mom-mode post #140 - on moving to mommode.wordpress.com

We have moved!!!

Come see me at mommode.wordpress.com

Thanks guys!

mom-mode post #139 - on traveling with a toddler to Rome part one

photo by the husband

Its funny how life turns out sometimes. This past week I got to realize a lifelong dream of visiting Europe. Rome, to be exact. We packed up some of our belongings,  and enough diapers to last  five days in the city that once was the epicenter of the world.
Now, when you think Rome, you may not think "vacation with toddler", but I was surprised by  how many babies and toddlers we did see. However I mostly surprised by how well our little intrepid O did.
In addition to visiting one of the most welcoming cities I have ever been to, O - and us- got to reconnect with our beloved auntie Rhonda.
Over the next few days,  as to not to forget this once in a lifetime opportunity, I will be journaling some of the highlights, thoughts and impressions of the trip.  Hope you will enjoy coming along for the ride.

mom-mode post #138 - on what I'm into this June

I saw this on my friend Sheila's blog, thought it was so cool, I decided to steal it!
So:

What I'm into this month - June 2011

on my nightstand: 'The Hunger Games' trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Let me tell you, this is some of the best fiction I've read in a long while. I finished the first one on a five-hour train ride to Istanbul. That's how fast of a read it is. Now, if you can't handle a little gruesome, I'd steer clear from these.;)

in my bible: all about me some Romans right now. Romans 8 has got to be some of my most favorite scripture.

on my television: as pathetic as it may be, I decided to watch an episode of 'Hoarders' this past week and since then I haven't stopped watching it. It is so gross and addicting.

in my kitchen: aside from the bag of m&m's I just received, it's been all about clearing out long lost items from the pantry. I've decided to not buy anything else until I've cleared out all the noodles I have stocked up. A favorite has been a yummy apple and chicken salad croissant sandwich.

in my ears: I have a confession to make, I have a country station on my Pandora. Solely because of Sugarland's 'Stuck Like Glue'. It has such a great beat! I can't believe I just admitted to listening to country music on the world wide web. I'm sure I've just lost some major cool points. I have been greatly into Adele's 'Rolling in the Deep' also. Does that give me back some cool points?


and my own little add on, in my closet:
 I finally got around to cleaning up my closet, getting rid of my 'interim wardrobe', i.e. clothes I bought while I couldn't lose the baby weight. I got rid of 3 huge bags, which left my closet ready to be filled with fun new summer purchases.

I had been on the lookout for new black pumps since mine were a little outdated.  Found these at Mango and the heels were just right.

fun flats mama bought me at the airport on our out from Brazil. It's just finally warming up enough that I can wear it with my fun skirts!

I'm in love with this shirt, specially the sleeves. It was a cheap little pazar find.

stripes

don't look too closely. This is my first attempt at sewing a skirt. It will probably go down as the ugliest skirt in the world. But hey, I'm chasing a dream, and I won't go down without a fight!

This is by far my most favorite and special purchase. A fresh new purse in a nice summery color, with a shoulder strap -- a must when you are mother of a busy little boy.

mom-mode post #136 -on "anneanneler' and 'babaanneler'

Every morning after we get breakfast and get out of our pjs, O and I head to the park.

This time of day is perfect for a little toddler learning the ropes of the playground. The big bully kids are off to school, which makes the job easier for this mama.

Yesterday another little kiddo joined us at the park, only a few months older than O. He had two older ladies with him. I quickly assumed one of them was his grandma. We started chatting and that's when I realized that this lucky little boy was being swung by not only his anneanne (grandma from mom's side) but also by his babaanne (grandma from dad's side). They told me about how his mother works, so they get to keep everyday, all day while she's out. Friends, I can't lie to you, but my hear just sank a little. Because right now I can only dream of a day when O will be flanked side by side by his babaanne( gram) and his anneanne (vovo). I am blessed to get to stay home with my boy, yet when I saw that scene my heart just got a little blue for O. I guess I just get all sentimental when it comes to grandparental relationships. As my daddy lost his parents while still in college and my mama's parents were of old age and health by the time I came along. That little boy at the park, loved (and a little spoiled) by his two grandmas, reminded me of my own lack of grandmas. I'm so thankful that O is so blessed to have two of the best women I will ever know as his grandmas. Here's my prayer that someday he will get to go to the park with both of his grandmas in tow.

to Gram and Vovo: you guys rock.

mom-mode post #135 - on having to change my diet

If you know me, you know how I'm not necessarily known for my healthy eating choices. I try to watch my portions, but other than that, it's pretty much a free-for-all fest.
I'm also a closet picky eater. When I'm out at a friend's house or traveling, I'll eat anything (dog, liver, cow's stomach), but at home, if you really inspect my diet, there are only a few handful of items I eat everyday. In fact, I could go days without eating a proper meal. Just snacking on the same favorite snacks.

Lately O has been a on this kick of trying anything we eat. He looks at you with sad puppy eyes, points to whatever you are eating and mumbles a slew of unintelligible words that probably translate into: 'can I please have a bite? Pleeeeeeeeeeeasssse??'

If we're at home, I can offer him some other healthier snack option. But when you are at a picnic with friends, he gets to eat a treat or two:

Mama and son who share a love of chocolate together, stick together?

Needless to say, this mama needs to start making some healthier choices if she wants to instill lifelong healthy eating habits in her precious offspring.

mom-mode post #135 - on little boys at the park

Yesterday the sun finally came out. So we packed up our stuff ( well I packed up our stuff) and rushed to the park. It was such a relief to be out near a little bit of nature and water and not feel like the city is closing in on us. Some days I swear it feels like it is.

First we stopped for lunch, mommy had to have her diet coke. She let me hold the can, but wouldn't let me take a sip!

Then I decided it was time to explore. Mommy didn't like me getting to close to the water. I fought her big time. But she won.

Then I played on the playground. I love the playground. I love to follow the big kids around and scream real loud in excitement. I'm not a huge fan of the swings, but I love to climb up the stairs to go down the slides.

All in all, it was a nice break from the crazy busy and rainy days we've had. We'll certainly have to do it again!

mom-mode post #134 - on mr.ben and mr.jerry

Yesterday I unassumingly walked into my local grocery store looking for a Magnum bar. If you've never had one. These ice cream candy bars on a stick are the perfect companion for the first real spring day of the year.

But I digress. I'm not here to talk about magnum bars today. Immediately I spot it from the corner of my eye, a light purple freezer with the words 'Ben & Jerry' painted on it. Having lived here a while, I knew not to let my heart believe that just because there's a freezer does it mean that there's ice cream. But living overseas you also learn to check every square inch of your grocery store, because you never know what hidden treasures you may uncover.

I pushed the stroller a little faster, walked/ran to said purple freezer and much to my disappointment there was ice cream in there alright, but none we could call worthy of mr.ben and jerry. Then just as I'm about to close the freezer door, I see it. Two little pints of 'chunky monkey' goodness. Still a bit incredulous, I only bought one pint. Afraid that it might not taste quite right.

But when I got home after a delicious pizza dinner to celebrate the husband's fourth place in his first photo competition, I placed two perfectly smooth scoops in a bowl and tasted the best ice cream I've had in quite a while.

I'll probably gain a pound or two from eating it all. Because I am certainly not sharing it with anyone!

mom-mode post #133- on a little boy that climbs

Exhibit A:

                                                                          Exhibit B:

Exhibit C:

And if I followed him around with a camera, not enough flashdrives in the world could hold all the picture of him trying to climb up some kind of something. But look at that face though and those chubby legs! I just could eat him up!

mom-mode post #132 - on chasing after a toddler

Thirteen months old. That's how old he was when life as we knew it was about to change forever.

He had taken a few tentative steps before. Holding our hands for support, reverting back to his fast crawl. But that Sunday he finally built up enough strength and courage to just take off walking. It was so sweet, he would get into position, arms side-to-side to give him balance, belly stuck out front, legs open wide.

It's interesting to see this aspect of his little personality. Of how he timidly tries first, gets extremely frustrated but once he masters it, there's no stopping him. (I don't know where he gets this from, I'm not like this at all... Even though the husband tells me otherwise)

It was no different with walking. Now his walk is quickly becoming a run. And this mommy is quickly becoming exhausted.

It's different than the 'newborn phase' exhausted, when all you need and want is a solid night of sleep. Being the mom of an energetic boy is more like doing a Jillian Michaels DVD all day long, no breaks. Well, except maybe for nap breaks. But even that these days has been elusive (more on this on another post).

He starts off early morning and doesn't stop unless he absolutely has too. Or unless I make him stop to eat or take a nap. Or sleep.

And although I often go tired and hungry ( not much time to sit down for a meal), there's nothing I'd rather do, than to watch O discover the world, on his own terms.

It's a whole new world, this toddler world,  a whole new world. Now I better go grab a bite to eat before O wakes up again, ready to conquer it.

mom-mode post #130 - on being back

Hey there friends,
I guess my hiatus didn't last nearly as long as I expected.
More often than not, I found myself writing blog posts in my mind.
Expressing myself through writing can be so therapeutic, I thoroughly missed putting down my thoughts and feelings into words.
And to add to that, Turkey has seemingly lifted the ban against Blogger, which made me even more tempted to come back.
Plus my mom-in-law asked me not to stop writing.
So, I'm back!
I don't know how often I'll post, But I'm back.

And so is this little face:

mom-mode #1001 - on a blogging hiatus

Hey there friends! Remember me? Well, I've been away due to some technical difficulties, so today I'm using a vpn to get passed Turkey's block to Blogger.:)

While I've been away I've picked up another hobby or two,  and I realized I'd just rather spend more time on those than blogging right now. My to-do list is growing as we speak, I needed to do a little downsizing around here. As much as writing about motherhood has been cathartic and therapeutic,  I'm needing to take a break. I'll still post photos of the cutest boy in the world on Facebook. But, for now, I'm taking a little sabbatical from blogging.

Thanks for always cheering me on,

mom-mode.

mom-mode post #129 - on the swimming pool

Pardon the overdose on posts about Brazil, but we were having so much fun, we just took a bazillion pictures. And since this little blog serves as journal for the days of old, when my memory will fail me, I wanted to make sure I registered those special moments we had.

Speaking of special:

O was a bit timid with the pool at first. Kinda like he is with most things in life. He starts off slowly, proceeds with caution.

And then he will either abhor it forever or, more often than not, he will fall whole-heartily in love and passionately embrace the new.

                                        Tio Bruno and tia Va got him to put his feet in first...

                Next thing we knew, he was splashing all over the place. He didn't want to leave.

Neither did I. I don't think I had ever seen my child smile this widely and get this excited about something.
I've said it before, but one of the best things about this whole motherhood thing (year 2!) has been discovering the world again through the eyes of my little boy. And what  fun world it is, when you are a 1 year old, discovering a swimming pool for the first time.

mom-mode post #128 - on the birthday party

I remember looking at pictures of my first birthday party and feel so loved by mom. Her attention to detail  was so visible, everything made by her or my aunts' own hands. I wanted O's first birthday party to have the same feel. Small, intimate, simple and homemade. We had the party in my parent's home, almost everything was made by me or my sisters. What we couldn't make, we ordered from small local business.We kept the guest list to family only. Like I said on my other post, Oliver had the most fun. I hope many years from now he can look at these pictures and just feel the love!

My aunt ordered these delicious Brazilian homemade candy from a lady that lives near her. They were not only beautiful but delicious. And they just had a 'vintage birthday party' feel to them. 

My mom found this 'old school' candy holder. Growing up,
no party would be complete without one of these!

tia Paty made the delicious and traditional Brazilian cake, nega maluca.

tio Bruno took this picture and I cut it and tied a ribbon to resemble a bookmark. Guests were asked to bring books in Portuguese for gifts. We gave these out as party favors!

The cake and cupcakes, simple and understated. Just like I wanted.

 

We also filled with cupcakes, m&m's and jello (another childhood party must-have).

Photo booth props.

Trying out the photo booth!

Putting the decor up.

Simple wall decor - I cut out circles from scrapbook paper and made these tissue pompoms.

The cake table all lit up and the handsome birthday boy!

Earlier in the day, my dad and tio Bruno cooked up a delicious Brazilian steak lunch for everybody.

Birthday boy enjoying some fun in the sun, poolside.

mom-mode post #127 - on the birthday boy

Our baby O is one. And I'm out of words to express the sheer joy that this year has brought to us. He is this fun-loving, dance to the beat of any music, intense, passionate, funny kinda guy. We love him so much. Now I leave you with pictures of the most adorable little one year old EVER. (it's true, he is, check it for yourself)

A little overwhelmed by all the singing.

little cousins loving on O

That's how much your mama and dada love you baby. That's how much.

proud grandparents celebrating with O!

Does it have chocolate in it? Then I love it mommy!

silliness with mama and my titias

first time I met my tia Va. She awesomely crazy!

how big is Oliver? He is one!!!!

not quite walking yet... But I can hold my own!!!

I think I will go down in history as the only one-year-old who thoroughly enjoyed his party. 

mom-mode post #126 - on the magic of coming home

To say we had the time of our lives would be an understatement. Brazil was awesome. 

There's just something slightly magical about being near the water... My heart beats a little slower, following the rhythm of the waves. And an overwhelming feeling of peace and awe filled my heart, the minute I saw my little island from the plane. Awe for this magical little place on Earth that God created. One can't help but think, what  a marvelous God we serve, creation screams of His glory and majesty. 

There's just something slightly magical about coming back to a place you called home for so long. But there's something even more magical about enjoying all of your favorite Brazilian things through the eyes of your one year old. 

My brother-in-law (www.brunomessina.com.br) took these pictures of us. He captured so well, this feeling of freedom and home we felt while we were in Brazil. This is one of my favorite places to go. You take a little 10-minute boat ride (which O just couldn't get enough of!) to get to this salt water lakeside seafood restaurant. They serve the freshest shrimp there. So yummy.

Our little family. We had such a beautiful time with the fam and God's creations.

I got to sing baby O to sleep while looking out to the most gorgeous view ever. If I could freeze a moment in time, this would be it.

O practicing his steps. He was having just so much fun!