Girl's Weekend

We had a wonderful weekend.

My girls (Andie's aunties from LA) flew up and drove over to spend time with TL, Andie and I this weekend and it was so amazing to have them here.  We vegged out and caught each other up on our lives.  We ate dinner and listened to music on the patio at a local restaurant.  We played the card game hi-low and enjoyed a beautiful warm night.  So much fun!  We went to the Farmer's Market and ate brunch just the 4 of us before they headed home. 

This weekend was just what I needed.  I treasure these girls so much and am beyond thankful for them!  We've known each other since college... I can't believe how far life has taken all of us.

The band at the restaurant was really good!

So thankful for these girls... and looking forward to seeing them again very soon!

5 on Friday

Woo hoo!  It's Friday!!

ONE.

Aaron Brothers is having their 1 Cent Frame sale.  Amazing... they're pretty much 50% off.  And I took full advantage.  Working on a little wall collage of pictures for our hallway, and considering going back to do one for our bedroom.  I LOVE that sale!  Here's a little peak at what we have so far for the hallway... TL should be helping me with the finishing touches today!

TWO.

Speaking of amazing sales... the Nordstrom Semi-Annual sale is going on, too.  My friend Katie and I went this week and I actually had some luck... but I still need to try on the shirts I got.  I feel like I have no clothes lately... I keep wearing the same thing over and over.  I need to freshen up my wardrobe.  Anyone want to come over and help? ;)

THREE.

Some of my best girlfriends from college are coming today and I cannot wait to see them, squeeze them, and spend some quality time with them.  They are so special to me and it means so much to me that they are traveling long distances to see us.  Girlfriends are truly an amazing gift.  I am so lucky to have them!

FOUR.

I have a black thumb and kill almost every plant I have ever had {unlike my mother who adores her garden}.  I am proud to say that the hydrangea my mom got us the day Andie was born is still going strong.  I have kept up watering it every other day and I am shocked that it has lasted for 2.5 months.  I love it!

FIVE.

I am SO excited to host a little giveaway for my friend Ana and her adorable Etsy shop.  She is the sweetest girl (we've done two blogger meet ups together) and when I found out I was pregnant with Andie, she sent me an adorable (49er colors) beanie as a gift.  She's very thoughtful and her items are just adorable!  She sent me over a headband, bow, and booties for Andie.  I LOVE the headband... Andie wore it all day and it didn't annoy her head at all.  She uses a soft cotton yarn for babies, so it's perfect for her sensitive skin.  I have already gone and used the discount code below to purchase a minnie mouse hat, another headband, and bow!

Enter below for a $25 gift card to her shop.

And... for ALL of us... a 25% off coupon code: GOTTOTHINKING25

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monterey getaway with family

Last week, my parents, grandparents, aunt & uncle, TL, Andie & I all went to Monterey for a couple of days.  It was so amazing to escape the heat and spend some quality time with family.  We stayed at the Spindrift Inn on Cannery Row.  It's a beautiful little boutique hotel.  One of my parent's favorite places to stay.

My grandparents are amazing people and I am grateful for any time we get to spend with them.  At 86 years old, my grandpa doesn't miss a beat.  He loves waking up and taking walks with us along the coast.  He's the friendliest guy you'll ever meet and makes friends everywhere he goes.  We took him to Point Lobos and he was in awe with the beauty... it makes me really appreciate life seeing it through his eyes.  He and my grandma are so darn cute together.  My grandma is extremely smart and when you talk to her you'd never guess that she is 83 years old.  She has such a great outlook on life, love and family.  I hope to follow the example they've set in life.  My grandpa just loves to be with his family... it doesn't matter where he is or what he's doing, just as long as he is with the people he loves.

The day we got there, my grandpa saw Andie in her stroller, leaned over to me and said "now... that is what an angel looks like."  I will always remember that.

We took a long beautiful drive around Carmel, Pebble Beach, and Monterey.  TL used to live in Monterey so he was our tour guide.  We stopped for lunch at RG Burger and my grandpa loved his chocolate peanut butter milk shake.  My dad, uncle, and TL also took a long 30 mile bike ride.

It was a wonderful couple days spending time with them all... my aunt, uncle, and parents are so cute! 

 Andie and her great grandpa!

Andie in her bassinet, TL and I in a turkish store, mom & aunt chelle at dinner, and Gramz (my mom) in heaven pushing Andie around on our long walks!

The CA coast is beautiful, we are so fortunate to live close by!

Join Us

I have mentioned before that I come from a very large family - and I feel so fortunate to have them all in my life!  One of my cousins, Brooke Lenzi, has been diligently chasing her dreams in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, and I really believe in her.  She has written a film and is hoping to get it going and it is up on "KickStarter".

{This is Brooke}

If you have a minute and maybe just a couple extra bucks, please watch and support her endeavors.

I hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

5 on Friday

ONE.  Isn't this the truth?

{via pinterest}

TWO.  If you follow me on Instagram (@TracyZLesh) you've already seen this... but I just love it.  TL's good friend's dad passed away a couple years ago and this is a little memorial to him in Pacific Grove.  He lived there with his wife and we stopped in to see her while we made a quick visit to Monterey and she told us about this.  He always used to say "Thank you, life, for this moment.  I love it."  I am in love with that saying and am going to steal it.  What an amazing man he was!  I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to meet him.

THREE.  Andie is full of smiles these days... and I can't get enough of it!  This girl had her two month appointment (& shots... eeeeek!!!) on July 15th.  She is 10 pounds 8 ounces and 22 inches long.  A growing girl.  I am so proud!

#andielesh

FOUR.  I downloaded a new iPhone app called "Ounces" to help me keep track of how much water I drink.  Since Andie was born, I have been feeling a little off... kind of like I am on a boat and occasionally light headed.  I definitely think it has to do with the fact that I just wasn't downing enough water.  I read online that it's recommended that we drink 80 ounces a day.  So that's the goal.  I started yesterday, we will see how this goes.

FIVE.  I haven't seen my nephews in a couple weeks because they've been out of state and I miss them!!  They're too stinking cute.  And we can't wait to add one more lil peanut to the mix... my sister Juju is due in less than 4 weeks with Baby Stella!  Excitement all around :)

#ryguyo #ajolson

Happy Weekend!

Boat Ride on the Bosphorus

When we were in Turkey, we knew we needed to take a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait.  It's a beautiful waterway that splits Europe and Asia.  Even though it was back in September of last year (oh my gosh, time flies) I am trying to make sure I get these pictures up so I have a place to look back. :)

We considered doing a dinner cruise, but they were all very pricey!  Instead, we found a little place along the waterway that had boat rides for remotely inexpensive.  They were little taxi boats and it made 3 quick stops before returning to our dock.  I think it was about $5.00 each or so. It was a 90 minute ride on a big boat and it was a beautiful day to see everything.

Something that will always stand out to me was the amount of pride the Turkish people have in their country.  The flags are flying everywhere (even along their homes) and our boat proudly displayed a few of them as well.  It was a memorable experience!

 The boat was huge!

 Dolmabahce Palace from the water.

 My love.

The famous Bosphorus Bridge

Istanbul is a beautiful city... and riding along the Bosphorus was amazing!

5 on Friday

1. I was recently at breakfast with a couple girlfriends, and my friend Wendy mentioned that she had a specific "travel bucket list".  I have started working on this - and it's one that will probably take a lifetime to complete, if I am fortunate to cross off the places.

2. The hardest part of being a mom so far is when I can't comfort her crying.  Especially while driving. I have learned how to do those exercises where you try to "meditate" and take deep breaths while counting to 10.  Normally she loves riding in the car and it puts her to sleep, but I have had 2 car rides where she was screaming in the back and it's the only thing that kept me from losing it (completely), too.  Good thing they weren't long drives.

3. I have been easing my way back into work for the last two weeks, and it's been interesting.  I feel extremely fortunate that I have the opportunity to work part time, and a portion of it is from home and to meetings and locations that Andie can come with me.  But, it's still a transition.  Especially when trying to figure out how to get on a schedule with her eating and sleeping.  I love my job... but this girl is definitely my number one priority now and I am learning how to figure out the balancing act between work and being a first time mama!

{Andie and her fur-brothers}

4. One of my best friends, Casey, recently introduced me to the magic of photoshop.  She showed me a few of the things you can do with it and I was blown away.  I could use it for work, personal stuff, and it's just amazing.  I am debating biting the bullet and purchasing it for my computer, but I can't figure out if it's worth the $$$.  I also would need more training to get the most out of it.  Any website suggestions for tutorials?  Is it worth it?

5. My favorite show on television right now is Extreme Weight Loss.  It is so good, and manages to make me cry every week.  It's also inspiring me to get my butt back in shape.  I have been slacking still because I haven't been able to figure it out with the schedule (what schedule?) (see also: number 3).  But my legs are aching to go for a run and I know I need it for mental reasons too.  

Have a beautiful weekend, my friends!

A letter to Andie... you're two months old!

Dear Andie,

Oh my goodness, my beautiful daughter.  My love for you has intensified and getting to know you each and every day has been so much fun.  You're becoming so much more alert and taking in the world.  Seeing you look around at your surroundings and learn is amazing.  I am cherishing the moments with you.  You've changed so much since the day we took you home from the hospital.  Your beautiful eyes are open so much longer during the day, you are learning to "talk", smile, and respond to us.  I stare at you often because it's still hard for me to believe that you are a part of me, that those arms and legs developed and grew inside my body.  I feel a special connection to you, and it warms my soul to think that you are my daughter.  I am still getting used to the idea that I have a daughter and I am a mom.  It's absolutely the most surreal thing.

You took your first day trip to Tahoe with us for Fathers Day and did very well riding in the car.  You love looking at ceiling fans, and when you lay on your activity mat and watch the lights and movement, you move your arms and legs while you watch.  You are very strong, holding up your own head for long stretches of time.  You LOVE your bath time.  If you are a little fussy, you are quickly very content when you're in the water.  I love giving you baths.  You also pooped (big time) in the tub this month, we had to get an entire new sponge!

You slowly have made your way into the 0-3 month clothes, although many of your little newborn clothes still fit you.  You started wearing size one diapers at about 5 weeks old.  We estimate (and will know for sure at your doctor's app next week) that you weigh around 10 or 11 pounds.  You've given me some wonderful nights of sleep, going 6 to 7 hours about 3 times - but most often you still are up about twice a night.  But I don't mind.  I enjoy the quiet time with you in the middle of the night.  You are so precious.

Your smiles make my heart jump.  When I see them, life is put into perspective.  You have started to give us more and more of them.  At about 6 weeks old, your daddy came home from work and you gave him huge smiles... he nearly melted on the floor.  You definitely have him wrapped around your finger.  I hope you never underestimate the depth of our love for you, sweet girl.

I am still learning so many new things.  You've been a trooper with me going back to work, coming along with me to meetings and events.  People are always commenting on your chubby cheeks and little feet and when you're awake, your eyes.  It's a lot of fun to share with others the joy we feel because of you.  Your entire family adores you!

I am so thankful for you, Andie.  I love you.

Love,
Mama

 6 weeks

 8 weeks

 Loving the ergo and spending time with dad

 Spending time with gramz & pops

talking to mama

My Sister's Baby Shower

My sister, Juju, is pregnant with a baby girl {Due August 14th} and we are over the moon excited for her and my BIL!  Baby Stella is going to be absolutely beautiful.  Her BFFC, Andie, is going to love having a girlie cousin so close in age.

My sister is such a special person... she's so selfless.  Truly a beautiful person inside and out.  We cannot wait to see her become a mommy... Stella is a very lucky girl.  My sister, Kelly, and I wanted to make sure we threw her a fun shower with as much fun detail as possible.

The theme for her nursery is navy blue polka dots with pink flowers.  It's so cute!  We stuck with that theme and did what we could to have Julie's personality in the decor.  :)

 The adorable hand painted letters are from Etsy.

 My mom picked out all of the adorable little clothes and accessories for her diaper cakes!

 Adorable Juju and her sweet friends Christi and Meg

 Love these cake pops!

How adorable are these invitations?? {I am obsessed with tiny prints}

The tables & candles {that smell amazing} from Ebba {contact them for custom candle orders}.

Love my sisters!

 How cute is this little gift from Juju's friend Traci?

It was a fun day celebrating a beautiful mama to be!!