Birds And Woofs

This past weekend we ventured out west to Lion Country Safari. A late birthday treat for me, but really (and more importantly) a big, huge exciting adventure for Marlowe.  I'll let the photos speak for themselves on this one... but I will say: I'm happy all of Marlowe's dreams came true... you know, being able to be surrounded by a million (big exaggeration) birds and what not. 

**Most of these photos were taken by my brother. You can see even more photos HERE, on his flickr.

**yes, all the cool moms do wear safari hats out in public. 

**yes, Marlowe was not properly in a car seat for half the drive-through experience... which I'm totally okay with, since the speed limit is, you know, 5 miles per hour. We flipped the carseat to forward facing so she could get a better view, but she still couldn't see much of the really good stuff. So out she came, onto our laps, because the bigger issue are the rhinos crossing in front of your car, and not other vehicles. 


We were going to have a little beach day today, but it's pretty soggy out there. Marlowe's first beach day is probably tied in adorableness with Lion Country Safari (in my opinion, anyway). You can see photos: HERE and judge for yourself, but her little face is just too much.

A Busy Saturday

This weekend has been quite amazing. There have been many firsts for little miss Marlowe... many very, very exciting firsts. Raising a newborn by myself had been very difficult and challenging for me, but this stage? What a blast! Sure, having a toddler isn't as easy as being kid free or as easy as owning a pet, but it's a hell of a lot easier than the newborn stage. (Yes, I really did compare pet owning to raising a kid. They both require some sort of responsibility). And it's something that I not only enjoy, but really love. Every day Marlowe puts the biggest smile on my face, and multiple times throughout the day I catch myself throwing my head back in a deep crazy looking laughter with all the cute things she does. She cracks me up and melts my heart. She's seriously such a good little kid (note: I said "kid", not "baby"), and I'm not just saying that because I am her mom or anything, she really is a great kid. Okay, anyway, enough with my mom boasting... sheesh.

Where are you going!?

Saturday Marlowe and I both slept in (8:50! woooo!). We woke up, had a quick breakfast, packed a few things, jumped in the car, and drove south to Miami. We met up with some friends (Claudia, Lily, &Will too), and had a really great day on South Beach. Marlowe's first time on South Beach to be exact! Marlowe enjoyed her very first tea time with miss Lily... where all that invisible caffeine got us awake and ready to take a nice walk. At the park, there was Marlowe's first ever attempt to go down the slide by herself. Up and down and up and down the stairs she went and after about her 20th time she was ready for the slide. She still hates the swings, but I'm so incredibly pleased with the slide loving. After, we walked to Lincoln road. We shared lunch (avocado and grilled tofu salad). We walked along the crowded path where Marlowe had a blast chasing birds.
After a long, exhausting, sunny, and fun day in the sun, we said goodbye to our Miami friends and headed back to Lake Worth. Oh how sad. If it weren't for the Miami traffic and the cost of living, I would love to move the both of us back there. Ohhh maybe one day... people will lose their need of cars and rent and food will be magically cheaper, and then it will happen: we will be living in a place with more culture and excitement. We can dream, right? ;)

Not long after arriving home, Eric came by... so we could take Marlowe on a bike (tricycle) ride! Another HUGE first for her. Oh boy, did she hate it. With a banana in hand and many, many distractions: "Look at the bird! Oh my god, do you hear the birds? Where's the doggie?" we were able to take a quick ride to the park.... and right back home. Half the time she was fine and in search of birds, the other half she whined. I don't think she'll ever love bike rides and I really can't blame her. I mean, look at me... still unable to ride a two wheeler--- I was a scared, scared, stubborn child. BUT hopefully with enough tries, more treats, and gentile persuasion, she will grow to love bike rides.

Currently, it's a few minutes to midnight, and I am in bed with Miss Marlowe. Bedtime came early tonight, but so did the wake up calls. Nothing seemed to calm her so I made my way into her crib to lay with her. This relaxed her, we snuggled and she drifted asleep. I crawled (ungracefully hurdled my way out of the crib) and found myself back on the couch. 15 minutes later... she was up again. She has a few molars breaking through, and I'm almost certain she under-going a growth spurt. Hopefully this will pass sooner rather than later, because I've learned to almost enjoy my sleep ;)

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. If its even possible, we had an even better day on Sunday. It's a picture overload, but oh man, what an amazing and fun day.
Happy Monday everyone! I'll be back soon with pictures from our safari adventure ;)

Oh! And HERE is Marlowe's first (adorable, fun, and busy) trip to Miami.

***Park photos were stolen from Claudia
Bike ride photos stolen from Eric
Looks like I might be borrowing a camera from my brother soon. Sorry for the cell phone photo overload. 

Swank Farms, FL - Turnips & Radishes

Someday last week (I have no idea what day it was) we got the opportunity to have a mini private tour of Swank Farms. Alex and his best friend Clayton (chef) wanted to see what produce they had to offer to bring into the restaurant. I'm not sure if I ever mentioned the farm before, but I've eaten many of their greens and other things at the pizza place I always talk about, and it's always been delicious. Swank's specializes mostly in greens, micro greens, and tomatoes, but they also have a variety of other delicious treats... best of all they are organic, not labeled USDA organic, cause you know, that's expensive... but they use organic practices. Anyway, I'm not trying to sell you on the farm, because many of you aren't local, but I do suggest you check out some of the organic farms local to your area! The produce is always fresher and the greens more crisp! 

M decided she would have a new mama with boobs to pinch. She may or may not have been confused by the short brown hair, button up shirt, and raybans :)

Also, this post has absolutely nothing to do with turnips and radishes except that when I try to say one I always say the other and look like a complete idiot... even though I'm very clear on which is which. I also do it with plums and pears and even worse: carrots and oranges. Go me! 

Sunday, Revisiting Viscaya

Since Alex's arrival over a week ago, he has been busy busy with long hours of work and other responsibilities. This past Sunday was his first day free from any of that and we took full advantage of that time available to try to spend a much needed, enjoyable, stress free day together. We decided to once again revisit Miami like we had a few months earlier during one of his visits. This time we made sure to leave at a much earlier hour to actually have time fully explore... not only the outside of Viscaya, but also the mansion itself. It was quite a different experience from last time. Marlowe was able to run throughout the grass, and would throw a fit at any attempt we made to carry her. She most likely enjoyed herself more, or at least seemed that way. And this time around, if someone were to ask for a photo and offer to return the favor, there wouldn't be any awkward "no thank you's" for a group shot together. It's a lot easier to enjoy a day without awkwardness, hesitations, and when actually feeling like more of a family.
After Viscaya, we grabbed some pizza and made a stop at Sweat Records for vegan sweets (for me) and double shots of coffee (for Alex) before making the drive back home. It was a hot sweaty mess of a day together, but it was well spent, very much needed, and fun.

Marlowe explored the gardens

mama shoes c/o: vintage shoe love

After a few sweaty hours in the sun.... 

we stopped at Andiamo's for pizza.

Marlowe read her favorite book.

&we shared a half cheese pizza. 

We stopped at Sweat Records, because I was obviously in need of a 4$ vegan s'more bar. (and as I am typing this I am remembering I also purchased a vegan chocolate bar that I forgot about... it's waiting for me in my purse to be devoured in the morning. I would eat it now, but you know, it's one am). 

push it real good.