The Stroller Ballet

Our weekends are sometimes hit or miss; my husband is often working and I’m with both girls. So, when we do have some time together, there’s this urgency to actually do something.  Sunday we visited the Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg; I was in search for a few items for my back deck (more to come on that), and the weather promised to be beautiful. Mother Nature didn’t disappoint, and we spent a lovely morning overlooking Manhattan with two princesses (one of whom wore an actual crown!).

I simply love the interesting pieces you can find while thrift shopping; I’ve interspersed much of our home decor with vintage finds. The Brooklyn Flea is a haven for collectors; there are artists and vendors of all types. We purchased our coffee table from a carpenter who has a booth at The Flea, and over the past two years I’ve also picked up bits and pieces for various corners of our home. Oh, and there’s food! Incredible food.

As Gemma’s grown, she’s learned to appreciate the unique things she can find at The Flea. On this particular trip she spotted a zebra necklace – undoubtedly an 80s relic – and was enamored. The vendor initially asked for $12, but settled on $8 when he realized it was for a four year old.  Probably more than I should have spent, but her delight made it worthwhile, and it serves double duty (show and tell for the letter “z” is coming up). I expect that Cleo will follow in Gemma’s footsteps as she grows, with an ever expanding penchant for junk jewelry. We’re making space in the playroom.

I’m trying to appreciate these moments we have as a family; the past four months have passed in a flash, and I feel like both my girls will be full fledged kids before I know it.

So, Sunday was a day to just be. To eat, bask in the sunshine. And delight in a wooden necklace.

I’ve been wanting to try colored denim for the last couple of seasons. Last summer’s pregnancy thwarted any hope of that, and I spent June through August in muu-muus and elastic waist pants. This year, I wasn’t completely sure how I’d feel – having only given birth a few months prior to warm weather. But I’m so inspired by link ups like Monday Mingle – it’s refreshing to see normal, everyday women trying different trends and feeling confident in their bodies. So, sleep deprived and still carrying some pregnancy “reminders”, I decided that there’s no time like the present. Carpe Diem!

Last week I wrote about my post-partum survival tips – in which I suggested buying a few items that fit. I Thankfully, this time around I feel less urgency to loose the weight; after Gemma’s birth I learned that it can take a while. Back in February I invested in some legging jeans from Gap; they fit so comfortably, are flattering, and have a higher rise (my stomach is appreciative). Just two weeks ago I purchased one of the sorbet-type hues  – the bright coral. They haven’t disappointed! I’ve already worn them several times and am even considering getting another shade (bonus: certain colors are currently on sale).

Today is dreary, but Saturday was gorgeous. Warmer weather is just around the corner. And it’s time for some wardrobe updates.

{jeans: Gap/shirt: Dockers similar/scarf: Jcrew (old)/shoes: Toms/bag (my diaper/kiddo tote): Louis Vuitton/sunglasses: RayBan}

“Mommy, I’m going to shine up this whole city in my new shoes!”

Once upon a time, I would have too.

Three months into life with two children, and I’m still here. I spent the last few months of my second pregnancy terrified; most people seemed overly eager to “warn” me about life with two children and how difficult it would be. As the weeks passed, I found myself sweating over how I would handle two. I could barely get through pregnancy managing a three year old; how would I deal with a three year old and a newborn!?! In reality, you “just do it”, and that’s survival (this was also a great piece of advice I got while pregnant – from a mom of three). Of course, over the last twelve weeks I’ve developed some pretty great coping mechanisms. And they work. So much, that people actually think I’ve got my shit together (I completely don’t).

Here are five of my best tips for faking it when you are feeling dumpy, exhausted, and overwhelmed:

1. Sleep early. One of the most common pieces of advice you’ll hear as a new mom is “sleep when the baby does.” Unfortunately, with two children, it’s not always possible to nap throughout the day. I’m also pretty Type A, and tend to try to accomplish everything I’ve put aside when there are ten seconds to spare. I’ve settled for catching up on my sleep in other ways; sometimes, I’ll go to bed shortly after my four year old. It’s incredible how great crawling under the covers at 8pm can make you feel.

2. Buy something that fits. We would all like walk out of the hospital wearing our pre-pregnancy jeans. My four year old would also like to meet a unicorn. The reality is you should be prepared to be out of your old clothes for a while. And, in the weeks postpartum, it feels good to have something that isn’t maternity and fits. If you’re breastfeeding? Be sure to pick up a few great nursing tanks in basic colors (black, white, and nude).

3. Take a shower. These days, I shower and dry my hair at night. Think you don’t have time? I promise, you do. Bouncy seats were invented for this reason. Put the baby down – she’ll wait.

4. Get some great makeup (and wear it). I love makeup. Admittedly, I wear a lot of it (even more now that I have multiple children). Still, this advice applies even for those of you who aren’t Sephora fiends. No mother should be without some really fantastic under eye concealor (at the very least). Spend the money on a good one; you won’t regret it. I also always wear mascara and blush (tends to help with that sallow “I haven’t slept in 2 days” look).

5. Make your bed. I make my bed every morning. It takes 2 minutes and really sets a tone for the remainder of the day.

That’s it. And if all else fails, have a glass of wine.

1. Bravado Nursing Tank
2. Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara
3. Gap Legging Jeans (feel like leggings but look like jeans. Plus, they stretch! Go up a few sizes)
4. Nars Orgasm Blush (a cult favorite!)
5. Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge Concealor
6. American Apparel High Waisted Leggings (they suck everything in without being uncomfortable! Go up a few sizes)

Gemma is extremely picky about her clothing these days; everything she wears needs to be cute and comfortable and conform to her style standards (not so easily done!) So I’m always in search items that fit her specifications.  I was recently contacted by Jane Lee, owner of Petilapin, a small New York based children’s clothing company. Jane was inspired by her young niece to start her very own line of girls clothing. Using her experiences with fashion she’s curated a unique brand of leggings, skirts, and fun tops.

Jane sent us the Pretty Chiffon Trim Top and The Zip Ponte Leggings. They arrived in a beautiful box with the Petilapin logo – I love this type of attention to detail.The styles are mature but still cute, sophisticated and simple, and the fabrics are really nice. Gemma slipped into them and found she was able to move easily and comfortably. There are so many other items I love from Jane’s boutique, including the double breasted knit jacket and super soft stripe dress; it’s hard to decide what I’m going to order next.

And now, here’s the good news. I’m giving away a $50 Gift Card to Petilapin, . All you have to do is enter in the rafflecopter below. All entries will be verified. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In the hours after the Boston tragedy, my Facebook and Twitter feeds fired up with a quote by Mr, Rogers. “When I was a boy and I would see scary things, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

Yes, Mr. Rogers, I want to believe in humanity. I need to believe in humanity. Because I’m a parent. Because I’m raising two beautiful, incredible girls. Because I want them to be good. And, despite a need to be vigilant, I want them to believe in good.

This morning, Boston’s nightmare of the past several days is over. Today I pray for that city. I pray for those whop have been hurt, physically and emotionally. I pray for the helpers.

For my full entry on The Huffington Post, click here.

Each week Gemma’s pre-school covers one letter of the alphabet. Show and tell is Friday, and students are expected to bring in something that starts with the letter they’ve been working on. We generally start thinking about show and tell on Monday. Then, for the remainder of the week, Gemma asks me, daily, how many sleeps until it actually happens. And tells me she’s unable to wait that long.

Guys, show and tell is a big deal when you’re four.

Last week her class covered the letter “t”. Monday morning we discussed our options, finally settling on “tiara”. She selected a sparkly, fur-trimmed number, put it aside, and began her requisite pining for Friday.

Thursday night, I was walking through the playroom (in the dark) and stepped on something crunchy. Of course it was the tiara (possibly the only time I had EVER hoped for a lego). I super glued the whole thing together, and stuck it in Gemma’s backpack without a second thought. Friday morning, we showed up at school. She had been holding the tiara for a grand total of three seconds when it cracked in half.

Show and tell disaster.

We found some tape (which, incidentally, also begins with the letter “t”), and I attempted to repair things as best as possible (which really wasn’t that great). Still, it was evident that April 12, 2013 was to be the tiara’s last moment of glory.

I expected a meltdown, but was pleasantly surprised. Gemma was stoic; she took in the entire episode with as much grace as one can expect in the face of tragedy. It was almost more heartbreaking than had she thrown a tantrum. I resolved to find a new, even better, crown (with feathers and a giant jewel).

Gemma’s four. She still has many, many, irrational moments.  (Hell, I still have many, many irrational moments, and I’m a so-called adult.)

But every so often, between the foot stomping and self-imposed time outs, I see these glimpses of maturity; reminders that she will, one day, be older than four.

She’s growing up.

Gemma practically lives in her leggings. Between recess and the park, she’s a pretty active little girl and is always in search of comfort. Whatever clothing we choose has to stretch and move with her lifestyle. Still, she’s pretty particular about what exactly she puts on. She has an affinity for pink and purple and basically whatever looks “like fancy”.

I was recently contacted by Polkadot What, a New York based leggings line, about reviewing an item from their line. Polkadot What gives girls the opportunity to creatively “design” their own leggings, by choosing a different color or print for each leg. I knew Gemma would be a fan of “The Awesome and Sweet You” style (stripes). With one leg pink and one purple it combines her two favorite colors. The stripey design is also a personal favorite of ours.

We received our leggings around two weeks ago, and since then she’s LIVED in them. They are casual and cute, and we’ve received so many compliments. I have no doubt these will be a favorite for months to come.

Want to try out a pair for yourself? Be sure to take advantage of these discount codes:

We held Gemma’s birthday party this past weekend. She was insistent upon having a princess party (she LOVES princesses, after all), and even had the venue selected (the girl’s a planner).

My mother was quick to remind me that once, in the time before children (of course) I was rather adamant that WE WOULD NEVER OWN ANY DISNEY PARAPHERNALIA! We were a progressive family, after all, and all the messaging in those princess movies went against EVERYTHING I stood for as a woman.

Now, we have a bin full of at least 15 princess costumes, each of which are on permanent rotation throughout the day. From any moment Gemma may switch between Rapunzel or Ariel or Jasmine. The songs run through my head like a soundtrack to driving me crazy. Even Cleo is sometimes included in the play – as baby Tangled or a little child visiting Disney World.

I’m ok with it.

Her moments of being a princess are tempered with those as a cheetah, or cat, or dog. Hours in the park spent getting lost in a game of “animals” or “work” or “cars”. I’ve realized Princesses are almost a means to an end; imagination is king, right now (or Queen, you might say). And who wouldn’t love a princess, after all; the possibility of disappearing in a cloud of sparkles and satin and fluff.

Still. Once again.

A reminder of how often parenthood has made me eat my words.

Sometimes, I feel like my relationship with Gemma is getting so much easier. She listens, I don’t need a stroller, we can have a conversation. She’s getting older and more independent. It’s almost like being with a mini adult. Sometimes. Of course, there are those moments when the claws come out…ouch. Maybe that’s part of being a parent to girls (I’ve been told it gets even more difficult. Thanks).

Gemma’s new thing is stating exactly how she feels about me when angry. Exactly. And when in doubt, she makes something up. For example, yesterday morning:

Gemma: I’d like a cookie for breakfast.

Me: How about cereal and some orange.

Gemma: I’d like a cookie.

Me: How about cereal and some orange.

Gemma: I’d like a cookie.

Me (I didn’t hear you the first three times): Um, no.

Gemma (stomping her foot): I don’t like you.

Me: ? What don’t you like?

Gemma: I don’t like your… (quick scan of my person) outfit.

My mother thinks it’s divine retribution for all the times my sister and I have made, ahem, recommendations on what she’s wearing. And isn’t that the truth in parenting? The moment you start talking smack about anything, it comes back and slaps you in the face, ten fold. (In defense of Gemma, I didn’t really love my outfit at that particular moment either, but it was way comfy). Related: did you ever notice how nothing is repetitive in the mind of a four year old?

Anyways, I’m over on the Huffington Post Parents today, talking about the struggle between managing the little and big parts of my older girl. I’m calling finding a balance The Rule of Fifty. Hop on over for a look at how I’m trying (operative word, trying) to do it.

Happy weekend!