2012 year in review

2012. Man, what a year! There were some sad times, like when my grandmother passed away, but there were also so many good times. For starters, 2012 is my proudest year to date: it was the year of Maxwell, the year that I saw him grow from a wee baby to a little man of one year. So, not surprisingly, many of the moments in 2012 that I consider the most memorable include a lil chub. Oh, and food. What can I say? Some things will never change, no matter what year it is. Happy New Year! Signing off with my last post of 2012 . . . see you in 2013! 

xx Jamie

The Nutcracker, puppet style

Part of our Christmas festivities in town included taking Max to see the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Instead of ballerinas though, festively-crafted marionettes and costume characters took over the stage. We were ten minutes late, because we had driven right past the location, not realizing that The Puppet Co. is actually deep inside a park. (Us "city folk" have to remember that not everything is visible right off the street over here!) I'm so proud of Max who sat through a 50-minute production, so well-behaved and engaged in the music and show (and not scared of the dark theater either!), even though the production is geared towards children older than four years of age.

Panda bear, rrrr!

This little knit panda hat that we picked up at a street market in Russia years ago (pre-baby!) finally made its way out of the closet and onto Max's adorable head last weekend. Rrrrrr!

Christmas 2012

This is Max's second Christmas. What a delight it was to get our first snow on Christmas Eve, and then again the morning after Christmas. Everything was still and peaceful and white for just a bit, before it all turned to slush. Max opened one gift in the morning and then we walked to the park in the Christmas Car, Max in his jammies. Here are some pics from Christmas day.

Tips for Christmas cheer, by Maxwell

First playdates in Maryland!

There are firsts for everything, right? I've finally hooked up Max with some people his own size and set up his first playdates here in Maryland. Been working the mommy connections out here as best as I can––including "picking up" a momma and her same age daughter at the bookstore. I also went to my first mom's happy hour meetup in Rockville, where I enjoyed a warm bowl of mussels in white wine and had (the usual) mommy convos. Here are some cute photos of our little porker with new pals. Thanks to our friend, Lee-Jah, for the last two of Max stuffing his face with Chinese sticky rice! Priceless.

The calm before Christmas

I'm convinced that the softest and snuggliest of shirts belong to men. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it has something to do with just the right combination of oversized fit and lived-in feel. And the man scent is pretty delicious, too. That's why I've lately taken to taking The Fella's sweaters. It's like a secret stash of new clothes just waiting for me, without the price tag. I almost got away with it, unnoticed.

Freddy's Lobster + Clams

A couple weekends ago, we ate at Freddy's Lobster + Clams in downtown Bethesda. And by "ate," I mean stuffed our faces. Even little Max. He was the worst of us all. So demanding, that lil porker, he wouldn't stop signing "Eat!" and "More!" all meal long. We fed him what we ate––Maple Black Pepper Wings, Lobster Mac 'n Cheese, and the most delicious Buttery Lobster Roll which was every bit as good as the one I had made by the executive chef of RL the restaurant! 

It's playtime!

Remember when I said I really needed to branch out from Barnes and Noble and find Max something new to do? So I took him to an open play hour at MusiKids in Bethesda last week, hoping to socialize with other babies and moms. We were the only ones there! Unbelievable. In Chicago, there would have been at least 20 other moms and babes, easy. I refuse to believe that there are no other SAHMs in an area that is allegedly "so wonderful" for raising families, so, I'll just chalk this one time up to it being an unseasonably warm day and everyone else must be outside playing, right?! Nevertheless, Max and I doled out our seven bucks to play by ourselves and we had fun making music together in this wide, open room of ours.

Winter showers

When I first moved to Bethesda, I was surprised by how casual everyone dresses, particularly within the subdivision neighborhood where I live. In Chicago, you might spot the occasional 20-something walking the dog in a logo'd tee (or last night's outfit, cough), but mostly, people in the city got dressed to go outside. As in, changed out of their pjs/sweats/hoodies, and put on real clothes to go about their day. So, here in my charming, new neighborhood, I constantly find myself to be the only person "dressed up." And if by dressing up, we mean pulling on a pair of easy colored denim, cheery red boots and a slick spring rain jacket, then let's call it a day. Now, was that so hard?

Last weekend, succinctly

Last weekend, this weekend, it's all starting to feel the same to me. But, we did have a nice Shanghai Chinese lunch with our friends in Rockville, and then took our little Stay-Puft Man to a Winter Wonderland thing in Bethesda. It was small, taking up literally one teeny tiny triangular intersection, with just some lonely ice sculptures and a few vendors passing out cookies for the kiddos. Sadly, but not completely surprising I must say, it was nothing like the festivals and community events in Chicago. Oh well. I know I'm supposed to talk about how wonderful it was to make new memories with Max out here––and this it was!––but I also can't help but wish there was more of a scene, more diversity, more options, more livelihood, around here. Although, seeing the look of wonder on Max's face as he looked up at his very first ice gingerbread man, was priceless.

Choo-choo!

I've been taking Max to Barnes & Noble as my go-to place here in Maryland. Being unfamiliar with the area, plus living in suburbia, there don't seem to be quite as many options as in Chicago. As it turns out, Max LOVES the bookstore! This one has a Kids' NOOK center, so he can swipe all the interactive touch screens he wants! The kids section upstairs is large and wide open, with plenty of books for him to pull down, for Mommy to put back, for Max to pull down . . . and it also has a train table, yea! Wily kids must be pocketing Thomas and his buddies because there was but one lone train that day. He really likes it when I go "Chugga chugga, choo-choo" with the train. He thinks I'm saying "Chew chew chew," something The Fella recently taught him to do, because he starts opening and closing his mouth like a fish.

Post-Thanksgiving

"What is Thanksgiving without a side of drama and pie?
Pumpkin, of course." –
Blair, on Gossip Girl tonight

Fortunately there was no drama here. Just the way I like it. I hosted the in-laws in our new home, picked up a delicious turkey dinner from the local Whole Foods (a great value!), and lapped up sweet baby love all weekend long!

Lately . . .

I've completely fallen off the blogosphere ever since we moved to Maryland exactly 30 days ago today. Things have been busy this fall––unpacking, making a home, a big hurricane, getting acquainted around town, seeing old friends in the city District . . . oh, and a little thing called Baby! For some reason, everything seems to take longer to accomplish when you're in a new environment. Go figure. So, what have I been up to lately?

{ uncovering our wall }

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a few quick snaps of our new home, beautiful Maryland in the fall! More on our journey over here next time. For now, happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

– Jamie xx

More skulls

Fall is my favorite season, ever since having moved out of South Florida, obviously. It's the most interesting sartorial season because you can really have some fun with layering, like this grey tweed vest over an oversized army green blouse from Zara. And the best thing about it? Mini skull buttons to feed my latest obsession! I wore this during my last week in Chi-town, to an eye appointment in the South Loop (you'll see the debut of my cool, new specs soon!), followed by a quick errand over at State and Wacker and an impromptu lunch at xoco with my two favorite boys.

The end of an era

The last few days before the move happened so fast. We tried our best to enjoy Max's first birthday, the city and our first home together, empty as it may be. Before we left Chicago, we had we said our goodbyes to all our dear friends who we have collected over the last five and a half years. It's a bit like curating jewels––pick only the best and keep them close to you; there's even a diamond in the rough sometimes.

We threw a "Farewell, FurFur" bash at the dog park in the neighborhood. She ran like a beast one last time with her favorite dog ever, Titus, who she grew up with. They chewed on each others' hind legs like it was the first time.

Happy Friday { + Video: Max takes off! }

You might remember when Baby Max took his first few steps unassisted. He didn't do much of it after that first time, save for a few steps here and there, every now and then. But since he turned one he's been walking like a champ. Why, just last week at 12 months and 3 weeks, it's like the light bulb turned on inside Max and went, Ding! I have these two things called feet and they get me from Point A to Point B! Whoa.

And he's off, folks!

Leaving Chicago

There was a time when I was certain the tower of moving boxes in our Chicago home wouldn't stop piling up. And then it did, when the movers came back after the weekend and loaded up all our stuff on the truck and we waved goodbye and then sat in an empty house for the next two days.

 

Black leather + skulls

I've been wearing this skull-embroidered chambray shirt on repeat since I got it, and what could be more appropriate than a Halloween party to bring it out yet again? No costume required, just wear with black leather and opaque tights and jewel-toned shoes! (And maybe a feathery mask, if you feel so inclined.) Easy-peasy.

Happy Halloween & Nigiri Sushi

Any guesses on what little Maxwell is for Halloween this year? I'll give you a hint, it rhymes with "tushy."

xoco

One of the last things I desperately wanted to cross off on my Chicago bucket list before moving was to have churros y chocolate at Rick Bayless's xoco . . . and woodland mushroom tortas . . . and pork carnitas . . . oh, and why not . . . a shot of their classic hot chocolate, too! [Lips smacking here] So, I asked The Fella to bring Max and meet me downtown after an appointment, and that's how we spent our last Wednesday afternoon in beautiful Chicago before the movers came. We managed to snag a table in 15 minutes during the height of xoco lunch time, and waited only 10 minutes for our food. It's like it was meant to be. Although, as you can see here, in Baby time, 10 minutes is basically eternity.

A white tablecloth restaurant

This boy is fancy! Here we are having lunch a couple weeks ago at the cafe at ikram, a designer boutique in Chicago affectionately known as "The Red Box" for its shiny, sleek red square structure easily spotted from a mile away! It kinda reminds me of a glossy fashion mag.

Farewell, Chicago!

As we prepare for The Big Move (this is really happening tomorrow!), I've been thinking about all the things I will and will not miss about Chi-town.

 

Spotted: Black & white

I might have a minor obsession with polka dots. That's one reason I love this wool A/X jacket (old). Its black and white graphic print is timeless, but the cut and style with leather trimming, modern. 

Fall pumpkin carving party

It consisted of roasted fava beans, a mushroom medley and my aunt's famous Hot Asian Wings. Our neighbors downstairs brought up stencils along with their best pumpkin-carving game faces. The day was blustery, turning stormy. We even got a tornado warning text alert from the city, adding an appropriate touch of spookiness. Max and I wore themed outfits––his is from Aunt Jessi, mine an old maternity dress. The last time I wore it at 8 months pregnant, The Fella said I looked like a cute, little pumpkin––this was meant to be a compliment, but hmmm... And finally, no fall carving party would be complete without steaming mugs of mulled apple cider!

Birthday doughnuts!

Baby Max's first birthday was super! And super busy, too, as the movers invaded our home for Day 2 of The Big Move. Momma and Max went out for a Doughnut Vault birthday run, snagged the very last copy of today's Trib (something I wish I had thought to do the day he was born, so this one will have to suffice!), then looped back for Max's 12 month wellness check. Happy birthday, baby boy, you get to get shots!

He now weighs 19.2lbs (5-10%) and measures 29.5in (25-50%). This is a far cry from the tiny 6.7lbs of baby that I held in my arms at birth a year ago! Apparently, these are the big headlines in Chicago for October 19, 2012.

Happy first birthday, my sweet Maxwell!

Tonight I put Max to bed a baby; tomorrow morning when he wakes he will be a toddler. And that terrifies me to pieces. So I'm sitting here alone in the dark, our home in upheaval what with the impending move, and reflecting over this past year with Baby Max as if it was yesterday. My stomach now even hurts a little as I think about the day I went into labor, but unlike last time when it was because of those darned contractions, this time it's because I drank far too much sparkling Pellegrino since the movers packed away our Brita.

An Up-inspired 1st birthday! (not Max's)

Boy, Baby Max has so many pals here in Chicago! I'm starting to think he has a bigger social calendar me. After just attending another first birthday not too long ago, Max's other friend, Little G, also turned one. His momma, a client of mine, thew an Up-inspired birthday bash last weekend where Max had photo opps in a whimsical hot air balloon backdrop and with quirky 'staches and specs. The birthday cake was actually designed to be the house in the Pixar movie! Truly, it was an over-the-top first birthday event!

Pumpkins, take two!

When Baby Max was born almost a year ago today, my girlfriend came over to do a newborn shoot for our family. She came bearing her Nikon and props, including a pumpkin, which we were planning to use for all those sleepy, curly newborn poses. But Baby Max had other plans for us––he wasn't into sleeping or being curly during the entire shoot––so instead, we scrapped the pumpkin idea and ended up with lots of cute screaming shots :) 

So, we're making up for lost time. Max loved playing in the pumpkin patch at the farmers market that last time that we had to do it again! Take two . . .

Heirloom tomato, fresh fig, and goat cheese salad

Nothing says summer as loud and clear (and deliciously!) as heirloom tomatoes and fresh figs. I handpicked a variety of tomatoes at the farmers market to go with the plump purple figs I already had from Stanleys, and plated a rather lovely, simple summer salad, if I do say so myself.

Trenchermen

I've been dying salivating to eat at Trenchermen in my neighborhood ever since it opened its doors, I think about three months ago. The resto, which resides in an old Turkish bath house from the 1920s, is owned by chef brothers Michael and Patrick Sheerin and has received a lot of local and national buzz in a short amount of time. And that's no easy feat here in the city, where there is a wealth of foodie competition. So, we finally found an excuse to make it over there a couple Sundays ago––brunch with some friends and because Baby Max was just starting to get better––followed by a walk to the farmers market afterwards! Don't Fella and Baby look perfect here in the slightly moody, very masculine Trenchermen, like faces from another time?

Max's BFF turns 1!

There's so much to catch up on when you have a sick kid to take care of. I consider us lucky since Baby Max has only had one other cold––a minor one––at 10.5 months, until now. So I guess I shouldn't complain. Anyhow, Max's first friend in Chicago turned one a couple weeks ago; unfortunately Max couldn't attend the birthday party since he was busy being sick with, not one, but two viruses at the same time! But Momma reported back: it was a fun, intimate shindig in the South Loop, with Jaz's signature colorful touches everywhere! 

Style.ly

I learned about Style.ly when I attended a media breakfast with the company's head of marketing a couple weeks ago. Style.ly is like eBay––for fashion only––offering a more curated selection of new, lightly used, and vintage clothing from individual sellers and boutiques. Style.ly operates on the unique platform that it is integrated directly into Facebook, so you are conveniently tapped into Style.ly whenever you are logged into your social account. Which is always, right? 

Fall fun: pumpkins & farmers markets { + video } !

The Fella dressed Max in his best fall-forward outfit last weekend––a little plaid-on-plaid flannel action topped off with a Baby Patagonia vest––and off we went to the Wicker Park farmers market. It's not anywhere near as big as Green City market in Lincoln Park, but it's got everything you really need or want. And it's just down the street from my house, so easy-peasy! Max was probably just on the cusp of getting sick with his cold, in hindsight. But, at the time, he seemed to enjoy the brisk fall day that it was, first eating fancy tacos here, then playing in the pumpkin "patch" before hitting the swings. Clearly, judging from all these pics of the boys having fun together, Baby thinks Dadda is the bees knees!

Antique tacos

Antique Taco in Wicker Park, a branding genius and wayyyy tastier than Big Star just up the street. Mmmmmm. That's all.

Several weekends ago, succinctly

Before Max got sick with a really bad case of the cold and confirmed roseola on top of it!), we did many things around town. Like hang out with my lil sis who surprised us with an impromptu visit to Chicago, just in time for Max's "Almost 1!" birthday. In my opinion, the best kind of stay-cation is discovering the city's neighborhoods with low-maintenance guests. True to form, we mostly lazed around the house and played with the baby, sipped early morning tea and window shopped in Lincoln Park, and explored Wicker Park. We even cooked a meal or two. She may have little idea how to hold a baby, but she's one cool aunt! Reference this cute pumpkin outfit gift!

Max and The Bean { + video }

An old friend of mine offered to babysit Max one morning while I attended a media breakfast for work. I wasn't too worried about Max now that he's over his stranger anxiety, and I trusted her baby-entertaining skills implicitly. Sure enough, she texted real-time iPhone photos of Max being busy with his blocks, totally not noticing I was gone, and FurFur laying down next to them, bored. Leaving the dog alone with a stranger and the baby was my biggest concern, but luckily it was no sweat for Melissa. We went out afterwards to lunch at my favorite gourmet Mexican place in the neighborhood. Max ate whole black beans for the first time, all the while doing his signature "Is it good? Is it good?" head bobble thing. Sure, it's adorable now, but what about when he's older? I'm starting to think I should never have taught it to him! See the video below, or this one here. 

"Almost 1!" Birthday: At the circus, part 3 { the woopie pie smash + video }

There may or may not have been a Woopie Pie. A Woopie Pie birthday cake smash. Something Baby Max is very good at doing. In fact, when we're not joking about how he's going to join the circus, we're thinking he might become a demolition man. Remember his first taste of sweets here? Yea, he still likes it. Happy Almost 1, my birthday baby!

"Almost 1!" Birthday: At the circus, part 2 { the show + video }

The Midnight Circus is more of a performing arts troupe than your typical circus with clowns and elephants, and in my opinion, wayyyy cooler! Think aerialists, beatboxers, and even a live DJ working pop tunes like "Call Me Maybe" into the performances. It was all very high-energy and Baby Max has never been more joyous, or in awe, in his entire "Almost 1" year of life! He couldn't stop doing that little head bobble thing he does when he's really into something. It was here at the circus where Max took his first unassisted steps! As in, he tried to walk on stage! We're more convinced now than ever that our boy is going to run off and join the circus when he's older.

"Almost 1!" Birthday: At the circus, part 1 { the details }

Max's "Almost 1!" birthday bash was two weekends ago––though he may have officially been 11 months and 3 days, and unofficially one, he will always be my baby! At last minute our original plans to co-host a joint party with a good friend and her son of the same age fell through. Boo. But luckily for us, Chicago is never lacking in options. Yea! 

After entertaining various ideas like hosting at a playroom or bake shop, and even our cramped condo, or setting up a picnic at the park across the street, I stumbled upon an awesome birthday alternative . . . the big top!  

A Gilt-y breakfast

In my opinion, there's no better way to start off the morning than with tea, scones, and a side of fashion. Last week I was invited to meet with Gilt Groupe's Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, Women's Editorial Director, over an intimate breakfast at The Pump Room. She wore an amazing Cynthia Rowley printed dress (from Gilt, of course!), a perfect tribute to the Chicago designer for this media appointment in the Second City. Along with 10 other style bloggers and magazine writers, we chatted about exciting new things happening over at Gilt, including the launch of Gilt Live and Trend Tuesdays. She told us she's got her eye on cobalt for fall and athletic-inspired trims and details for Spring '13. And she says the Gilt Girl is savvy, smart and stylish. Well, obvi.   

Playdate, then and now

Remember how I recently wrote about all the fun, free things to do in the city? Here's another one from two weeks ago. Max had a playdate with his pal Roman at a local playroom that was celebrating its eighth anniversary––free open play, birthday cake and gift bags! Last time he was here he was seven months old, which doesn't sound all that long ago, but boy, just look at the difference, then and now!

Open Streets Chicago

What does it feel like to take a stroll right smack in the middle of a major street?

What would my neighborhood, Wicker Park, look like in a post-apocalyptic society?

Two very important questions, obviously.  

Swingin' good fun

It's safe to say that Max officially loves the swings now. In fact, he loves it so much he got real mad when it was time to go home, after pushing him back and forth for over 25 minutes. Here we are at Wicker Park proper two weekends ago––just look at the sheer joy on his face, I would like to always remember that smile, the sound of his pure laugh.

11 months going on 30

Max eats better than me. And certainly, me as a baby. Between all the healthy homemade foods I prepare for him and the diverse roster of restaurants in the city we take him to, he probably has a pretty refined palette by now! Lucky duck, you. And somehow, he always looks like he should have a white linen napkin tucked under his chin. Here Max is at Old Town Social Club enjoying fancy duck wings rubbed in harissa spice, and here I am asking our server what harissa is! He also really wants some of Dadda's stout, hmmmm.

Pre-fall tweed

This was last weekend. It wasn't quite fall-like weather then. We had a spell of 80 degree temps, but I couldn't wait to break out my fall closet, like this tweed Michael Kors waist coat paired with a vintage silk Winter Kate top and grey skinnies. Baby Max likes it too, particularly the shiny buttons and zips. 

Busted!

Look who got busted attempting to climb the stairs for the first time today! Uh-oh!

xx Skulls xx

Confession: I have a thing for chambray. I have a thing for skulls. 

So when I came across this perfectly faded, skull-embroidered chambray shirt by Genetic Denim on Bluefly.com the other day, I knew I had to click it to my cart right away. Retail price is $195, but after a site-wide discount, a new member discount, and an additional promo code my friend passed on, I paid a whopping seven bucks. 

 

It's quite possibly my proudest purchase to date. 

I love the orange stitched trim at the hem and the subtle cross-stitches on the sleeves. It's attention to the little details that makes a designer shirt, well, designer. I wore it here on a brisk day at the zoo, then later to walk the dog, but can't wait to wear it many more times throughout the fall! 

Next up on my fashion wish list? Find a cheap knockoff of the Alexander McQueen skull scarf! The designer scarf, which costs a pretty penny, is yours for $295. The last time I was in NYC Chinatown, land of unbelievably authentic-looking but fake Louis and Pradas, I couldn't believe all I encountered were some uninspired, kinda-blah skull scarves that just can't claim to be counterfeit. And the hunt continues . . . 

A cookie monster at Lincoln Park Zoo?

So this happened.

Lil rascal managed to escape my watchful eyes, dump my entire bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies onto the blanket, and get his grubby, lil hands around a whole cookie! Well, actually, he had two in his hands but dropped one. It was one of those moments (I suspect this is the first of many to come!) where you're so surprised, then horrified (it had two kinds of sugar and a stick of butter!), but then can't help but to laugh. And take some pictures, of course.

Fashion's Night Out

My dream is to one day attend New York Fashion Week. I don't care which show, any'll do. A good friend of mine actually was seated front row, next to Bill Cunningham, one year. Yes, that Bill Cunningham. But since I can't join NYFW this year, I can at least enjoy Fashion's Night Out here at home in Chicago. Here are some pics from a fun evening mostly spent getting manis and massages at The 900 Shops VIP lounge. Officially it was a working night as media; unofficially, a girls night out! Read on for the full recap here.

Music class

{ via iPhone }

Just one more thing I love about Chicago: all the free stuff to do with your kids in the city! I could probably never enroll Baby Max in any expensive classes or activities and, instead, just bounce around from one freebie to another every week. Like this cool music class held at Urbababy, a fancy kids boutique in Wicker Park. He got to play with his pals Nico and Paloma and shake some maracas. It was led by the requisite perky, young music instructor from Bubbles Academy who strummed a guitar and sang animal songs and pop covers of Taio Cruz. She got all the kids waving their arms in the air-air-air-air-air.