HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Its been so long since i've blogged - but HAPPY HAPPY 1st birthday to my baby boy, Gabriel!!!! I can't believe how fast this year flew by. We had a week long celebration in beautiful Hiltonhead Island. We shared a HUGE home with our close family and friends and enjoyed a wonderful week together. Pictures to come soon. In the meantime, this is a picture of my beautiful baby boy enjoying his cupcakes. Photo courtesy of Blowup Babies Photography.

Bye Bye Baby

Gabriel Viggo Cayetano Leano

9 months

There's my little baby, proving that he's not a baby anymore. Gabe is so determined to walk and see the world. Its so amazing to be able to see your child's personality already. I'm not worried about him, Gabe is very strong minded and goes for what he wants so I know the future is his. As a mom though, its so tough knowing that he'll want to leave and do bigger and better things. I want to just hold onto him forever.

At this stage Gabe is crawling all over the place. He just learned to climb the stairs which was exciting - but scary. He doesn't know how to go down quite yet. He's eating A LOT - he's still on his rice cereal and his baby food. I haven't taken the jump to feeding him from my plate yet. Maybe in a month or so. He's copying us more and more. His new tricks of the week are clapping his hands and pointing to the light in the room. He's such a smiley baby. He smiles and laughs all the time. I'm calling it now - he's going to be such a flirt. Again, I'm not happy about this. lol. He's got 4 teeth now. 2 on the bottom and 2 on top. His grin is absolutely adorable.

He is at the stage where stranger anxiety is kicking in. I have to admit, i like it when he looks for me. hehehe. But of course, its also tough leaving him.

We're still teaching him sign language. He hasn't fully grasped it yet, but i think now that he's mimicking us a little more, he might understand sign language soon.

Gabe's sleeping has gotten a lot better. He sleeps through the night now. My only regret is he still needs a bottle before he sleeps. I have a feeling weaning him off will be an issue. We'll see. I'll save that for another post when the time comes.

My favorite toy for him at this point is this little gumball machine toy from fischer price. I got it for him from a garage sale awhile back. It spits out little plastic balls when you press the lever down. Gabe pressed the lever once by accident and ever since then he knew how to play with it. I guess it just amazes me how babies can now comprehend cause and effect, and how they now have minds of their own.

I could watch him for hours, watching what he does, how he does it, why he does it. I'm so lucky to be able to work from home and share all his firsts with him.

To my baby Gabe, you are such a joy to your daddy and I. You amaze us everyday. We love you. mwah.

Rice to Riches

One of my most favorite dessert places in NYC - Rice to Riches. Its been so long since I've had rice pudding so I was craving these delicious bowls of goodness. Everyday there are about 20 different flavors of rice pudding. You can mix and match, add toppings, and customize as you please. Tiramisu is always a staple for me. My new flavor of the day was cheesecake rice pudding...it tasted as good as it sounds. The store is cute with its retro colored decor. Witty signs adorned the walls and ceilings helping ease the guilt you feel for eating all those carbs.
The minute i put that spoonful in my mouth - i was happy. Guilt did not even cross my mind :)

Paper Hearts

Working on homemade Valentine's cards from Baby Gabe.

Of course his contribution to making the cards is zilch at this point -but next year you can bet he's going to get down and dirty with the glue and paper hearts. Love spending time with him and watching him grow and learn.

Its so rewarding sitting there teaching him something and watching him copy me or repeat it the next day on his own. I say this all the time but he's growing up so fast. So, as much as it would've been fun to have him work on these cards with me, i'm ok with him sitting there watching me make these cards while he plays with his Discovery toys "Go Go Caterpillar." I'm savoring his baby days as much as I can.

A Meaningful Existence

(image from weheartit.com)

Its a new year and of course I find myself writing my new years resolution list. Every year I say i'm going to stick to them and every year i forget what they are by February. This year I want it to be different. I really want to make moves and I don't want to just talk about them. I want to follow through with them. I found a great article from:

http://www.ameaningfulexistence.com/2011/01/04/5-surefire-ways-to-stick-to-your-new-year-resolutions/

with 5 Surefire ways to stick to your new years resolutions

1) are you trying to change a symptom instead of a root cause?

For example, a lot of people say they want to lose weight. But what caused you to gain weight in the first place? were you unhappy and ate to make yourself feel a temporary happiness? Figure out the root cause of what you're trying to change

2) you must write your resolutions down

This is so important for new years resolutions, for any type of goals in your life, or even for your every day to do list. Write them down so you can visually see what you want to do.

3) don't set goals because everyone is doing it

Set goals because you really want to achieve them and not just because its the New Year and everyone else is doing it

4) program your subconscious mind

You want to wake up thinking about your goal, you want to sleep thinking about your goal - read your goals everyday so you don't forget what you're striving to achieve. Its so easy to get caught up in everyday life and forget about where we want to be. Remember what you want and go for it. Don't get stuck in a rut that you were in last year.

5) increase your desire to reach your goals

There are days we are more motivated than others. Help increase your desire on those days you're less motivated. Think of how your life would be once those goals are achieved. How would your life change? Would you be happier? Keep that in mind to help you stay focused and on track for this year.

Happy New Year!!

From my family to yours, happy new year!! I wish you nothing but love, happiness, health and wealth this new year.

(Wil's in a sweater from Calvin Klein, pants by Kirklands, white button down by Van Heusen, and red tie by Nautica. Gabe is in a shirt, vest and tie by Nautica. I'm in a dress and jacket from Zara.)

Snow in the City

"Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow." Its absolutely gorgeous here in NJ/NY. We had a huge snow storm last night -just one day shy of making it a White Christmas but thats ok - if it came earlier our guests and family wouldn't have been able to celebrate the holidays with us so I'm glad it worked out the way it did.

Now my whole family is home, including baby Gabe, we're all in our pajamas relaxing, watching movies, baking, eating, laughing.....everything that reminds me of home.

If i were to guess we had about 10 inches last night and everything in sight is pristine white. Love it. I've already seen snow in MN - they had 20 inches afterall, but nothing beats the first snowfall of the year. Its when everybody still appreciates the snow. After this though, when it prevents people from going to work, when kids stay home from school, and when the roads are slippery, people are going to start coursing this weather. So for now, I'm enjoying it with everyone.

Stay warm everybody

Happy Holidays!

(Gabriel - 6 months)

Happy Holidays!!

Merry Christmas!!

Happy New Year!!!

Here's to another fabulous year - cheers!!

Happy Halloween!

Wishing everyone a happy Halloween.

Hope you have a "spooktacular" day and get tons of your favorite candy :)

It gets better

(Image courtesy of www.younghouselove.com)

So this is a post i've been wanting to do for awhile. I just haven't had the time to sit down and gather my thoughts. A few weeks ago, a Rutgers freshman committed suicide. He was gay and his roommates and their friends videotaped him having sex with another boy. His roommate broadcasted this video to the public and basically humiliated him. I realize this is wrong, but i also know how college kids think and i'm sure they didn't realize the severity or the impact this would make on the boy. But still, how could they.

Anyway, yes, that is so humiliating. I would die if my private business was shown to the whole world. I would also die if I was gay and already had a hard time fitting into society or finding my place in this world. Of course I say i would die b/c i'ma dramatic person, but i'm not sure if i would really go so far as killing myself. And its such a shame for this boy to think that everything that was happening to him was the end of the world. After this incident, Perez Hilton was advocating the saying, "It gets better." Isn't it so sad to think that this boy thought this was so horrible he would never be able to feel good about himself again? If only he knew that life moves on and that it WILL get better - maybe he would have saved his life.

It hits home even more so now as a mom. I would never want Gabe to go through life thinking he was alone and that he couldn't stand living anymore. I'd want him to know how much support he has through Wil and I and all of our family and friends. I'd want him to take everything day by day. He'll have his happy moments and of course he'll have his sad moments. As his mom, i wish i could shield him from all the future pain i know he'll feel. But i know that's life - that's how he'll learn. He has to go through some of those rough times to appreciate what he has or to figure out where his happiness truly lies. But, although i have to accept that he'll cry, have broken hearts, be humiliated, get hurt, I hope to instill in him that "It gets better." I hope the love I feel for him is strong enough to give him his own strength and edurance to face anything in this world.

East Coast

So sorry for lack of posts! I went "home" to NJ to see my family and to attend a few functions. I'm actually still here and its been tough to get to a computer!

I think i feel even more homesick when i come here than when i'm in Atlanta because i see how much i'm missing. I miss my friends, i miss hearing the "accents", i miss my beautiful neighborhood where i grew up in. This was Gabe's first trip to NJ so it was fun to share the sights with him - even though he has no clue what's going on yet.

Here he is - happy as can be with my fam at 21 weeks old.

I've done so much here, i'll have to post about them when i can. Have a great week!

Happy Monday!

Its a new day and a new week. Happy Monday!!

A beautiful beach

As i said yesterday, Hiltonhead is a peaceful, beautiful town. The beach is the same way, its clean, warm, the waves are calming. Wil and I absolutely loved it there. Here are some pics of our visit to the beach with Gabe. It was his first vacation, first time to the beach, first time in little baby trunks :) Love sharing all these firsts with him. Well, i do have to admit Gabe was asleep for most of the time we were at the beach. But by his birthday, i know for sure he'd be loving being in the water. I can't wait!!!!!!

What we're wearing:

Karen

dress: H&M

hat: no name

sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Gabriel:

top: Baby Gap with UV protection

trunks: Old Navy

Wil:

sunglasses: Gucci Aviators

Our first vacation

We were lucky enough to do a mini weekend getaway to the beach with our cousins and their kids to Hiltonhead, SC. Being an eastcoast girl, i've always heard of Hiltonhead but never really looked into it as a vacation spot. Since it was only 5 hours away from Atlanta we decided to make it our first vacation with Gabe and we were NOT disappointed. It is absolutely beautiful there. The beach was amazing. The water was lukewarm and the waves were very calm (perfect for kids to play in). The town of Hiltonhead is so serene with its lush greenery. Spanish moss hung down from the massive trees. Many people roads their bicycles around town. There were cute shopping areas with antique shops, souvenir shops, icecream shops etc. My favorite find was a store called Black Market Minerals, they had an amazing selection of fabulous beads and stones for a jewelry designer as well as ready to wear jewelry. I couldn't help myself from buying a few pieces. We loved the beach town so much that we're seriously contemplating renting a beach house for his 1st birthday and having our friends and family come down with us. We'll see :)

lush greenery around townShopping my heart out at Black Market MineralsFamily pics during a nice dinner there Grilled chicken with pinapple salsa, rice pilaf and

a side of salad with Greek feta vinagarette. yum!!!


Me and the love of my life :)

my outfit:

top - French Connection ribbon tie top

shorts - H&M boyfriend denim shorts

earrings - david yurman pearl earrings

sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses

More pics to come of our beach time!!

Holistic Health

Being a mom, you want to be in the best health possible. You want to live a long life so you can enjoy all the wonderful moments with your children. You want to have the energy to play with them and jus be with them. Aside from the normal routine of eating right and exercising, i think its important to cater to all aspects of your health - including your happiness and well-being. I found a great article on this holistic focus in my "People-StyleWatch" August issue.

As they say, "no matter what your schedule, you can follow these supereasy shortcuts for a better state of mind - and body!"

1) Take a music time-out - "music sending calming signals," says Dr. Beth Hamilton. "take a one song break when you're stressed at work or you're up in the middle of the night"

2) Stay in bed - "Make the most of your first waking moments, " says Dr. Merrell. "Set a peacful tone for the day with this exercise. Sit on the edge of your bed and breathe in for count of 4, pause, then breathe out for a count of 6. Do this for at least 2 minutes."

3) Pack your own lunch. "save on calries by bringing your own food," says Jillian Michaels. "It will help you avoid the donuts in the office."

4) Eat fruit before bed - "It super charges your metabolism," says Jackie Keller (nutritionist). "And it keeps hunger at bay all night, into the next morning."

5) Chew more - 'Eating too fast results in chunks of food that are harder for your body to breakdown," says Merrell. "Eat slower, you won't have as many digestive issues, and you'll feel more satisfied without overeating.

6) Get outside - "A few minutes of natural sunlight can help clear your head and even boost brain function and immunity," says Hamilton.

Baby Gabriel - 3 months old!!

Happy birthday to Baby Gabriel. He turned 3 months this week and he's getting bigger and bigger so quickly!!! I can not believe how fast time is flying by. It feels like only yesterday that i was carrying him around in my tummy. And now he's here lighting up mine and Wil's world with his adorable smile and laugh.

don't worry, be happy

I can't believe how happy Gabriel makes me.

No matter how bad my day is or if everything is going wrong,

just seeing my baby's face makes everything right. Wil and I

love him so much and we're just so lucky. I wish for all of

you to have a Gabe in your life - not necessarily a baby,

but something or someone that makes you so happy that

nothing else matters.

Happy weekend everyone!!!!

Tips to survive the first 2 months

With Gabe being almost 7 weeks, i'm just about to finish my 2 month mark as a mommy. I officially know how it feels to be away from civilization and feel like i'm in my own little world. My nights turned into days, and my days into nights. My pj's became my choice of apparel 24 hours a day. But to ensure your sanity and your inner goddess, you cannot do this -which i soon came to realize.


Dressing up, even just to stay at home, does wonders for your esteem. This along with other tips, reminds you of who you are as a person within your home, and as a person in this massive world.

A happy mommy means a happy baby, as they say.

So, here's what i learned to stay sane:


1) stare at your baby everyday and thank God for your blessings. Babies are such miracles and truly a gift to our lives. Remember how lucky we are. Also don't forget how fast time flies and how fast babies grow. Cherish every moment.


2) take a shower everyday and dress up. i'm not saying you have to wear an evening gown. But wear something other than pj's or sweats. even if it means wearing a long single strand necklace with your v neck tee or even a funky cocktail ring that you can stare at every time you hold your baby, play with them, change their diaper, or anything else you do with your baby. Remind yourself of who you are.


3) Get a new mommy haircut. You don't have to do anything drastic, but even just trimming the split ends improves the appearance and luster of your hair. Plus its nice to be pampered for a bit- especially getting that nice head massage :).


4) Do your nails. You probably feel like you don't have time to do this, but with all the hand sanitizing, washing baby bottles, washing hands after changing diapers, your hands turn out to be a mess. Make the time to do it. Moisturize your hands regularly. Paint your nails a happy color. Make it your favorite color or even the color of the season. Plus, i'm sure you've been taking a lot of pictures of you holding baby so wouldn't it be nice to have nice hands in the picture?


5) take advantage of friends and family. If people offer to help, whether its to cook you dinner, clean, babysit, or whatever - take advantage of it. Its easy to not want to bother people, but trust me, people really want to help -it makes them feel important in your life.


6) sleep - of course the thought of a good 8 hour sleep is out the door, but sleep when your baby sleeps. Its easy to do chores, go on the computer, watch tv while your baby is down. But none of these are as important to your well-being as sleep. This will help prevent you from being a zombie the whole day.


7) Get out of the house. Don't let yourself get cooped up. You and your baby need fresh air. Whether its for a stroll in your neighborhood or even going to dinner with outdoor seating. You'll feel a hundred times better seeing people and being around people. Obviously baby is still young so you can't go to the mall/grocery/anywhere congested with people. But open air places like the park are great places for a mini-getaway from home. Getting that exercise will make you feel better too.


8) catch up with your girlfriends. Have them come over, or in my case, have a nice long chat with them on the phone if they live far away. Hearing that familiar voice and laughing over stupid things will make you happy


9) Make sure you and your husband/partner share a minimum of a 5 minutes hugging. Sometimes its just nice to be in each others arms, feeling protected, instead of being the "protector" all the time

Everyday wear for a fabulous mommy

A walk on the boardwalk by kleano featuring BCBG Max Azria shoes

BCBGMAXAZRIA Women's Irmah Flat
$185 - endless.com
More BCBG Max Azria sandals »

Seafolly Capri Tote Bag - Black and White Beach Accessories,Beach Bags...
19 GBP - simplybeach.com
More Seafolly tote bags »

Ruvuma Ring
$195 - calypso-celle.com
More Wendy Mink rings »

Vintage Chanel 1980's gold Tone Circular Signature Logo Centre...
$1,268 - asos.com
More Susan Caplan Vintage necklaces »

Linen Trilby Hat
$44 - topshop.com
More TopShop hats »

Jessica Simpson - 23100286 (Vachetta) - Accessories
$48 - zappos.com
More Jessica Simpson belts »

H&M Shop Online
hm.com
More H&M dresses »

My sisters came to visit me this past weekend. Whenever i'm with my sisters it always means - SHOPPING!!!! I couldn't go out long so we decided to go to Atlantic Station. My sister Gail walked Gabe around in his stroller while Christine and I hit H&M. I'm in dire need of clothes but i'm limited in what i can get b/c my weight and figure are wacky. i still have my pregnancy weight on me. I found these great cotton dresses for $12.95. I like it for now b/c the ruffled skirt hides my little tummy. But i like cotton and the racerback style that make this perfect for every day wear. i bought 2 in this style, an olive color as pictured and a grey/white stripe one. I also bought 3 summer dresses that are similar in style with the ruffled skirt but those have spaghetti straps and are a woven material - also perfect for everyday wear. Those were on sale for $10 each. can't go wrong with those! I love H&M. i can finally feel feminine again! The right clothes do wonders for your esteem after you have a baby. Treat yourself. A happy mommy equals a happy baby!