A ton of photos from Christmas, New Years, Hudson’s birthday, family gatherings and all the craziness in-between.
Life Lately
California Casual in Santa Barbara
Even though we were in Southern California – it was still a little chilly (especially for me) but because it was Christmas time it was nice to have the cooler temps. The Biltmore Four Seasons is right on the Pacific Ocean, too so the fresh ocean breeze was refreshing.
I packed the best I could with a mix of maternity and non-maternity items – but a few items were on heavy rotation. Luckily, a laid back vibe was easy to accomplish and I felt right at home in my California roots.
trench c/o kate spade ny | chuck taylor shoes | old navy maternity jeans | madewell shirt and sunglasses
2019
As 2018 comes to a close, I’m reminded in the midst of all the beautiful chaos that setting new goals for the year is so important.
A few things I’d like to focus on in 2019:
- Focus on my health – not just the post baby weight loss
- Read books – at least 3
- Write more often – whether in my Promptly Journal, notes or letters to myself, family and friends.
- Finish both boy’s baby book
- Start an interior design portfolio
- Learn how to use our Cannon camera and take up recreational photography
- Listen to a few podcasts (super late to the podcast game)
All the while being the best mom, wife, sister, friend and colleague that I can be. Mindset has been on a shift over the course of a few years to be more about quality over quantity and I want to pursue that even more with an emphasis on being present.
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” – weil
The Biltmore Four Seasons in Santa Barbara
As most of you know we take an anniversary trip every year – typically in January though when the holiday craziness slows down and we’re in desperate need of some solid rest and relaxation. But with baby #2 on the way, we need to either 1) push our trip up to December or 2) skip it. And well the latter didn’t sound all that appealing.
We were both thinking of a CA trip since we knew staying in the US this time would be a wise decision. I threw out Santa Barbara since I knew it had a lot to offer and wasn’t too far from LA. After going back and forth we ended up partnering with the Biltmore Four Seasons in Santa Barbara for our combined anniversary/baby moon trip.
First of all, what a lovely property! I mean the Spanish architecture is stunning and the grounds (extremely green and tropical – I swear had it’s own mirco climate) were insanely well manicured. Plus, being right across from the Pacific Ocean was dreamy. The resort it tucked back in/around residential homes which was nice and quiet. Plus, walking the paths and neighboring homes were a sight to see!
We were greeted with sparkling cider, chocolate covered strawberries and baby gifts! Our jungle room suite was the perfect size, had lovely pool views and a fireplace which was so charming. I turned it on every chance I got.
A few highlights from our stay at the Biltmore Four Seasons would definitely be our early (east coast time!) breakfasts by an outdoor fire pit watching the Pacific Ocean. Waves were stellar that week so surfers came out in droves! The food was soo good – I got their Acai bowl every morning with a decaf coffee and either bacon or sausage. Nick had Huevos Rancheros every morning, too because it was that good. We took walks afterward and just explored it was a really nice way to start the day.
Another stand out moment was the Spa. I had a complimentary prenatal massage (my very first!) and to be honest I was excited but also nervous. I don’t get massages often, the last real massage I got was on our 2nd anniversary in St. Lucia three years ago. The Spa was beautiful, the staff was friendly and the extra pampering was just the ticket!
Lastly, we made our way over to the Coral Casino (a private club that is part of the Biltmore Four Seasons) and it’s a relic! A total gem on the California coast that embodies old school charm and class. From the coral colors, retro vibe and amazing views of Butterfly Beach it was a must see! We dined at the Tydes Restaurant our last night there and ate on the balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The bar inside had a top that was an aquarium and they had original black and white photography depicting it’s coolness back in the 1930s-40s.
Overall, we loved it and would absolutely go back. Those looking for a different California stay but full of charm, character and less hustle, go here. And make your way to downtown Montecito and Santa Barbara because there is so much to explore!
When Pregnant Wear Black
Getting back into the routine after the long vacation/holiday break is so daunting.
I have SO much to do – from cleaning, organizing, taking down Christmas decor, prepping for baby – I mean the list goes on and on.
Just jumping right into work seems so very disorienting, but it’s the start of getting the New Year back on track with routine, goals and an overall clean slate. Just like anything I’m just going to power through and tackle it all one step at time. At least it’s a short week?
After two weeks of consuming all the sweets and goodies – black leggings are the only thing that will do. Might as well make them cute, right? Also, horizontal stripes when your pregnant is also a good distraction.
jacket c/o Kate Spade New York | shirt c/o Everlane | leggings Target | sandals c/o Laiik | sunglasses Madewell
FOUR
He’s four! I truly can’t believe it.
This year he went from being a toddler to totally being a little kid. He’s grown up so much in the past year (I know, he’s still four!) but he’s a big four. Not just in how tall he is or how his face has matured, but it’s also in how he expresses himself, tell stories, uses his manners, enjoys his independence that I look at him like he’s my little guy. He’s totally not my baby anymore. And as fate would have it, in the next few weeks, he won’t be my only kid anymore and for that I think the timing is somewhat perfect. This kiddo is going to be the best big brother on the planet and I can’t wait to give him the greatest gift my parents ever gave me. A sibling.
Hudson,
I’m absolutely so in love with the little man you’re becoming. Watching you grow, develop and learn has been the greatest joy in my life. Your dad and I beam with pride when you ride your big kid bike (no pedals!) or when you sing the lyrics to Africa. You constantly make us so proud. You’re loving trains and race cars and mints. You consume a healthy amount of yogurt and goldfish in which you’ll gladly go get yourself. You can get dressed on your own and sleep in your big kid bed all night. Thank you monkey for bringing so much love, light and laughter to our lives. I hope you always feel just how much your dad and I love you.
5th
Back in our early days I would count the hours til we would see each other again. I still do from time to time, especially when he’s traveling, because even still I just want to be around him. The anticipation and giddiness is still a strong and real thing.
I know for some (like both of our parents – happy anniversary, too btw!) 5 years may not seem like a long time. And I totally get that. But our love story didn’t begin like a fairy tale, nor was it traditional. It swept us up and knocked us off our feet and we followed our hearts. In 48,500 hours we’ve done a lot of things – countless trips, built a new home, job changes, lost pets and babies, had a kid – that some couples may take twice the amount of years to experience. Our journey is our own and I wouldn’t change it.
Nick,
Like I said in Santa Barbara – marriage isn’t hard. If anything, being married to you is easy. Marrying you on that balcony overlooking Manhattan will forever be the best decision I have ever made. My love for you continues to grow in ways I never thought were possible. YOU, single handedly, continue to make all my dreams come true. My full heart is yours forever and always. Here’s to all the years my lifetime will muster.
Happy anniversary, my love.