Happy Monday! It's our busiest time of year between the ending of Nia's school year (she started camp today!), our wedding anniversary (yesterday!) and Grayson's 2nd birthday (today), and we did it up big this time around with a quick trip to NYC.
After almost 17 years of knowing Uka this past weekend may have been one of our most exciting, yet life threatening adventures. Remember how he nearly missed the ship home from our last port on our first cruise? This experience came close to that but was on a whole other level!
We were in Boston Saturday night for Tracy Morgan's comeback tour. He's a testimony to second and third chances and I was happy to see him back doing what he loves. Boston was unseasonably warm and as we left the venue and headed for sushi it seemed like everyone was wired with the excitement of pending spring. As we looked around it also seemed like everyone was 12 years old - oh the joy of being in a college town!
Heading down to the parking garage to drive back home we noticed the glass doors to the elevator bank had been cracked in a way that it appeared that a fight had happened. The glass was concave in a starburst pattern, as though it would shatter to the ground with one vibration. Since it looked so fresh we quickly looked around thinking perhaps the perpetrator/victim were still around but didn't see anything amiss so we kept going to our car.
Sharing an anniversary kiss at Acadia National Park (a group of bikers saw us smooching and demanded we capture the moment on camera!)
One of my favorite bloggers Carol, of Girl Gone Travel, recently wrote this line as part of a post earlier this summer: "...my silence, here on the blog, is due to my doing exactly what I always encourage others to do which is to get out there and live. Live life to the fullest. Be in the moment, taking nothing for granted." My heart flip flopped, and I nearly screamed YESSSSSS in agreement when I read this line! This is *so* spot on and encapsulates so much of how I'm feeling lately. It brings to mind a frequent reminder announcement on the cruise I was on with my mom which told people to put their phones away during performances and to take it in with their own eyes because that's the best view - not the one behind a screen.
At our first Portsmouth fireworks last Friday
While I'm very thankful for all the wonderful moments my family and I have been experiencing up here in New England (including celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary which I'll get to in a minute!) and the ability to capture special moments here on the blog, albeit delayed, there's nothing like stepping away from the screen. Now on to the 6th anniversary recap!
We were greeted with this view
When Mr. Lovebird asked that we all join him for a family work trip up to Bar Harbor the same weekend as our wedding anniversary and Grayson's 1st birthday I was a bit skeptical. I had heard of Bar Harbor but never really had a specific desire to go, however when he shared the itinerary with me, being the Type A woman that I am, I recognized fellow Type A-ness in the creators of the event, and I knew we'd have a great time. I was right!
The air was brisk during our stay, but the pool was heated!
Bar Harbor is 3 1/2 hours north of us here in Portsmouth, and I checked the weather in advance, saw it was going to be pretty much perfect and packed accordingly including swimsuits. We stayed at the Bar Harbor Regency Resort which is also a partial Holiday Inn property and while I was nervous about the Trip Advisor reviews, we had a good stay. The event organizers had a few planned excursions, but with a kids' camp scheduled each day with activities for them I knew I'd probably just want to take it easy during the time we'd be together especially because Uka would be in meetings most of the time. It also gave me a chance to meet other New England families who are in the same industry as Uka and we got a chance to plan our own little family field trip to Acadia National Park, which another local mommy friend provided several helpful tips.
Grayson enjoyed watching each night's post-dinner entertainment under the big tent
Lobster cobb salad made it easy to eat the rainbow!
Ahhhh Maine, I don't think filters are ever needed for you
A blurry hug - he loves doing this lately!
This pre-dinner popcorn bar had me questioning all the choices I made at my wedding - why didn't I think of this???
Cadillac Mountain
I was bummed the kids fell asleep when we went to Acadia National Park, but I shot this little video of the view at Cadillac Mountain:
One of my favorite parts of our trip to Bar Harbor was getting dressed up. I used Rent the Runway for the first time a few months ago, when I was still feeling very postpartum, and I have to say they didn't disappoint. Both times have been outstanding and I highly recommend RTR! I received so many compliments and it was fun to feel fancy on the night of our anniversary. The theme was "starry night" so when I saw this dress I snapped it up but then had hesitations that I wouldn't be the only one wearing it (I was wrong!). The conference also gave us a bottle of champagne too (and as I'm writing this I remembered that we left it in the hotel fridge - oops!) and to celebrate Grayson's 1st birthday a beach bucket with a bubble blower. So thoughtful!
I look forward to making it back up to Bar Harbor perhaps next summer. The kids did surprisingly well on the trip - it was so rainy on the way back and they pretty much slept the whole time!
Celebrating our anniversary and Grayson's 1st birthday in the photo booth
Over the weekend we had a belated 6th anniversary date night and saw Jurassic World - I liked it!! I think alternate title should've been GMO vs. Organic agreed? Here's to another exciting year with my homeylovefriend (who's currently on his much deserved guycation in the Caribbean), and I'm excited for what's in store for our little family! Oh and a funny story courtesy of Nia: lately she's been obsessed with asking about what I was doing at specific ages and recently asked, "Mama, when were you a teenager?" I explained that when I was 13, 14, 15 etc. I was a teenager than informed her that at age 18 I met her daddy. Her eyes got big and she asked, "You were a teenager when you met Daddy?!" I replied, "Yes, and I thought he was cute and gave him a kiss!" She turned her nose up in disgust and loudly proclaimed, "EWWWWWWW!"
*Speaking of IRL, I'll be back in NYC with my kids next week for BlogHer (and to see my parents who are also flying up from Texas to meet us!), and while in years past I've been super strategic about my plan of attack for conferences, this year I'm just happy to make personal connections and catch up with old blogger friends. Will I see you there?
We have so many amazing things going on over here (I'm bursting at the seams to share but I can't yet!) and I looked up and saw I haven't blogged in a week. Oops! I think this means that summer is off to a strong start so far, agreed?
The most challenging part is coming off of Nia's previous school's academic calendar in Jersey City, she's now been out of school a full month before she was in Pre-K 3. I was away on my cruise during her end of the year program, but Mr. Lovebird was on picture duty and captured a few special moments including this one:
I went through a brief moment of panic, then mostly thanks to my local mom friends and our library's resources, I've found a good summer schedule for Nia. She's doing a bit of everything just like we did last summer: swimming, circus camp, vacation Bible school and piano lessons for now then hopefully adding some horseback riding and soccer towards the end of the summer. She's such an active girl already and has a lot of energy to burn!
At our local library's summer reading kickoff party
Over the weekend we celebrated Grayson's 1st birthday (at the time of me writing this it's 2a.m. and I just ordered his thank you postcards!). His official birthday is actually this Saturday, but we're heading out of town tomorrow for a long weekend so we enjoyed early festivities. We had been singing "Happy Birthday" to Grayson for a few weeks so he'd be ready when it happened for real - it turned out SO cute, and I can't wait to share the video soon!
Friday will be mine and Uka's 6th wedding anniversary (as of this fall we've known each other 17 years!). We're officially closer to 10 years than not! We don't have anything special planned and will actually be happy to hang in nature this weekend with our kids up in Maine. Speaking of Maine, remember when I wrote about these cute cottages? I'd still like to stay there someday. . . For our anniversary Mr. Lovebird asked what I most needed then answered his own question: "I need help." I really truly do. Not only from him, but from outsourcing a few things around the home, mostly domestic duties, so I can focus on the kids, my business and this blog. I'm juggling so many balls at once and if a few domestic responsibilities can be outsourced that would be great! He's not always physically here due to his work schedule and when he is here he crashes really hard - he hustles hard to provide for our family and in this post-Father's Day week I feel so blessed that we're not only best friends but in this family journey together. I made this collage over on Instagram as a tribute:
Going back to our trip to Maine, it's a "camp" of sorts that's mostly business, but since the families get to come too there is some pleasure. The kids will be in "camp" and while I'll attend a few activities be catching up on work, I'm looking forward to exploring a bit especially since we'll be by Acadia National Park. There's even a formal night and I posted a teaser on Instagram as I'm super excited for another chance to dress up. Hooray for Rent the Runway, and if I could just wrangle my hair! Grayson's birthday was in such an idyllic setting not far from us and the locale reiterated the feeling I get that we're on perpetual vacation up here. It is such a beautiful city and is making up for the awful winter we experienced. Here's one of my favorite pictures from the weekend - I'm so blessed my sisters were able to come up to visit us!:
Here's what I'm excited for the rest of the summer:
An historic July 4th - it's so quaint and typically New England lately as everyone is sprucing up for the holiday; I need to hurry and get outfits for the kids!
Taking both kids for the first time to the Jazz Age Lawn Party - this year is the 10th anniversary and unlike last year I already have my ticket! (Check out the recent pictorial coverage in Newseek)
Grayson's first visit to my hometown of Columbus, Ohio and going to the Ohio State Fair (hooray for the butter cow!)
Keeping up with my fitness - I've supplemented my regular workouts at the Y with PiYo class thanks to my fab, fit, mommy friend Courtney, and it's kicking my butt in a good way!
Catching up on tons of blog posts: awesome reviews (including Disney SMMC On-The-Road in NYC), giveaways and updates (including Grayson's 1 year recap which I'll have ready next week!)
What are you looking forward to next summer? Can you believe it's already July 4th...NEXT WEEKEND?! We're just hanging out here in Portsmouth taking in all the historic festivities. What will you be up to?
Growing up I loved my last name, Sloan. I was given the name Quiana Rachelle Sloan at birth, and being the nerd that I am, growing up I geeked over the fact that my initials were alphabetical. I remember getting my LL Bean backpack in middle school and wearing my initials proudly throughout my school's hallways. I hadn't given much thought to marriage and what I'd do about my last name when I got married until I attended Wellesley College. I took an anthropology class, Marriage, Women and Family, and it really opened my eyes to issues I had never considered growing up in Ohio. Sure, I went to an all girls school but as an adult at an all women's college I really felt convicted about the importance of feminism. Speaking of feminism . . . I cringe when people, especially women, staunchly proclaim they are not feminists. A feminist believes that men and women are equal. I cannot fathom why anyone wouldn't want to believe this. Men and women are different, yes, but we are equal. Now back to my love story: When I met my husband Uka in college and he shared his full name I was especially curious about his last name, Agbai. I didn't know where it was from so I asked. It's Nigerian, Igbo, to be exact and when we started dating in 1999 and then married in 2009 it wasn't even a discussion to be had: I knew I would become Quiana Rachelle Agbai. Here's why: Sloan, my maiden name, is derived from Ireland. I am of African descent and perhaps some day I'll do one of those cotton swab tests to determine exactly where (I'm obsessed with Finding Your Roots). Like most African-Americans, my ancestors in this country were slaves and Sloan came from an Irish slaveholder. While I do have ancestors of European descent who were not slaveholders, the surname Sloan in my family is from slaveholders. My husband's family can pinpoint exactly where in Africa they are from: Nkporo and Ohafia, Nigeria. We took our daughter there when she was 16 months, and it made me very emotional to be there and stand on the soil, breathe the air and meet my family. Even now I cry easily at the thought that my grandparents never stepped foot on African soil. It is life changing to go to Africa, regardless of your heritage. When I got married I knew I'd want to exchange my slave name for an African name especially for my children. I knew that I'd want them to know where they are from, to appreciate their Nigerian heritage. I also knew that if I kept my surname or did a hyphenated name that the surname Sloan is ultimately from a man. For me it was never an issue of being empowered by keeping "my name" because it's still a man's name. What's more important to me is where a name comes from vs. whether it belongs to a man or woman. Lately, while our society is quick to describe certain celebrities as "heroes," I think it's more important to be strong in your own convictions for living the life you believe in instead of trying to be "on trend." I applaud Zoe Saldana's husband for taking his wife's name if that's what works best for their family; it definitely opens up a conversation for people to explore marriage traditions and why we do what we do. Also, I hope never to follow something blindly without examining the underlying foundation behind it (if you're interested in learning more about marriage history I highly recommend Marriage, a History). Here's to six years (and counting!) as Quiana Rachelle Agbai. If you're married did you discuss your surname decision with your spouse? If you're not married yet have you considered what to do about your surname?
Disclosure: I am a compensated brand ambassador for Robin Wilson Home; all opinions expressed are my own.
This summer Mr. Lovebird and I will celebrate 6 years of marriage, and this past Valentine's Day weekend an astounding 220,000 Americans proposed according to this article in the New York Post. I remember my own engagement ushering in a flurry of preparation and besides everyone wanting to know when the big date would be, the next question everyone asked was where I was registered.
Hindsight is definitely 20/20, and today I'm sharing a few basic items from Robin Wilson Home's line of registry bedroom basics at Bed Bath & Beyond that should be on your bridal registry:
1) Waterproof Mattress Pad - for both comfort and function, this item is essential; not only does it protect your mattress, and often its warranty, by covering it but it also gives you and your spouse extra comfort. If kids are in the plan down the line it also makes sense to go ahead and invest in this early 2) Sheets Set - investing in quality sheets will help you and your partner feel luxurious when slipping into bed! Robin Wilson Home's 500 Thread Count Deep Pocket Sheets are offered in a variety of colors and having known the struggle of getting sheets to fit properly, the deep pocket is a must
3) Pillows - thankfully Robin Wilson Home has 300-thread count, chemical-free options for both side sleepers (me!) and back sleepers (Mr. Lovebird!); what's critical is making sure you wash your pillows on schedule - something Robin share more about here 4) Quilt - I recently showcased Robin Wilson Home's gorgeous line of quilts featuring 4 patterns to choose from, and it's critical to find one both you and your partner agree upon; additionally, it's good to have a few options on hand for seasonal changes 5) Down Alternative Comforter - each couple has their own potential allergies and sensitivities so play it safe with a down alternative comforter; Robin Wilson Home's comforter offers luxurious warmth year-round and is definitely an investment piece for your bedroom - for a happy marriage, just don't try to steal the covers during the night (I know from experience!)
Click here to explore the full Robin Wilson Home line available at Bed Bath & Beyond and be sure to follow Robin Wilson Home on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest product news and inspiration. Which products from your registry do you still use? What do you wish you had registered for?
Although Mr. Lovebird and I celebrated early back in March when we went on our trip to Puerto Rico, today is our official anniversary.
We were 18 when we met right before my 19th birthday (full story here) and I marvel at how we've known each other our entire adulthood.
A few of my favorite memories . . .
A whirlwind London trip: Uka came down from Finland, where he was playing ball in 2006, to see me for less than 24 hours while I was there on vacation with my college friend, Noelle
Our first time cooking Thanksgiving together - 2006
A silly moment captured during karaoke by our friend Eli
Sharing a few words after Uka's baptism at Jones Beach
Engaged in Las Vegas - 2007 (I always laugh at how he took his shoes off as though that'd make him significantly shorter for me!)
When Mr. Lovebird declined going to his 10 year reunion earlier this year I was disappointed because I was really looking forward to revisiting Boston especially after last year's trip for my reunion was so chilly and quick. It didn't feel like the Boston I know and I wanted to see the city in the way I loved it.
This past weekend I got that chance.
Our dear friend and fellow Wellesley sister Noelle, who shared a poem at our wedding, was married on campus and although the day was chilly, the sun poked through a few times and by the end of the day it was truly gorgeous. Yesterday, when we reunited with old friends over brunch, was even better . . .
Of course we couldn't leave BC out
We may not see each other but once a year or more, but I really appreciate my Boston friends!
We visited our friend Dr. Michelle's new apartment before heading back - Nia loved all the treats! (Her apartment is tour-worthy and a separate post is in order)
We said goodbye to Mr. Lovebird for the week who had to continue up north on business
The weekend had Mr. Lovebird and I reminiscing over all our Boston memories. We've known each other our entire adulthood - 14 years now. We feel old, but in love!
Do you ever have nostalgia moments with your partner? Any fellow college sweethearts out there?
