Thinking Out Loud: Summer Edition

July 27, 2017 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

I have so many random things on my mind that I think it’s the PERFECT time for a Thinking Out Loud post. It’s been a crazy few weeks, but here are a few things I’ve been thinking about:

Home Renovations …

B and I (or should I say B) are knee deep in some serious updates/renovations. I hope to have more to show soon, but he just tore down a ceiling (and wallpaper) in the dining room and then put one back up. I’ve never looked at ceilings so much as I have the past week or so. And now they’re all I notice!

Shopping …

I’m feeling in a serious fashion funk and I ~~need~~ want some new clothes. Ever since I went to the Saks blogger brunch/fashion show, I’ve been really wanting to get some new clothing items. BUT with the aforementioned home reno, I know I should be saving money. Le sigh. Still, it’s Nordstrom’s anniversary sale and here are some items I’m admiring (from afar):

This Bootie

This sweater

And while we’re at it, these non-Nordstrom items have been calling my name:

From J Crew

From Loft

Running (or NOT Running) …

I hurt my piriformis a few weeks ago and haven’t run since. That’s right, I’m going on 2+ weeks with NO runs. This is the longest I haven’t run since giving birth a year ago and I do NOT like it. I’m going a little stir crazy! Sorry in advance to anyone I snap at …

How I feel…

Cooking …

Now that FW is one, I’m trying really hard to find some foods he will eat. He ~~is a picky eater~~ has a refined pallet, and it’s getting hard to find foods that he, me and B will all eat. Oh, and FW has low iron and doesn’t like meat so I’m trying to find things with iron and/or protein. Some of the newest things I’ve tried:

Spicy Chickpea Burgers (without the spice for FW) >> I liked them as did B, but FW wasn’t a fan

Spinach Banana Muffins >> We all like these!

Crockpot Spicy Peanut Chicken (without the spice for FW) >> I liked it, B sorta liked it and FW just spit it and threw it out

Cauliflower tots >> I liked them, B didn’t try and FW may have liked them (he didn’t eat them at home but school said he did …)

So, we’re 1ish for 4 …. any tips? Food or recipe suggestions?

And that’s about all the brain randomness from me this morning. Cheers to it almost being Friday!

Some questions for you:

Any recipes for picky eaters? Ideally something that an adult and a one-year-old would eat? Please?
What’s a fashion item you want right now?
What’s the last home renovation/DIY thing you did?

PS – Happy birthday MOM!!! You are a great mom and wonderful grandma … ❤

9 Reasons Why 2016 Was Pretty Great

January 5, 2017January 2, 2017 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

ringing in the new year

2016 wasn’t that bad for us.

If you are anything like me and my friends, your Facebook feed has been full of reasons why 2016 was the worst year ever and people beyond ready to welcome in 2017. I even saw this trailer for a fake horror movie about the year:

And while not everything went as hoped in 2016, I can’t complain toooooo much. Why? Well, one big reason – FW. But 2016 was a pretty good year and when I was talking with B about how the year had gone, it was easy to come up with some reasons why. Here are 9 reasons*:
1. FW was born! FW was born in June of 2016, so the year can’t be considered all bad 😉

This was taken in the hospital when we were about to take him home!

2. I had a healthy, relatively easy pregnancy. I was pregnant for about half of 2016 and I was able to remain active, walking and running, throughout – and I am so grateful of that!

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A wedding a week or so before FW was born
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A morning walk the week FW was born

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5k race at 39 weeks pregnant

And yes, I had the same pose in all the above photos. There’s not much you can do with your arm when your belly sticks out so much!

3. B got a new job! While his commute is a little worse, he is so much happier at his new gig and I’m so proud of him for all he is accomplishing.

4. The Indians were in the World Series! No, we didn’t win. BUT I did get to go to a game in the ALDS AND Game 7 of the World Series and it was great.

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5. The Cavs became NBA World Champions and B and I got to celebrate – both the night of them winning (we went out and partied with all the other Cavs fans to celebrate) and then the parade, the day before FW was born. 20160619_230123(0)

6. Great travels. We kicked off the year with a trip to Mexico City (I can’t wait to go back with FW!), got in a trip to Boston for our 5 year anniversary and spent a weekend in Columbus after FW was born.

boston ❤

Mexico City!!

Columbus!

7. Great friends. I felt so much love this year from so many great friends. I had a wonderful baby shower with so many of my great friends in Cleveland, had another great year part of Ladies Craft Beer Society (I love these ladies!), and even was visited by some other great friends – my BFF Jane came and visited before FW was born and Katie and Caitlin visited shortly afterwards.

Me and Cuoghi – she threw me the best shower!

some of the Ladies Craft Beer Society at my baby shower.

Jane was excited to see me and touch the belly 🙂

girls night out with Katie and Caitlin!

8. I got to spend another year as a Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Ambassador. I’m so grateful to represent the Cleveland Marathon and even though I was just about 9 months pregnant, I’m so glad I got to be part of the group again and run the 5k/10k Challenge Series.

Cari and I before the race! We both did the 10k

with my fellow ambassadors

9. We got a new car! I didn’t realize a new car could excite me so much, but I LOVE our Subaru so much. We got it over the summer and I am loving using it this winter!

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I know many of us are looking forward to having 2016 behind us – and while I had a great year, I’m pretty excited to see what 2017 has in store for us! I have a feeling it’s going to be a pretty eventful year.

Questions for you:

What’s something good that happened to you this year?
What are you looking forward to in 2017?

*yes, there are 9 reasons. Not 10. Why? Because 9 is a pretty awesome number, because I’m recovering from a sinus infection and that’s all my brain could handle and because I’m joining with the Thinking Out Loud linkup where there are NO RULES except write what’s on your mind!)

Thinking Out Loud: First Single Working Mom Day

October 13, 2016October 11, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

This post is dedicated to all the single working moms out there. Or all the single moms. Or all the working moms. You know what, it’s dedicated to all the moms out there because you’re all rocking at what you do, even if you don’t know it.

I had my first experience as a “single working mom” this week. B had to be out of town for work super early one day so it was my turn to do the dreaded daycare drop off AND pick up.

It was my first drop off. I expected a few things going into it: first that I’d have to get up super early if I wanted to work out, get ready for the day, feed and change FW AND make it out of downtown and back to downtown by 8 a.m. Second, that it’d be hard because I hate saying goodbye to FW in the morning.

Well, it was both of those things times ten. Of course when my alarm went off at 4:58 a.m. I didn’t want to get up. It felt like I had just fallen back asleep from FW’s 3 a.m. feeding and it was SO COLD and dark out. I managed to get out of bed only 15 minutes later than I wanted to, and got in a 29 minute workout. Not quite what I wanted … but better than nothing.

I quickly showered, got my breakfast ready (a.k.a. I grabbed a yogurt and some granola and fruit), fixed a crock pot meal and then woke up FW. He was super giggly and happy (he is a morning person!), which made me happy as well. Phew, I thought – this is nothing!

Of course two things happened then. One, he took about 15 minutes longer than usual to eat. And I felt too guilty on this particular day to cut him off. And then, he of course decided to have a massive “I haven’t pooped in two days” type of blowout right before we were ready to leave.

Before leaving, I took a look at my calendar for the day and remembered I was triple-booked for after work with daycare pickup, a board meeting (that I was going to be late to because of a work meeting) and another appointment.

FW was still giggly when I put him in his car seat. He was smiley all the way to the parking lot. And then, when he realized he wasn’t going for a walk/run, he seemed to get serious. (Yes, this may be all in my head)

When I got to the daycare, I was the first person there. Even the employee at the check-in seemed surprised, saying “Oh, wow, he’s the first little one! He’s so young!” (didn’t make me feel better)

And then, of course as I put him down to leave, he started crying. I know he wasn’t crying because I was leaving (right?! he can’t really know…), but it didn’t help matters. I ended up dashing to my car before the worker could see me crying as well.

On the bright side? I made it to work 10 minutes early. And didn’t get any baby bodily fluids on my work outfit.

So – single working moms … well all moms – I don’t know how you do it. I don’t know how you manage to make time for yourself. I don’t know how you get enough sleep. I don’t know how you turn off your “mom face” after dropping off your child with someone else and turn on your “work face.” I have so much admiration and am in awe of all of you.

Shared as part of the Thinking Out Loud linkup. Because I really can’t make complete thoughts at this moment and this seemed like a TOL post.

Friday Five: Ask A Mom (Part Three)

September 2, 2016September 1, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

Happy Friday!! I cannot WAIT until the weekend. We have some fun stuff planned for Labor Day with the baby, including seeing my family! So wish us good luck with our first LONG carride with FW!

Today’s the last part in my interview with Reanna from The Last Mommy Blog (friend IRL). Don’t forget to read parts one and two – each week we’ve shared 5 questions and her answers. My answers for this week are found here.

This week’s 5 questions focus on confessions and reflections on being a mom.

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1. Confess without shame: What’s one thing you’ve screwed up as a mom so far?

There are so many things I wish I were better at, but I think that’s just the ubiquitous cloud of mom-guilt that follows every mom home from the hospital. The one thing I really am trying to be better about is not staring at my phone all the time. It’s been a really bad habit, and I keep having to remind myself I don’t want my baby’s memories of me to be looking down at a screen instead of at him.

2. What was the best advice you’ve gotten about motherhood?

I don’t remember where I first read it, and it’s so simple and not profound, but “Give it two weeks.” Whatever phase or struggle you’re going through that seems insurmountable and makes you feel defeated will feel like ancient history in no time. You’ll be on to the next challenge, and stronger for it.

3. What is something your husband is really good at, dad-wise?

He has really hit his stride as The Baby has gotten mobile and more playful. He’s great at getting The Baby laughing. He’s always been up for the baby care stuff, but I think has felt like second fiddle since I’ve been the primary food source since day one.

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4. Has motherhood changed your perspective on the world in any way?

I feel so hard for all mothers and babies now. I have always thought our maternity leave policies (or lack thereof) in this country were unfair, but now I feel they’re downright cruel. I took The Baby to a restaurant when he was a few months old and our waitress told me she had a two-week old at home and I wanted to stuff piles of money in both her hands, scoop her up, drive her home and tuck her and her baby into bed. It is appalling to me that we are failing families in this way.

5. Have you read any parenting books? Any recommendations? Any discussion about how they make you feel like drinking because you’re clearly failing?

I am, by habit, drawn to parenting books because I like learning about child development research. However, having read through a couple, I now measure each parenting book by how many glasses of wine I think I would need to get through them because they all make me feel like a massive, child-ruining failure. Use a bouncer? Your baby will never walk and will probably get scoliosis! Co-sleep? Your baby is guaranteed to die of SIDS. Let your baby cry it out? Enjoy your robot-sociopath! I think I’ve finally read enough to get beyond the point of feeling like I’m doing literally everything wrong and landed squarely at the point of feeling like no one knows my baby better than me, and I’ll work it out.

BONUS: For (potential) future kids, what would you do differently? With pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, etc.

The second time around, I’ll definitely feel less smug about breastfeeding.

Even though we’re trying to transition away from it, if I have another baby who is extremely needy when it comes to sleeping near me, I’m not going to feel guilty about co-sleeping. I spent the first several months of co-sleeping feeling like A) I was failing/being weak, B) Everyone was judging me and C) I was putting my baby in danger. But the more I’ve read and learned and experienced, the more content I am with our decision. It’s what The Baby needed, I’ve gotten twice as much sleep as I would have without it, and nobody really cares what you’re doing (except Internet trolls, and they can shove off).

As far as childbirth goes, as you know I lucked out with mine. I hope my next one is just as quick (though preferably not on a major holiday). I probably would practice more with The Husband on relaxation and pain relief techniques that worked for me the first time in case a doula isn’t in our budget again.

And that’s it from Reanna. Don’t be sad – you can always read her blog and get more of her wisdom there (and while you’re there, learn about the importance of mom friends). Or become friends with us in real life and get an invite to Ladies Craft Beer Society (you don’t need to be a mom to be invited)!

some of the Ladies Craft Beer Society at my baby shower. It was an awesome taco-themed shower!

Questions for you:

What other questions do you have for moms?
Are you part of any clubs – like a ladies craft beer society, book club, wine club, etc?

Friday Five: Ask a Mom! 5 Questions for The Last Mommy Blog

August 19, 2016August 16, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 1 Comment

My friend Reanna is a super mom.

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She is one of the first of my friends to have a baby, and she has been a source of so much inspiration and information as I’ve started this journey toward motherhood. She’s a great resource – she is going through all that I’m going through 6 months before I do and doing it and all with a smile and a great sense of humor (she’s super hilarious – check out her blog, The Last Mommy Blog). So when she asked if she could interview me for her blog, I was like – wait, why can’t I interview YOU? So, I’m partnering with her and sharing some advice, info, tips, etc. for moms. She has so much info to share that this will likely be a series of posts for the next few weeks.

Before we get started, here are 3 fun facts about Reanna:

She used to live in Cleveland but now lives on a farm south of the city. She moved into her grandparents’ house when her baby was just a few months old and is cleaning it out, renovating it and basically living in nature. This is so crazy and amazing to me – I’m scared/in awe of anything nature related and don’t know how to even fix a broken drawer.
She was the Lady who started Ladies’ Craft Beer Society. In case you haven’t read my posts about it, we meet once a month and drink a craft beer and do a craft. It’s been a great way for me to meet new friends with similar interests (drinking is an interest, right?) in CLE.
She wears many hats these days. She’s adjusting to life as a stay-at-home mom AND is a part-time freelancer. And she also is a semi-successful gardener and may soon be a goat owner. That’s more hats than I own in real life! (which is why she froze her eggs…more on that [clickbait! but you know you wanna know!] here)

Okay, onto the pregnancy and parenting stuff. Here are 5 Q&A’s with Reanna – and check out her blog, where I answer some of these questions as well! This week, we’ll celebrate Friday and talk pregnancy and becoming a mom.

FRIDAY FIVE; PREGNANCY AND BECOMING A MOM

1. Has motherhood changed your perspective on the world in any way?

2. What was the worst advice you got while you were pregnant?

I have to also say, “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” I caught a few naps while The Husband was home from work, but as an anxious person it was almost always next to impossible for me to fall asleep on demand. It’s the advice equivalent of telling someone, “Don’t be scared,” or “Win the lottery.” You just don’t have as much control as that advice implies.

3. What was the hardest part of pregnancy for you?

Agonizing heartburn. It was so bad by the end of the second trimester I could barely eat until I started taking prescription heartburn medication, which I felt nervous about every time I took it because it was a Class B drug or something. That and my regrettable inability to quickly think of a good retort at 37 weeks when a male coworker asked me if I was dilated.

4. What surprised you about pregnancy?

I thought I would be really excited to tell people I was pregnant after I was far enough along I felt comfortable to. But I had a lot of anxiety around it. I’m not sure if it’s because I’d had a miscarriage the first time around, or because I was explaining my participation in human reproduction, or because it opened the doors for people to pay me lots of attention and ask me a lot of questions, but it didn’t feel as good to let people in on our secret as I thought it would. Except with my friends, I just wanted to carry on with life as usual.

5. Are you happy with your childbirth experience? Is there anything you wish would have gone differently?

I am so very grateful for my childbirth experience. The only major bummer was that it happened on Christmas Day. Not because it ruined that particular Christmas (not by any means!) but I know it’s going to make The Baby’s birthday rough for him, for his entire life.

There you have it – until next Friday, when there will likely be 5 more questions for The Last Mommy Blog.

Some questions for you:

What questions do you have for new moms?
Moms, how would you answer any of these questions?
YAY for Fridays!! What are you looking forward to this weekend?

Training Tuesday: Guess Who’s Back?

August 9, 2016August 6, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

You guys. Guess who’s back?! Back again!!

Okay, now this song is in my head …

I digress.

Anyway, I’m excited to share that I’ve been cleared to run again! That’s right, I’m six weeks postpartum and I’m back running. I had a REALLY strong week running-wise because my parents were in town and were able to watch FW in the mornings while I ran. Now that they’re gone it’s going to be harder to get in runs on weekdays, but I’m happy with whatever mileage I can accrue on weekends and of course on some long walks.

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How did the week go?

Sunday, B went out with FW and left me at home to spend the morning however I wanted. It was hot, but I got in 4.4 miles (including a few stops along the way). It was my first run outside in forever.

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Tuesday morning, B and I somehow got up a little early and he suggested I go for a run with the extra time we had. I didn’t hesitate and got in 3.35 miles.

The same thing happened Thursday, and I was able to get in 3.8.

With my parents in town Friday and Saturday, I ran again- 4.3 and 5 miles respectively!

This made my weekly total: nearly 21 miles!

I don’t expect to have such a high week again anytime soon – and I’m not training for anything at the moment – but I am looking forward to getting back into shape and running more. Who knows – I may just have to get an infant jogging stroller so FW and I can run together! (and not like this …)

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Some questions for you:

What’s the longest you’ve taken a break from running or other exercise – and why?

Any tips for working out or running with a newborn? How do you fit it in, plus breastfeeding and the lack of sleep?

Thinking Out Loud: 10 New Mom Musings

July 21, 2016January 2, 2017 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

OK, I’ve only been a mom for 4 or so weeks (OMG MY BABY TURNS 4 WEEKS TODAY! </gush>), but despite the lack of sleep and exercise and healthy eating, my brain has been going nonstop and I’ve had so many random thoughts on motherhood. Instead of putting together a formal post on everything and life thus far, here are some of the random thoughts I’ve had over the past 30 days and I’m joining up today with the Thinking Out Loud linkup. As you can see, my brain goes all over the place and is completely opposite sometimes. Welcome to motherhood!

10 New Mom Musings

I LOVE our new family of three! It’s so much fun and my heart is so full. // I wonder if we could still be considered a party of two. Or I could sneak a baby into a theater? (This was uttered after B and I were offered 2 free last minute tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld. He was performing in a theater near our apartment)

family of 3!

There is no way I need a hundred and something diapers for him this month. // Holy cow, did I really go through 40 diapers in just 4 days?

I wonder if my body will ever look like it used to. // I can’t believe how mysterious/magical/powerful the female body is!

Wow, the days sure go by so slowly! Is it almost time for B to come home? // How is it already 6 o’clock? I don’t think I’ve gotten off this couch in 4 hours.

Wow, breastfeeding sure is convenient. I don’t ever need to bring a bottle or anything with me! // Wow, breastfeeding sure is inconvenient. It’s like I am just being used. I don’t ever get a break!

I’m so glad that ice cream can be eaten one-handed! // Will B and I enjoy a normal meal again ever?

I am so so so so tired. // I got 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep last night!

Newborns are great. They are so portable, are immobile, & I can bring one everywhere! // Newborns are tough. All they do is cry and eat; I can’t take one anywhere. Especially during meal times.

These freezer meals are amazing! I am so grateful for all my family and friends for helping us take care of ourselves. // If I have to eat another baked pasta dish or casserole tonight …where are the vegetables?

I can’t wait for FW to be older, sleep through the night,be able to tell us what’s wrong, etc. // Wow – I can’t believe how much he’s grown already! I don’t want him to keep growing – I wish I could freeze time!

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So there you have it. A few thoughts after being a mom for one month. Moms out there- can any of you relate?

Loving Summer Weekends with the Baby

July 11, 2016July 10, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

You guys. I had a GREAT weekend. I really can’t say it enough – I’m so full of love and happiness. It was a great weekend with B and FW. What made it so great? I can’t put my finger on it – it wasn’t one thing in particular, but it was just so many different things we were able to do, as a family of 3 (still not used to say that), and it was all so much greater than I expected.

Don’t get me wrong – I know not all weekends with a newborn (or child) are going to be great. Or easy. But this weekend had all the right ingredients – beautiful weather, great food, friends, fun things around CLE, long walks (still not able to run) AND beer(s). All of these, plus being with B and FW made for a wonderful weekend.

Some highlights:

Friday afternoon started out great. A pedicure and trip to the new Public Square to watch our niece and nephew splash in the fountain.

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And then a visit to Flat Out Fridays- live music and food and drinks along the water in the Flats.

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Friday night=homemade pizza night for the second week in a row. I could get used to this. And the beer. Confession- my tolerance is zilch right now, so I haven’t finished a full beer yet. Thank goodness B doesn’t mind helping 🙂

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Saturday started with a long walk with FW. We hit up our favorite trail and got in the most steps I’ve had since he was born!

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We also took FW to the Cleveland Flea. I picked up some new local kombucha while we were there. It’s crazy to think how much has changed since the June Flea just a few weeks ago!

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After the Flea we hit up the West Side Market. And since it was so nice out, decided to stay out and hit up a local brewery for some outdoor patio beers!

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At the Market we picked up supplies for dinner – I finally got to have some RARE steak – the only way I like it. YAY! That and some lactation cookies from my friend Reanna (who had visited Thursday) made for a delicious dinner.

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Sunday, we had plans to hit up Phuel for brunch. FW did great and we got to enjoy our usual and show him off to our regular server.

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It was another gorgeous day, so we opted to head to the park for a walk in the afternoon. We even saw a heron in the river fishing!

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And I spent the afternoon doing something I’d been wanting to do since FW was born but haven’t – baked! I made these bars.

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That night, it was time to introduce FW to some new friends. We were invited to dinner at V’s house and it was great to see her and my other DCA friends and catch up. Of course FW stole the show. And the delicious meal V made!

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And that, was our wonderful weekend. I hope all summer weekends with FW are this lovely and he continues to enjoy exploring Cleveland!

Some questions for you:

What color is on your toes right now – or what’s a go-to pedicure color? Do you go for pinks? reds? Coral? Or another fun color?
What was the best part of your weekend?

I’m linking up today with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

Fourth of July with the Baby

July 5, 2016July 4, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

Well, B and I survived the first week home with the baby! Honestly, I don’t know how single parents do it – this first week was challenging, tiring and rewarding – but I did it all thanks to B. Not sure how I’m going to deal when he goes back to work in a week … but I digress.

We had a great holiday weekend! Showing FW around town, hanging out with my parents (who were visiting again) for the weekend and of course having some family time for the holiday.

Friday started with a trip to the West Side Market – we showed FW around our normal shops.

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And a trip to Gallucci’s for some wine and pizza supplies. 20160701_134706

Because Friday night was pizza night! B made this awesome pepperoni and mushroom pizza with our new pizza stone. It was the perfect TGIF dinner! 20160701_213247

Saturday morning was gorgeous, so we got in a short walk to the water and of course took some pics with FW.

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My parents got in that afternoon and they were very excited to see him! 20160703_125523

It stayed gorgeous out all day, so we needed the day with an evening out to dinner – burgers and wine outside downtown. My veggie burger was so good! IMG_20160702_190222

Sunday morning, B’s mom had everyone over for brunch. It was great to introduce the baby the rest of the family – and of course his cousins loved holding him again. 20160703_132321

After brunch, we went for a walk around a nearby lake – it was great outside and it’s been so much fun sharing all our favorite spots with FW.

And for dinner? Sushi with my parents. Gotta love being able to eat raw fish again!

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Monday started out lazy. I had been up with FW much of Sunday, so we hung low and then got in a walk around downtown before heading to B’s family’s house for the Fourth of July BBQ.

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FW even got some bonding time with his great grandma. He is so lucky to have so many family members nearby and not only all of his grandparents but also a great grandma!

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And that was it- a great Fourth of July weekend and FW’s first celebration!

I’m linking up today with Erin, Katie and the weekly wraps.

It’s Been One Week … (Yes, we had that baby)

June 30, 2016June 30, 2016 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 17 Comments

One week ago, our lives changed completely. We went from being just B and me to being a family of three. FW was born last Thursday afternoon. He and the whole family are healthy and doing well (despite lacking some serious sleep).

I’ll spare you all the super detailed details, and in true fashion of how we shared we were expecting, here are some of the FAQs:

Okay, we want to know – boy or girl?!

It’s a boy!

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When was he born?

FW waited until after the Cavs win and parade celebration and came into the world June 23, 2016. Just like his mom when she was born, he was 2 days late (I was due on Jan 21 and born Jan 23).

About 24 hours before he was born, his mom and dad were at the Cavs parade celebrating the city’s win!

What were the basic details – height, weight, etc.

He’s just a little guy! 6 lb. 12.5 oz and 19.5 inches. OR 19 inches. It depends on who you ask.

This was taken in the hospital when we were about to take him home!

Why haven’t you posted any photos of him or any blog posts yet? Is everyone okay? Was he born with 3 heads?

Ha, he was not born with three heads. He has one head, with hair (I LOVE BABIES WITH HAIR!), and is perfect and cute in every way (yes, I’m biased). I’ve been sharing plenty on Snapchat (follow me at @koskim) and will start to share more on other channels as well. And honestly, every time I go to write a blog post, he is awake and I can’t stand not looking at him so I put the computer down and go chill with him. He is sleeping now (it’s daytime – he loves sleeping during the day), and I thought it was time to officially introduce him to the world. So here you go – gratuitous baby photos await!

He even poses in his sleep

How are you feeling? How is he sleeping?

Judging from what I’ve been told and what I’ve heard from friends, I had a reallllly easy labor. So I’m feeling pretty good for just having a baby. BUT I’m tired. Let’s just say that FW likes sleeping a lot – during the day. At night, well, we’re still teaching him about that.

When was the last time you ran? Are you going to start running again?

I ran/hobbled a mile (before taking a walk) the day before FW was born. IT was a slow and not-so-comfortable mile! And now I need to wait until after 6 weeks to start exercise. It’s rough. Luckily, I’ve felt good enough to take some walks with B and FW, but I can tell that 6 weeks are going to last a while!

on our first walk outside with him

Have you had any visitors?

Yes! My parents came in town the minute they heard I was in labor and were here last weekend. B’s family has been by a few times AND he’s gotten a chance to meet a few coworkers. His social calendar is pretty full these days 🙂

hanging out with the grandparents

meeting the cousins!

Are you still going to live downtown?

Yup, still getting this question – and yes, we’re still in our apartment. We converted the guest room into a nursery and B made this amazing space-saving changing table that is built up to the wall so it doesn’t take up floorspace and FW is loving living downtown. We’ve given him a few tours of our neighborhood and took him out to his first downtown meal this week – we enjoyed some tacos outdoors in the Flats!

showing FW the Flats

FW along the water

Seeing the food trucks at Walnut Wednesday

Are you going to be a mom blogger now?

Umm, sorta, but not really? I know that’s not a real answer – but I’m going to still blog the way I always blog, about things I know. Baking. Cooking. Running. And now that being a mom (it’s so weird to say that) is part of who I am, here we go – mom blogging awaits! I imagine that I’ll have some more mom-focused blog posts or a mom-spin on my posts moving forward, but when I get back to running in a few months there will be posts about that. When I get some more sleep and can bake and cook again, there will be posts about that. And as I adjust to live as a mom, I imagine there will be fewer posts at times as I enjoy every minute of life with baby!

out to lunch with mom and dad

Joining up today with the Thinking Out Loud linkup. Because I’ve had writer’s block and it seems appropriate that this post be a flood of thoughts!

Warning – there may be typos in this post. My brain is a little tired from the lack of REM sleep … (as if there weren’t typos in the other posts on here)