Raising a baby is challenging. You know what’s even more challenging? Writing your own bio and in 500 words or less, to boot. (If I think this is hard, you should see the trouble I have with tweeting!)

Okay, let’s get down to business.

{ 2007 }

Once upon a time, a 20-year old girl met an older boy on South Beach. She was a student at the University of Miami on spring break, and he was a graduate/medical student taking recruits out for a night on the town. They fell madly in love and spent each day together as boyfriend and girlfriend until the boy asked for her hand in marriage. She said yes and ten years later, here they are, celebrating a fifth wedding anniversary and a firstborn, a bouncing baby boy named Maxwell after that wild thing by children’s author Maurice Sendak (although she, a design junkie, would claim it was chosen in honor of the founder of ApartmentTherapy.com).

That’s the skinny version. Here’s more, if you’re so inclined . . .

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{ photo credit: Haseeb Omar Photo }

Mr. Hula Hoop and I currently reside in The Windy City. Five years ago, we traded in the surf and sand for the Mister to complete his medical residency, and eventually his rheumatology fellowship, in Chicago. Since he’s got a few fancy letters behind his name (MdPhd), he is also a scientist at a research lab. He wears tees that say things like “Hot City. Cool Science.” Our dog is named Malasezzia FurFur (FurFur, for short) after a fungus.

{ photo credit: Haseeb Omar Photo }

We quickly fell in love with an unbelievably amazing city, particularly with the spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan! I’m sad to say that we will soon be leaving this grand place––stay tuned for the official announcement and for our moving adventures with Baby!

Before becoming a SAHM, I was a Production and Marketing Manager at a brand strategy firm downtown overseeing internal operations and key client accounts. I secretly wished my business card read “Dictator” because then I could have taken out my whip and reigned in those four-hour long internal meetings my boss liked so much. I began my career as a graphic designer, and later moved into art direction and account management when I realized I. just. couldn’t. take. it. anymore (re: clients or bosses who mixed and matched design options)!

I’m addicted to pinning (if you need an invite, hit me up!), city living, food, and fashion, not necessarily in that order. I love to travel, especially internationally, but truth be told, home is always where my heart is. I struggle with our eventual reality of migration from the city to the ‘burbs, although I can’t deny that city living has its downside, too (like when our brand-new Babymobile was stolen off the street just four weeks before my due date #WTF #ItHadFourDoors).

{ photo credit: Haseeb Omar Photo }

My proudest moment as a mom? When I phoned from the hospital bed to tell my mother that I gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing 6lbs 7oz. My mom and dad stayed for two weeks after the baby was born. She said, “I’m going to take care of you so you can take care of him.” She and my dad cooked all our meals, grocery shopped, cleaned, and did our laundry.

{ at two days, photo courtesy of Anne Mathias }

Ever since Baby Maxwell was born in October 2011, life has certainly changed: it’s even more amazing despite the challenges of newborn baby care and managing an active daily lifestyle involving three flights of stairs in our condo (Stroller? What’s that?) and a big rescue dog who is still a work in progress. She still thinks she’s the firstborn.

{ at one week, photo courtesy of Anne Mathias }

I’m utterly in love with Maxwell. We used to joke how he looked like Benjamin Button at birth––a wise, old, wrinkly man in a baby’s body––but now we exclaim over his deliciously fat cheeks. After nursing, he gazes up at me with a contented smile and coos prettily. I can get lost in his eyes, pools of blue-gray. And whenever strangers ask if he’s mine, I’m only mildly offended.

{ at one week, photos courtesy of Anne Mathias }

I hope to share ideas with other busy bees for delicious and easy meals, stylish and practical fashion tips, and of course, Baby Maxwell’s firsts (and mine, as well!) on this journey called life. Most of all, I’d like to invoke and inspire conversation within this community, and learn from one another. I’m talking to you, Bees––don’t be shy, say hello!

{ at five months }