Happy Easter

top: Loft, cords: J.Crew, scarf: Target, bag: Kate Spade NY, boots: Old Navy

No wise words, smart or quirky remarks today just wishing you a...

Happy Easter! 

And remember that it's not about the chocolate bunny, or the Easter baskets or the egg hunt.

It's the joyous occasion of the Resurrection of Jesus! 

Enjoy time with family and friends!

Spring Fever

sweater: TJmaxx similar , skirt: NY&Co similar, shoes: BCBGirls similar, 
clutch: H&M similar, necklace similar:  Macy's

As you may notice in the pictures, we still have snow on the ground. And Easter is only a  few days away! Who celebrates Easter in winter??? No open toe pretty shoes for me.

I have a serious spring fever. It's been cold and snowing last few months and I'm so ready for spring. Having a baby makes it that much more difficult to get out anywhere. Staying home ad cuddling in our warm PJs sounds a lot more appealing. 

But I want to go places, see people and not be stuck at home all the time. 

Between having a cute little chubby cheeks constantly attached to my boobs and not having a single moment by myself, I'm getting tired. I think I'm going mad.

I need a change of pace. 

I want to go to the park for long walks basking in warmth of sunshine.

I want to finally start decorating my bare walls and putting up baby pictures in pretty frames.

I want to start exercising to loose this stinking baby fat. Post baby fat sucks! Did you know that?

I want to just go.

So come on spring! Bring it on!

Broccoli Cheese Soup {recipe}

Let me just say this: I love broccoli cheese soup. A lot. It is my favorite soup, behind mushroom and loaded potato and... you get the point. My hubby on the other hand, not so much. It's the cheese that doesn't sit well with him. So when I make this, it's mostly all for me. Except last week we had some friends over for dinner and the soup was gone by the end of the night. Should I say they liked it? Well, just a little. 

So this soup is, again, easy-peasy to make. Like most of my recipes. I try to bring you easy-to-make, home-made-but-taste-like-from-a-restaurant ideas for great meals.

The basis for my recipe comes from here, tweaked a little to my personal taste.

Ingredients:
1 lb fresh broccoli
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese
2 medium onions
4 oz Swiss cheese
3 medium carrots
1 quart chicken broth
1/2 cup of flour
2 cups of milk
3 tbsp butter
6 oz heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste

Peel and grate carrots, dice the onions and grate the cheeses. Set aside

Pour the chicken broth in a heavy bottom pot and put it on low heat to slowly warm up and add the carrots
Melt the butter in a non stick skillet and add diced onions. Cook together for 5 minutes on medium heat until the onions become translucent.

Take half of the onions and add them to the broth. Add flour to the rest of the onions in the pan and whisk together. Start adding milk very slowly, constantly whisking after every 1/4 of a cup until it forms a roux. Set aside.

Cut broccoli florets discarding the stems and put into a medium heatproof dish. Pour enough boiling water to cover and let stand for 1 minute. (you can't really wash broccoli too well, so the boiling water will remove all the germs and dirt and it will not end up in the soup) Drain broccoli and add to the broth. Next add the roux and heavy cream then stir everything.

Little by little add the cheese while keeping the heat on simmer (or it will stick to the pot if you heat it the boiling point. Tried it. Trust me. Had to soak the pot for 3 days)

Add salt and pepper to taste. (Make sure you taste it before adding salt as the broth and cheese will add quit a bit of salt. Careful not to over-salt it.)

They Say

sweater, bag: H&M, cords: Lands End, shoes: Nine West

They say that surviving the first month with a newborn is the hardest part of parenting. They would know.
They also say that it's the hardest going from no kids to one. Then it gets easier they say. 

First they say to put the baby to sleep on his tummy. Then couple years later they go ahead and change it. Now they say that baby should always be sleeping on his back.

They say that you need to sterilize the water every time you bathe an infant up until he's three months old.

They say that you should definitely give co-sleeping a try. It's the way nursing was meant to be.

But then they say that the only place the baby should be sleeping in is his own crib.

They say that teaching baby to sleep through the night will decrease the milk supply.

Then they go on to say that children need schedule and disciple from the day one. 

Who are they? 

And why do they have so much to say?!
Why is it always something different?

They are your mothers, sisters, aunts, friends, other bloggers, experts, parenting books, lactation consultants and neighbors. They are the people behind you at the check out counter in the store and and your pediatrician.

They say what they know and only want the best. 

In the world of expert advice and sea of parenting books it's hard to navigate. 

But as mothers we have to make tough decisions and stick with them, standing up for what we believe in. So when they say something again, take the best and throw out the rest.

P.S. This video says it all. Must watch for all parents.
Too funny not to laugh

Fooled

blouse: Target, blazer,shoes: H&M, skirt: J.Crew, necklace: Forever21

We got fooled. Last week the weather was awful nice. Too nice for NY.
It was in fifties and the snow melted. It was gone. All of it.
On Monday night we got a snow storm advisory and the only time I wish the that they (the weather people) were wrong, they were right.
We got pounded on Tuesday.

It snowed. All day long, it snowed. It was snowing as if the Earth has forgotten that it's March and time for spring. That it's time to let those blooms come up.

On the other hand, it was a magical, beautiful world outside for a while. That is if you didn't have to leave the house all day. And we didn't. 

Hubby was off and we lounged with the little one all day watching re-runs of shows and having us some cinnamon buns. Of course, the buns didn't support my loose-weight-as-quickly-as-possible diet but they were pretty good. In the words of hubby they were 'fine'.

So although we got fooled into thinking that the spring is here, having hopefully one last stay-at-home snow day was great.

Now bring it on spring.
Have a great first day.

Sunday

top: Loft, cardigan:Gap, skirt: JCPenny, shoes: Nine West, necklace: Charlotte Russe

Another week. Another Sunday night (when I'm writing this post).

It's amazing how fast the time flies. Especially with a newborn. 

Sundays are our busiest days. Think getting a three course dinner for twelve out of town guests busy.

It goes like this. 

I feed Jonathan as hubby makes some coffee for himself and tea for me.

Then he burps and changes a diaper as I do my make up and hair.

Then I get baby dressed, and probably change again, as hubby dresses himself.

Then I get dressed (and hopefully something fits)

Somehow we manage to eat left over pancakes and bacon from yesterday and have some coffee/tea. 

Then strap the kid into the car seat, check the diaper count in the bag and off we go.

Come back. Have lunch. That is Jonathan gets his lunch first then we eat.

Maybe a nap.

Repeat routine from morning and off we go again for evening service.

By the time we get home that night we are beat.

The only way we (read: I) can survive a day like this is by planning ahead.

I get all the outfits picked out the night before and iron everything that needs to be ironed, then hang them on the door.

Then I get lunch ready to be set in the oven the next morning. I even pour water into tea cattle so all I have to do the next morning is to turn it on.

Don't get me wrong,

I love being in the service. I love the people.

 I love Sundays.

But they are just a tad busy.

Thank God there are Mondays.

Then it starts all over again. 

This Guy

Jonathan recognized his daddy right away. Awake and alert when hubby was talking to him.
Amazing! 

I just want to take a minute here and brag about this guy a little. The bigger of two. I suppose there are many mushy and overly lovely-dovey blog articles flying all over the net but here is another one.

Bear with me.

First of all, I love this guy. 

His ability to make me laugh. 

His willingness to be there for me. Every time.

His strong beliefs and unwavering convictions.

His few wise words.

His adorable, most sweetest baby talk to our son.

His willingness to sacrifice for our family.

His ability to notice the little things.

His ability to do those little things that matter the most.

His lion-like guard of our family. Of me. Of our boy.

His ability to say the sweetest, most meaningful things looking deep into my eyes, taking my breath away. 

But most of all, his natural ability as a father.

The day I found out I was pregnant, I couldn't keep it in. I had these great plans in mind of how I would tell him, but I was in such a shock that it was written all over my face. I had a storm of emotions and a hurricane of thoughts going through me but he was there to let me pour my emotions out.

Mind you, he's not the kind of guy that will be jumping up and down with excitement but he will rejoices in quiet of his heart. 

Then the very first ultrasound he was with me. And the second and third. I mean, this guy has been with me every step of the way. 

Then when it was time to make the tough decision - induction or no induction - he was so supportive. He didn't rush me or push me towards a decision. He was ever so patient and understanding of my battling mind and never ending "I don't know".

Once in the delivery room he was on the edge of his seat (I could tell) although he breathed tranquil spirit. He calmed me and constantly reminded of my breathing and relaxation techniques. 

Then came the moment.

Moment he became a father. 

Like with everything, he accepted our son with calm adoration and was present every single moment of the day ever since. 

As a right of passage first diaper was on daddy ;-)

Now that we settled into our new life and living with a baby in the house has become somewhat familiar, I realized how much he actually means to me. How I couldn't do it all without him. Without his sweet words of encouragement and reassurance. 

He truly is my rock.

Of course, he isn't perfect and there are days when he annoys me and drives me up the wall but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Our life isn't perfect. We have our ups and downs. 

We may not have it altogether but together we have it all.

//Jonathan// One Month

Technically you were one month yesterday but mama was super busy and you were super cranky,
so here it goes.
I want to take the time to remember you little dude.

. I don't want the time to go by and forget what your sweet little face looked like at every stage of the game. 

You are so precious.

You are definitely every bit a boy.

You are a tough little guy. When I change your diaper in the middle of the night, you brave the cold wipes and don't even cry. Just make these cute groans while looking at me with your big wide-open eyes.

You are not so sleepy anymore and like to be awake a little bit longer. 

I'm still not sure if your like your bouncy seat but I think you for sure don't like the vibration option. You don't mind the birds chirping though.

You are such a cuddler. You would cuddle with me all day long and sleep on my chest without ever picking your head up. I would love to, dear, but I do too have to tinkle sometimes. 

You are a good sleeper. Five to six hours at night easily which makes my job easier.

You are quit serious and make some adorable faces with your crooked brows.

I love that you are getting some major cheeks. I kiss them a lot.

And those little fingers. I mean, so tiny and so precious.

I have discovered today that you don't like to sleep in just a onesie - you love to be swaddled tight.

Bath time is amazing. You grunt and groan but never cry while waving your little fists in the air.

Lastly, you love riding in the car and fall asleep the moment we get in. 

I think you are doing pretty well for being brand new, while we try to figure you out. It will take some time, but bear with us, the newly made parents. We too need some time to get the hang of this parenting thing because you know what, it's quit difficult at times. 

But together we make a great team.

We love you and can't wait to see you grow. 

Advice

top: Target, skirt: thrifted, shoes: Tahari, necklace: Sharlotte Russe, 
belt, glasses: Loft, bag: Kate Spade NY

Yesterday was the second time we took Jonathan to church. He loved it - sleeping the car seat the entire time. Who wouldn't? He was snuggled in his penguin suit with the matching hat, covered with a blankey and a cover for the outside and quickly became most popular kid on the block. I mean, he is the cutest. 

Yet somehow, 'he wasn't warm enough' according to some.

There isn't one way to raise a kid. All advice isn't good. And only because another mother did it this way does not mean I have to follow. 

It may sound selfish, but I want to do it my way. 

I may not know everything, I don't have the years of experience but what I do have is mother's instinct. 

There are so many people (I mean, like everyone) offering advice. 

He's crying - must be you didn't feed him enough. Don't do the schedule thing, just give him boob every time.

He's crying again - tummy hurts so give him some water.

Again - don't rock him, he will get used to it.

And again - he's just plain cold (favorite of Russians).

Everyone has some kind of advice to offer and only because they raised couple kids and did something and it worked for them, it does not mean it will work for me. 

I really do like good advice. I listen. I take it all in. Only I decide what's good for me and what isn't. 

It's a right I reserve for myself as a mother.

Because mother knows best. 

:-)

Being a Mommy

So this is what happens to a tired, worn out, didn't-get-any-sleep-last-night mommy. Hubby was off yesterday and I had a line up of outfits I wanted to snap for next week but was soooo tired. Around five o'clock when the lighting is perfect for pictures, I could not move. 

Dead tired.

Must.keep.eyes.closed.

Somehow I managed to shower, visit with a friend, whip up some breakfast and even bake a banana bread all in one day. Whoa! 

Not that I'm trying to pat myself on the back or anything

Well, maybe a little

The childless me used to wonder what do women who stay at home do with their all that free time they have. Surely, you can get so much done. Now I know.

You can't get much of anything done. 

Time just flies and days seem to pass in a blur while you wonder when was the last time you brushed your teeth or ate something.

Thinking about this made me admire women in my life even more. I applaud all those gorgeous girls who while having children manage to look good (that constitutes taking a shower), put a dinner on the table (anything besides fish sticks) and have a life outside of home (be that a job, church or just social club).

So today is your Day lovelies. 

You deserve a day all to yourself with some flowers and maybe a bubble bath without someone pulling at your leg, crying for your boob or tagging at your hand. 

Enjoy!

Fail

sweater: French Connection, blazer: thrifted, jeans: Target Maternity,  boots: TJMaxx, bag: Nine West

I must admit - this outfit should not be granted the time and space on the world wide web. I was only going to Walmart to get some grocery shopping done and later that night came up with a much better version of this outfit. Alas, I'm out of practice and out of touch with my fashionable side. 

Taking outfit pictures three weeks postpartum has its challenges. Try to appear slim(er) and wear the pre-pregnancy clothes while desperately attempting to be stylish again. So there are couple things I've learned from this outfit to avoid for the post-preggos like me.

a// don't wear a turtleneck when you have chubby cheeks. baaad idea

b.. ditch the maternity wear (yay! finally) and maybe get a pair that fits you right now  

c// don't look so stiff. 

d// try to comb your hair so it doesn't look like a lion mane (hubby did warn me of this)

Since we got that out of the way, let's attempt to look a little more polished and styled next time, shall we? 

This shall go down into the history as an epic fail.

Good day.

Let Them Be Little

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while

Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day

Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle
Oh just let them be little.

song

It's a funny thing this life. When you are waiting for something, time seems to drag its feet and really slow waaay down. On the other hand, when you enjoying every moment and trying to make it last as long as possible, time flies too fast.

 Honestly, I don't think anything has ever made me realize how fast life is, as much as this little guy. All of this: the 3am feedings that seem to last f.o.r.e.v.e.r., the endless dirty diapers, the crying for no apparent reason, the helplessness and cuteness will pass. Too fast. 

He is three weeks old today and I still cannot believe he is mine. But in the middle of it all - feeding, changing, burping, swaddling, changing again, crying and puking - he gives me a cute little toothless smile. Then when I just fed him and he's falling asleep in my arms, in that state of sweet slumber as his hand is on my chest and his cheeks are pressed against me, it's all so worth it. 

Life is short.

No rewind.

No replay. 

So enjoy every moment God has given you.

Awkward

You know that stage of your life when you are about thirteen years old and just starting to develop? You still act like a kid, and probably look like one but your body is going through this huge change. One day you wake up a normal kid and the next BAM! you are becoming a woman, all emotional and hormonal. 

Well, that's sort of what it feels like right now. 

My body is is still recovering and far (close to twenty pounds to the south far) from what I started with.
It needs time. 

I have the belly that's slowly shrinking and some additional bootay, and of course, the girls are doing their duty too. I mean, it's all disproportional and out of line. Add to that my hormones jumping off the cliff and you've got a mess. 

So one of two things can happen. I can either pout and cry over my incongruous body or I can embrace this stage and just do my best. I'm picking the latter.
My body has accomplished a gigantic task and brought a life into this world. I can be hard on myself sometimes but this awkward-turned-plump stage isn't permanent. Hopefully.
I don't want to focus on the negative but rather enjoy the sweet little boy that I have. He's a joy and a blessing, so take that belly fat.

Five Things

I've realized that if I post a picture a day of this precious face, I will have enough cuteness until the end of times. I mean, look at that angel!

So everyone is tagging everyone on Instargam with five random things about the individual. Whoever came up with it, hit the spot and it's like a plague going around Web now. Natalie brought it into blogosphere and I think it's here to stay. I've been tagged  too (well, sorta), so here is my five things.

//1// When I was around fiver or six years old, I wanted to be a judge when I grew up (at least that's what my mom tells me I told everyone). Then I saw the cost of tuition for law school.

//2// When I first met my future husband, I disliked him. I mean, we were butting heads for a while, as we hung out in the same youth group. Once on a sledding trip we were playing around and I accidentally knocked glasses off his face. We found the glasses. I did say sorry. To this day, hubby swears I did it on purpose.

//3// Besides my secondary education, I went to music school for seven years and art school for five starting 6 years old. I did not have a moment of free time until my last two years of high school.

//4// I'm a clean freak except I hate doing dishes. I will scrub my house from top to bottom and vacuum and wash everything, only I may leave dishes for hubby to finish (if at all possible).

//5// When I was twelve years old, I spent entire summer in  Norway's country side. Our parents were working on strawberry farm and my sister and I were having a blast. Talk about spoiled.

Therefore to keep the ball rolling, I tag Shelby, Kaylee, Danielle, Abbey and Jessica