Life as a Mom

24 Hours in Palm Beach

This weekend my family (just the 3 of us) went to Palm Beach for the night. Jimmy grew up going to Palm Beach to visit his grandmother, and I've been going with him since we met. I really enjoy Palm Beach for the houses and beautiful Worth Avenue, but I REALLY love the Four Seasons there. Jimmy used to work for Four Seasons, so I got really spoiled. We were able to go all the time. It was always special, but now that we don't get to go very often, I cherish every moment there. Of all the Four Seasons we've visited, Palm beach is by far my favorite. They are so nice and attentive to what we need. They put a crib in our room, gave O stuffed animals and a rubber duckie, blew up our pool floatie, and brought us hot water for a bottle. I was so aware of how lucky we were to be there for the night. I know now that we have a baby, these little nights of luxury are coming to an end, in fact, this may have been our last one, and I'm so grateful that I've had them. Who wouldn't want to be treated like a princess?

October 11, 2024 — Blayne Art

What do you want to teach your kids? A letter to my younger self.

The other night my brother was over and asked me what was the number one thing I wanted to teach O as a parent. This struck a nerve as it was the same question I had been asking myself since I got pregnant. While I struggle to find the exact words, the basic idea of what I want O to know is that he is the person he is supposed to be. His little personality traits and unusual interests are what make him who he is, and that deserves to be celebrated. I want him to know he is loved beyond measure and has the freedom to explore who he is and embrace it. He was longed for, prayed for, and dreamed about long before he was born, and he's perfect. I want him to fly his flag, be proud of who he is and know that his family supports him.

Not to be cheesy, but I often think of the line, "I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger."

If I had one wish, I would love to mail a letter to my younger self imparting my 31 years of wisdom (I'm sure those of you who are older are rolling your eyes, but this is what I know now). I imagine myself reading the letter and letting some of that growing up anxiety fall away... or else I throw the letter away, because I'm 17 and know everything there is to know about life.

Here is my letter:

October 11, 2024 — Blayne Art