{Motherhood Monday: Life Lately}

The last 7 days have been snowfilled, homebound and trying on this mama's patience. To be frank, this morning I was thinking how the heck I was going to make through another snowstorm. Another day stuck inside with a teething toddler. Because even with O at home to help it's still hard to keep her entertained!

But like grace from God I read an IG post this incredible mama posted (who sadly and tradgically lost her little one 9 months ago) and I was once again reminded to reset. ( check out her blog here, she is quite the inspiration and make sure you bring out the tissues).

No matter how stir-crazy we get there is no other place I'd want to be than with this little lady (and her dadda). So I've been squeezing Z a little tighter, carved out time for my daily workout and am ejoying an ice cold diet coke while I type this out because we tend to concentrate on the bad and overlook the good moments. I am hoping to do a little less overlooking in 2015 and a lot more of being present.

Here are some pics from right after last week's blizzard....

^^^^^^ i mean that face. seriously ^^^^^^^^^^

Hoping that sharing these thoughts puts life into perspective for you. At least for today.

xo

Natalie

#bebe

{Bebe: Surviving Winter with a Toddler - Updated}

^^^^ these pictures kill me^^^

Sorel Boots - Puma pants - Gap Coat on super sale! - H&M hat - TJMaxx mittens

watching her experience firsts has made me realize I was born to be her mama and love her. Seriously though, this face???

But now that the holidays are over and the real cold has settled in (ummm-25 last week??) I have found myself feeling the cabin fever hit me like a ton of bricks. So I thought what better time to update this list than now...

Kindermusik with Evan at Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio in JP - I've talked about how much we love this class in the past and I really can't say enough good things. Check the schedule and try a drop-in class for $15 and see what I am talking about! Evan also has Thursday class at the Rogerson House for $10 a class that we realy enjoy!

Music Together - Lou Lou's Music - Classes in Natick, Sherborn & West Roxbury - we used them for Zoe's birthday party and Greg was great!

Mama & Me in Jamaica Plain, MA - parent and baby classes and toddler classes too! (We just started Paint & Play and I can't say enough good things about this place, everything from the teachers to the facility istop notch. Look out for more on this place and it's founder!

Tip: parking is tricky, go early and enjoy an incredible treat and latte at Ula Cafe (they have high chairs!) (Prices Range)

Toddler Town at Marina Bay - Quincy, MA - ($5 - $8 depending on baby age) lot's of room to run around, a gated baby area for your little and bouncy house looked like a favorite. they even have a snack area with tables, chairs/highchairs.

Tip: Bring your own snack, they only have vending machine snacks, and layer up because it's a bit chilly in there at first.

Tot Plex - Canton, MA ($8 per child) - haven't tried this place but will soon!

My Gym - Newton - Boston - Medfield (monthly pricing) - You can try a class for free!

We tried this class again and loved it, considering signing up for another class soon.

Tip: Bring yourself a pair of clean socks to wear on the gym.

Gymboree - Needham - Quincy and other locations - Music, Art and Play & Learn classes for monthly fee. You can try a class for free! We are going to try this in February and will report back!

Check your local library for Story Time - The one in Roslindale Square is Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and we absolutely love it. Open space for crawlers/walkers!

MSPCA - Little Bookworms Story Time on Wednesdays - 10am - Suggested Donation is $5

*full disclosure I tried the one in JP and it was a little hectic but the animals were fun to look at. I am thinking she was a little young for it.

Museums! check their sites for tips on where to take the littles.

-MFA has a toddler playdate days coming up.

-Boston Children's Museum has an awesome toddler space for babes under 3 (and within it a smaller area for crawlers), it has a family restroom, kitchen/snack area and a even a rocking chair for nursing mama's.

Tip: the yearly pass is $150/year for family of 4, so at $12/person, it is totally worth it. Scope out parking before heading out so you don't end up over paying like us!

LegoLand Discovery Center - PlayZone and Events - we may have to wait and do this with the mister!

Family Sing-along at Best Sellers Cafe - Medfield, MA some Wednesday at 10am

Beantown Playspace at Natick Mall - Free and open Monday - Saturday, 10AM - 9PM; Sunday, noon- 6pm (must try this!)

ExploraZone at Mamas Move, Norwell, MA - pretty cool fitness and spa center with babysitting! You can also drop-in for indoor play with your child for $8/per child.

One Stop Fun in Westford, MA - is a Family Fun & Fitness Center for $9.99 each (adults free)

Whole Foods in Dedham, MA has a story & Smoothie Time on Wednesdays at 9:30am, Absolutely love this!!!! We had such a blast doing crafts and singing but best of all the smoothies were delish. I also was able to squeeze in food shopping before we went home for a nap. 2 birds, one rocks sorta things are my jamn.

I have also started coordinating some events for a mom group on meet-up which is a great way to find a mom group and plan activites with your littles.

Anyone else find anything fun?? Please share in the comments below!

Still stuck on what to do? Email me and I'll help you find something. Or if you're local you can come over, I provide crayons, wine and snacks. wink wink.

xo

Natalie

#bebe

{Bebe: Footed Fashion with Freshly Picked}

One of my goals for 2015 blog wise is to include more bebe fashion. I have been having a ball dressing my little mini-me and have gotten some emails/questions on where and how I go about shopping for our little.

Most of it is convenience. The stuff that washes well, is comfortable and doesn't break the bank (they grow out of it so quickly!). And honestly it has to be cute too! I have my list of the usuals, but for shoes I have found myself always going back to the adorbs Freshly Picked moccs.

One, they are friggen adorable. Two, they stay on!!!! Three, they are soft soled and comfy. Four, did you see how cute they are?! We have been wearing them for a while but after sharing Susan's, the founder of Freshly Picked, story I am an even bigger fan of the brand.

Something about the wonderful elastic makes them soooo easy to put on and stay on, so much so that even the mister is a total fan! They not only have a wonderful selection of colors and patterns but they are working hard at keeping it super fresh and up to date. I seriously want a new pair every week... Don't worry O, I'll keep this order to a size bigger!

And when Susan and her team at Freshly Picked sent over this camo moccs to review I just about died. We all know my obsession with all things camo!! And now that they make crib moccs, I could just about scream. Definitely the top baby shower gift on my list!

Oh and make sure and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for there awesome sales!

xo

Natalie

#bebe