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Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

In my opinion, the week after a (extra) long weekend always feels longer. With that, happy Friday! We made it. 🙂

I have lots (well, more than usual) of Friday thoughts to share today unlike other weeks. Let’s get right to it…

My mom’s visiting this weekend! She’ll only be here for about 24 hours, but I’m sure we’ll make the most of her time with us. I asked her what she wants to do, and her reply was hilarious…”Do? I just want to spend time with my Kaiden. You and Vishnu can go out all day. Dad and I will stay home.” Alrighty then! Vishnu and I will likely take her up on that offer and run some errands, go out for dinner, etc. 🙂

My postpartum hair loss is still OUT OF CONTROL! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Every time I run my hands through my hair, a few strands (at a minimum) fall out. I’ve heard this can go on for as long as 8 months postpartum. Ugh! Thank goodness for my handheld vacuum. It’s the perfect post-blow dry floor cleaner. This bad boy sucks up those hairs in no time!

Recently, I’ve been going on and on about how K’s teething. Wellllllll…after reading an informative article about the topic, the symptoms, etc., I don’t know if we’re quite in the teething phase yet. Apparently, teething is defined as an 8 day period surrounding the emergence of teeth. So maybe we’re in the pre-teething phase? Time will tell! Regardless, something’s going on because K gnaws on his hands all day long and loves it when we massage his gums. Fun, fun!

If you’re a long time MIS reader, you know that when I really love something I have the tendency to be extra passionate about it. Well, my latest loves (that I won’t shut up about) include the Instant Pot and Barre3 Online. You guys, my mom ordered an IP as did three of my coworkers! My mom hasn’t received hers yet, but the others LOVE it. See, I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s life changing! As for Barre3, my sister and coworker Ros both gave it a shot recently and also fell in love. When I talked to Ros yesterday, she mentioned how her workout left her feeling it the next day…in a good way! And my sister said that since doing Barre3 a little more regularly, her knee has been hurting less. I can attest to that too, as I’ve experienced 0 knee pain in the past month or so. GOOD STUFF, PEOPLE!

I’m so glad I shared about our terrifying nail cutting experiences because from that came a great recommendation from my friend Jess. She suggested I use baby nail scissors versus clippers, and you guys, these scissors are a GAME CHANGER. I was able to ‘cut’ all of K’s nails in under 5 minutes with no issues,. He didn’t even know what was going on! I can’t recommend these enough.

And finally, with the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 fast approaching, I have to share about my new planner. I randomly found it on Amazon and decided to hit the purchase because of all the positive reviews. Despite being a tad bit on the heavier side, it’s amazing. The pages are thick (hence the weight), there’s tons of space to write out notes, to do lists, etc., and it includes both monthly and weekly pages. I love that the weekly pages also include a section for meetings and appointments.

Annnnd that’s all she wrote! Until next week that is. 🙂

Here are a few of my favorite links from the week. Enjoy!

This article serves as a great reminder on how to stay cool and collected, specifically during this time of year.

I always find myself thinking about how different parenting is now compared to the 80s and 90s.

Not sure if it will be this simple for us (when K’s older), but it’s worth a try.

Bless this man and his creation…the INSTANT POT!

This Christmas card is making its round on the internet. Love it!

For all my new (and veteran) mamas!

Making these pancakes this weekend…they look so delicious!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

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Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

written by Parita 4 Comments

This was my first full week back at work, and to be completely honest, it ended up being ok and manageable. But I’m no fool. I know this is because we have my dad at home right now watching K. This alone makes it so much easier for me to get up, do what I need to do, and head to work. Come January, things will be quite different!

Speaking of my dad, he’s really enjoying his time with Kaiden. In fact, the other day, as we were driving home from Costco, he told me he didn’t want to go back to Atlanta. His exact words were, “I don’t want to leave. I love spending time with Kaiden.” Awwww.

What else?

I was proud of myself for carving out time on Sunday to meal prep. Then Wednesday came along, and I realized I only had one meal idea left. Vishnu was home this week with my dad, and instead of eating designated lunch foods, the two of them would reheat dinner foods. Oy vey. Maybe I need to leave clearer instructions!

Since he had the week off, Vishnu brought Kaiden to my office on Wednesday. Thankfully, he (K) was in a good mood. Smiles for everyone!

Other than that, I’m just trying to keep my head above water. On the one hand, Fridays are nice because I can finally catch up on life and all the things I dismiss during the week. But on the other hand, it’s the only day I can squeeze in appointments and other errands, so time still feels limited. That’s life with a baby I suppose!

We don’t have a ton of plans this weekend. My dad’s going to St. Louis with my sister and her husband (they’re visiting his parents). I’m hoping V and I make Friday a movie night. He’s mentioned it a few times now, but by the time 9:00 rolls around, I’m ready to GO TO BED! We have a potluck at Vishnu’s associate program director’s house on Saturday. I think we’re bringing mac n’ cheese, which is a safe bet for me in case there aren’t any other veggie options. And finally, Sunday will be a Kaiden and mama day since Vishnu’s working.

All in all, it was a good week, and hopefully, the weekend will follow suit.

And now, for a few of my favorite links from the week!

I love Ashley Graham – her confidence, her message, and her desire to help women love themselves.

Frustration seems to go hand in hand with parenting. Love these tips on how to handle frustrating situations with a bit more patience.

Really interesting perspective on expectations and how dangerous they can be.

Obviously, we have a while before this is relevant, but I love these questions and the ‘why’ behind them.

Good enough is great!

Parents play such a key role in EVERYTHING…including our views of work/life balance.

An adaptation from Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown – a must read!

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Favorite Friday Links

written by Parita Leave a Comment

You guys! I’m cutting back on the Friday thoughts this week because I don’t have the energy to think. Ha! I think Kaiden’s going through a four month growth spurt and/or sleep regression right now, and while it’s not too bad, it’s definitely taking a lot out of me. I guess it’s a bit harder because Vishnu’s on nights again for the next two weeks, so this mama is on her own for a bit. Hey, at least Mr. K is freaking adorable and giggles every time he wakes up. 🙂

With that, I’ll leave you with one thought. Kaiden will be four months on Sunday. Um. WHAT?! I still can’t get over the fact that I grew him inside of me. Never mind the fact that he’s growing all on his own now! Someone please find a way to stop time…even if it’s for a little bit!

On to this week’s favorite Friday links. Enjoy!

This article on perfectionism and motherhood is EVERYTHING! Mamas, if you read nothing else, read this!

It’s amazing what loving a baby can do.

It’s pumpkin season, y’all. While I’m not a huge fan, I can get behind these cookies!

So many interesting insights. Will have to remember this for the journey that lays ahead of us!

LOVE this – “Do hard stuff. Even if you fail, you’ll experience a feeling of growth. Growth, not accomplishment, is what makes people feel fulfilled.”

A few people have told me not to hold K too much and spoil him. To those people, please read this. Thanks.

Preach, Brene, preach!

Even though my sister and I are almost seven years apart in age, I still felt all the feels reading this! My sister is one of my favorite gifts.

I’ve honestly never thought about purpose in quite this way. Definitely shifted my mindset.

Even though we’re only four months into this parenting thing, I totally have my own list of ‘I had no idea…’ and it’s so awesome!

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

written by Parita Leave a Comment

First and foremost, HAPPY DIWALI!

Diwali is one of my all time favorite holidays. There’s something so special about celebrating the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Also, so many of my childhood memories are tied to this time of year – time with family, the phone ringing off the hook, delicious food, etc.

I can’t wait for Kaiden to experience (and remember) the fun that is Diwali!

To be honest, I always wish we were back in Atlanta with our parents during this time of year. Obviously, that wasn’t possible this year, so my sister and her friend Ashley organized a Diwali dinner for us on Tuesday, and I volunteered to host it at our place. It was so much fun hanging out with Aekta, Adarsh, and a few friends. The food was delicious too! Of course, Kaiden was the star of the show. My mom sent an Indian outfit for him, so we dressed him up and took a few pics. He looked beyond adorable!

Other than Diwali fun, this week included lunch with both current and former coworkers/friends, a coffee date with my friend Pankti, and a nighttime Target run (all sweaters were BOGO 50% off!). My in laws get in tonight, and we’re so excited to spend time with them. The weather looks promising and warm (at least on Saturday), so hopefully we’ll venture out.

With that, here are a few of my favorite links from the week…

An interesting and helpful way to frame a common parenting struggle.

LOVE this idea. Would work even if you don’t have kids…an after work routine if you will!

I NEED to make these bars. They have my name written all over them!

Our thoughts are very powerful. Choose wisely.

Want to be healthier? Get more sleep!

As a Biore nose strip user, this article was eye-opening!

I think these tips and tricks these could actually work!

These muffins look irresistible!

Could not agree more about the importance of ‘both/and’ thinking. I need to be better about this myself!

Love all of these lessons, but this one literally gave me goosebumps…If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors.

Our mind may very well be our most powerful tool.

Happy Friday (and weekend)! And from our family to yours, we wish you lots of love, light, and joy. 🙂

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

written by Parita Leave a Comment

Today’s post is going to be lighter on the thoughts and heavier on the links. I have a few personal things I need to finish tonight, so that means less blogging.

Overall, this was a good week. As I mentioned in my day in the life post, Kaiden is a bit more predicable in terms of eating and sleeping. Except Wednesday night. Wednesday night he woke up at 2:30 am. Oofta!

This weekend should be a good one. The temperature is starting to cool down a bit, but I’m hoping to get out for a walk or two at some point. Vishnu’s working a 24 hour shift on Saturday, so I totally plan to binge watch The Good Place on Netflix after K goes down for the night.

Other than that, I plan to stay pretty low key. A play date and mama date for me and K with my friend Pankti and her little guy on Friday, a Costco and grocery run on Sunday. You know, just living the dream over here! 🙂

With that, here are a few of my favorite links from the week…i

We are obviously YEARS from even having to think about this, but I teared up a little nonetheless!

Love this list. Sometimes we all need to take a parenting chill pill.

Yes to this! “Marriage is hard, so work for it the best way you can and don’t give a second thought to what anyone else thinks about it.”

For all my other To Kill a Mockingbird this articlefans, is so endearing.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this list of 10 secrets for healthy kids and a happy mama. LOVE!

Another great list of ‘parenting lies.’

As someone who’s instinctual response to anything and everything is guilt, this list speaks to my soul.

Tricky work situations are so uncomfortable, but I can see how some of these responses can help cushion the conversation a bit.

As a working mom myself, this was a great read!

Raising kids in the digital age is SCARY, but there are steps we can take. For one, raise our kids the way we were raised…take it back to the basics – play outside, eat together, talk to each other, etc.

Happy Friday and weekend!

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

written by Parita 5 Comments

With two loads of laundry annoyingly calling out to me from the other room asking to be folded, I’m going to have to bullet point this week’s Friday thoughts…

My BIL, Niel, gets in tonight! We’re so excited to see him, and again, he’s probably super excited to see Kaiden. It’s been about 2.5 months since the last time he visited. Can’t wait for this uncle nephew reunion!
My other BIL, Adarsh, is organizing a birthday shindig for my sister on Saturday. It’s at a bar/restaurant…and we’re bringing Kaiden. Don’t judge! I told Vishnu I’ll go home if at any point we feel uncomfortable having him there.
I made a special birthday dinner on Tuesday for my two favorites (the hubs and the sissy) – roasted veggies and Instant Pot mac n’ cheese. I’m not exaggerating by any means when I say this was some of the best mac n’ cheese I’ve ever tasted. It was so creamy and rich. Definitely adding this to my Thanksgiving menu!
Speaking of the IP, if you own one, you absolutely need to make this vegetarian lentil tortilla soup. It’s fantastic and SO SO easy to make. Chop and drop at it’s finest! Even Vishnu, my greatest fan AND critic, loved this recipe! That’s saying something…trust me!
We had another poop filled adventure earlier this week, and it was kind of hilarious. Probably because Vishnu was the star of that show. To make a long story short, Kaiden’s diaper overflowed on to Vishnu, our sofa, and the carpet while I was out running errands. I got a call from V as I entered the Target parking lot. He asked me how far I was, and when I told him, he asked if I could come back home. Thankfully, we have a great stain remover that did the trick pretty quickly. All the while, Kaiden just smiled, cooed, and kicked his little heart out! Ha!

That’s all she wrote this week, folks! Here are a few good links for your reading pleasure. Have a GREAT weekend!

I love Ellen oh so much!

It sound extreme, but this is one of the reasons we refuse to share identifying pictures of K online.

Love these easy meditations for every day encounters.

Love all of these…especially #11!

YES! Communication is key.

I can’t even pick favorites…all of this advice is great!

Something all moms need to read.

DEFINITELY making these brownies this weekend!

A really interesting piece on gun control by a gun owner.

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

written by Parita 2 Comments

Hellllooo, Friday! It’s so good to see you.

Overall, this was a good week. The best part being Vishnu’s back on a more normal weekday schedule. Also, as you can probably tell from the length of today’s post compared to last week’s, I have a lot more to talk about.

Let’s get on with it…

The most exciting thing I have to share is that my mom is coming to visit, and she gets in tonight! I can’t wait to see her, and she can’t wait to see Kaiden. Ha! My aunt and cousin are also visiting, so it should be a family and fun filled weekend.

Speaking of Kaiden, our little guy is officially three months today! I honestly can’t believe it. <Cue the tears> More about this special milestone coming Monday.

Speaking of special milestones, we have two very special birthdays coming up next week – my sister on Monday and Vishnu on Tuesday. I may or may not have given Vishnu one of his presents (an official NFL jersey) a tad bit early because I was so excited and couldn’t hide it. But don’t worry, I’m totally going to wait until his actual birthday to give him the second part of his present. I think.

Speaking of presents, Mr. K is one lucky guy! Our friend Rena came to visit last weekend and gifted him three Berenstain Bears books. I was obsessed with the Bear family growing up and may or may not have read him one of the books later in the day. And he may or may not have understood a single word. Ha!

The ‘speaking of’ transition doesn’t work for the rest of what I want to share, so I’ll just get on with it!

Earlier this week, I had dinner with two old colleagues at The Hampton Social, a really cute restaurant just around of the corner from us. The salad I ordered was fantastic. I think it was the crunch factor from the marcona almonds. Perfection. You know what else was perfection? The flourless chocolate cake we had for dessert. YUM!

The pizza we’re going to eat later today should be pretty yum too! And by later today, I mean 5:30 pm…the early bird special or as I like to call it “the only time we can go out to eat because of our kid’s bedtime.” 🙂

Is anyone else SUPER DUPER excited about all the shows that premiered this week? I love this time of year for this very reason. There’s something about having a few great shows lined up. This Is Us (so many tears this week!), Big Bang Theory, New Girl (although they haven’t released the premiere date yet…ugh!), How to Get Away with Murder…LET’S DO THIS!

In other exciting news, our apartment gym now includes a rowing machine, and I love it. I use the interval setting and row my little heart in 20 second increments. I’m finding it’s a great way to start and/or end my cardio sessions.

And finally (wow this is a long post!), I got my hair highlighted yesterday. While not all my grays are covered, I’m loving the subtle color and blended effect. Let’s just say this appointment was LONG overdue! Also, I need to learn how to take normal selfies.

And with that, here are a few of my favorite links from the week…

If you’re on the fence about purchasing the Instant Pot, read this article!

A good reminder about taking social media posts with a grain of salt.

Some of these are going to be hard to practice and live, but I can see why they’re important.

A great list and something I can honestly say Vishnu and I continue to work on every day.

Actions really do speak louder than words!

Eckhart Tolle is a wise man.

Great advice for my new/soon-to-be mama readers.

LOLOLOL

Love this as it’s something that’s constantly on my mind as of late.

PREACH! I get so annoyed when all people can talk about after having a baby is the ‘post baby body.’ YOU BROUGHT A HUMAN BEING INTO THE WORLD. TALK ABOUT THAT!

Making these blondies soon…so easy!

Vishnu and I talk about this all the time. Great article. I plan to share my/our thoughts in a separate post.

I love the idea of taking a day or two every year to really think through these exercises in a thoughtful way.

Mom guilt IS a liar. At the end of the day, we’re all doing our very best.

With that, have a very happy weekend!

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

Favorite Friday Links

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

Friday Thoughts + Favorite Links

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