90 Days of Pure Love...

How often do parents get 90 days to reflect on how much they love their children? The answer probably lies in the number of children they have. Today marks the last day of my maternity leave...the last day of parental paradise.

I have enjoy every moment of my twelve weeks off (I am so glad I made that selfish choice) and there are so many things I will miss. The thing I will miss the most is the abundance of time I had to spend with both of my girls and my husband. Working parents are always so rushed and really miss out on the small moments which are the icing on our cake: the little smiles, stories, tons of cuddle time and giggles. I have loved getting up every morning and laying with both of my girls in one arm...now this will be reserved for weekends. I will miss Zoe's constant stories throughout the day and Roxie's constant babbling and gummy grins (trying to keep up with her big sis already). Just sitting back and watching them do their own thing while I observe has been a daily favorite.

Some of my other guilty pleasures were: sleeping in or taking a nap, watching the Today Show with my favorite cup of coffee, eating three meals a day with Zoe, the Wendy Williams show (she is ridiculous ya'll) while hearing Zoe imitate her "how you doin' - whoop whoop) in the background, exercising everyday, taking many walks with my girls, getting to spend a ton of time a day with my grandparents - I got to be the granddaughter I wish I could always be, having my mom and sis stop by randomly during the afternoons and fun outings that I usually don't have time to indulge in.

During the past 90 days I also had the time for reflection...which I honestly don't think I have ever had extensive time for. I think I was born with a schedule and a to-do list. My stress is always HIGH and returning to work after having another child will not make it lower anytime soon. I need to work on living in the moment, taking one day at a time, having a positive outlook, choosing my battles and not taking on more than I can handle. This will be a hard thing to work on, but so important.

I wish everyone could at least have one consecutive month off to breath, reflect and have the time to love/play to the fullest extent. Thank you to my co-workers and family who encouraged me to take this time and to my sweet, sweet Izzy girls for making this one of the best summers of my life...mommy will miss you SO much tomorrow.

*An extra special thanks to my mother who continues to give me the best gift any mother could give...daycare for my children. Although I miss them like crazy cakes when I am at work, at least I know they are in the best hands possible and are receiving a day full of hugs and kisses.

Here we go!

Ladies....Why Can't We Just Love Each Other?!?!

Over the past 11 months I have observed something very interesting. I think the only time in my life when ALL females have been "nice" to me was when I was pregnant or when I have Roxie in my arms. I find this REALLY interesting. Never in my life had I walked down the street to have another female, whom I didn't know, randomly smile at me or say hello. When I was pregnant I got smiles and hellos everyday from random females of all ages. An now when I go out in public with Roxie I get the same reaction. I have to say I have enjoyed this, as females usually look each other up and down (judging) and would never think of flashing you a friendly smile when you pass her on the street. At what "Roxie's age" will this stop? I remember this with Zoe too...I think it stopped around age two.

Why is this? Why are females so mean to each other? This starts at such a young age, as I have noticed this behavior even in Zoe's kindergarten class. Women have a hard enough time just being women...why do we make life harder on each other? Wouldn't it be nice if we STOPPED judging - eye rolling - ignoring and STARTED smiling - helping - acknowledging? We really don't know what others are going through...especially those females who look really crabby, they need this the most.

SO let's start a movement. Hold the door open for another gal. If you see someone drop something, help her pick it up. If you like someone's outfit, tell her. Say hello. Smile.
Love all women: strangers, neighbors, coworkers, family and friends. We are strong, powerful, smart, funny, beautiful and need to join together rather than push each other away. I'll try it....will you join me?

Here is a smile for you, girl, pass it on.