A Hot Bath

Jack and I have been battling a cold for a few days and tonight I was feeling really miserable. Just tired and achy.  My Nan called to check up on us and she gave me brilliant advice. She told me to try "Mom's medicine" a hot bath (said with her lovely British accent), a cup of tea, Tylenol and an early night. Sounded good to me!

I realized once I got in the tub, that I hadn't had a bath since I was pregnant. It felt ridiculously good to sink all the way in. I even chuckled when I looked down and saw my toes without a baby bump in the way! It was also nice to make the water piping hot without having to worry.

While I soaked in my quiet bathroom, I decided that I couldn't imagine not having a tub to soak in. One day when we grow up and buy a home, a tub will be an essential component. Do you ever fantasize about your future home? I think that even if we owned a place, I'd still dream about someplace different. In my dreams we'll someday own a modest 2-3 bedroom apartment in the City - how fabulous would that be?! (note: this is highly unlikely, but a girl can dream!) When I get to decorate or renovate my very own bathroom, it will require a nice, deep tub. Deep enough that I can sink all the way in without having to bend my knees! 

tubs found here, here, here and here

How deliciously decedent do these tubs look?! (Seriously, I sound like I'm talk about dessert. Ha! I like baths, what can I say?!) I think number 2 is my favorite. There's something about a tub in front of a window that seems so relaxing, especially with a City view!

A nice hot bath is almost like a mini vacation! It was such a wonderful suggestion, thanks Nan. Mom's medicine is always just what you need... :)

Proud parent

Last week I spent a lovely day with my Dad. He came over and we went for a nice, long walk and just talked. Then when the boys were up from their naps, we all went out to dinner together. It was a great day, but the highlight came when my Dad was talking about Nick. 

Nick is graduating from Teachers College of Columbia University next week with his Master's degree. He started the program when I was newly pregnant with Jack and was able to balance teaching full-time with bringing home 2 babes and getting excellent grades - not to mention his being an outstanding, supportive husband and an amazing Dad!!

When Nick got up to use the bathroom, my Dad told me how proud he was of Nick and how much respect he has for all he's been doing. But then when Nick came back to the table, my Dad told him directly. It made my heart warm!

I am extraordinarily proud of Nick and his massive accomplishments! He has managed to take care of everything, often at the expense of his own sleep/rest/sanity. He has never once told me that he didn't have time to listen or support me, feed a baby or change a diaper... He always finds a way to make it work.

I cannot even express the pride I have in knowing that my boys get to watch their Daddy graduate from Columbia University! What an awesome role model!

But I could also burst with pride for my Dad's willingness to boast about his son-in-law. It seems difficult for men to speak so honestly about pride and respect, so I was so glad that my Dad was willing to tell Nick the things that he often tells me about him.

Babe, I am SO incredibly proud of you.

I am grateful for both Nick and my extraordinary Dad.

Family Vacation!

Last week we took a lovely vacation to Charleston, South Carolina with Nick's parents and sister. We had a great trip and proudly survived flying with TWO lap babies! I'm working on uploading our pictures from the camera and about 12 draft posts from our trip and beyond... 

But here are a few snapshots from my iPhone!

 

We decided to have an "airport picnic" before the flight! 

(Read: there wasn't a seat to be found, so we plopped ourselves on the floor on a blanket and called it a picnic!) We survived the trip and even got a pic in front of our teeny tiny plane!

 

We stayed in Foley Beach, SC which is a great beach community about 20 minutes outside of Charleston. It was so nice and relaxing to hang out on the beach. That's Nick & Jack playing closer to the ocean.

 

We took an awesome carriage ride in Charleston! Really informative, but also fun and pretty. 

Both boys fell asleep!

 

The accidental matching family... opps! ;)

While I love matching outfits for my boys, this was a total accident - especially me & Nick! 

 

One night we went to a wonderful dinner and left the boys with my in-laws. 

It was so great to have a night out to ourselves!

Graduation

Today I put Nick's Graduation on my calendar and I was so proud I felt like I might burst. He is getting his Master's from Teachers College of Columbia University and I seriously could not be prouder! He has worked tirelessly over the past 2 years. During this time we've brought home 2 babies, worked full time and battled cancer. Nothing about this has been easy. But I love that my boys get to see such an outstanding role model. I tear up every single time I think about my boys watching their Daddy graduate!

I am SO proud of my incredible partner and best friend.

Couch to 5k

I'm going to do it!

A 5k.

There, I said it.

Now comes the doing it...

I have promised a friend that I will run a 5k with her on April 28th. I am actually excited about it. I'm just not excited about the part when I go out for a "run" and get exhausted after 4 minutes and have to play through for 20 more and pretend it's not torture. But I'm going to do it. Even if I decide that I don't ever want to do it again. I'm going to at least try! What kind of a role model would I be if I didn't try something new once in a while, right?!

And today, a friend at work introduced me to the couch to 5k app for my iPhone. It's a sign. He didn't know that I was planning to start this project, but he's training for a run the next day! Apparently this app links to Facebook too, so we can support each other. I love technology!

I figure that if I put it on the internet, then I have to do it. This is me holding myself accountable. I'm going to start... soon! ;)

A Wonderful Weekend.

Tonight I am thankful for a wonderful weekend full of family and laughs.
We had a great visit with my in-laws! The boys loved all of the attention and were spoiled rotten! 

Exactly what a weekend with your grandparents should be. :)

Nick & I were also spoiled with two blissful nights of sleep, including a one-night getaway to Boston! It was such a wonderful combination of time together and time apart. I am grateful for such wonderful, loving, supportive in-laws!

Tonight, my heart is full. <3
 

Date night.

I am grateful for a wonderful date night with Nick. 

Good food, good drinks and great company!

We also had a great time at the Boston Aquarium! More on that later ;)

Mother-In-Law.

Today I am grateful for my Mother-In-Law. Not only did she raise a man that I am proud to call my husband, but she is also a wonderful mother-in-law to me. She has never tried to be my mom, but she has always made a point to include me in her family. I know that she loves me very much. Some MILs would have a hard time with a daughter-in-law like me. I am extremely close to my family. My mother was my best friend! But she never judged that relationship and also never tried to mimic it. Rather, she built a relationship with me that is authentic to her.

When my Mom passed away, I could see her sadness. She made a point to find ways to support me and our family. She made sure that I knew that she would always be here for us. I never doubt that she would help me out in any way that I ask! But I also know, without a doubt, that she respects me (and my Mom!) enough to never try and replace her. I am so grateful for that.

Tonight, when we arrived at her house, she had the baby's crib all set up in her room. She knew how tired we were, so she took the baby to let us sleep. Amazing.

So tonight, I am grateful for a wonderful mother-in-law. And (hopefully) a great nights sleep!

Tomorrow we're off to the Aquarium in Boston!  

(I know, another aquarium! We're like aquarium connoisseurs!) 

I'm excited. ;)

Nick.

 I won't tell you just how many of these Dove chocolates I've had today... Don't judge! They are so yummy and I also enjoy the sweet notes inside. 

It's no coincidence that these two messages each appeared twice today. 

It's a reminder.

Today I am beyond thankful for my Nick. He has shown me what true unconditional love is. It is the love that laughs with you and cries with you. The love that brought us our perfect, sweet boys. The strength to bare my tears and heartache, even when there is nothing he can do but love me. It is the love that lives in his hugs and his touch. It is the love that helps me carry on. The love that makes me smile... and last night, it was the love that allowed me 9 full hours of sleep. 

In other words, bliss.

Last night my fabulous husband folded the laundry so I could go to sleep at 9:00. He then got up two times with our sweet baby (who refuses to sleep through the night) so I could sleep, uninterrupted. I woke up rested and better prepared to face the day.

I am so thankful for you and your love. 

I can only hope that my love for you speaks as clearly to you as yours does to me.

Thank you - not only for the sleep, but for always being there - No matter what.

Would you like a Dove chocolate heart? ;)

Off color humor.

I work in education. 

I have spent years studying, learning about and advocating for student needs... LGBT issues, diversity, mental health, civility. Honestly, it's my passion and what I love to do. But now and again, I can really appreciate some off color humor. Once in a while, we all just need to laugh - especially about our work! 

Today, we had a good, hard laugh about jumping out the window.

We were totally overwhelmed by our to-do lists and timelines that when we sat down to map out "action steps" we decided that step #1 was to open window, #2 climb onto roof below and #3 jump. Not funny. But really, really funny in that moment.

I realize that when I say this, it sounds bad and so inappropriate. But that's the thing about off color humor... It's off color. 

 But it's hysterical! ;)

I'm thankful for moments when we can laugh at things that aren't funny, just because we need to laugh! 

(And just for the record, I am not at all suicidal. If I were, I know where to get help. I have FAR too much to live for to ever consider the alternative.)

And now the eductor in me wants to do this...

If you are suicidal or depressed, please get help. NOW. Call a friend, a loved one, the police, your doctor... just call someone. Life is hard, but it is also sacred. It's worth living, I promise.

OK, now we can laugh again! ;)

Work.

Today I am grateful for my job and the people that I work with everyday. They are friends as well as colleagues and I am lucky to spend my days with them.

They also love my kids, which is so amazing. But what's really amazing, is that they don't just say that they love my kids in that "of course, we love your kids" kind of way. They like ask me to bring them to work events. They ask to babysit. They get genuinely excited when Nick brings them by for a visit. It's ridiculously sweet, cute and thoughtful. It makes being a working mom a gazillion times easier and better!

(My dear friend & colleague, Sion with J - who absolutely ADORES him!)

Photo taken by my other dear friend and colleague, Kelly. 

I'm also grateful for the students that I work with. They are smart and focused. Dedicated and hardworking. Not to mention über talented. But they are also thoughtful. Today a student came to my office, just to share good news. It made my day! I like to think that there are a lot of people who work with teenagers who think that they are annoying and sassy and apathetic. Though I've had those thoughts on occasion, I am really lucky to work with amazing kids.

So overall, today I'm thankful for my job. It's fun. It challenges me. It gives me balance. And it let's me spend my days surrounded by thoughtful, incredible people.

Jealous yet? ;)

Friends.

People always tell you that one day you'll discover who your real friends are. For me, that day has come and gone. Over the course of this last year I have learned the value of good friends. I have learned just what good friends are capable of. I have never appreciated friends as much as I do now. I have learned that though you may not always need them, when you do - when you really, really need them - they'll be there. So many people offered to do things for us - make dinner, watch the kids, listen, pray... So many people wanted to help. Most of the time I thanked them. I appreciated the prayers and boy did I feel the love. But it was hard to say, "yes, please take the kids" or "dinner would be great." Then there came a point when I realized that it was time. It was time to trust that these offers were serious and these friends were sincere. There were friends who were willing to take my kids with almost no notice. Friends who sent food, so we didn't have to worry about cooking. Friends who sent notes, cards, texts, emails and love. Friends that have let me cry, but who have also made me laugh. Sometimes they really made me laugh. It felt so good. 

I have always known that I've been blessed with an incredibly strong, tight, annoyingly involved and loving family. But I now know the value of real, beautiful friendship. 

I am so blessed to have so many beautiful friendships. I hope that they always know how much they are appreciated.

Thank you. <3