Thirteen

Thirteen years ago today, I gave birth to my oldest daughter. She made me a mother. She taught me what it means to walk around with my heart outside my body, and what it means to love someone more fiercely than I ever thought possible.

There are no rules to this mothering gig. I’ve made them up as I go, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve learned that sometimes kids will break your heart, and you’ll break theirs. I’ve learned that being their friend isn’t the most important thing, but you have to have honest, open communication and trust. I’ve learned that it’s not just about what I want for her, it’s about what she wants for herself. I’ve learned that we both still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but that no matter what, we have plenty of love.



Happy birthday, darling daughter of mine.

Mother's day

Instead of flowers, the husband bought stick-on mustaches for the girls.  He knows me so well.

Belle didn’t get the memo, and got moles instead.  Cheater.

I think this one is my favorite.  I love how Thea’s ‘stache makes her angry face more… angry.

I hope all you mothers out there had a fabulous day filled with love and laughter and stick-on ‘staches. 

Jetsetters!

OMG.  This trip to NYC was much busier and hectic than the last trip.  I had meetings for 2 days, then went in to the office for another day, then the husband and I lugged the baby, all her crap, and a CAR SEAT on the subway and train to NJ to look at apartments.  Then we had one day of messing around and shopping before we came home.

The trip was really productive, although nightmarish at points.  There was an episode where we got on the subway with the baby, the diaper bag, the stroller, and the CAR SEAT.  We went the wrong direction.  We got off the subway and stood outside trying to get our bearings, while the husband headed over to a Starbucks to get me a coffee.  While he was gone, I got caught in a downpour. LIKE. THAT.

But, I’m glad we were able to get as much done as we did, and still squeeze in a little bit of fun.  We stayed at The James on Grand — truly a beautiful hotel.  The staff was amazing, especially the guys that worked the door — I think they became BFFs with Bryan. 

We met up one night for a group dinner with some of the fantastic people I get to work with everyday but rarely get a chance to see in person.  We had a pretty big meetup, and it was a total blast.  The food was delicious.  Really good times, and Thea actually slept through most of it.  So adorable, no?

Our trip to NJ was surprising — the area looked *nothing* like I had envisioned.  We drove around the Westfield and Summit areas, and settled on a place pretty quickly.  I’m hopeful that the rental process will be straightforward and we’ll get the place and it will be a piece of cake and the kids will love it and we’ll move in without a hassle and the kids will make a majillion friends and we’ll love it and…. you know.  All that stuff.

I’m getting excited about the move and living near and working in such an insane city.  Oh, the possibilities!  I want to get going on all the packing and yard-selling as soon as possible, so I hope we’re able to figure out this apartment thing but quick.  I’m antsy to get this show on the road — the sooner the better.

 

Charlie's birthday slideshow EXTRAVAGANZA!

I don’t know if it’s really an “extravaganza” per se, but whatever.  It makes the title So! Exciting!  I wanted to have this posted yesterday on her actual birthday, but Vimeo was being an asshat.  So it’s a day late, but you’ll forgive me when you see the cuteness inside.  I cannot believe she’s five.  Five!  She had her first birthday the year we moved out here, and that is just so bizarre to me.

Also? If it doesn’t make you tear up a little then you are a cold, heartless robot.  (Like me.)

A whole year

Thea is turning one in less than a week.  Can you believe it?  I know I can’t. It seems like I was just evicting her ass from my womb yesterday.

She’s super big now: walking all over the place, signing up a storm, and growing teeth left and right.  She is THE sweetest pumpkin-headed-baby in the world — and, seriously, so incredibly beautiful (I know all moms say that but no, she really is).  I usually have to fight through a crowd of doting sisters to plant a kiss on that child, that’s how loved she is.

Anyway, she’s amazing and smart and incredible and can tame unicorns, blah blah blah.  Check out this slideshow with images from her first year to see how much she’s changed.  Crazy!