One day... (take 2)

One day I will not obsess need to know where Maggie's paci is at all times. I could buy a few more, but really how many of those things do we need? I keep telling myself it's just a season.

One day I won't long for a drive through Starbucks nearby (or constantly think of drive through options I wish I had).

One day I will eat my meals sitting down and all in one sitting.

One day I will watch live television. Even during the World Series, I end up pausing it and avoiding Twitter and Facebook to get through the games (I am writing this post as I'm about two innings behind).

a favorite wedding tradition (+ a giveaway)

update: comments are now closed

Over the weekend, my husband and I were talking about how we were overdue to watch one of our favorite movies, Father of the Bride. Now that we have a daughter, I'm sure it will take on a new meaning.

I love the many parts of a wedding celebration from the bridal shower to the rehearsal to the ceremony to the reception. My favorite one is the rehearsal dinner. I have such fond memories of our rehearsal dinner, as we were surrounded by family and close friends.

For dinner, we had a make your own burrito bar, complete with fixings from our favorite taqueria. It would have been fun to have a make your own soda using a SodaStream (but I don't think those were on the market back then). After we ate, we took some time to thank our parents and the bridal party. One of our favorite gifts was the coffee press we gave the groomsmen. My brother still uses his over three years later!

Target has been kind enough to offer a $25 GiftCard to one lucky blog reader! In order to enter for your chance to win this great gift, visit the Target Wedding Catalog and leave a comment with which product you would use or gift at a rehearsal dinner in the blog comments section below (and your email address so I can contact the winner).

Visit and sign up for the Target Wedding Registry if you’re planning a wedding in the near future!

Follow along with the wedding fun by searching #TargetWedding on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

updating my wardrobe post baby

I was going to write about the transition back to work, but there isn't really much to say. I went back to work and Maggie seems to be doing well. We've done a few things to ease the transition a bit. I'm taking time off on Wednesdays because it's mid-week, to be home with her. We are also blessed to have a family member watching her in our home, so her routine and environment haven't changed.

I've learned a nursing mother's wardrobe can be somewhat limited and in preparation for returning to work, I purged several items from my closet. Over a year ago I shared my love for The No Brainer Wardrobe and thanks to Hayley's recent post, I felt inspired to truly purge. Several tops just didn't fit right or hadn't been worn. Most of my dresses will just have to wait until I'm not breastfeeding anymore. I took my time and purged over a few weeks. I've really whittled down what's hanging in my closet to items I will actually wear.

After purging, I looked for the holes in my wardrobe and made a list.It looked something like this:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Over the weekend, I tried to do a little shopping. Even without the baby in tow, I was unable to find the items I had on my list. I literally came home with a pair of fleece lined leggings and gloves (which wasn't on my list). So, I did what any pressed for time American mom would do; I turned to the world of online shopping! I even found some online coupons and free shipping. Now, I just have to cross my fingers everything fits and the colors are what I think they'll be. 

date night at the World Series

Last week, I got the surprise of my life. Thursday was my birthday and Game 2 of the World Series was scheduled in Boston. My mother-in-law surprised us with tickets to the game for the mister and me!

Of course, it was sad to be away from Maggie for the evening, but we made sure to get a family photo with her in her Red Sox onesie before we left. Even though she goes to bed at 7 o'clock, I dislike not being home. Hopefully, she'll forgive me in years to come.

our pumpkin baby

Since I went back to work last week, it was extra special to spend time with Maggie over the weekend, enjoying snuggles and even a few naps holding her. It was a picture perfect autumn weekend in New England.

About a week ago, I got the idea to hollow out a pumpkin and put Maggie in it thanks to Katie. I'm not usually one to pumpkin carve, but the idea of getting our baby girl into a pumpkin was too good to pass up, what a great photo op! Thankfully, my husband was game and made this little dream come true.

This past weekend, we bought a pumpkin large enough to hold little Maggie.

Our dog, Milton, was pretty excited about the baby in a pumpkin idea too! And I'm just thrilled I finally had a chance to put together my first GIF.

pushing on

Last month, I signed up for a road race. I hadn't participated in one since 2010. Heck, I hadn't really been running regularly since 2008. But after Maggie was born, I had the urge to get back in the habit of working out and I remembered how being registered for a road race motivated me like nothing else. I felt a sense of obligation to follow through and meet the goal of completing the race.

Today was race day. I left my house in plenty of time to get parked and pick up my race number and shirt. Since it was a holiday, Boston's parking rules weren't the usual and I didn't take the time to look them up before I headed downtown. Long story short, I parked in two different neighborhoods and rode the T into Boston twice before getting to the start line.

As I was driving around, looking for parking and getting discouraged I couldn't find a metered spot, I doubted if I should even do the 10K. Once I was downtown and had my race number, I looked up the parking rules using my phone and realized I needed to move my car to avoid a potential ticket.

Having my race shirt (aren't the race shirts half the reason to participate?) in hand and being back in the car on the search for a parking spot again, I was so close to just driving home. Even though I knew of a few people running, I had neglected to make plans to meet anyone. With 37,000 women registered I was doubtful I'd come across anyone I knew.

Despite the doubts creeping in, something pushed me on. Maybe it was that goal of training for a road race I'd set at the beginning of September or the $42 registration fee that made me find a second parking place and get back on the T to make my way to the start line.

life lately

I've been enjoying my last days of maternity leave and capturing every day moments, like tummy time. I'm pretty certain baby jeggings are way cuter than another other jegging!

I've also gotten to spend some quality time with girlfriends. Maggie and I met one of my high school friends at our favorite bagel shop. The owner remembered me, saying I was there every day when I was in high school (ha)! We both had our babies in tow, making it even more special.

Maggie: 3 months

Our little girl is already one quarter of a year old! I can hardly believe how quickly she's growing and changing. Maggie gets more animated and talkative with each day. We love to watch her discover new things, whether it's a noise she makes or someone she can watch.

A few things you may not be able to tell from photos: She is so easy going. I am often amazed how adaptable she can be. Maggie is also a pretty content baby. When she is upset, it's almost always because she's either hungry or tired. More recently, she has been making some deep grunting-type sounds when she wants something.

This past month we hit our stride with getting out the door. We enjoyed going more places and taking a few day trips about an hour away. As long as there is food, she is happy. She doesn't always sleep in the car, but loves looking at her feet when she's in her carseat.

a fall wishlist

Even though the back-to-school shopping season is long past, I still feel like I'm easing into the fall season with what I wear. On Monday I wore shorts and have yet to pull on my boots. This fall, I find myself drawn to flannels, layers and patterns.

1- Me Too Dede Riding Boot
2- Oh Sweet Joy Stretchy Fayette: Black and White Collection
3- Old Navy Women's Plaid Shirt in Navy
4- Amy Cornwell Designs Stacking Ring Set

not pictured: A lace tank for layering

What looks are you loving this fall?

pumpkin puree creations

Last week, I did some fall inspired baking. Isn't it funny how one thing can lead to another? I didn't intend to bake and make all the pumpkin things. But an open partially unused can of pumpkin staring at me from the refrigerator shelf was just asking for more.

It all started with an afternoon of baking pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They didn't turn out right and I was perplexed about their flat appearance. They literally crumbled when you attempted to pick one up. Oy.

Since I still had half a can of pumpkin puree left, I could try again. I bought new baking powder, in case that was the issue, but as I was following the recipe on my blog, I realize the issue. I added too much sugar the first time around. I somehow got it in my head these cookies needed brown sugar (and the recipe doesn't call for a granule of brown sugar). The second batch turned out much better!

This left me with an unopened can of pumpkin puree yet again! Thankfully, my friend sent me a link to pumpkin spice latte syrup. Yes! This needed to be made, but guess what? It didn't use the whole can of pumpkin puree either.

Next up, I took on the Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones.

changing seasons

The weather is cooling off and the leaves are changing. I love the change of seasons and I've always loved fall, especially in New England. I always think of the brilliant colored leaves, baking with apples and pumpkin and pulling on a sweater or scarf. It's a comforting season to me.

This year the change comes with a personal season of change. My maternity leave is coming to an end. While we've already transitioned to parenthood, I am about to embark on the world of being a working mother. It will be bittersweet I'm sure.

Leaving Maggie while I go to work each day will be hard. It might be the hardest thing I've had to do, at least in my career.

But I have treasured these last 12 weeks at home with her. I don't regret one single minute. I took photos almost daily. I stood by her crib and just watched her sleep (yes, I know that sounds weird).

We stayed in our jammies until noon (or longer) and watched morning TV shows. Some days we both napped. We visited friends and took lots of walks.

The List : October

Happy Friday! Can you believe it's already the first Friday of October? September seemed to fly by!

A few highlights from my September:

• A family trip to the orchard to go apple picking.
• Jogging again and making it a fairly consistent thing in my week (I logged over 30 miles which isn't bad for my first month back at it in years).
• Doing some fall baking including this recipe for Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones
• Joining a Community Bible Study group.
• Pulling my mocs out of the closet and wearing them (almost daily).

My personal goals for October:

• Eat fewer sweets. I have seriously been giving into every craving and need to cool it with the desserts (which also means I should probably lay off the baking so the yummies aren't hanging around). 
• Complete my first 10K in two years (I'm registered for one in the middle of the month).
• Finish decorating our second bathroom (I picked up the shower curtain earlier this week).
• Photograph and share Maggie's nursery on the blog. I thought it would happen weeks ago, but...
• Take my mother-in-law to at least one historic site in New England.

A few blog posts + pins worth mentioning:

• Being just 12 weeks postpartum, I can say these 25 ways to encourage new moms are so true!
• I would like to live in this outfit this fall. Seriously, where can I get a sweater like that?
• My husband and I talk a lot about raising a daughter and what that will look like as she grows. This mother's take on role models is inspiring. 
• I can be geographically challenged and these 40 maps that will help you make sense of the world are great.
• Have you heard about the 4th trimester bodies project? 
• I'm enjoying Allison's 31 Days of Encouragement for the Working Mom series (and I feel like I am the only one not doing a 31 Days series this month).

These handmade items recently caught my eye:

• These upcycled baby moccasins. Ever since I put shoes on Maggie earlier this week, I am just tickled when I see baby shoes.
• I'm obsessed with baby legs and love these teal and purple ones
• If you've been around for long, you may have noticed my love for polkadots and this polkadot baby headband is perfect!

It's your turn to share your list! On the first Friday of the month Erika and I share our favorite things from the past month and what we're looking forward to in the new month. It doesn't have to be fancy, it doesn't have to be long, it can just be what the link-up is: a list.

So grab a button + link up your post below and be sure to check out others' lists!

<center> <a href="http://www.thegoadabode.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k561/dotinthecity/TheListC_zpsdf52f360.jpg" /></a></center>

fall mantle

Happy October!

I love everything about this month. The foods (apple, pumpkin, butternut squash, sweet potatoes), warm drinks (apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes), and the colors (changing leaves and crisp blue skies).

Each year, I love dressing up our home for autumn (2012, 2011, 2010). This year, I'm only decorating in one place since we have several home renovation projects underway and that's the mantle.

I'm reusing glass bottles and jars, felt garland and other decor from previous years. The only new addition is the canvas. They lyrics are from Be Thou My Vision and I was inspired by this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess, but used a fabric marker rather than a paint brush.