mama girl | new life

Now that Penn is 3 months old, I figure it's time to re-emerge as a human again. It is such a short amount of time, but my world is so completely different. Those first days and weeks were overwhelming in every way imaginable. And then one day, it just felt natural. That's not to say it has stopped being hard and exhausting. Still, there is something so familiar about my new role and about my tiny guy. I am filled to the brim with gratitude for my sweet baby boy and the love that has been injected in my heart.

mama girl | penn

We welcomed our sweet baby boy November 15th and have spent every moment since watching him squint, squirm, and yawn. It's been such a delight watching him grow and come alive in these brief 7 weeks. Oh, we love him!

Photos by Shannon Wright

mama girl | girl power

So here I am, nine months pregnant with my first child. This little bug has yet to make his or her appearance to the world, but somehow I feel so changed already. I've expected to feel different after baby is born. But all I've expected to feel at this point is impatient and incontinent. Through the months of nervous anticipation that are finally coming to an end, one thing has become incredibly clear and poignant to me. I have been surrounded by some seriously stellar women in my life. From my own mother and sisters, more adorable sisters(and a mother)-in-law, my grandmothers, aunts and endless cousins, my Pilates family coast to coast, to my friends scattered around the country that I never get to see enough, it's a pretty astounding group of women. And for the last nine months they have showered, inspired, and at times, been my only source of sanity. 

So as I look forward to the next however many years of making and raising babies, I don't know how I can expect to do it without them. I never understood the draw to power-walking and mommy-grouping. But my independent nature has given way just enough for me to feel the strength that comes from relying on my relationships with the women in my life. And to all of you-- thank you, thank you, and thank you. You may never know how much I value your influence in my life. I'm filled to the brim with gratitude and love. And I can't wait to share that love with baby. 

Bijou

I may be a little absent getting ready for baby, but my friends are hard at work. You don't want to miss it!

yoga girl | don't give up now

image via boho-paradise

I have finally reached the point where my hips simply cannot support goddess pose and this baby-cooking goddess at the same time. So I am essentially left with the breath. I almost decided, So long trusted mat. See you in a couple months. But it occurred to me that now is not the time to give up on stillness and quiet. My simple breath may be my most valuable asset in the coming weeks. And even though my efforts may seem minuscule, staying close to the things that make me who I am will help with this huge transition ahead. This final stretch, though agonizing, is THE time to keep on keepin' on.

pilates girl | 3 props to change your workout and your body

If you are a Pilates regular, then it may be time add a fun challenge to your routine. And one of the best ways to do that is to add one of these stellar accessories into your existing workout. Each can be used in a variety of ways, and you can find some great classes, dvds, and even downloadable classes which may even revolve around any one or all of them. Here's the rundown on what a small ball, a theraband, and a magic circle can do.

hungry girl | featured: green goddess grilled cheese

image via taste spotting

I love recipes that use simple, fresh ingredients (for my brain & my bod) but that find a way to be just as satisfying and comforting at the same time. Spinach and avocado make this super-food heaven and Sarah's original green goddess herb pesto makes this absolutely, deliciously, undeniable. I've been drooling over this recipe for months. Now you should too. Get the recipe here via tastespotting.