What happened to the News?

So, I was in a hotel for two night last week. And, I had a flashback to my pre-baby self as I made coffee and turned on the Today show to listen as I got ready. (I used to travel quite a bit for work, so hotels feel pretty familiar to me. I have a sweet love for room service, in-room coffee makers, and late night TV when I am traveling for business.)

Anyway -- I am plucking and blow drying listening to Matt Lauer, Ann Curry (so beautiful to me), and Meredith (oh Katie, where did you go?) and the upcoming story is Guy Richie and Madonna's divorce. WTF? Is this news? This is why I stopped watching Good Day LA, I read enough trashy mags to get my fill -- once in awhile I want to feel a little informed. Maybe I should go more hardcore and stick to my old CNN but, I like a little music and cooking now and then.

So, apparently a celeb divorce is a top story these days. This has been happening slowly for the last 10 years and I am afraid we have arrived. I remember being in High School and going to the store to get a fashion mag -- yep -- just fashion, no celeb articles and just pics of models ( models with no names) were on the cover. Those days are no more. I am hoping I keep my sweet girl grounded because comparing yourself to airbrushed photos and the uber rich lifestyles can drive anyone crazy. I am going to work hard to make sure she knows that it is what is inside that truly counts -- no matter what others will do and say.

Don't get me wrong, I think people should care of themselves -- to be healthy and fit. But fit does not mean 90 lbs with bones popping out and healthy does not mean curves purchased from Dr. Jan (nothing against enhancement ladies -- I may go there one day -- you never know.)

Anyway -- I am trying to avoid a spiel about the media's affect on women's self image but I am afraid I have already gone there -- woops. It is just very true and I see how it affects me and want to do all I can to make sure my daughter grows up loving herself and aspiring to what she wants to be ( not what she feels she should be.) But, I have a feeling my little firecracker is going to do just fine. That is the good news.

First professional haircut!

So, I decided my Farrah Fawcett was starting to look like a Ragamuffin. I love her hair -- it is bouncy and curly and a sweet mess. But, the fam was getting on my case and then M started in after my trip to LA. I think when he was playing Mr Mom he had a playdate with our neighbor next door and his daughter (how cute I must say -- although I am sure it involved beer and sports in some dude-ish way) and I am sure someone commented.

So, before I got home from LA I made an appointment at Cool Cuts 4 Kids. My colleague ragged on me saying to was overpriced and gimmicky but her description of a play area and little cars for the kids to sit in made me more excited, sign me up! I love that cheesy shit.

So, off we went. I must say it was not as exciting as I dreamed. The place was dead (guess we went too early) and our "stylist" Therese was not sweet in the kid haircut kinda way I expected, (not easy on the eyes either but I am a bi-otch for mentioning it) -- but S was too damn cute.

Here is the play by play ... She is usually a very smiley kid so this experience cracked me up. (I do, however, blame some of the expressionless face on the video they were playing -- sometimes TV can zombify kids)

Sorry kid! The bangs will grow, I promise

Skylar has a boyfriend

A few actually. There have been some nasty fights for her affection. But, I think I am rooting for Cade (pictured below snuggling with his honey.)

Cade is the front runner. He is a blonde blue-eyed babe with a slight lisp and weakness for all things Transformers. He does cry a bit and I think S may boss him around later in life, but their connection is strong. And nothing wrong with wearining the pants with your man.

At his 5th B-day party on Tuesday night our lil jungle girl insisted on taking all of her clothes off -- her twist on a B-day stripper-gram. She ran around naked amongst a party of adults eating paninis and sipping mojitos. (S was one of 2 kids invited and only girl -- she is obviously special to Cade's heart). That's my girl...way to shake it up.

The Big Cousin

S just can't keep her hands off her new cousin. In fact, she tries to manhandle her. Here are some highlights... (Her shirt says, "I'm the Big Cousin - Skylar" - a gift from my sis)

She actually said "High five!" when we took this pic. Too cute..
A close up of the pumpkin. Sleeping is her strong suit.



Getting my hands on her! I must admit that my Baby Fever is in check. S takes up so much energy it is hard to imagine having another. If I had a sleeping beauty like my sis's baby though -- it may not be so tough. She is an angel and sleeps the day away. S had her eyes glued open all day from practically Day 1.

Papa's Day

Father's Day weekend was great. We spent Sat at a Pool Party. I conveniently forgot my bikini which forced M into the pool with the girl. Funny, all the other gals had the same idea because the pool was full of dads and kids while the Moms sipped their chardonnay on the deck. Now, that is a party!

Here are some of the cute pics.

This last one is from 2 weekends back with My Dad. Love this pic of them and framed it for my pap for Father's Day. This is where S gets her baby blues.

Whoopin it up

We whooped it up this weekend at a friend's wedding this weekend in LA. I forgot how much I enjoy weddings since it has been a little while since we had the wedding onslaught of 2003-2005. I think I danced my feet off, martini luged, licked an ice sculpture, boogied with the 75 yr old father of the bride and showed off my dance moves circa 1986 and Knott's Berry Farm's studio K. The DJ even called me "crazy legs" over the mic. Now that is a party.

There was a little girl about 5 who was a dance machine and it made me think of Skylar. I am sure she will be that girl at that age since she also shakes her "bum bum" to Power 106.

Here is a pic of us and some of our good friends. I love this couple because while M and I are tall, these friends are super tall. She is 6'3" and I love standing next to her because she makes me feel somewhat petite which is a very rare occasion for me. I don't, however, love standing next to her because she makes my boobs look even smaller. bi-otch

Counting my Blessings..

I love this picture...makes me appreciate what a lovely family I have. Oooo, I am getting all misty just looking at it.

Blood relative?

It is amazing how different you can be from your family. The link below is a letter from my cousin. He actually sent a very similar version to me, my sis, and Dad before he left for Iraq.

http://www.bobbeauprez.com/farwell-letter-from-a-marine

I know we need people like him out there to protect and serve our country. I also know that I will never understand him or try to.

Who the heck is Bob Beauprez?

FYI - Tedd has returned safely from Iraq. Hopefully he is not itching to get back out there again.

Vegas..sans Baby!

So, the trip to Vegas was great! Filled with drinking and general debauchery. We loved the Red Rock Resort and Casino. Even though it was off the strip (about 15 min) it had great restaurants, a great pool (see below), excellent service, and a pretty good nightclub. (Although who really knows since any place is fun if you are drinking it up with friends). My one complaint about the Red Rock is that they had too much chlorine/chemicals in the jacuzzi which gave us a rash and burned the leg hair off of M. I will not mentioned what it did to his nether regions but I will tell you that it wasn't pretty...we wrote a letter as good consumers. Or as people just hoping for some free stuff for next time. ;)

View of the pool from our room.

M and me

Margarita Time with the some of the girls

The Boys

More of the girls

PSA: I would not take kids/toddlers to Vegas. It is an adult destination in my opinion. Some kids got in the jacuzzi with our group (we are talking 18 month olds to 8 year olds) and it was a buzz kill to say the least. Not to mention the language that comes our of some people's mouths. I felt like a school teacher reminding people in my group (and others) to watch the F-bombs with kids present. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas is the new motto...NOT the happiest place on earth.