Call me unoriginal...

...but I swear I could title each post "My Favorite Things".  Whenever I think about blogging it's an update on life (mostly life with Julia) who of course is my favorite thing! 

So I had this funny moment when I was at a "playgroup" with Julia this week.  I cannot say enough about the beautiful group of women that I have met through this mom's group - they have preserved my sanity and more importantly helped me see that I'm not the only one who recognizes that everyday is a humbling reminder that I have no clue what I'm doing.  At our last gathering I sort of laughed to myself as I realized that most of our conversation was centered on sharing what we've learned.  Mostly the things that we've discovered and what we can't live without..one big afternoon discussion of our favorite things.  No wonder it's always on my mind.  In the struggle to survive momhood, we've all found snippets of advice or things that have made this bearable. There are the tangible things in this time, the material things that just make sense, make life better, avoid catastrophes, and are just too cute to pass up.  Do I need a Pool Blue hat from Etsy to survive or to feel like a better mom? No, but I will say they are pretty stinking adorable!  There are also the pieces of advice that just help you move forward as a more confident mom.  And isn't that worth more than gold?  What an encouraging and amazing example of community. 

So, going back to the whole topic of Favorites. (I promise I won't say this word in my next month of blogs)

I will try. 

Anyway, you can't put a price tag on a beautifully captured photo.  For Julia's first few months of life I tried to take one of her each day.  Now whenever she see's a bright light she automatically turns her head.  She's pretty traumatized by my obsession with this, so I have scaled back my efforts.  I was able to get some beautiful 6 month portraits at Laura Novak's Littlenest studio in Delaware (natural light, no flash).  It was tough to choose just one or two prints, so we decided on a canvas with 2 of the best Julia photos.  The quote goes along the outsides of the canvas and the following is a sneek peak/rough draft:

The Brian Andreas quote is perfect.

So I just wrote all of that and really all I wanted to do was post this picture and simply state "my favorite".

The ArT of EaTinG

She's a girl who knows what she wants and she's willing to try anything.  Literally. 

Rehoboth Beach Funland tickets (cutest gift idea ever from Aunt Bean and Neesie) belong in the category of fun things, but they're not so tasty.  So, a few moments later we moved on.  These 4 shots are a day in the life of Julia's first steps toward eating.  As you can see it's quite a process and it involves a few wardrobe changes throughout. :)

Innocently trying to learn her sippy cup, but don't let that face fool you...

So we moved on to sweet potatoes.  It was pretty early on that I stripped her down.  I left to get another spoon and here is how I found her.  Pretty determined to get every last morsel of this sweet potato goodness!

(I love this face - it's the "what's wrong with my eating style" face.)

And we have entered the realm of Julia's life where most new introductions end in the need for a bath. 

For both of us.

The best of 2009:

What a year it has been!  These initial pictures from last year seem like a lifetime ago!  2009 has been simply life altering.  Here is a quick recap:

January 14th 2009 - 4 months pregnant

February 14th 2009 - this about sums up how we spent our entire winter!

March 8th 2009 - girls weekend in Florida w/ Kirstan

April 2009 - 7 months pregnant (Shana 6 months pregnant)

May 9th 2009 - Kate and J's wedding...I love this picture!

June 13th 2009 - SHE's here - Julia Claire Gray arrives!

July 4th, 2009 - 4th of July parade and a visit from Becca, Ben and Hannah.

August 8th, 2009 - Aunt Kirstan's first visit

September 8th, 2009 - 3 months old, first of many trips to Maine

October 9th, 2009 - 4 months old, first of many trips to Florida

November 21st, 2009 - View from our hotel room on my birthday in New York City-saying good bye to Bec, Bean, Kris, and Kate.

December 7th, 2009 - (6 months old) preparing for our first Christmas as a family.

What I have learned this year:

1) You never quite know how to do it until you're in the midst of it and you just trust yourself and figure it out.

2) Grocery shopping will never be the same...instead of thinking gourmet, I imagine what will be the easiest to grab and prepare quickly.  (Hummus continues to be my best friend!)

3) Long showers have never felt like such a treat.

4) Once you start solids, the smell of diapers will never be the same again!

5) Going through new parenting with other moms is essential.

6) Just when you think you have it all together, some sort of "accident" is going to send you back to square one...prepare for everything, expect very litte, get excited for minor accomplishments.

7) Seeing Julia laugh trumps any other joy - it is humbling to think of the things I will do to get this child to laugh and smile (and even funnier seeing her grandparents do this!)

8).Breastfeeding is on my top list of accomplishments.  Nobody tells you how truly hard it is.  I have a countdown list and I celebrate each month I have continued it.  It is the most precious time that I have with her.

9) 4am 10 years ago in college looks VERY different from the 4am's I encounter now.  Is it possible that I used to think nothing of staying up all night hanging out in Witmer dorm?

10) Love is different now.

My resolutions:

1) Make 1 new recipe per week

2) Learn how to use my sewing machine and make my gifts for people this year (at least a few).

3) Find more one on one time with my husband.

4) Enjoy this time!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12.13.09 - 6 months later.

Today I took a look back at my orignal entry - I started this blog while I was on bedrest.  I had no idea what was about to happen to our family in those moments.  I remember how scared I was when I was awaiting Julia's arrival.  I knew that I was going to be a good mother, but there are so many unknowns encompassed in the world of birth and newborns and all that goes with it. 

So here she is, Julia Claire, 6 months later...she is her own person!  When I was looking at her in those first moments in the hospital I couldn't quite imagine what kind of baby she would be or what she would be doing at this point.  So I'm writing it - for Julia.  Because I know it will be completely different in another month (or even next week).  I want to remember this time because each day seems so foreign because it's new territory, but at the same time it all just makes sense.

Julia -
6 months ago you arrived in true Julia style - peacefully in a chaos-ridden situation. You knew it was all going to be okay and as soon as you were here, it was.
I once heard someone comment that now that they have a child everyday feels like Christmas morning.  I never understood that until you came into our lives.  I get so excited to see you each morning.  You are so happy in your sleepy state.  You rub your eyes and kick your feet, but you have such a joy about you in the morning.  I am so quick to get you (even in the middle of the night) because it feels like a special treat to be in your presence.  I love sneaking into your room at night just to see you sleep.  You embody peace in those moments.  You have given me a whole new perspective on life as I slow down and take in my time with you.
You have grown so much in the last few months!  You are now sitting up and able to intentionally play with your toys.  You get the biggest kick out of the simplest things!  Tonight you were able to press a button on a toy knowing that it would release the ball that you wanted.  You are so stinking smart! (and you definately know how to get what you want!).  Lately you want to be held a lot.  I think you are just taking so much in that being held feels like "base".  You want to explore your world and then you need a break.  I hope you always keep that healthy perspective...it's good to explore, but also know who/what you trust.  (Yes, I am the social worker mother who is already teaching you boundaries) :)
You have so much to say and you love making sounds - you just found your tongue and are pretty impressed with the new sounds you are able to make.  When we are in the car you have this little game where you yell out louder..and louder... and louder...and then when you get to your loudest, you fall asleep.  Your daddy and I just laugh at you and wonder what point you are trying to make when you do that.
You are laughing all of the time now.  Scout brings you a lot of joy (although most of the time she is kind of aloof), you don't seem to notice.  One of these days she will come around and you will both be ready to play together. 
Right now my favorite time with you is in the mornings.  Your still sleepy enough that you want to nestle in and be held tight.  I love being your mother and I can't imagine anything that compares with that feeling in all the world.  Each moment with you feels so complete and I thank God for the opportunity to experience this depth in life.
You are growing and growing - the next 6 months will hold whole new set of challenges and adventures.  I still have that new mom feeling of not knowing what's in store, but I guess that is the joy of parenthood.  You always seem to surprise me.
Thank you for your vibrant spirit and your unending joy!
We love you always!

The 12 Days of...

The Christmas countdown begins, but the past 12+ days have marked sheer craziness in our home.  If you set up a video camera outside of our home and pressed the fast forward button, it would reveal some interesting activity!  We literally feel like life has pushed some hidden fast forward button on us - Julia will be 6 months old next week!  The following photos highlight some of the finer moments:

Thanksgiving morning stared bright and early with a "I can now eat whatever I want now that I have completed a Turkey Trot".  Since the closest 5k was 45 minutes away, we decided to host our own.  Charles ordered trophies that were something to be proud of.  My last sprint to the finish line was purely out of the desire to claim the trophy for this year.  I won the female division...which included only 3 of us.  I have to defend my title for next year, which is my motivation to stay in shape!  Kirstan and my mom are going to make a comeback! 

And to complete such an "accomplished" morning, Charles and I pulled off Thanksgiving for 13 people plus 4 babies under 8 months old.  We had such a great mix of our friends and family all in the same room.  God has truly blessed us this year with these individuals who are encountering parenthood at the same time. 

We captured a photo of all of the dads...this was the best we could do considering we had very little cooperation!

On Saturday we headed out to chop down a tree at the most beautiful tree farm in all of New England.  I was so excited to take Kirstan there - being from FL, she doesn't often get to see pine trees :)  It was the perfect New England day finished off with some soup and homemade bread for dinner as we decorated the tree.  For all of the craziness of the weekend, we had these little glimpses of perfection...the simple moments of soaking in the time with family and enjoying the season!

And on Sunday was Julia's baptism, which was a very moving service of celebration as we vowed to raise Julia to know God and to grow in her chuch community.  Our pastor used the symbol of light to describe her commitment to faith and her impact on this world.  It is so appropriate for the season of advent as there are lights everywhere reminding us of Jesus - the light of the world.  One little child...it is amazing to me to think of the impact she will have on this world!  I can already see how special she is.  I can only imagine how amazing it will be to see her grow and ask about Jesus and say her prayers...how humbling that we as parents guide her through this journey? 

This is the only picture that I camptured with my camera...it is adorable!  Charles was carrying her out of the church and the only thing that we had to cover her head was this santa hat...quite cute!

And finally, the thread of the entire weekend was some really special moments with my sister, which doesn't happen as often as I'd like.  She will be Julia's Godmother and also walking this journey with Julia.  Our time together makes me feel that all is right in the world - like we can be kids again and reminice and also get excited about these big changes in our lives.  I am so happy for the place that she is in her life right now and I am even happier when we get to share it together along with mom.  Over a glass of wine and a game of Scrabble.  Perfection!

Favorite things

I have a secret wish that I could make a guest appearance on Oprah or (on a smaller scale) have an article in Real Simple magazine featuring: Lauren's Favorite Things.  Every Christmas I seem to find one thing that I would like to buy in bulk - one of those items of the year that is functional and hip and just makes my day so much easier. 
In 2007 I would have featured the trusty head-lamp - great for my grandmother as she walks her dogs and Charles as he attempts to fix our leaking roof in the middle of the night.  What other gift can you buy for both your grandmother and husband? 

2008 would definately be the all purpose Farmers Market collapsable basket.  I have bought this for just about everyone and I take it everywhere!  It's especially handy when I am in charge of bringing an appetizer somewhere - I just load up the basket and I'm ready to go.

 *I found mine at Home Goods and subsequently bought them out of about 10 more*

And as we all know, 2009 is all about the baby. 

When I was pregnant I asked every new mom I could find to name their top 3 baby products.  I was clueless about the essentials and wanted to keep the big circus-like toys to a minimum.  So here are my top 3...not that there isn't other "need to have" type gear, but these are the things that make me smile when I'm using them.  They make life easier, or just a bit more cheerful.

#1 - The BOB stroller - just watch the demo, you will be sold!

# 2 - Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag (here is the link to the blog)  The shoulder bag is so functional!  It's a bit pricey, but it's very durable, so I anticipate that it'll last beyond our first child...

#3 - Etsy...ok, more specifically these burp cloths (but I have made some other GREAT Etsy finds - especially for unique handmade/embroidered clothes).  If you ever need an easy New Baby gift this is the place to go.  The woman who makes these is wonderful to work with!

oh, and the Baby Ergo is very cool too!  I know there is a "babywearing" movement, which I can't say that I've read too much about (I have a good feeling that if I read up on it, I would be even more excited about the Ergo!)  I just love the idea of having her close to me every moment possibe.  It's great bonding time and it helps me get things done around the house! 

And now a focus on the things that REALLY matter in life:  friends.  This weekend inspired me to think about my favorite things because it goes in the history books as one of the best weekends of my life.  It was a 3 day long 30th birthday celebration starting with a nice little visit from my parents, a "Gray-style" party on Friday night, which was a nice reminder that we DO have friends in Massachusetts - great ones!  Sometimes it takes them all in the same room to remind you that you've got roots somewhere. 

And to top it all off: a surprise trip to New York where I was met by Kate, Jill, Kris and Becca and whisked away to a great lunch and an amazing Broadway show - Wicked. 

Here are some of the highlights:

Thank you everyone!

who knew?

Why is it that nobody ever told me how great this age was?  I guess I had to experience this for myself, but I really didn't know that she would be so animated and excited about life!  We've had a fun-packed few weeks with some busy times ahead as we celebrate my 30th, Thanksgiving, and Julia's baptism in a week span at the end of this month.  The Gray household will be hosting some fun festivities (including a Turkey Trot 5K that Charles is pulling together).  More on that I'm sure...
Here are the highlights of the last few weeks as she wraps up her final days of being a 4 month old: (dramatic, I know, but I feel so sentimental about how quickly this is happening!)

So, I have a minor obsession with Julia's feet.  I have decided to use this obsession to my advantage with the many babies that have entered our lives.  I have started using Julia's footprint to make cute little cards for an adorable and low cost gift.  Charles is convinced that there are child labor laws against this sort of thing, but I can't get enough of these tiny little toes! 

Julia has also discovered her new best friend - Scout.  She reaches out and intentioinally pets her and even squeals with delight when Scout licks her hand.  It's cute to see this little bond growing.  I don't think Scout quite knows what is in store for her...I can see that Julia is not going to be gentle and if Julia is anything like the Cirillo side of the family, she will LOVE dogs (and want to create a shelter for stray animals). 

And our latest endeavor - rice cereal!  We decided to try it.  She's just so interested in what we're eating and everything goes into her mouth.  She was quite a natural and didn't spit any out (the mess was just the cereal that never made it into her mouth since she insisted on trying to feed herself).  Yes, this is how we spent our Saturday night and I must say, we were quite entertained.  Here are the highlights:

The other night Julia fell asleep on my chest.  I love those moments - when I can feel her entire weight melt into me as she falls asleep and fully trusts in the comfort of her mother.  She becomes more and more active everyday and I realize that she isn't going to always be so willing to relax on the couch or fall asleep that way.  I LOVE this time with her!