Cheers to the Mamas

Another Mother's Day in the books and it was a pretty great one around these parts.

And it started early, which is even better.

On Friday I was invited to a little mama's day tea at Cruz's school. They serenaded us with two songs, cookies and the cutest little picture frames that C and his fave girl are showing off right here.

Cruz was, of course, the one who jumped out in front of his entire class directly after the second song to bow so we all knew it was time to clap and show them some love.

Afterwards, we met Nick for dinner. I really think these nights are some of my fave. I love downloading a long week over dinner, a glass of wine and taking in these two. Just ask Cruz and he will tell you his daddy is his best friend.

On Saturday we crafted theses bad boys for the grandmas. I mean, we may be getting a bit too big for the foot print crafts -just look at the size of those feet.  And think about it, we handed these over to the grandmas, like here, it's a flower pot with a painted foot on it. Enjoy. Though, I think they enjoy them.

Sunday is where the best part came in.

I woke up to Cruz - in bed with us of course why would he be in his own bed - leaning over me saying "happy mudder's day, mommy" with flowers and a card.

Then Nick got up, not me, Nick and whipped up some eggs over easy and toast. It was delish. But that was just to tide us over because after debating our plans (we wanted to go to my parent's place to golf but it was storming), we decided to head to a late brunch. Which let's be honest is technically lunch, but brunch sounds so much better. Don't you agree?

And as Nick said, "what's better than brunch? Mexican brunch." So off to Cantina Laredo we went.

Table side guac. Queso. The most amazing warm salsa. Sharing the enchiladas veracruz with my Cruz. And complimentary mimosas and bloody marys. Um, yes please. Oh yeah, and spending the day with my two guys? My fave. I've got me two handsome men in my life.

And we met Marc & B, which Cruz just loved because he had someone other than his daddy and I to show off for.

Our day ended with a road trip up north to Nick's mom's house and a massive meal. Good food, good convo, and even better cocktails (it was my day, so I wasn't driving, remember?) =)

Now it's back to reality. Laundry, picking up after the toddler tornado, dirty diapers, boogers handed to me like they are some sort of present. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Hope you all had the most amazing mother's day....mama or not!

And for those of you in the Midwest - hoping you stayed out of the mess of storms we had. They were a doozy.

Mother's Day 2013

A day set aside to celebrate mothers...and I now get to take part in this day? AND be celebrated by my kiddo and, let's be honest, my husband? Um, hell yes, sign me up.

Approaching Mother's Day this year, I just had to dig out photos from last year and came across this little gem. Oh, my sweet little helmet baby. How I love you so. I really had an amazing first Mother's Day.

This year was no exception. So far I'm 2 for 2 on having kick ass Mother's Days.

The day started off with some me time before anyone was awake and then Cruzer and I cuddled on the couch with coffee, milk and Mickey. Not a bad start to the day at all.

Brunch was at Louie's Wine & Dive (hmmm, I wonder who picked this place) and I was stoked for the all-you-can-drink mimosas (oh yeah, it was me). Food was great and C got time with two of his grandmas, Britt & Mook, "D" (aka Duane) and auntie Jen and Laney. After brunch, half the group parted for the track for some live horse racing and the other half headed to the zoo for a day of walking, great weather and animals.

Surprisingly the zoo wasn't as crazy busy as I thought it would be and I absolutely loved watching Cruz interact like a real, little toddler with his cousin, DeLaney. He was in love! They held hands, shared popcorn, petted the animals, rode the carousel and cruised around in our 2-seat stroller (tested and approved for baby #2...whenever that should occur).

And per the norm, we had to do ice cream after the zoo. Generally we stick with Zesto's which is right outside, but I had planted the seed for eCreamery in Dundee and easily talked my mom and Jen into trekking over there. We got five flavors of ice cream to pass around between all of us (kiddos included) and owned each bowl full. Plus, I got to fulfill my dream of going because eCreamery was on Shark Tank, which is one of my favorite shows ever...and one I can't wait to be on. #mytimewillcome  #ineedaninvention

The day was absolutely perfect. We were missing some of our fave people, but all of us there made the most of it and had the best day.

Now onto a ton of photos. Enjoy!

Grandma Dianne and her littlest babies - DeLaney & Cruz

Kissing cousins....cutest.thing.ever.
I love how Laney is taking charge in that first shot!

Cruz w/ Grandma Carol

First carousel ride - he hated it!
(This smile was before it started moving -
I spent the entire ride holding him)

DeLaney & auntie Jen

My main squeeze

Could this pic be any cuter? The pose, the bird, the face

eCreamery ice creams featured on my fave show, Shark Tank

A day is simply not enough time to thank mamas for all they do. Especially my own. I will never be able to fully explain to her all that she means to me and thank her for all she has done for us.

Mom & I in Little Italy in NYC
We both share a love of NYC and Italian food

Happy day to celebrate the best job on earth!

First Mother's Day

Ahh, a day specifically dedicated to mothers. Who would've thought it would be that great...I never did. But after enjoying my very first Mother's Day, I have to say that it's pretty fantastic! BBQ, Girl's Night Out, brunch and enjoying downtown Omaha with some cocktails. My idea of a perfect day.

Last Sunday marked my first Mother's Day since having little man bless our lives and I couldn't have been more happy with how the day turned out. We started celebrating a little early on Saturday night- after work we headed over to Nanu & Grammy Jan's for a BBQ with the fam. Then, mommy had a little GNO planned and headed over to my friend Shannon's for some wine, cheese and lots & lots of great gossip - it was such a fun night and I definitely got a little bit tipsy {big thanks to the hubby for watching the little guy!}

First Mother's Day Present: gift from Cruz & the teachers at Primrose

On Sunday morning, I woke up to a very smiley baby {who slept in might I add!} and some beautiful yellow roses, a balloon and a few gifts. He was VERY generous to me this year :) After he played with my card {sang the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song - his fav!} we got ready to meet my mom, sisters, MIL, BIL + Brittany and niece & nephews for brunch at The Player's Club Country Club.

Gifts from my little guy

Started getting fussy + I wasn't ready = this is what you get!

Dayvaney enjoying a glazed donut - I may have snuck a bite or two
{when do I ever get to eat a glazed donut?!?}

Nick, his mama and brother Marc

Soon-to-be SIL, Britt with Cruzer

After brunch, the guys headed off to golf while the ladies & kiddos headed downtown to Gene Leahy Park {yes, one of my favorite places to hang out}. We fed the ducks and played on the cement slides, then headed back out to the golf course to meet up with the guys...where the ladies proceeded to imbibe in a few too many cocktails.

Lynch kiddos at Gene Leahy park

And with their gorgeous mama

The most amazing mother in the world - my mama, Dianne and Cruz

Auntie Jen - I don't think Cruz could've been more comfortable!

Loving on daddy

The love of my life

We were blessed with the most beautiful day and I couldn't have ask for a more amazing first Mother's Day with some of my very favorite people. Now if only every day could be like this.