Skylar picked a winner!

So, Skylar's older boyfriend is a gentleman too. Skylar attended his 5th B-day party and got him a Transformer. This is what she received in the mail.

His Mom is/was a school teacher so it makes some sense.

Note to self: Have Skylar do this when she gets older. So, cute and thoughtful.

My niece is 3 months old

...and I am a proud Auntie. She is about the best baby I have ever seen. So mellow and a great sleeper. Hopefully if I have another I he/she will have an easy temperament (fingers crossed.)

Skylar loves to spaz out and dance in front of Charlotte and she just smiles and smiles at her big cousin. The start of a wonderful relationship I think... If she and Skylar are half as close as my sister and me, I will be eternally grateful.

Speaking of #2, I got M on board for another baby. Well, he may not be "on board", more like hanging on to the rear bumper but he's on there. He gave in for me, but I will take it because life is full of compromises and I don't think he'll great...I know he won't.

Now that it is a reality and I didn't refill my RX that I was supposed to start yesterday, I am not sure how I am feeling. Excited, yes. Afraid, you betcha.

I worry that it will not happen again for us after 7 months trying for S and a few more years under my belt. I am afraid of another miscarriage. I am afraid of splitting my time and attention with another child because it seems hard to imagine. I am afraid of the first three months and a crying and fussy baby. I am afraid about how I can juggle work, a home, a toddler, and a newborn without feeling like a hot mess.

But, when I think of Skylar kissing her little bro or sis, future family vacations, and Christmas vacations home from college I know it is the right thing for us. I cannot imagine life without my daughter nor do I want to. Having her has brought a lot of happiness and (strangely enough) tranquility. You only live once...you better live it up.

Oh Wise One

This AM Skylar and I were having breakfast. I was eating a half of an Everything Bagel with cream cheese. Skylar points at my bagel and says, "Birdseed Pizza." I looked at it and agreed. ;)

My little stinker..

...and nudist.

Caught being naked and naughty.

How do you get mad at this girl?

You like my Photoshop skills?

So Delinquent...

But 3 big excuses:

1- Mother in Law was in town. And although she did not sleep at our house (she stayed at a friend's who is going through a divorce) she was and is all encompassing when she is around. With gold lame kitten heels and bedazzled blouses in hand she can talk the paint off the walls and invade all semblance of person space. But, I love her regardless, just am always a bit happy when she flies away.

Here we are at our one night on the town sans sweet pea. The Improv -- there are few things I love as much as comedy shows, massages are one, and the others shall rename nameless.

2 - Work trip. Yada yada. But, another confidence building event for me leaving the little gal with her Daddy. They did just fine while Mom worked until all hours and stayed at the Doubletree in LA. Not fancy but good cookies.

3- Stomach Flu. I would post a pic of the excretions from all three of us, but that would not be in good taste. In better taste is a montage of the past few weeks...some good times were weaved in. ;)

Future musician at her toddler play class

With my sister and cousin doing girlie stuff like hair

With Daddy

With Mommy

A girl and her dog -- not to mention my two babies

The OC Fair

We try to hit the OC Fair every year. We got engaged there 5 years ago. My poor hubby did not think that when he planned an unlikely spot for a proposal (because I was expecting it and I knew he hates the Fair) I don't think he realized himself he was doomed for a reunion every year. But, he always makes it worthwhile with some beers and fair fare ...Gyros, BBQ Beef, Funnel Cake...all the things the Fair is good for.

This was Skylar's first year and although I do think she is a little too young to enjoy the Fair, she was great and had fun. I don't think she was aware of all of the mullets and tattooed muffin tops around her -- thank God for being only 19 months...

Here are some highlights...

This little dude had soem serious stalker tendencies. Skylar told hime she would consider if he would loose the Hawaiian shirt

One of the Greatest Days ever...

Well, today, July 23, 2008 is a day to remember for me as a mother. It was a great day in general. Skylar woke up happy and while I was changing her over night diaper touched her privates, said "Jay jay" (because I taught her Vajayjay for vagina, then said --"oops no touching" because that is what I saw when I am afraid she may grab a handful of poop. That girl doesn't miss a beat..

It was early when she woke so she and I snuggled in the AM and watched Zooboomafo in bed for a half hour. Then, I showed her the new BOB stroller that was delivered yesterday and put together last night. She was so excited and climbed right in so I could give her a twirl around the house. She didn't want to get out.

Our sitter Paola took her to the park in it and she told me that she S showed all of her little friends her new stroller and said "Mine!" I took her for a power walk/jog later after work and she was so happy and singing "Bob! Bob!" - I told her that was the stroller's name.

Before her bath she pee pee'd on the potty for the first time. M and I danced around and she was so pleased with herself. Then, when she was in the bath and she all of a sudden stood up and came towards me. I thought she wanted to get out. She smiled and hugged me -- all wet and bubbly. Then, she just said "I Wuv You." That was it...the greatest moment to date as a mother. An unprompted, spontaneous "i wuv you" from a wet and bubbly 19 month old with a big smile. She saw my happy tears and did it three more times. M came in to see the commotion and she told him as well (with a little prompting -- but still cute.)

I thought the potty would make my day, but nope -- that one falls by the wayside. My kid can have poopy pants until they are 19...as long as they say "I Wuv You" and give me a hug.

Just one of those days you wait for...and it is as good as they say...

Schmaltzo-rama

I hadn't cried this much since I saw Ernest Goes to Camp in 9th grade. SO maybe this is an oldie and others have seen it years ago, but it is new to me and I loved it. A true tale of friendship and animal love, of which I am a firm believer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGKWoJi5qM

Watch it, tear up, send it on...

Oh, and here is a cute pic of my gal to throw into the mix...another thing to give you warm fuzzies.

Papa returns to the Chapel

Well, my pops got married...again. This is his 4th marriage and I hope it is a keeper. As cynical as I sound, I do wish him happiness and he seems quite happy. You have to commend his optimism, right? Funny thing is, his parents were married over 50 years when my Grandpa (his father) died. My Dad is one of 4 boys. His younger brother was only married once and never re-married. Between the three others they have 13 ex-wives. Yep...they are averaging approx 4.5 wives each. Does that mean my Dad's next wife will be a midget? (OK, bad joke!)


Here are some pics of my sister and me (with the hubbies) at the wedding. (Haven't gotten the pics of the couple yet!) My sis had a baby 4 WEEKS EARLIER! She looks awesome.

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.

I am an Auntie and feel so proud...

She is beautiful, my sister was a trooper! I was worried about her because she tends to be so fearful but she took on the first step in motherhood like she was born to do it. I love them both so much!

Charlotte made her Grand Entrance today May 29, 2008 at 9:50 am weighing in at a healthy 7 lb. 4 oz. and 20' long. I love her already and can't love my sister any more than I already do.

Some pics... Will post more later....

She hates this pic but I think she looks beautiful!

Getting my hands on her!

Cutie patootie

The Countdown

Skylar and Molly beating the heat in OC

(no I will never say "the OC" -- lame)

My sister is having some pre-labor contractions and just found out she is 2 cm dilated and 65% effaced. She seems to have somewhat regular contractions at 2 hour intervals right now. But only time will really tell if they are regular.

I am so excited for her and to have another baby in the family. Skylar has been our focus for the past 17 months and it will be neat to shine the limelight on my sister and Charlotte. I can't wait to squeeze the new baby. I have a feeling (and am hoping) they get a mellow baby. The shock of having a baby is so tough I would hate to have my sis deal with the fussiness and anxiety I did. One case of PPD in the family is enough I say!

I definitely think I have some baby fever. And, I would love to be pg again -- although not drinking wine for 9 months seems almost impossible. Wow, I sound like an alchy.. maybe I am, in a way? But the night time it the right time for a glass of vino. Is that an old Miller commercial?

Speaking of alcoholics -- we are off to Vegas this weekend for some real debauchery. We are going with some very party-focused friends so I know it will be a sloppy affair. This will be my 3rd trip away from Skylar overnight. As she gets older it gets allot easier. She is just a happy friendly kid and does well with my family. She is also a great sleeper now. My Mom will be staying at our house so she will even be in her own crib which will make it even easier. Uh oh better hide the porn and paraphernalia with Mom in our bedroom. ;)

Speaking of bedroom, M and I are still getting along really well even without tons o' s-e-x (I get tired on the weeknights.) He was away last weekend but has seemed genuinely thrilled to be home with us and very affectionate (OK --still the butt grabbing kind but men are not subtle.) So, I will not ruin it with a baby discussion but am hoping we can broach the topic in a few months and I can arise victorious. Just one more baby -- one teeny tiny baby to give us 6+ months of hell and a lifetime of happiness. ;)