THURSDAY'S THOUGHTS

via Ann Street Studio

FEELING: The grey weather this week is seriously killing my creativity and motivation. What gives Swell Rio? Thankfully, the latest issue of Domino showed up in my mailbox on Tuesday afternoon and offered just the bright boost I so desperately craved. Shelter magazines in print seem to have that effect on me, although I still wouldn't mind a little sunshine.

THANKFUL FOR: It's been three weeks since Flyboy returned, and I'm more grateful than ever to have him around again. At the end of a long and outrageous day with baby, it's just really nice to have someone with whom I can laugh.

THINKING ABOUT: There are moments when babies can be really great for your ego and confidence. For instance, Max laughs at all of my jokes, finds my dance moves utterly delightful, and he thinks I can hit the high notes just like Adam Levine whenever I sing along to Maroon 5's Sugar. Years from now I imagine it will be the opposite, so I'm going to soak it all up while it lasts.

EATING: After Mary of Tulips and Flight Suits recommended this orzo salad recipe in a recent post, I immediately bookmarked it to make when Flyboy returned from training. Well, I finally got around to trying it this past Tuesday, and we're both crazy obsessed. It was a light and fresh meal, which we warmly welcomed after eating so many heavy comfort foods that seem to tag along with this bleak winter weather. I knew it would be a winner once I realized it was a recipe from my favorite, the Barefoot Contessa. Just as I assumed, the orzo salad didn't disappoint and I'll be adding it to the list of meals on rotation.

LISTENING TO: I could go on ad nauseum about my dad's fantastic wit. He just has this incredible way of working with words, and he often puts his skills to good use by creating comical limericks and songs for our family's amusement. His latest work goes to the tune of Single Ladies and is dedicated to Max and his newfound love for sweet potatoes. It goes something like this:

Sweet Potatoes (Put a Bib on It)

All the hungry babies, (all the hungry babies)
All the hungry babies, (all the hungry babies)
All the hungry babies, (all the hungry babies)
All the hungry babies, Now put your feet up!

Up in his crib (crib), tuggin’ on his bib (bib), Lil’ Max ready for breakfast.
Momma’s in the kitchen (kitchen), sweet potato mixin’ (mixin)
Ain’t got no time to waste.

If your baby got a hunger, put a bib on it
When you feed him sweet potatoes, put a bib on it
Don’t be mad once you see that he want it
‘Cause if you like it, then you shoulda put a bib on it
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh x2

WATCHING: It's been awhile since I've rambled about Bravo, so here it goes... Shahs of Sunset returned this past Monday, and my life feels full again now that I get to see Reza and MJ interact on a weekly basis. Tuesday's episode of RHOBH left me frustrated. Of course these women could find a way to ruin a perfect trip to Amsterdam. Shame on you, Kim Richards! Also, how wonderful is Yolanda? Much like space cake, I imagine she's an absolute treat. Ha! As far as the ATL goes, I think I'm an episode or two behind, but I plan to take care of that ASAP. I must know more about Chocolate and stat! While I'll be sad to say good-bye to the wacky women of Beverly Hills and Atlanta in the coming weeks (hello, reunions!), this preview for the upcoming season of RHONY makes me giddy.

READING: I suppose the presence of two new pearly whites and this whole eating real food thing kind of hit me last week. Max is growing up, you guys! I can't say I truly loved the whole newborn and infant phases, so part of me is really excited but equally anxious about how to prepare for this next phase. Do any of you have any parenting book recommendations? Just a month ago, it felt like Max was still so fresh we couldn't really mess him up. I realize that probably sounds like scary rationale, but it's the truth. Ha Ha! Perhaps this is just the intense side of me talking, but I feel like it's time to get down to business. Soon enough we'll have to start making real decisions as to how we want to raise our little guy. As hokey as it sounds, I plan to read Bringing Up Bebe this weekend. I'm not entirely sure what makes French parenting so special, most of what I've read seems like common sense, but I'm totally on board with the ideas presented. It seems very similar to the way my parents raised my sister and me.

LOVING: Have you heard of the company Let's Playground? Jeni and Mare are the creators of these all-purpose leather mats, which are created for park lovers, al fresco eaters, and mess makers. What started out as a kickstarter project was funded within 34 hours. How awesome is that?! I pre-ordered the Midi, and I can already tell it's going to come in handy, especially as Max becomes more mobile. I like that it will be easy to clean, it can be used both indoor and outdoors, and it's not bulky to store like most blankets and quilts. I only wish we had something like this when we lived in Hawaii. It would have been great for the beach!

Enough about me. How are you feeling today? What are you up to? Thanks for stopping by!!