mini and that's all I wanted. it's incredible how full my heart feels when I so much as think about him. he has taught me so much about myself in a mere 8.5 months. being a mom is taxing and difficult some days, but it's also so rewarding. it is the only career that requires you to be completely selfless, to put yourself second and your family first. I knew it would be hard, but I didn't realize just how heartwarming it would be to be a mother. 

I now have a new appreciation for everything my mom did for us and it makes me miss her that much more. I want to wrap my arms around her and tell her what an amazing mother she was, and how lucky we were to have her.  I just want to tell her, "I get it now." and I do. I totally get it. the feeling of your heart walking outside of your body. the desire to educate them and raise them to be good people. the worry and fear that comes with the realization that you can't always keep them safe from the world's evil. the want... no, the NEED... to be a better person for your child. I get it. and I love every minute of it. 

thanks for makin' me a mama, dude. 

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend, and to those of you that are moms - I hope your Mother's Day was as wonderful as mine was. 

round up: Mother's Day gift ideas.

although I was told "Happy Mother's Day" a few times last year when I was pregnant with Ronin, I'm pretty excited to really celebrate this year. being the awesome husband that he is, Sean already bought me a gift (something from Etsy, apparently, so it should be good!) this year.  

I was inspired by Jessica at Little Baby Garvin to put together some gift ideas for those still looking for the perfect gift. unlike her themed gift guide, I went the route I normally travel - the practical gift. I'll be honest - I don't want flowers for Mother's Day. I want something that I can wear, drink, or use to relax. I'd be ecstatic to receive any of the items on this list for Mother's Day. oh, and as a bonus, they're all under $40!

1. for the technology lover: cell phone case ($39.00).

2. for the sentimental: unique greeting card ($4.25).

3. for everyone: NAKED basics palette ($27.00).

4. for the wine lover: wine of the month membership ($34.00/month for classic series).

5. for the beauty product fanatic: birchbox subscription ($10/month).

6. for the jewelry lover: personalized initial necklace ($36.00).

7. for the busy mom who needs a break (aka everyone): LUSH bath bomb ($6.35).

8. for the fashionable: mint hobo bag ($32.99).

Hoppy Easter!

I hope you all had a great Easter, whether you spent it with little ones, family, or otherwise. we took Ronin to see the Easter bunny last weekend. he was pretty unimpressed, but we did get a smile out of him. 

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Ronin got to open his gifts this morning in bed, and he loved every one of them. he especially enjoyed the remote that we the Easter bunny gave him... I hope that means he'll leave our remotes alone now. doubtful. :P 

we spent most of the day playing on the floor with his new toys. and taking a billion pictures of him in his little bunny suit. I mean, can you blame me?

HOPPY EASTER, friends!

round up: Easter basket goodies!

we're not big on celebrating Easter in our house. at least... we weren't... until we had a baby. but now I'm all about the Easter bunny, dying Easter eggs (next year), and celebrating the holiday with gifts for Ronin. 

1. My First Easter bunny bib. 

2. The Runaway Bunny. 

3. B. One Two Squeeze Blocks. 

4. Peter Rabbit Plush. 

5. Baby Touch & Feel book. 

6. The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

7. Bunny costume. 

8. Laugh & Learn Remote. 

as far as the actual basket goes, I wanted to stray from the typical wicker basket simply because they just take up too much room. I know that I would get sick of looking at it and would end up throwing it out after each season... especially if I didn't splurge for one from PB or something. I decided to buy a fabric bin on Etsy that can grow with Ronin; one that we can use year after year. 

are you getting excited for the Easter Bunny? I'll be taking Ronin to sit on his lap at the mall next week, and I may or may not be hoping for a meltdown. I feel like every kid needs a crying Easter Bunny photo, am I right?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

we returned to our favorite country bar in our festive green last night with friends. we were also celebrating two birthdays (mine included), so there were drinks galore. 

we picked Ronin up this morning from Grandma's and spent the rest of the day with him. he got to enjoy some green beans for dinner, woohoo! we started baby-led weaning on Thursday, and it has been SO much fun watching him explore food. 

we didn't go all out with gifts or decorations this year... between normal house stuff and planning a baby shower for a friend of mine, I've been too busy to think about holiday decor, haha. HOWEVER, you better believe that Ronin's Easter basket is already done. ;) 

love my little leprechaun. 

Ronin's First Christmas

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday! Ronin had a great first Christmas and, as predicted, was spoiled rotten. It's been such a blast watching him discover different sounds, textures, and colors through his new toys. I'll have a four month update either tomorrow or Thursday, but in the meantime, here are a few snapshots of our boy's first Christmas.

Thursday Thoughts

linking up with Miss Sar for some random musings :)

{one}

I finally made an appointment to have this mop cut! I haven't had anything done to it since JUNE of 2011. it's in definite need of some TLC. I think I'm going to keep my color the same, but trim the ends and add some more layers. still undecided on whether I want to grow out/keep my bangs. 

{two}

I don't like the new actor playing Spartacus. I'm glad they're continuing the show, but I don't think it'll ever be the same without Andy Whitfield.

{three}

I have no idea who I'm going to root for during the Superbowl. I hate the Giants (Redskins fan), but I don't really like the Patriots either. 

{four}

we have a little mini photo session planned with Jessica this weekend - it's been so long since we've had our pictures taken so I'm a little nervous. but Jessica is a fabulous photographer, so I know she'll work her magic. can't wait to show you all! 

{five}

I may or may not still have Christmas decor up. no lights or tree, but stockings? yes. Christmas cards still hung? yes. talk about being a slacker. 

{six}

I think Punxsutawney Phil is full of shit. it's 60 degrees here in Maryland today (and was yesterday too), so I don't see Old Man Winter hanging around for another 6 weeks. I'm sure I'll have my foot in my mouth when it snows next week or something, haha. 

{seven}

I've read 6 books this year already! yeehaw! to be fair, they were mostly young adult fantasy crap, so I flew right through them. I'm working on The Red Tent right now, and it's proving to be much more adult, and therefore a little harder to get into. 

recent happenings...

here's what I've been up to lately 

(besides being buried in school work - tonight is my last class! WOO!)... 

please excuse the quality of these photos - all cell phone pics. 

replicating some Dali artwork, circa 1923

cooking the most delicious baked ziti known to man, topped with MY VERY OWN fresh basil

[recipe here]

acing physics exams

creating holiday decor & handmade ornaments 

painted ornament tutorial here

"ribbon" ornament is just strips of curled scrapbook paper 

and the scalloped felt tree was a huge pain in the ass

cuddling with a cute Rhys

drawing my iron reindeer that sits on the bookshelf

painting my nails a very festive green for only $0.99 

spending time with this adorable guy

so yeah... that pretty much sums up why I haven't been around. 

have you been doing any holiday decorating? 

have you been cuddling babies as cute as Rhys? (doubtful)

Happy Monday! 

all was calm, all was bright [Etsy goods!]

since the holidays are right around the corner, I figured it was time for a little seasonal Etsy roundup! 

joy pillow

wrapping labels

modern stockings

yarn wreath

printable wine labels

holiday bunting

snowflake ornaments

hippo card

tree garland

holiday plaid baby gear

happy Friday!