Many Woman Have It All...It Isn't Easy But It Is Possible

I published this link  Why Woman Still Can't Have It All on my facebook page a few months back, but was looking through articles and re-read it again last night.   It is quite interesting and there are a lot of good points, some I agree with and some I disagree with.  One of the most challenging pieces of the parenting puzzle for me as with many other moms has been overcoming mom guilt.  I always knew that I wanted to be a working mom, and am proud that I am.  My job is demanding, and keeps me away from John and Jack more then I would like.  Yet, I really enjoy what I do and I know through my hard work I am contributing to our family and being a positive role model for our son.  I do my best to have a positive attitude towards the balance which sometimes can be difficult when you have the struggle of wanting to be everywhere and do everything for all parts of your life.  The question always will remain how do you balance everything and get over "mom guilt"?  For me I feel like I am constantly in motion, yet surprisingly I find myself more efficient and productive as a professional because my time spent working is just that. One of my good friends said to me when I was pregnant "Work is now a means to provide the best life for my daughter, I worked hard to get my education to do so, and I am lucky enough to enjoy what I do...but in the end it is just work to be able to get home to my family."  The second I pick up Jack from daycare it is his time, and the focus is entirely on our family.  The time we spend together is quality time.  I am privileged to be friends with some amazing woman that do "Do it all, and have it all".   The point to be made is that it is not easy....it is really hard, really tiring, but amazing.  I believe the balance is also a continuous work in progress.  At the end of the day it is about embracing, appreciating, and living in the moment with your family when you are together.  I believe you can have it all, as long as you remember the most important thing is your family, and nothing will get in the way of ensuring that your family piece of the puzzle comes first.  What I have learned over the past year as I have worked to balance both is that your attitude towards the situation is what will make you or break you (and an awesome spouse).  An great company also helps the situation, which I am lucky to work for.  It's also in my opinion being realistic about the balance.  What you can't do is everything perfectly, but you can do the absolute best you can.
   Now with all of this said I edit this post sitting in an airport ready to head out on a three day business trip. I forgot my heels and my phone charger as I rushed out the door this morning.  I want nothing more to be home showing Jack my best dance moves in the kitchen while he eats his pancakes, or be cuddled up with John on the couch tonight with a glass of wine.  I will admit to the reality that it is so hard to leave my baby and my man. Yet, I am in an airport and I have work to do and if I am going to be away I am going to make the best of it as a professional and kick some butt.  So to all my fellow moms that are heading to work or out of town tonight, tomorrow, or whenever on a business trip I know what you are feeling but as you head out just remember you are awesome at it all and an inspiration for your babies!

Super Cozy

My favorite item of the day, despite being 90 outside I have been cozied up all day in cold AC putting on a makeshift "fall" in our house.  I am loving this tunic!

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Lounge/Zip-Pocket-Terry-Tunic/281028?colorExplode=true&skuId=12271597&catid=catl000020&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6438

369 Days Later

369 Days Later.....well after the birth of our sweet baby boy.  I truly feel like an entirely new woman, and in so many ways I am.  First I am a mom now, Second I have transcended into the third decade of my life, and Third have an entirely new outlook on so many things that are around me.  To say this year has been a whirlwind would be a complete understatement.  My goal during maternity leave was to cuddle my sweet baby, and keep up on every moment with a daily journal or blog post.  And here we are again.........369 days later. 

I am on this big commitment to set and reach more of my personal goals.  As many parents out there would attest to finding 15 minutes in a day for yourself is often very difficult.  I want to use and commit to giving myself that time each day to reach my goal of making this a totally awesome blog with thousands of followers :) To get focused on the blog as you can see we have a whole new look, and yes I paid someone to help design the blog (Thanks Kelsey!) What do you think?  In addition I bought this fabulous little "blog book"  to jot down all of my ideas.  I already have the next 30 days Monday-Friday plotted out for your reading enjoyment.   

So what has inspired this re-launch of Simply Inspired?  Well just this past week I finally reached a goal....a big goal.  A goal that has inspired me to focus on my goal of recommitting to the blog. More to come on this goal later in the week.   The new Simply Inspired is going to be simply awesome!  I can't wait to share some of my favorite moments of the past year, things I have learned as a mom, articles that have been catching my eye lately, the challenges and rewards of being a working mom, and lots of new products and parenting ideas that I am always on the look out for. It is going to be an awesome journey and I commit to you five days a week, first thing in the morning a post from me.  Why...because I kind of am obsessed with my top five blogs and I seriously get upset when there is not something there in the morning to read while I drink my coffee.  I hope you will consider Simply Inspired to be part of your morning coffee...from this morning on.  Cheers to a great Monday!

The Final Countdown 0 Days to Baby Semmy

Well today is what was first due date, then there was the slight change to September 24th, and then back to today.  Where is this baby?  I am now starting to get a little anxious.  I am adamant about not getting induced until it is necesarry as I want to do everything I can to avoid a c-section.  I am not dilated, effaced, thinned out or anything at this point which is what is frustrating.  I know this is not an indicator of when you are going to go, but at least then you are on your way to if you need to be induced you can.  Even if I wanted to be induced right now, my doctors are onboard with me in the sense that my c-section rate will be even higher since my cervix is not ready.  I thought if there was a change today that if we didn't have the baby over the weekend, then Monday would be the day.  The latest they will let me go is next Weds. which is reassuring, but I am just hoping for a change.  I could have sworn that this baby would come early.  I have been so active between working out regularly, walking, running around for work, and maintaining my normal energy level that it just made sense.  Obviously I was wrong, and Nicole's planning is just not working out.  A part of me is wondering that because I am not 100% relaxed yet, that I am causing the delay.  I have been working hard to wrap things up this week for work, while trying to negotiate a buy in for one of our centers.  While it is distracting me from the waiting game, it is of course getting me fired up.  I love negotiating and going through the process but no matter which was you slice it there is some adrenaline there that is not the same as relaxing. 

So the waiting continues,  I am praying Baby Semmy will greet us this weekend.  I am officially the last one of the 8 people we know having babies this month to go.  I am off to walk, stairmaster, and bounce on a birthing ball.  I appreciate everyones thoughts and prayers! 

Blueberry Muffins! Stolen From Aunt Terri

Both John's Aunt Terri and his dad are really awesome cooks so I am lucky enough to steal some great recipes.  My current obsession is baking blueberry muffins.  I had to laugh last night when John said "Why do you keep baking all of these blueberry muffins? I don't even really like blueberry muffins"  I think I am nesting.  Anyways they are delicious and I love them and want to share the recipe with all of you!

Blueberry Muffin Recipe


4 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Topping:
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, & salt. In a mixing bowl, cream butter & sugar. Add eggs, milk, & vanilla; mix well. Stir in dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in blueberries. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Combine sugar & nutmeg; sprinkle on muffins. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Makes about 2 dozen muffins. These freeze well.

My Favorite Things September Edition

I am trying to mix this up to include some non-clothing items as well but I will not lie I am very excited about losing these baby lbs. and getting back into normal fitting clothes!  It was extremely difficult to get through this past spring/summer dress season without buying anything!  Now I have indulged in a few select pieces to work towards a goal of fitting into as soon as possible.  But only after careful consideration.   I never really bought maternity clothes with the exception of a few dresses, I just bought bigger sizes from stores, and I have to say my favorite maternity dress ever was $14.50 from Forever 21 and is unfortunately sold out so I have no link to post.  But I was surprised at how many soft maxi dresses I found for very little money.   Anyways enjoy some of my favorites (some I have yet to buy, but love the look!)

1.  J. Crew Strapless Embossed Beach Dress:  Probably one of my favorite dresses of all time, I literally have four in different colors.  At the end of the season it is the best time to buy because they are super cheap and right now they are only $19.99!!!!!!!!  Some sizes are sold out but they do run a bit big. 

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/eveningdinner/PRDOVR~37418/99102247553/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294967097~90~~~~~~~/37418.jsp

2. J. Crew Sash Skirt:  I love, love, love this skirt but am putting it on the once the baby weight is off list to buy as a reward.  I love it in the gray and the pink.  The catalog shows the grey, with a white turtleneck and black tights very cute.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/partynoveltyskirts/PRDOVR~47317/99102449017/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~90~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~sash%20skirt/47317.jsp

3.  Pacifier Clips: Little Sunshine Designs on ETSY.  Lots of people having babys and I thought it would be cute to put on the gift instead of a bow. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64302895/purple-and-pink-owl-pacifier-clip

4. Baby Hats:  I scoured ETSY looking for a gift for a friend and came across this listing.  Reasonable price, great seller, and super cute!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58811576/moby-whale-hat-free-shipping

5. Loft Cozy Top:   I ordered a few of these on sale to lounge around in after Baby Semmy is born.  I am a huge fan of finding the perfect cozy top and this fits the bill.  I would definitely hold out for the next 30-40% off coupon though!

http://www.loft.com/loft/product/product%3A270540/LOFT-FP-tops-091911/Draped-Cowl-Neck-Top/270540?colorExplode=false&skuId=10063279&catid=catl000011&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=8652

6. Labor Earrings:  I am starting a new trend in labor and delivery.  If you have to wear a ratty delivery gown then I think people should wear labor earrings and a cute head band.  My husband thinks I am crazy on this one but I don't care.  Obviously if you get a c-section the earrings and head band are out but I like the idea at least.  Maybe I will brand it? Start my own line?  Who knows! 

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry/earrings/PRDOVR~54358/54358.jsp

7. Tom Ford Raquel Sunglasses:  My birthday present from the hubby, love these and you can find them at Eye Vision Eye Wear on Ebay for half the price as Nordstrom!

8. Crystal Light Peach Green Tea:  I love this stuff!  Unfortunately  it has caffeine so everything in moderation!

9. Gownies:  Going with the whole hospital delivery theme, I was advised by a nurse at the hospital to invest in one of these babies.  It is packed in my hospital bag ready to go!  Makes for a great baby shower gift!

http://www.gownies.com/index.php/delivery-gowns/gownie-test-1-21.html

10.  Last on the list for the month of September is......another cute ETSY shop baby shower gift idea for everyone!  I am trying to mix up the favorites but have been getting ready for baby and buying baby gifts so I had to share.  I got this for one of my good friends new baby girl Miss. Olivia.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72139401/monogrammed-and-fully-lined-green-or-any

A Tribute to Miss. P

February 18, 2010 was the day that John, myself, and my mother in law went to pick up Palin from the breeder and bring her  home.  That day our lives where forever changed.  As we are now embarking on an entirely new level of life change with the excited anticipation of our babys arrival hopefully (today) any day now I found myself reflecting on our love for this dog, and laughing at my craziness about bringing her home.  Never really having a dog of my own as a teenage it was definitely a new experience.  I remember getting ready for her arrival, similar preparation to a baby.....something to sleep in, something to wear, something to play with, food, you know all the necessities.  Even the light bickering between John and I was similar.  He had gotten this ginormous crate for her, and I remember giving him a hard time about it.  It was de ja vu when it came  to painting the babys room as there I was again giving my poor husband a hard time about painting recommendations.  Somewhat funny to me, maybe not to John. We were so prepared for Palin, just like we are for Baby Semmy.  Yet oddly, I am less nervous about the arrival of this baby then I was about bringing a puppy home. The night we picked up Palin she looked so adorable, and cuddly and I immediately fell in love with this little fur ball.  She slept in a laundry basket the whole ride home, and when we took her into our back yard that night for the first time she couldn't wait to play.

 I had a schedule all planned  for Palin, and that first night remember the books saying don't pick her up or take her out of her crate if she whines.  We didn't, instead we slept next to her crate so she could feel us close by. My mother in law had just gotten home from Afghanistan and was going to end up being with us the first week Palin was home.  Mind you this was also going to be the longest period we had spent together ever, and I am marrying her son in five months.  To say the least I think I repeated to her a thousand times that first week I promise I am going to be much better with a baby then I am with this dog.  I mean I had baby experience nannying, babysitting, and helping with the triplets.  Every time she would laugh.

 

Palin's first week home was a blur because I was so fixated on making sure that we were following the schedule in the dog book, not letting her chew, bringing her outside every five second to let her pee, etc. We were exhausted, as you can tell by this picture...

 I was telling John the other night that I feel like I didn't enjoy Palin's first few weeks home  the way I should have and even the first few months because I was so focused on making her obedient vs. just enjoying her and realizing she was a puppy.  I followed that dog around like a nut making sure she didn't get into anything, didn't chew anything, didn't pee anywhere  that it was almost overkill despite our success in ensuring that she didn't do those things.  I learned from this and am positively sure I am going to enjoy every second with our baby.  People say to prepare for a baby get a dog.  This is true, dogs are a lot of work and we are already accustomed to getting up at the crack of down because each morning we awake to the thump of Palin jumping onto our bed and then feel her eyes staring at us until we say hello.  Palin has made us laugh, and brought so much joy to our lives that lately I find myself completely enthralled with her at all times.  I keep saying to John "Can you believe how much we love Palin, but we are going to have a human being we are going to love even more like next week".  It is crazy to me how an animal that weighs 35 lbs, can have such an effect on a person.  She is truly the best dog ever, and over the past year and a half that we have been her parents we have enjoyed countless Palin milestones and captured the adorable face in hundreds of pictures that just make me smile.  When the baby comes people say that Palin will not be as important, I tend to disagree.  For example  Palin already  has her spot on ottoman in the babys room where I know her curious self will lay quietly as we read our baby books each night. She will always be our little girl, our first daughter, and the one we could never imagine life without.  So here are some of my favorite pics and videos of our little girl over the past year and a half.  There are so many it was truly hard to choose! Enjoy!

First Bath

First Halloween

First Thanksgiving

Announcing She Is Going To Be A Big Sister (Kind of a bad hair cut in this one)

First Birthday

Napping With Dad

Sleeping

 First Florida Rain Storm

Golf Cart Rides

Kissing The Baby Bump

A Walk In Augusta

Palin Practicing Her Tricks!



Dancing Lobster

Palin's First Birthday

Palin's First Swim

Loving All The Joy & Happiness

Happy Friday everyone, it's a beautiful day, we are going to have a baby any day, and I am feeling so lucky and blessed for so many wonderful things in my life right now. In addition I am just loving all the joy and happiness that is occurring in so many special peoples lives around me these days.  It is refreshing, wonderful, and exciting.  People are having babies, getting engaged, getting married, getting new opportunities, losing weight, reaching goals, and I think it is just fabulous.

While Facebook is addicting there is nothing more exciting to me then seeing the updates of all these wonderful thing happening in peoples lives and being a part of them.  Being in FL it is hard sometimes because we don't get to physically share in the joy of these times every day but emotionally I am always there.  It makes me feel so blessed to know so many wonderful people, and have so many great friends both old and new to share these moments even from afar. 

All of these special moments are what truly make life wonderful.......Have an amazing weekend!

Only A Few More Weeks....Or Maybe Even Days

It's official the countdown to the baby's arrival is on.  It could be three more weeks or it could be tonight, who knows but our little munchkin.   I stopped traveling about three weeks ago, and am happy to say that we are ready to go.  I had a long list of things to get done before the arrival of the baby and for the most part with the exception of printing some pictures, and tidying up the office we are in great shape.  I find myself more relaxed then I have ever been, despite the aches and pains that are starting to catch up with me.  It is this odd peacefulness that is settling over me that I have never felt before.  I have spent a lot of this pregnancy having anxiety about work, and my career and that mental transition.  I am proud to say despite a few stressful calls here and there, that I have begun to relax, and live in this moment.  I have spent the past two days working on a memory book of this pregnancy to someday give to our baby as a special gift.  I truly believe that one of the greatest things about modern technology is all the resources we have at our finger tips to capture and document life's experiences at the touch of a button.  It is amazing!  I was giving my mom a hard time at the Boston shower because I could only find a few baby pictures of me, and it made me appreciate how far things have come to not have to worry in the future about digging through old albums. 

As this pregnancy has progressed I have found myself looking at the world around me differently.  I find myself thinking about things more, and worrying about things more as well.  Some have told me it is the mental transition to motherhood.  I find myself appreciating the conversations I have with my mom in a different way.  I find myself looking at John about to burst into tears at any second because I never knew it was humanly possible to love a person so much. I have also been reflecting on the things that I have learned as I have grown as a person, and reflecting on the things that are important to me as a mom to make sure we instill in our baby.  While John and I are in agreement in the way we want to raise our children, and are excited to embark upon that journey together these are a few that as a mother I want to make sure they resonate in our children's ears as they grow up.

Inner Beauty Is What Matters Most:  This is somthing I heard from my mom throughout my entire life, and has always stuck with me because it is so true.  Outer beauty is nothing, if you are not a beautiful person inside.  Inner beauty is kindness, caring, compassion, respect, honesty, love, humility, passion, genuity and many more.  Treating others the way you want to be treated, and being the best person you can be to make this world a better place. 

Simple Pleasures Are What Matter, Not Material Things:  While it is nice to have nice things at the end of the day the things that matter and provide true happiness are lifes simple pleasures.  I want our children to grow up appreciating the simple things in life such as playing a game as a family, building sandcastles on the beach, relaxing on the back deck enjoying a nice meal, being together with family, dancing in the kitchen, hot showers, singing in the car...the things that don't cost money but are the memories you always hold onto in your heart.

If You Work Hard and Are A Good Person Then Good Things Will Come To You:  Life is hard, there are ups and downs, good times, and bad times but I have always believed that if you stay positive work hard, are a good person, then good things will come to you.  The thing that drives me crazy today is when children feel entitled, and then they become entitled adults.  If you remember back to my blog post on when we decided we were ready to have a baby, it was because we wanted to bring a child into this world to make it a better place.  In order to do that we need to take the times as parents to teach our children the value of hard work, giving back to others, and doing things to make the world a better place not just giving them everything they may ask for.

Dream A Big Dream And Go After It With Vigor: We have one life to do everything that we want to do, and I want our children to know they can do anything they want to do if they put their mind to it, pursue their passion, and go for it. 

 Be The Best Person You Can Be:  Give more then you receive, smile a million times a day, embrace every moment with enthusiasm and appreciation, love with all of your heart and know that you are loved a million times over little Baby. 

While these are just a few wishes for our baby, there are so many other things that John and I want to teach our baby.  It is a magical, scary, exciting time but we are ready to take on this challenge and make this little baby in my belly grow into an amazing person.

The Media and Their Constant Scrutinization of Woman

 Typically I try to keep things light on the blog but lately things that the media have been putting out have really been bothering me.  This magazine cover is case and point, are you kidding me?  Let's see one of the male political candidates portrayed on the cover of Newsweek like this, with the message below.

I am fed up with the media overly scrutinizing every female politician that has had the gutso to get out, stand up, and speak their mind.  I am not just talking about strong republican woman such as Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann, but Hillary Clinton who has also  been scrutinized to the tenth degree in the past.  It seems like every day there is something in the media about some mistake these woman have made, and a whole lot of criticism from every media outlet on the planet.  My view is that people are intimidated by woman that stand up for what they believe in.  People are intimidated by the Hilary Clinton's, Sarah Palin's  and Michelle Bachmanns of the world because they rock the boat and they are different.  At the Iowa GOP Debate a few weeks when Michelle Bachmann was asked "If she was a submissive wife" I almost fell of my chair.  Would that ever be rephrased differently to another one of the candidates on that stage that night?  Absolutely not.  Would the question be asked to a man?

I am fortunate to know many strong woman in my life.  Family, friends, colleagues, that are successful and have rose to the top despite the challenges that woman are faced with.  I just read this article yesterday on women in health care C-Suite positions, and the future of health care reform. The message is precise, and crosses throughout all industries.  While woman have come a long way, we still have an uphill battle that  we will eventually win.

http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-financial-and-business-news/shattering-glass-ceilings-women-in-the-hospital-c-suite.html


These are just a few reasons why I like woman such as Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, and Hilary Clinton to name a few. It is because they do rock the boat and they inspire woman both young and old that they can do anything if they dream a big dream, work hard, have passion, and stand up for their beliefs.  Take away the politics and look at the big picture of what these woman stand for, they are the ones that are paving the way for woman in the future to get after it,  and not be afraid to run for president, or be a CEO, or stand up in a board meeting with all men to speak their mind.  In a month I may be holding a daughter in my arms, and my wish is that as she grows she will dream big, reach for the stars, and have passion to go after whatever she believes in to accomplish those dreams because of woman that have started to stand up for what they believe in today.  Woman have come a long way don't get me wrong, but we still have a long way to go and we need to support, encourage, and push one another to get to where we want to be.  With that said will  Michelle Bachmann win the race to be the next president of the United States?  Only time will tell, but my view is that with the challenges and scrutiny the media plays in this game she will not.  I also think that because woman still have a long way to go in our country, and nations around the world that our country is not ready for a woman president.  Not because she may not be good, it is because she is different and as much as this countries needs a change that may be too much.  Yet at the end of the day we as woman will still be one step closer, we will get there, and that is what matters.