July 2010
1 tag
The Jolly Jumper
We went to a Toys R Us yesterday to buy an activity mat.  I couldn’t help but pick up a Jolly Jumper too.  I’ve seen video footage of John in his Jolly Jumper many years ago jumping up and down like a madman!    To begin with she was more interested in chewing on the straps.   I’ve never been able to see the resemblance to John.  Until I took the photo below.  Charlotte is...
Jul 30th
Retro polka dot swimsuits
For me: For Charlotte:
Jul 29th
49 notes
Jul 29th
27 notes
Jul 29th
My Family aka The United Nations
In a couple of weeks I get to see my cousin and her family. I haven’t seen them in over 3 years and I’m so excited! Anyway I got to thinking about both our families and I realized it will be like a meeting of the United Nations. Me - Australian John - Canadian Charlotte - American My cousin - Irish Her husband - French Her two sons - English
Jul 28th
23 notes
Jul 27th
62 notes
3 tags
Jul 27th
35 notes
Jul 26th
24 notes
3 tags
Personalized note cards - READER GIVEAWAY
So far all my reader giveaways have been baby-related.  I understand that can be a bit yawn-worthy for those of you without babies.  So today I have a non-baby giveway.  Woot! Have you ever received a hand-written note that you saved, because it meant so much to you? That you pull out every now and again, because it brings a smile to your face. Or, is there someone you feel that could really use...
Jul 26th
14 notes
Jul 26th
Book your next vacation
jackiegarlich: People who spent money on experiences-such as traveling, eating out, or attending concerts - were happier with their purchases than those who bought possessions, regardless of the amount spent, according to a recent study at San Francisco State University. -Martha Stewart Living
Jul 25th
91 notes
Jul 25th
12 notes
2 tags
Charlotte Photo Bomb
My Mac has been playing up recently.  I think maybe iPhoto is overwhelmed with the volume of photos since Charlotte was born.  After a week on strike, my Mac appears to be playing nicely again so here are a bunch of photos of Charlotte taken this week. I always thought that John’s dark features would be dominant in any child we produced.  Instead we have a fair, blue-eyed baby.   With the hot...
Jul 25th
28 notes
Jul 24th
25 notes
1 tag
One year ago.....
One year ago today I discovered I was pregnant.  I also discovered why pregnancy tests come in packets of three - I had to take the test three times to truly believe it. That night we went out for a celebratory dinner.  This is us. Beaming.  I ate a steak accompanied by a glass of water.  On the way to dinner I bought a book because I really had no idea what to expect.  We spent the weekend in...
Jul 23rd
2 tags
Palookie Paci Blankie - THE WINNER IS.....
We have a winner of the Palookie Paci Blankie! Natcurran who says: i love the Hollywood Paci Blankie! So adorable. Congratulations!  Nat, please contact me via email to claim your prize. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and a big thank you to Palookie for sponsoring this week’s giveaway.   Another giveaway will be announced on Monday!  And this time it won’t be...
Jul 23rd
2 notes
Jul 23rd
3 tags
Travel Tips
My friend Fiona is an Australian living in London and has taken 8 long haul flights (count ‘em!) in her son’s first 18 months.  Two of those flights were London to Sydney….BY HERSELF!!  So I consider Fiona to be an expert when it comes to traveling with a baby.  Unprompted, she sent me an email full of tips.  Hopefully these tips mean that John and I won’t resemble this on...
Jul 22nd
67 notes
Jul 22nd
2 tags
New Mom Luncheon
Baby Bites is a great resource that my friend Sherri told me about.  They arrange all sorts of events, seminars, and classes for pregnant women and new Moms in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Westchester. Yesterday I attended a New Mom Luncheon on the Upper West Side with Sherri.  There were 16 Moms and 16 babies all sitting round a big table, chomping down on some lunch, and listening to a guest...
Jul 21st
4 notes
“They have babies in France.”
– John’s response to my constant stream of I-need-to-bring-this-and-I-need-to-bring-that for Charlotte when we go to France next month.
Jul 21st
30 notes
1 tag
Jul 20th
Sunday, revisited
On Sunday night we headed to the Mermaid Inn with Melissa, Brent and baby Everly who were in town visiting from Raleigh.  With two babies in tow I made a 5.30pm reservation.  For dinner.  Let me just repeat that.  A 5.30pm dinner reservation.  Oh, how life changes when you have a baby! Photo stolen from M’s blog because I like her photos better than mine :-) I have been reading...
Jul 20th
2 tags
Palookie Paci Blankie - Reader Giveaway
The folks over at Palookie have offered one of their products for a giveaway to one of my readers.  YAY GIVEAWAYS!  It is their best selling product - the Palookie Paci Blankie.  This is where I am going to admit something to you.  I turned down an offer to actually review this product myself because I don’t give Charlotte a pacifier.  Except, um, that’s a lie.  I’ve started...
Jul 20th
6 notes
1 tag
Winston the Meatball
Winston is going on a long flight with us next month.  We pulled out his travel bag to make sure he still fits in.  (He’s a bit of meatball).   It’s a tight squeeze but he doesn’t seem to mind.  After asking him to step in, he made himself at home and took an hour long snooze in it.
Jul 19th
23 notes
1 tag
Jul 19th
7 notes
Friday night, revisited
Last night we headed down to the South Street Seaport on the subway.  It was Charlotte’s first subway ride in her stroller.   On my way down there, Berry texted me to say she had a surprise waiting for me.  I really hoped the surprise would be a person and….. SURPRISE!!!!!  It was Jenelle!  I might have screamed a little bit when I spotted her.  What a great surprise! Me, Ave,...
Jul 17th
angrygirlfrienddiaries asked: Do you plan to stay in NYC indefinitely, or do you plan to move closer to family one day? It must be hard to be away from both your family and his family!
Jul 17th
4 notes
2 tags
Jul 16th
Jul 16th
32 notes
1 tag
Baby Face
I could sit and watch Charlotte for hours as her expression changes every few seconds.
Jul 16th
43 notes
1 tag
Jul 16th
alybooboo asked: When Charlotte's a teenager, if she asks you if she can ride a Vespa, will you allow it?
Jul 15th
oldroutines asked: What made you leave amazing Australia? Do you plan on visiting with Charlotte soon?
Jul 15th
6 notes
3 tags
I Can't Live Without.....
Tommee Tippee Bottles John bought the Tommee Tippee bottles in Babies R Us when Charlotte was less than a week old.  He based his decision on the fact that they have specially designed bottles for sensitive tummies. I was recently exchanging emails with a PR person and as an aside she asked me if I would be interested in reviewing a newly launched baby bottle called the Tommee Tippee.  I was...
Jul 15th
graceinsmallthings asked: Hello! I'm heading to your Motherland next week (four days in Sydney and four days in Tasmania), and while the majority of time will be filled with meetings and site inspections and work-related stuff, I anticipate at least having two afternoons free. I've been to Brisbane, Cairns and the Reef before, but it's my first time in Sydney. What are your must-dos (or eats) for first...
Jul 15th
6 notes
1 tag
Jul 14th
19 notes
Jul 14th
24 notes
Monday Night
I realized something very exciting last night.  I am finally ok with leaving Charlotte with a (trusted) babysitter.  I can enjoy myself without constantly thinking and worrying about her.  Progress.  Now I just have to work on being ok with going back to work. Last night we left Charlotte with (the very trustworthy!) Jen and went out with our friends Darcy and Michelle who are visiting from...
Jul 13th
9 notes
Weekend Recap: Friday
John arrived home on Thursday night from a business trip to find me snuggled in bed with Charlotte feeling very sorry for myself indeed.  I had a major case of the sadz because my Mum was flying home the next day.   Fast forward to Friday afternoon and John walked into the kitchen to tell me he had booked a babysitter (thanks Berry!) and we were going out that night.  WHAAA?  And then he started...
Jul 12th
39 notes
Jul 12th
1 tag
Jul 12th
17 notes
Jul 11th
Jul 9th
20 notes
1 tag
Jul 8th
24 notes
1 tag
Jul 8th
30 notes
Jul 8th
1 tag
Jul 7th
58 notes
2 tags
J Brand Jeans
I love jeans so much.  If I could wear them every day I would.  I have been wearing my Sass & Bide skinny jeans religiously - they fit me so much better with a few extra pounds on my frame - but am on the lookout for a new pair of J Brands. I’ve been perusing Shopbop and am loving all the J Brands.  I plan on investing in a pair of skinny dark blue jeans but these ones all caught my eye...
Jul 7th
26 notes
“Making the decision to have a child is momentous! It is to decide forever to...”
– Quote by Elizabeth Stone
Jul 6th