Motherhood

(Photo: Pinterest)

Today I found out (if little Jake doesn't come on his own) that I will be induced the week of the 25th!!! 

We are so excited (and a bit nervous)! The nursery is almost complete, car seat installed, pack and play has been assembled, toys organized, and his newborn clothes have been washed.  This summer is going to be a learning experience and I intend on putting all plans on hold until I feel comfortable.  If I'm not posting much this summer, you know why! 

Happy Anniversary to Me!!

(Photo: Pinterest)

Today marks three years since I've started writing my Paris Cafe blog.  Here is a roundup of some of my favorites throughout the years....

Something Different-my very first entry.

Wimbledon 2009-a marriage related learning experience.

A Long Road-one of my entries that expresses my love for teaching.

Teamwork-trying to explain what my husband does for a living. So proud of him!

Joie De Vivre-a huge part of my life was dedicated to spending time with my girlfriends. C-R-A-Z-Y times, but I'm so happy I got that out of my system before marriage.

25 facts-this one was fun!

Frankie-to try to get people to open their eyes about Pit Bulls.  Frankie is the sweetest dog I have ever owned!

Happy 4th of July-I just love the pictures that I took on our trip to Wisconsin.

Something Simple can be so Meaningful- This one is about a friendship that started off as a seed but blossomed into a beautiful flower.   Thanks for your support Joanna!

Happy New Year-some really good advice.

Favorites? Love to hear why...

I Heart the Spring

(Photo: Peonies in my backyard)

Spring is my favorite season of the year.  Mainly because the weather is not too hot or cold.  In my opinion, the weather is just perfect.  Here are some other reasons why I love the spring:

Flowers are beginning to bloom

Time for BBQ's

Opening our house windows to experience the fresh spring air

Hearing outdoor sounds such as the birds chirping
Peaceful walks 

Nice weather brings on happier people
Summer break is no longer miles away

Tea and hot chocolate gets replaced with refreshing lemonade

Delicious hot fudge sundaes

Pink, mint green, and other pastels are chosen for manis and pedis

A dress with a pair of sandals is an easy decision in the morning

White pants are allowed to be worn again-lol!

Songs sound so much better in the car with the windows rolled down.

What do you love about the spring?

So Proud!

Tom took on the challenge of running the Soldier Field Ten today.  Not sure if he chose to run this particular race because:  A. He wanted to see if he do it or B. He wanted the chance to finish on the 50 yard line @ Soldier Field.  I'm going more with option B because he is a HUGE Chicago Bears fan!  Either way, I am so proud of him.  Here are some pics:

7am shot of the field:

Tom waving to me after finishing the race: 

35 weeks pregnant supporting my man: 

 People are scared to challenge themselves.   Or simply to try something new. Give it a chance!  You might surprise yourself and actually enjoy it.  (Tom is now planning on running a half marathon!) 

A Brief Break

Taking a month off has seriously been one of the best decisions I've made in a long time.  On most days, I woke up with a clear agenda.  How often can we say we have absolutely nothing to do?  For the first time, I took really good care of myself and didn't make too many plans. 

Here's a little peek at some of the things I chose to do:

JUST FOR ME:

Spent time playing with our dog Frankie:

Cooked healthy recipes-thanks Pinterest!

Read books.

Slept in--no alarm clock what-so-ever!  (Totally necessary for a mother to be because sleeping in will soon be a thing of the past). 

I got rid of clothes--like my size 24 Seven and Citizen jeans (doubt I'll be squeezing into those suckers ever again!)

Went on relaxing walks.

Organized Jake's gifts.

Blogged more and checked other blogs more frequently.

Worked on three photo albums--finally have my Puerto Rico pics in an album!

Watched old and newer movies (that I have been meaning to watch) such as The Vow.

Downloaded music that was in some of the movies and shows that I watched.

KIDDOS:

Lunch at Nordstrom with Araceli and her girl Lyla.  

                 Visited the zoo with Nicole, Tori, and her son Landon:                

Lunch with Vasavi and her girls Alaina and Nola:

**Hubby painted nursery! (Pictures coming soon.)

FOOD:

Pulp Kitchen w/friends (check out my two plates of breakfast!)

Maestro's for a girls night out.

The Goddess and the Grocer in Bucktown.

Coopers Hawk with my sisters and mom for Mother's Day. 

Need time to unwind?  Schedule a day just for you!