Cominatacha

One of my blogger pet peeves is when people apologize for taking time off from blogging. So, rather than bore you with a long-winded apology, I'll just say that summer and blogging didn't really work for me.

I read this post about a blog lifespan and considered ignoring this space entirely.

Then, Ingrid would reach a milestone and I wanted to blog about it. We went kayaking as a family for about four minutes and I wanted to blog about it. But I wouldn't take the time to put my thoughts down. Not anymore my friends. After three long months I now have a couch and somewhat of a routine. That means more posts like these are cominatcha soon:

• The Very Merriest of Mother's Days
• Two
• New Mom Care Package
• Five Things

Soon means soon. In the meantime, here's a little glimpse of the summer:

That's it for now. Baby steps my friends. Baby steps.

Last Day of Summer.

Tomorrow marks the first day of autumn. So, on the last day of summer, I leave you with my favorite photos from the summer of my favorite people: 

I know I'm biased, but isn't that pouty lipped face the best?  

Awkward and Awesome August

My friends, this summer felt incredibly long - in a good way. Maybe it's the fact Ingrid is a toddler and notices things like cow illustrations on yogurt containers ("Moo! Moo!") and since May, has gone from standing to waddling to walking.

The more she communicates and understands, the more I like her, and the more I like this toddler stage. We're get a little glimpse into her world - when she lets us know she's hungry or wants to play cupcakes (just make really loud lip-smacking sounds and pretend to eat a plastic cupcake. And then secretly pine for a real cupcake.)

Every block walked is a new opportunity to pick up leaves. Every trip to the grocery store is an adventure (and they have so many onions!).

This August, the summer finally slowed down and we all had a much more enjoyable time when we just took it easy and allowed these wonderfully awkward and awesome moments to happen:

Awkward: 

• Hair regrowth. Why didn't anyone warn me about sideburns and baby fuzz along my hairline during pregnancy? Pregnant ladies and moms-to-be, consider yourself warned. 
• Getting into the show Weeds six years later (boy do I miss cable). 
• Self check-outs. 
• Ingrid's bubble blowing skills. 

• The number of questions I asked during my first shellac manicure. Turns out it's just a super strong gel that lasts for weeks. It's pretty simple, why all the questions? 
• The amount of time I spent at Family Dollar. 
• Getting cable from a door-to-door saleslady. She had me at Bravo and "record up to four shows at one time." 
• Pictures of Ingrid while trying to hold her: 

Awesome: 

• Farmers market with Ingrid. The mini giraffe wanted to try the cinnamon roll too:

• The parade of kids that marched by playing the following instruments: recorder (natch), flute, drums, trombone and a trumpet. 
• Ingrid and I were paging through an Anthropologie catalog when she pointed at a model with a messy bun and proudly declared "Mama!" Sure Ingrid, we can roll with that today. 
• Feeding of (more) stuffed animals: 

• Trips to the Bay View Alterra, complete with duck races!

• Ingrid's growing love of the moon. She's loves to watch for it every night: 

As the summer comes to a close, I haven't yet embraced fall with open arms. Even though it's hands-down the best season for everything. I'm still holding onto sweet summer moments and loving my little lady during this wide-eyed wondrous stage. 

Summer Essentials

This summer has been full of celebrations, camping trips and festivals. Last weekend, we stayed close to home and took it easy all weekend long. It was wonderful and it was needed. A weekend where watching the Olympics while folding the laundry is an event. A sweet, simple and relaxing event.

During the hectic months that are June and July, don't you feel like you spin around going here and there? As wonderful as all of that is - August is for relaxing. I'm ready to do just that, thanks to these summer essentials:


Songza - It's the best music site (and app) ever. I know, it's borderline pathetic to have a website as a "must have" for the summer but, just click on over, navigate through the Music Concierge and try telling me you don't love it too. Currently, I'm enjoying the playlist "Songs to Raise Your Kids to." Cute, without being annoying, right?

Wagon - I'll clue you in on a little secret, wagons are bulky and hard to pull around. These are perfect for short walks to the park or circles around the backyard. Ingrid thinks her "wag" is pretty awesome, even though her expression would suggest otherwise.

Zoo Pass - My Grandma Zache took me to the zoo so many times during my childhood, my sisters and I could draw you a fairly accurate map on the fly. Dan and I have both visited the zoo with Ingrid and our moms - and I'm looking forward to visiting the elephants with Dan and Ingrid this weekend. 

Purple Door Ice Cream  - I'm a frozen yogurt gal but this local ice cream is perfect for hot summer nights. I'm excited to try Walnut or Salted Caramel or..mmm anything, next! 

Weekend Staples (aka Old Navy cheap finds) - My pre-Ingrid weekend wear consisted of yoga gear during the day and some sort of jeans-with-heels-combo at night. With Ingrid, I'm all about keeping it comfortable and simple. I've lived in these sandals and this sweatshirt this summer. Add a topknot and some lipstick and this doubles as an acceptable outfit to grab dinner and drinks. "Acceptable" is probably stretching it, but so is the idea that I step out to "grab dinner and drinks."

Old Navy sandals



Old Navy sweater in blue

Homemade Iced Coffees - Don't get my wrong, I love me some Starbuck or Alterra coffee, but I love coffee brewed in my kitchen more. Almost more. Granted, I make the worst coffee ever so this task falls onto Dan but I make a mean Vanilla Simple Syrup - so together we're about half of a barista. 

Oh, you'd like to know about this famous Vanilla Simple Syrup? Well, let me tell you about it: 

• Boil one cup of water 
• While waiting for water to boil, split open a vanilla bean 
• Once water boils, add one cup of sugar 
• Add vanilla bean. Use a butter knife to get all of the vanillay-goodness 
• Stir to dissolve sugar 
• Cool mixture and use in hot and iced coffees. Take your coffee to go in this: 

That's it. 

A random list from me to you. 

Now, it's your turn - what are your must-haves this summer?