Last month, Nick and seven of his “brudders from another mudder” (including his best friend, his cousin, my brother, and my sister’s boyfriend) completed probably the toughest event on the planet: The Tough Mudder. The seven guys — plus seven of their best cheerleaders — convened in Frederick, MD (after sitting in hours of traffic on country roads, thanks to... Read more
Every mom needs the occasional night out. Whether it’s a solo trip to Starbucks and Target, an appointment at the hair salon, cocktails with girlfriends, or … Cupcake Wars! Last night one of the ladies in our local moms group hosted the first annual Cupcake Wars — a friendly competition among moms who like to bake and drink wine. The... Read more
Have you ever heard this phrase? “Eating before one is just for fun.” Well, it is clear that our one-year-old now eats with purpose. He demands to eat when he’s hungry, which happens at least six times per day. He has developed preferences — cheese, chicken, bananas, blueberries — and loves to snack. He prefers to use utensils and lets... Read more
One of the highlights of our short stay in Asheville, NC last summer was the dinner we enjoyed at Tupelo Honey Cafe. From the gigantic biscuits with blueberry preserves to the meatloaf topped with rosemary tomato shallot gravy to the brown butter pecan pie with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce. Each bite was better than the last. I... Read more
We did so much celebrating the weekend prior to the boys’ birthdays, that we were all a bit exhausted when their true birthdays arrived. But we still made them special. Sammy started off his first birthday with lots of snuggles for Mommy. Seriously, he snuggled with me for at least a half hour before we even went downstairs. It’s like... Read more
Following Sammy’s first birthday party, the adults (minus our mothers who so kindly offered to stay home with the kiddos) headed into Pittsburgh for a fun night out. Thirty years ago, Nick was born in a quaint hospital at the foot of the Alps. We celebrated his 28th birthday in Munich (and his 29th birthday in the hospital with our... Read more
Sam’s first birthday party was everything I wanted it to be. The decorations were simple: colorful circle garland, polka dot balloons, turquoise table runners, and photos of the birthday boy displayed on the mantle. The food was tasty (and round to fit the theme!): fruit + veggies, a cheeseball, meatballs in the crockpot, mini pulled pork sandwiches, and tortellini salad.... Read more
Dear Nicholas James, Yesterday I wrote a letter to our beautiful son on his 1st birthday. And so I figured I should write a note to you today on your 30th birthday. First I must thank your Mutti and Pops for bringing you into this world 30 years ago. They raised you to be the man I want our Samuel... Read more
From the itty bitty baby we brought into this world one year ago to the almost walking, always babbling sweet boy who brings such joy into our lives. Read more
Dear Samuel Woodford, You came into our lives one year ago on this day — with dark blue eyes, soft blonde hair, a sweet button nose, and a strong grip — perfect in every possible way. I was in love from the moment I held you in my arms. Your coos and grunts and babbles, your gummy grins and giggles,... Read more