housewifery.

Feb 28, 2014

Years ago, when I'd picture my future self as a mother, I envisioned myself being one of those women who used nap time as an opportunity to cook, bake, clean, exercise and be crafty. You know, things that I never did nor would I be any good at.  However, being a stay at home mom was the exact opposite lifestyle of an international flight attendant, so if I could make that transition... anything was possible. Perhaps one day I'd be that domesticated super-mom that my younger self imagined.
Let's fast forward a few years, shall we? I'm mom to a 5 month old baby and a not quite 2 year old puppy.  I'm married to my best friend, and I'm essentially living the dream. It wasn't my dream... but dreams, like individuals, tend to change over the course of a lifetime.


So, how am I doing as a housewife? For starters, our house is a mess. It was a mess before we were parents and I'd be lying to myself if I'd honestly expected to suddenly become an organized clean freak after all of these years.  I apologize to company, but I'm not really sorry. This is our house, we live in it, and sometimes we'd rather watch a movie than clean up right after dinner.  Sometimes our dog drags every single toy out onto the floor and leaves paw prints all over the hardwood. Sometimes I leave baby outfits (and socks, oh the tiny socks) scattered throughout the house.  If you show up unannounced, you'll probably just have to deal with our mess.
I'm still no chef, but Ryan and Carley can vouch for the fact that I certainly try.  As the only adult home during the day, I feel obligated to figure out dinner each evening. This is a long shot from my former self, who lived on Subway sandwiches.   It helps that once each week we receive a box full of fresh produce, called "The Organic Box".  Could we go to the store and buy all of the same items for less money? Sure, we probably could. However, we are less inclined to eat out when we know that there are vegetables that must be eaten at home. Not only that, but I've been forced to experiment with new ingredients that I'd probably have never thought to buy otherwise... you know, like rutabagas and tomatillos. 


I don't bake, because baking leads to eating and when you are me, moderation is an unknown concept. I love cookies and cupcakes and cake, so much so that I try to avoid having them in my house. Baking can only end badly.  Of course, certain neighbours (yes, I'm talking about you Christine) occasionally send my husband home with half of a cake, which leads to evenings of overconsumption and regret. Mmm, regret.  
As far as being crafty goes, I'm still a "wannabe" crafty mama.  I have a Pinterest board full of ideas and projects that I'll never make.  However, the other night I was overcome with a rare burst of creativity. I'd finally got the baby to sleep, and I marched down the stairs, announcing to my husband that I was going to Michael's. I've never left home without my husband or baby, so this was a rather monumental occasion.  Carley joined me, and after browsing every aisle I left the store toting rolls of beautiful colourful tulle.


  As a mother to a little girl, I'm slightly obsessed with frilly, girly things such as tutus. I've spent a small fortune acquiring numerous items, justifying them by the fact that I take my own baby photos rather than paying an expensive photographer.  Of course, if I could make my own tutus, I'd be only more justified, right?  So that's exactly what I did.  The next day, I worked away while my baby napped, and by the end of the afternoon I had a glorious, pouffy tutu fit for a princess. 



We tested it out, and I feel as though I've started something bad. My original intent was to save money, but now I'm overcome with the need to make more tutus, in every colour of the rainbow.  My baby is only a baby for a short time, and I plan to take advantage of choosing what she wears while she is still too young to offer her input.  


Once upon a time, I was a world traveling, independent girl who desired nothing other than passport stamps and international cuisine. That girl is just somebody that I used to know.  Today, I'm a tutu-crafting, Strollercizing mama, who wouldn't change a thing... besides the messy house.  

love, sweet love.

Feb 14, 2014

Valentine's Day is just another day in our household.  I love my husband and he loves me, but we don't need flowers, chocolate, and jewelry and a specific day to prove that... although I wouldn't be opposed to chocolate. I'll buy it tomorrow when it's 50% off.
I spent this day with the girl that I love the most... I smothered her in kisses, much like any ordinary day. We went shopping with Carley and laughed at the swarms of people crowding the chocolate and jewelry stores in the mall. Carley and I treated ourselves to coffee and some new clothing, and it was a perfect Friday, Valentine's Day or not!  
Today might just be another day for us... but we've got the whole weekend to spend as a family, and that is better than any cheesy heart shaped gift. 
 Happy long weekend from my little love and I! 


february, already?

Feb 10, 2014

Once upon a time, I was a dedicated blogger with more than one post in a month. Those days seem to be in the past now that I'm living a more normal life.  I'm not a flight attendant. I'm not traveling. I'm a mom... and while I could write endless posts about my daughter I'm fairly certain that I just might bore my audience after years of rambling on about Paris and other wonderful places.  That's not to say that I won't post about my baby, because to be honest I don't really know what else to talk about these days. I'll just try to save you from reading about every tiny milestone in our daily lives. Key word being try. I think that my kid is pretty darn amazing (biased opinion or not) and sometimes it's hard to hold back.
She's also 5 months old today, which is absolutely insane because I was just pregnant and she was just a tiny newborn. I suspect that she'll be filling out her college applications any day now.


Anyways.... it's February! For the first time in forever, January flew by and here we are in February. I like February. It's short, it's sweet, and chocolate is 50% off on the 15th.  February is one month closer to summer and warmth... things that I only know of in distant memories. One day we shall meet again.
I'm so ridiculously boring these days that the old me wouldn't recognize myself. The current me, however, is quite content in my domesticated lifestyle. I wake up, feed the baby, feed the dog, and when I get a chance, I feed myself.  I pack up the baby and we head to the gym, where I participate in mommy boot camp classes as Aaralee takes her morning nap.  We head home and by the time that I've showered and figured out what to make for dinner, Ryan (and Carley, right now) are home from work. I knew that having a baby would keep me busy, but I'm honestly not sure where the time goes.  I suppose that a great deal of it is spent talking in ridiculous voices and dancing around in an attempt to make Aaralee laugh. I have no shame.  We also have our fair share of impromptu photo-shoots, because I can't resist taking photos of such cuteness. 


In recent weeks my stubborn daughter has opted out of napping, for fear of missing out on the action around her. This made for a fussy baby and a tired mom.  I've been fortunate enough to discover the magic that is babywearing. Once a skeptic, I'm now a believer.  With a bit of guidance and a lot of practice I can now go about my daily life with a baby wrapped on my back.  Stubborn as she may be, she can't resist the sleepy power of a cozy wrap and is usually asleep within 10 minutes.  Babywearing, you've saved my life... or at least my sanity.  


After promising to stop talking about my baby so much, it appears that I've written another blog post primarily about her. I can't help it. I'll leave you with an adorable picture of my human baby and fur baby. They are starting to become great friends, much to my delight. Niko doesn't even seem to mind when she grabs onto his fur with her death grip.  I think that he's putting in his time with the knowledge that it won't be long until she's tossing food to the ground. 
Ahh, I love them.