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. 

Birthday Weekend

Well, the past few days have been a complete success. I really had a wonderful birthday. Really really. It started off thursday night with a lady date. Dinner, then drinks, then dancing. Lots and lots of dancing. Without a babysitter, I was unable to work Friday. I had mixed emotions about this. One: I was pissed. Two: I was happy to be able to relax in the morning, after going out the previous night. Friday was a planned zoo day... but didn't really work out. Both of the other mamas bailed for different reasons, a proclaimed: "hangover day". I woke up with a sore throat and stuffed nostrils from the bar.... oh how my body hates the smoke (please change your laws, florida), but other than that I felt pretty good and very happy :) Marlowe and I made up for the postponed zoo day by taking a long, long walk around town. Instead of the stroller, we held hands and took the long way around the neighborhood. Afterwards, we came back and had lunch... and after that? Marlowe's gift to me: a three and a half hour nap! Glorious! Friday evening I made pizza dough for the first time ever. I was very impressed by how well it turned out. I was expected a big red fail mark on the pizza, but no, it was mighty delicious. Saturday became the new zoo day with one of our bailing mama friends :) It was Marlowe's third time... and favorite time. Jaw dropped and pointing every step of the way. Woofed at the deer and chased the birds. Afterwards: nap for the kiddos and relax time for mama. Perfect weather, lots of sunshine, iced coffee, and lunch, all while the babies napped. What else could two mamas want? Saturday night I had a planned babysitter with the grandparents. Exhausted beyond belief, I debated on staying home... I thought, at the very most, I wouldn't make it past ten. Instead? Sushi, followed by band watching, then heading downtown to one of my favorite spots, then dancing, lots and lots of dancing.. dancing until the lights slowly brightened and the music softened. Then? A 5 am diner meal. Wow, what a good way to into a new year! Sunday was my actual birthday. I spent the day organizing the house, cleaning the porch, eating biscuits and gravy, laying on the couch, and ended the evening coloring with Marlowe. The best birthday (week) I've ever had. Usually (almost always) hating my birthday, I would have been content sitting at home, forgetting this day of the year even exists, but no, everything seemed to easily fall into place, just as it should have. It was perfect and more than I ever expected.... the first birthday (week) I've ever really loved and enjoyed.

>> THURSDAY <<

a concerned look while three way chatting, during nap time, in order to figure out fancy, but rain and wind friendly outfits // a pained food face // mezze platter // secret spot with four beautiful ladies. //  a blurry cheezin' too hard // dancing dancing.

>> FRIDAY <<

mom life // the most beautiful baby in her most glorious nap // p-i-z-z-a. gimmie pizza.

>> SATURDAY<<

emily and lily // coordinating is for the birds... or is it? // deer/woof-woof watching // she didn't want to be a bird // but couldn't stop looking for birds

pointing // pointing // pointing // pointing

The face, it never stopped // &another gift from Marlowe: learning how to climb into her seat. Makes two-door car life with a toddler much easier.

*knowing* I'll be home at 1030... refusing to get dressed, but putting on red lipstick to make my un-washed bun in hair and canadian tuxedo look a tad bit nicer.  Oops // Sushi dinner // Empty 5 am diner life.  

>>SUNDAY<<

messiest and milkiest biscuits and gravy // the end to a good week.  

Thank you so so so so much for all your birthday wishes! Between here, twitter, and instagam, (and non internet life too of course), my day was FILLED with so much birthday love. Thank you guys for making my day even more special :)