“Neglecting the world is the sincerest form of Max-flattery.” ~ Sarah Trottier

So deep.  So wise.  Ha!

I actually miss blogging terribly and am trying to figure out a way to fit it in at least on a weekly basis.  It’s truly this Mama’s preferred form of “me time.”

Anyhoooooo!

October came…it went.  We laughed, we cried.

No really – we all did.

ALL THREE OF US!

Check out why I haven’t been able to peel myself away from my new life.  (Blame, you will no longer place.)

I mean, just.stop.it.right.now.child.of.mine.

October was a great month.  I shall show you why via a poop-ton of pictures. You’re welcome.  Ready?  Set?  GO!

Not an event, just every day cuteness ’round here!

My littlest love ♥

“So nice to meet you, Auntie Christina!  Where is it you say you’re from?  New Fork?”

Before Coleman Public House and Taco Mamacita

Game day – WHAT a snoozer!

My boys! 

Self-pic after my 30th birthday party

“Yeah, yeah – it’s Mommy’s birthday.”

Before Zac Brown on my bday (which was heaven on earth, by the way!)

Pumpkin patch!

Laughs with Nana

Snugglin’ with Dada in Asheville (a post on Max’s first road trip to Asheville to come!) 

Baby boy not feeling a photo shoot – oops!

Sweetness

“My first Halloween – I was a bat!”

“I tolerated this costume all of 5 minutes!!!”

“A not so great picture of my Halloween pjs!”

Okay, one more from Asheville.  A family pic =)

In conclusion.  I’m back and Max is adorable.

End of story.

LOVE YOU ALL, HOWEVER MANY OF YOU ARE LEFT READING!  

XOXO

p.s. My maternity leave ends in a little more than 36 hours.  What’s that you say?  You can hear my sobs from there?  Oh.  Not surprised.

Beach Count & Pool Count are retired for the seasoned (sigh!) 

High Temperature: 55° or something – brrrrr! 

OH…my goodness.

Max was a hit (obvi).  I’m pretty sure productivity was cut in half, but what’s a better distraction than a cute baby?!

We’re hoping to spend some time downtown with Max this weekend and to hang out with my parents’ good friends visiting from NY.  What’re y’all up to? 

HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!  

XOXO

p.s. Happy wedding day to our friends, Trevor and Laura!  Can’t wait to see you in CHARLESTON soon!  =)

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 79° 

All of our fellow New York Giants fans can thank our little man for the win.

Max wore his too-big-but-even-more–too-cute Giants jersey onesie.  But that’s not all folks.

He ALSO gave us his first purposeful, reactionary smile.  I am SO HAPPY that I caught it on camera!!!

This is how it went…

Yes.  Heart melted.

{love sigh}

So – you’re welcome Giants fans.  Let’s see if Max is their lucky charm again tonight.  

GO G-MEN!!!

XOXO

p.s. We took a little trip to Dada’s work today.  Check back tomorrow for Max and Dada in matching work outfits.  No – seriously.  

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 82° 

This time around I was better prepared, with a fellow Mommy friend, and felt like I actually had a clue.  I was on a mission, but was prepared to leave empty-handed (if I got caught up in all of the madness again).  Sarah’s head = on straight.

My goal was to look for a bouncy seat for Nana and Grandpa’s house and a Halloween costume for Max.  Success!  I also scored a boppy pillowcase, a changing table pad (also for Nana and Grandpa’s), a puzzle, cloth stackable pails, and all of this clothing…

FOR $78!

The clothes were $38 and in GREAT condition.  The little jacket alone was probably $38 brand new.  The labels are Gap, Old Navy, Circo, Carter, and Oshkosh.  I was very pleased with these Fall/Winter finds!

I will DEFINITELY go back to this sale in the Spring.  My advice?  Go with a plan, patience, and a full belly.  Be ready to commit, but don’t be impulsive.  It can be VERY overwhelming, but VERY worth it!  (BONUS: Admission and parking are FREE!)

TEAM CONSIGNMENT!  I didn’t think I’d be into it, but babies grow so fast and I’m a sucker for a good deal.

Did anyone else go?  What was your best find?

XOXO

p.s. The highlight of my time there?  Meeting someone who follows the blog! SO SORRY that I was totally awkward when you asked if I was Sarah from Charm of Charleston.  That has never happened before…please comment and at least tell me your name!  No, this dummy didn’t even think to do that.  <insert embarrassed face>  ::kicks rocks::  THANK YOU FOR SAYING HI!!!!!!!!!

p.s.s. Max’s Halloween costume is mixed in there as a teaser.  (Um yes, it was $3!)  I’m keeping it a surprise…for now! 

p.s.s.s. Cutest pic of Max on the blog tomorrow, so come back!

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 83° 

Well hello there, friend.  It sure has been a while.  Boy, have I missed you.

Welcome back into my world…in very small, planned-out doses.

I will fight for you and do what it takes.

I will sip you slowly, savor you, and whisper you sweet nothings until kingdom come.

Forevermore, forevermore.

 Mommy’s Time Out – Thanks, Mom!

And NOW…all is right with the world!  ::wink::

XOXO

p.s. Fall has arrived in Charleston.  LOVE this weather!  (Max has gone on some walks!)

My boys at Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant!

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 86° 

If you’re me anyway…you end up being THAT Mom.  the hypocrite.

Guilty.as.charged.

And guess what, I’m embracing it.  Being a Mom is a humbling experience that forces you to regret the judgment you ever impressed on other Moms.  Because, lemme tell ya sister, you don’t know until you’ve been there!

Here’s what I’m up to as a 6-week-new Mom, doing the things I was sure I wouldn’t…

Pacifier…needed (dang!) -

I made it 16 days before we (along with Max’s pediatrician) decided that Baby needed to try it out.  Luckily, he’s not obsessed…yet.  The fact that it helps him to calm his little body when he gets himself all bent outta shape makes it SO worth it.  [Don't expect it to stick around for long, though - I've got my eye on the prize!]

Video Monitor…yup…bought one -

I didn’t want one.  I didn’t want to be that Mom that stares at their child at every little sound (from arm flail to little suckle). Well, now, I guess I do.  It’s peace of mind that’s worth it to me…for now at least.  Thanks to a Groupon deal, we got one that didn’t break the bank (because man, those things CAN ABSOLUTELY break the bank!).  We haven’t had a reason to use it yet, though, because of the next “oh no I di-ent” move…

Mr. Man is 6 weeks old and still sleeping in our room - 

Listen, our bedroom’s downstairs and Max’s is up.  It’s far and we’re not ready. Sure, we’ll miss being able to look over and see him at any moment (seriously, we miss him while he sleeps).  But more than that, in the middle of the night we’re – well – TIRED!  Let’s just call it a safety precaution for me and my already beat up body.  He’ll enjoy his beautiful nursery soon enough!

Speaking in 3rd person…specifically, calling myself “Mommy” and “Mama” -

“Mommy needs to peepee”

“OH NO, Mama’s sah-wwweee”

“Give Mommy a second, bud”

“Dada’s getting impatient with Mama” ← direct quote

Ohhh, the pukey list goes on.  I know how annoying this is.  I annoy myself.  But still…I continue.  It just feels right!

via here

My kid IS the cutest kid…ever -

Okay so I’m guilty of thinking this, but have not done the whole vote-for-the-cutest-baby-in-the-world (who happens to be MINE!)-so-we-can-win-this-contest thing yet.  You’re welcome.  [Side note: I am not being judge-y of my Mama friends who HAVE asked for me to vote for them.  I'm sure I'll get there someday.  I'm just letting the Mommy juices marinate.]

I mean…!

I’ve become somewhat of a hermit -

It takes a lot to leave the house with a baby.  It’s more my than Max’s issue…which I fully acknowledge and accept.  However, this time RIGHT NOW is so precious that I want as much time at home as a little family as possible.  The rest can wait. or shove it.

I’ve lost my “give a sh…00t” (and it feeeeels so goooood)! -

I wear a different version of the same outfit everyday.  Yes, it’s a tank top and jeans.  okay jeans OR pj pants.  

I still wear grannie Mommy panties 6 weeks post c-section.

I do my hair every other day (and it mostly ends up in a ponytail).

At least one boob is out.  A lot.  Sometimes I even forget to put it away.

I still have a LONG way to go in the “getting my body back” department.  I’m not sweating it.  yet.  Slow and steady wins the race?

If you’re frumpy and you know it, clap your hands!  ::clap clap::

via here

I’m sure this is just the tip of the Motherhood Hypocrisy iceberg.  Oh well – I love being Max’s Mommy and I’m learning as I go.  

Acceptance is the first step, right?

Any Mommy moves that you swore you wouldn’t make…and then did to the fullest?  I won’t judge you, I swear.  Not anymore!

XOXO

p.s. 11 years – never forget.  

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 83° 

Hm.  Close enough, I say.  I’m on baby time now, kids!

I made a video documenting Baby Max’s start in this world.  [cue the tissues] Thankfully, I started it before his arrival.  Otherwise, I think I would’ve completed it just short of Max’s sweet 16 (man, it’s hard to get things done while taking care of an infant!).

It’s 6 minutes of your life, so watch at your own discretion.  I, myself, can’t get enough.

I suggest watching ON YouTube by simply clicking “Tube” on the lower right corner of the video box in order to see the video without having parts cut off. File under: I-have-no-idea-what-I’m-doing-with-videos.

ENJOY!

  ♥

p.s. A call out to my besties.  I’m sorry this is the only type of call that I’ve made to you in weeks.  I love and miss you.  I suggest calling me.  again.  repeatedly. everyday.  (no, but seriously.)  XOXO

p.s.s. HI GRAM!  Skype next week?!  xoxo

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 90° 

That’s 4 weeks and 4 days.

32 whole days.

[Sigh]

My baby’s growing up!

Here is our little man in all his 1 month glory.

1 month new! (monthly pic idea stolen from Pinterest)

Max celebrated by sleeping (duh).  It’s okay…we took care of the cupcakes for him!

That’s Scott’s Death By Chocolate on the left and my Samoa on the right (thanks, Cupcake!)

So I’m going to share Max’s stats on a month basis, sorta like my weekly pregnancy updates.  I look at it as my most detailed baby book for our little man. Here we grow go!

ONE MONTH OLD

Weight: He was just shy of 8 lbs. at his last Dr. appointment, so we’re guessing 8.5ish…?  Where I gain weight in my thighs first (and mostly), Max gains them in his chin–s.

It’s okay, bud.  Someday you’ll have a neck!

Hair: Well, little man has definitely lost a lot of his hair.  Particularly on the top and front of his head.  We may or may not call him Benjamin Button sometimes. Scott says that now he knows what he’ll look like when he loses his hair someday. Haha!

Eyes: Still steel/dark blue.  We’ll see if they stay that way or not!  Scott has green eyes and I have brown. 

Clothes: Max is still wearing newborn diapers and mostly newborn clothes. Because he doesn’t have a whole lot of newborn choices, Max is also wearing some 0-3 onesies.  Some fit okay and others are ginormous – depends on the brand.  I think the days of newborn diapers are numbered.  The Daddy’s and Mommy’s Big Guy, green gingham, and polka dot onesies are our favorites!  I also can’t get enough of him in his pjs!

Eating: Well, I’m breastfeeding (TMI?) so baby boy is totally running the show right now!  Every 3 hours (from the start of feeding) is the average, but we are SO not on a schedule.  My little man is getting what he wants on demand at the moment.  Why shouldn’t that cuteness get what he wants?!

Sleeping:  Max currently sleeps in the bassinet (part of his Pack ‘n Play) in our bedroom.  He sleeps in 3-5 hour blocks at night, but 4 hours is usually his jam. When he wakes up, he is typically allll business.  Scott changes his diaper, I nurse him and attempt to burp him (he is NOT a big burper) and then put him right back down.  Scott and I have both been off from work for the whole month, so we’ve been able to sleep in.  Therefore, the broken up sleep really hasn’t been a big deal.  Big changes next week – Scott goes back go work!  ::Fingers crossed that we all transition well::

Nicknames: Max, Maxie Boy, Baby, Baby Boy, Bud, Buddy, Little Man, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Face (maybe I’m excited for Fall?!), Sweet Pea, My Littlest Love, Daddy’s Big Guy, Big Guy, Sweet Love {mush, mush, mush!}

Funny Things/Moments: Although Max isn’t a burper, he is big into farting. He and his Dada bond over this.  I’m pretty sure they have already farted the alphabet together or something.  Seriously though, when I’m in the other room I often ask, “Was that YOU or THE BABY???”  Hilarious!

Scott is an AWESOME Daddy (that’s a whole other post), but he must’ve been really tired when he dressed him this time.

First onesie, THEN pants…silly, Dada!

In a tizzy, Scott by mistake tried my breast milk.  ”How was it a mistake?” you ask. Again – a whole other post!  (LOVE YOU, BABE!)

Scott and I have both been peed, pooped, and spit up on.  It’s funny how much you don’t care when it’s your little pumpkin doing it.  (I’m pretty sure his pediatrician felt a little differently about being peed on…twice!)

Our little man sneezes a ton and never just once.  It’s super cute…except when he spits up simultaneously!  (Okay, that’s still cute.)

Max is easily startled, but just sometimes by some things (hates the dryer door but loves the vacuum…?).  It’s funniest when he scares himself!

Max’s Likes: Time on his play mat, MUSIC (particularly Zac Brown Band…for real), his sound machine (more music), time on the rocker in our screened-in patio, dancing, his Rock ‘n Play Sleeper (LIFESAVER!), farting with Dada, eating with Mama, spending time with his grandparents, being read to, his red ball, being out and about/fresh air, his duckie Wubbanub

Oops! Green line = dirty diaper

Max’s Dislikes: Tummy time (other than on people’s bellies), bath time, diaper changes, not being held for a long period of time, having tummy aches

Random: Max is SO CUTE when he yawns!

He’s super strong (we think!) for a baby his age.

He’s like a baby bird when he’s hungry.  Watch out – he’ll peck at you, too!

Although Max isn’t intentionally smiling yet, his little by-mistake (probably I’m-farting) smile is THEE CUTEST.  Here’s a semi-smile…

We can’t wait for more of these, little buddy!!!

I could really go on forever!  We are LOVING parenthood and time with baby Max Joseph!

I hope all is well with everyone…thanks for still checking in even though I’ve been so spotty with my blogging.  I’ll get back on a schedule, I’m sure…eventually!

XOXO

p.s. Congrats to Giuliana and Bill Rancic on their baby boy!  (Congrats to that Snooki character too, I guess. Ha!)

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 82° 

 ♥

YES that’s my bra and NO I don’t get fully dressed very often.

I will get to it eventually.  But for now, I don’t make it upstairs much (where I typically blog) and I’m not too upset about it.  I do need to write down all of these ideas, though, before I forget!

In summary, we’re all doing well and Max is still (obviously) the cutest.  I mean, THAT FACE!!!

As his Daddy would say, “Max is the man!”

Just checking in for now!!!  Booby Duty calls!

xoxo

p.s. I can’t get into blogging on the iPad.  It seems like WAY too much work.  I use WordPress…suggestions, anyone?!  That sure would make blogging easier…

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 87° 

Oh.My.Goodness.  

Max is THEE BEST little man on the planet.

He is SO sweet ♥

He sleeps more than expected.

He’s a good eater [OUCHIES for Mama!].

He smiles (okay, not on purpose yet – but still!).

He likes music and singing and bright lights and Daddy’s dance moves.

He’s a pro at Skype and was an angel during his newborn portrait session (can’t wait to share these pics with you soon – once we get them!!!).

He has the cutest, little feet.

He has razor sharp nails, the most adorable double chin, and HATES bath and diaper time.

He likes to keep one eye open more than the other…even sometimes while sleeping (trust no one – ha!).

He holds my finger while he nurses (pitter patter).

He’s (obviously) advanced beyond his years weeks.

We are enjoying every second.

I am SO THANKFUL that Scott has been home with us and will continue to be until the little pumpkin is 5 weeks old.  BLESSED.

Max’s birth story, my newborn must-haves, and other random posts will be coming your way in the next couple of weeks.  Here are some Max pics to hold you over!

Swooooon!

Who loves their Daddy more?

Just stop it…

Just chillaxin’ – watching some PGA with Dada

I’m semi-watching you!  (Happiest Mommy in the world, by the way!)

NOT a happy camper!

“Daddy’s Big Guy!”  We have a “Mommy’s Big Guy” onesie, too!

I can’t get enough of these two!

Our little family

Love ♥

Thank you to EVERYONE for the heartfelt well-wishes and congrats, both on this here blog and on Facebook.  I am too overwhelmed with love to answer back everyone, but please know that every single encouraging word is very much appreciated!!!

XOXO

p.s. We have company in town for 2 full weeks…maybe Max will get to explore some of Charleston???  We’ll see!

Beach Count: 77  

Pool Count: 32 

High Temperature: 89°