I mean, it IS Valentines Day...

Okay, let's get a little corny.

We're not "celebrating" today because we know that while we're on vacation we're going to go on a date together. So that will technically be our "Valentines" day. However, it actually IS Valentines Day today, and my sweet Keegan Michael has a super high fever, so this Momma's home from work, awaiting a call back from the nurse at the pediatrician's to find out if they think he should come in today. So while I wait, and my very sick baby takes his third nap of the day, I will reflect on the most incredible man I've ever met:

I can't believe I get to call you my husband. I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to have you for the rest of my (ha- or your?!) life. I am so incredibly blessed to be able to rest in the fact that you are on my team. WE are on each others team. I appreciate that you support me, love me unconditionally, and that you are my defender when I need defending.

I appreciate that you didn't take the vows we made to each other lightly. I see how you prioritize me as your wife, and the way that you've continued to strive to become a better man day after day... and you have. When I first met you, I thought, "This guy is incredible. I am going to marry him." I never thought that you could get any more incredible. But you have. And I don't tell you every single day- but it's true.

You are the type of man, husband and father that I can only hope and pray that our son becomes. Thank you for your unconditional love towards both me and Keegan Michael. Thank you for making me laugh all the time.

You're the best. Ever. 

Happy Valentines Day to my absolute best friend.

Four Agreements

Six or seven years ago I read a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz titled The Four Agreements. It's kind of new agey and hippy, but for a sensitive soul like myself, I like to remember these "agreements" occasionally... I wish I took them to heart much more, because day to day interactions would be so much more beneficial if I did... Here's an excerpt from a summary of the book, highlighting the main points:

"The First Agreement - Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth, of what is good, and what you want. Choose your words carefully in what you say to others, as well as what you say internally to yourself.

The Second Agreement - Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering and worrying. You can simply say, "next".

The Third Agreement - Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. You have to learn to ask for what you want with conviction and confidence. Others cannot read your mind. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

The Fourth Agreement - Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. It will be different from day to day. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

"As you build the habit of the four new agreements, your best will become better than it used to be."

Just figured I might not be the only one who might benefit from this reminder! :)

Lets talk about Mom Jeans....

I'm currently on a mission...

A mission to mildly revamp my closet. Since Keegan was born, I've been so much more conscious about dressing age appropriately. I know what you're thinking... "But, Mandy, you're so young and sooo thin and your boobs are in the exact same place they were two years ago." So sweet of you to say, friend, but oh so wrong.

First of all, I'm not arguing that I'm young. Relatively, I am. But let's compare that with the age group that I HAD been dressing with... Forever 21 anyone? Charlotte Russe? Hollister? Anyone? Can you say SO college-y?! Anyway, I first had this epiphany while lugging a two week old baby in his carseat into Forever 21 while a bunch of 17 and 18 year old girls shopped around me. I proceeded to do a quick loop of the store and quickly leave. I ended at Ann Taylor LOFT and found a few nice, conservative outfits and felt so much more comfortable shopping amongst people at a similar place in life. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with those stores, FYI- I just felt like an OLD lady amongst all those young sorority girls, and I'm only 25!

Second, let's talk thin. I'm at my pre-baby weight, and have been for about 4-5 months. I think I can confidently shout that pre-baby weight does NOT mean pre-baby body. Things change. Not just the obvious... But little things, like, although I can fit in my pre-baby jeans, they're just not the SAME... Kind of in the way they fit, but also, kind of in the way I'm much more self conscious about having too low rise jeans so my muffin top hangs over the edge... HA!!! Anyway, I've got some new favorite jeans: trouser jeans! I have a couple pair that I surprisingly found at Target that have great stretch to them and are high enough of a rise so that my muffin top doesn't even cross my mind. Denizen by Levi anyone?! I just found some on the clearance rack at Target for $12! I'll take it! Woot!

Anyway, this mission has proven to be quite a challenge for me. Money is tighter now that I'm part time, and in all honesty, I just can't bring myself to pay a lot of money on clothes. I've had good luck with the Banana Republic outlet, and with Target and Marshall's.

Anyone have any awesome suggestions for some grown up, relatively inexpensive but still hip looking (for a mom-ha!) clothes?!