a lovely living

Last week I watched my baby transform into a little girl before my eyes as she got her very first haircut. I was the emotional mom snapping pictures and grabbing a few locks of hair to bring home as a keepsake (maybe this is weird, but my mom still has mine, so the tradition continues).

Let me begin by saying that my kids are complete and total opposites. Not only are they boy and girl, but their personalities could not be more different and I love and appreciate each one for who they are and the different characteristics they add to our family.

When it came to my son’s first haircut (he was 2.5 years old mind you, with less than an inch of hair) it took multiple attempts before the haircut actually took place. And when it did happen, he was on my lap and many (many) tears were shed. This continued for at least the first three haircuts despite the cool chairs, fancy TV’s or candies that were used as bribery. He hated it but he looked extremely handsome once it was over.

Then there’s my daughter. Of course, being opposites, Madelyn’s hair has been growing rapidly…rapidly into a mullet that was getting worse by the day. I plan on growing out her locks, but after one too many mullet comments from my sister I decided she needed a trim. Of course I was emotional about her sweet baby hair being cut, but I knew I had to bite the bullet at some point. I took her to see my stylist fully expecting her to be on my lap with my hands doing their best to hold her head still so she didn’t end up with any nicks or cuts. I know, totally different child, but I couldn’t fathom a child actually sitting still for a haircut. I did however, bring my camera in tow just in case I got the chance to be psycho mom. Wouldn’t you know it, the little booger sat in her booster (plush pillow underneath and all), reclined, calm and cool as a cucumber the entire time! That alone made me tear up, haha! But I walked around snapping pictures, enjoying the process almost as much as she was. The end result was an adorable baby bob that I cannot get enough of.

Thank you to Kayla at Portfolio Salon in Boalsburg, PA for treating my little girl like a princess! She’ll be back ;)

Well this sure was one frigid week but it looks like we’ll have some nice temps around for the weekend. It actually felt warm being in the mid-twenties yesterday! Sub zero temps, some broken water pipes and school cancellations meant lots of time spent cuddled up with my little ones. We read, we baked, we watched movies and somehow managed to have very few sibling quarrels! I’m heading to NJ/NY for the weekend with some girlfriends, one of which got us tickets to see The View. Watch for me Monday! It is live, right?

Here’s what part of my week looked like:

1. The week started out with the season premier of Downton Abbey. My husband finds it too boring to keep his attention, but I can’t stop watching!

2. Someone had her first haircut this week! More details to be shared next week ;)

3. Baking a cake for grandma’s/great grandma’s birthday.

4. I missed the People’s Choice Awards, but am loving all of the looks, especially from the always stylish, Jessica Alba.

5. I’d survive without HomeGoods, but it wouldn’t be nearly as fun. This tufted bench found its new home in our bedroom this week.

Have a great weekend and see ya Monday!

Linking up with The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday.

Well we have officially made it through the holidays and are working our way back into a routine. Maybe by next week we’ll be back on track! Yesterday was my son’s first day back to school and while I was out running errands they ended up dismissing school early due to the snow. Thank goodness for a patient son and wonderful teachers who waited until I arrived at the normal pick-up time. Mom-fail #1 of the year!

The rest of my week looked like this:

1. My beautiful girlfriend, new mom, and hostess of a lovely New Years Eve party. She’s holding a tray of champagne jello shots that I could have run away with!
2. The differences between my son and daughter fascinate me. My son still hates putting his own shoes on, but if you walk in our door my daughter will be sure to prance around in any and all shoes that are left by our door!
3. Ice skating with this handsome dude. He whimpers the entire time he’s on the ice yet he can’t wait to get back out each time.
4. Trader Joe’s feels like our second home. Thankfully Madelyn typically enjoys our multiple trips in there!
5. Anyone else entering daily to win the HGTV Dream Home? I plan on winning this year, so it may be a waste of your time anyway ;)

 Linking up with The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday