Bubby: The Bald and the Beautiful!

Remember that one time when I thought I had to go to the bathroom really bad? Yes, it was 8 months ago today that Clancy and Shell each grabbed a leg and the games began. They played the role as my ultimate and most trusted friends. Our little creepy scootching ninja is 8 months old today! Happy Birthday Bubby!

She is just about the cutest, smiliest little thing you would ever want to see! She is still quite long in length but now has some serious cheeks and chubby legs! She has one little tooth poking through on the bottom. She demands attention and is quite particular about who she will spend her time with and who may have the honorable pleasure of her attention.

She's stealthy and is already she is a girl with a plan! She rolls her way quickly (very literally) into the hearts of those around her and will throw her arms out when she wants you to take her. She is very much a girl who knows what she wants and will let you know when she is not happy with her fake little cry.

She does the infamous 'gorilla stomp' in her bed when she is awake. This is the act of her bringing both of her legs up and strategically dropping them both down as hard as she can thus pummeling her little mattress! It is loud and meant to summon anyone in ear shot!

She has the cheesiest grin and will accompany it with squinted closed eyes while she throws her round and peach fuzz filled head back. It makes for quite the show and yes, she busts it out at all the right moments!

She's all about her fruits and veggies...except for anything green. I can't be sure if she discriminates based on color or if she really realizes that those taste worse! Either way I can't blame the girl and am just thankful that she is off the pricey Nutramigen!

She's had her fair share of ear infections and pulls through like a champ. Mark has manned up big time by taking her to all of her doctor's appointments. I can't bear it and so he plays the role of brave comforter. Holding her while they stick her shots doesn't really work for me.

And I shall not forget that our little Adalie is a tongue clicker! She will click her tongue, wait for you to do it back and then she graciously takes her turn again. She loves being able to communicate and gets so excited! She will also do this with her fake cough, silly girl.

Besides rolling everywhere she can also scootch backward and spin on her tummy with her strong little arms. She still does her sit ups when on her back, which still makes us laugh! She insists on sitting up but never stays still for long. We've got a mover and a shaker on our hands and I can't wait to see what she does in this world!

On the B Side: We are so happy to have her in our lives! She is the perfect compliment to our little family and is loved by all! She glows when her siblings give her their undivided attention. She brings us all together and I can't imagine our lives without her. She is an amazing blessing and we love her so much! Happy Birthday Adalie Elizabeth!

Friday's Fab Five

Yes, it's that time again! Here's this week's highlights dedicated to the ones I love;

1. Adi can roll from her tummy to her back! Yeah, that's right. Cause' that's how my girl rolls...

2. Dayton has been keeping his hands to himself at school and has had 3 great days in a row! It's tough when you're 6. I love seeing that kid put his mind to something and work towards it!

3. Kayla started with her tutor and loves it! This is really going to help her and also help us help her. Nothing feels as satisfying as progress and accomplishment. She's on her way!

4. Ellie's super attentive, independent, secure and passionate side has been ignited by her ballet/tap class. I love to see that girl flourish! The smiles are endless and she just beams.

5. Mark is a kinder, gentler man. No idea what has caused the softening but I did love seeing his tears well up at Glenn Beck's presentation of the Christmas Sweater. Sigh.

On the B Side: A huge storm is blowing in again today. It's Friday with the weekend on it's way in as well. I'm home in my jams with the babe working away. We're snuggled up in warm blankets with German pancakes in the oven with Christmas around the corner. Survey says: Perfection! (spoken with a French accent!)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ELEVEN TWELVE

The title of this post is to be read to the tune of the Sesame Street song. You know the one. Read it again and sing along.

1 The number of children that Mark and I have together (go team Lee Lee!)

2 The number of years that Mark and I have been married (bless his patient heart!)

3 The number of younger sisters that Dayton has (aye carumba!)

4 The total number of kidlets in our family (each special, unique and so very loved!)

5 The number of domiciles we have lived in since #2 (we like to move it, move it!)

6 The number of smiles found in our home (on most days but not all days!)

7 The number of jobs that Mark has had since #2 (he's a persistent mo fo!)

8 The number of children's hands and feet in our home (busy, busy hands and feet!)

9 The total number of Grandparents in our children's lives (lots of lovin'!)

10 The age in weeks of our baby cakes (she completes us!)

11+ The number of times the word, 'Mom' is heard / spoken / uttered / whispered / yelled / cried / whimpered in our home (it's good to be needed!)

On the B Side: Life is all about the journey and ours is one wild ride! xxox

She's Got A Way About Her

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY

BETTY BEANS! AHHH! I can't believe my little girl is five today and I definitely can't imagine my life without her! Last night I got all choked up. We talked about how this was the last night she would ever be four and as we prepared for bed this song came on and it pretty much sums it all up! We laid together on the floor in the dark as I marveled at my precious little girl! She is an amazing little girl and darling as all get out! She is so full of fun and is way too grown up for her age! She has a personality the size of Texas and isn't afraid to tell people what she thinks! She is a girly girl to the core and loves to make people laugh. She is very selective about who she spends her time with and is way too smart for her own good! I love this little girl with all of my heart and can't wait for her to wake up this morning!!

On the B Side: Ellianne is an amazing blessing in my life! She is an original for sure and has a spark that just keeps on going. I LOVE HER SO MUCH! xxox

Friday's Fabulous Five

Fridays are officially dedicated to all things fabulous per one of my bff's! I've decided to dedicate today specifically to people in my life. While I will highlight a select few that is not to say that tere are not otherFive people in my life that are fantastic:

1 - My Father...he is alive, wonderful and amazing! He has had some close calls over the past year with his health and apparently the good Lord needs him here...and let it be known that I need him here. Each time I think I couldn't be more blessed to have him in my life he gives me even more reasons to be grateful and stand in admiration. He's a strong example of goodness and light. He's not perfect and he's no doctor but he does save lives! He's been my best friend forever and even though I don't always take your wise advice, I do always listen, Popsicle! I love you so much, Dad (and sometimes I even miss you sorry butt! xxox)

2 - My Momma-cita...predictable right? Wrong. We haven't always been this close. She moved her whole life across the country for me during my divorce. She's the last person I thought I would want near me (sorry, Mom!) but the very person that I needed the most! She picks Dayton up every morning and brings him home every afternoon. How helpful is this? We have 4 kids and both work full time. You find the empirical value of the square root of the hypotonuse to this equation!! She always helps when we move, when I'm pregnant or sick. She brings dinner and watches kids. She is a loving presence in our daily lives. I have no idea what I do do without her (and there are times when I don't know what to do with her!)

3 - Shellbait...the bff of a lifetime! I know, I know. Bff's everywhere. They come and go throughout different times and stages of our lives. This one I'm keeping. She is a staple in lives and is as family. Yes, my Sister of another Mister (except I'm not Mexican and neither of us pencil in our eye brows). Odd that she came into our lives as she did. Odd that she was the former girlfriend of my ex husband (yes, after we divorced) but she endeared herself to me with the genuine love she held for my children. So we've kept her for going on 3 years now and there is no sign of letting up...ever. She's strong, determined, full of life and energy and has a heart that more often than not extends far beyond herself. She'll always be my favorite porch monkey!`

4 - Adi...our tiny dancer! As the smallest and newest member to our family I feel compelled to share just how much we love this little lady. She is the most amazing blessing. True to Jerry McGuire style...she completes us. We are a full circle with her. She was the missing link and now this tiny little human comes and offers way more love than her small self seems capable of holding! She loves to stretch her arms and we always smile. She is always dancing her sweet little feet and we always smile. She watches the world around her and reminds all of us just how simple and wonderful life really is. She exudes love to everyone and everyone loves her. It's just that easy. How can you not express and feel love in such a Heavenly presence?

5 - BaFark...last but certainly not least. I do not profess to have a perfect marriage. In fact I can admit that there are times when we don't get along and I can tell you that some times we don't even like each other. If you are married and honest with yourself I am certain you could say the same. Marriage is a lot of work and you can't possibly understand how hard it us until you live it. If you thought a 1st marriage was hard I can tell you that a 2nd makes it look like a walk in the park! Ain't no easy, breezy, beautiful here! We work hard and that's what makes it even more satisfying. We're blending lives together and we remain committed. We're talking about mine, yours and ours. Emotions run high. Communication is more crucial than ever. Some times it feels like Mark and I are stumbling through it together and other times we feel in control, organized and almost flawless. Regardless of what day it is or what trial is upon us of this I am sure, I love my Marky Mark.

On the B Side: I love being surrounded by loved ones! I have friends and family that I love more than anything and that mean the world to me. I have people that love me unconditionally, people that I love unconditionally, people that rely on me and people that I rely upon. I am happy. I feel happy.

MAC is Back!

Oh yes. It's true. MAC is back! My amazing make up and myself are reunited and it feels so good! Lingy, I love you and I am sorry. I started back to the office on Monday and must confess that I worked myself up in vain. I sat in my chair first the first time in two months and thought about everything that has changed and it's sheer craziness. The best part? I LOVE IT!

Despite my complete and total sleep deprivation I feel energized. I feel alive and I feel happy. Things always work out and the fear of moving forward and stepping into that darkness is overwhelming. The uncertainty and the unknown can be all consuming. Once you are able to look back you know that you were safe all along and that hope was always shining brightly. THE PASSWORD IS COURAGE.

Adi is beautiful, amazing and loved by all! Mark's ex wife's Mother tends her. I know, weird right? BUT it works and it works well! So far, so good. She is smiling voluntarily and has the prettiest and petitest little features! She only cries when she is hungry and she doesn't mess around in that circumstance. She finally hit 9 lbs and is healthy...such a huge, huge blessing!

Dayton is a little 1st grade rock star! He reads like a mo fo and plays soccer like he was born to ball! Ah, that boy warms my heart and soon his ski season will be upon us. Snow Basin with Grandma Mikey is his gig and I am as excited for him as he is excited to ski! He's stuck with the CPAP despite the fact that he hates it. He is a smart little dude with a heart of gold. ROCK ON.

Ellie has started private all day Kindergarten. Her uniform eliminates MANY battles and she's as cute as ever! She is gearing up for her 5th birthday party at Sweet and Sassy and is all kinds of stoked! She's like a little mini teenager. She does hug and kiss DD every morning before my Mom picks him up and always waves goodbye as they drive off! Sooooo dang PRECIOUS! She's full of fire and has a personality the size of Texas!

McKayla is in Kindergarten with Beans. She has adjusted suburbly to her teacher and her new classmates! She is a great listener and is now with us every morning. It is so crazy good to see her daily and be a bigger part of her little life! This also allows her to see the baby more and keeps her feeling more connected with us. She's finished swimming and is back in Dance and Baton. She is such a good, good girl and always make sure everyone is okay, included and feel important and loved.

On the B Side: It feels good to feel so happy. My life is so far from perfect but is so incredibly blessed!!!

Don't Call it a Come Back cause' I've Been Here for Years

I feel like a crumpled up piece of paper weighted by cement. Weird, right?

On the B Side: While my lupus has brought me to my knees and had me by the throat (but really just curled up in the fetal position trying to be a Mom & not make my illness obvious). I have been so lucky to have the love and quiet support of so many. I am determined to push forward. Thank you for helping me to do so...

The Girl Effect

Over the weekend I was on the JoinRed site. (RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver (Chairman of DATA) to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world's most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT)RED branded products. A percentage of each (PRODUCT)RED product sold is given to The Global Fund. The money helps women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. Watch this short clip closely...

The Girl Effect is predicated upon the fact that adolescent girls are capable of raising the standard of living in the developing world. Girls are a likely agent of change but are often invisible to their societies and our media. Check out this fact sheet compiled by the org. I LOVE THIS!!!!
On the B Side: I am grateful for those that look outside of themselves and see the needs of others. I am even more grateful when their example is one of action and often times the personal sacrifice of time, energy and resources. While I am still unsure how I can personally make a difference in this cause you can be sure that I will continue to research up on it until I find a way!

Out of the Mouths of My Babes

I was explaining to the kids that tomorrow we are going to see Christian. Up until now we have really focused on Dayton and helping him work through some things. Ellie has been a little out of sorts lately so I told her that Christian was also going to be her friend and asked if that was okay. She didn't respond so I asked again and here's how it went down.

Ellie: Mom, I can handle myself.
Me: Ellie, What does that mean?
Ellie: Mom, I can handle myself to make good choices so back off.

I wasn't sure I heard her correctly and didn't know if I should laugh or cry. She wasn't mad but merely defiant and apparently understands way too much for her own good! She often reminds me that she is 4 AND A HALF.

Then while we were coming home from a doctor's appointment Dayton informed me that he really had to go to the bathroom. I was trying to change the subject to preoccupy him. We were stuck in traffic and were only a few minutes away. Here's what the exchange sounded like:

Me: Well Dayton, the good news is that you don't have chicken pox so you can still go to Ben's bowling party this weekend and skiing with Grandma Mikey.
Dayton: And the bad news is Mom that I gotta poop real bad!

Needless to say I burst into laughter and we made it home just in time!

Dayton also has made a habit of weighing himself daily and some times several times throughout the day. He's been at 44.5 lbs and has been anxious to hit 45 lbs. Today before his bath he weighed in at 46.5 lbs and commented the following;

Dayton: Mom, look I'm 46 point 5!
Me: Wow, that's awesome D! You must be doing a great job eating healthy.
Dayton: Nah, it's just my clothes and my shoes. I don't really weigh that much, Mom!

How foolish am I? Later after his bath he put his jammies on and hopped back on the scale and came in at 45 lbs even! You've never seen a 5 year old so excited! Now our little Beansie is another story. She hopped on the scale after tubby time and she came in at a whopping 35 lbs!

Bedtime for her has been a struggle and she has pulled some pretty funny one liners out of her sleeve. This was tonight's conversation.

Ellie: Mom, I just want to come snuggle with you for 5 minutes.
Me: No Ellie. It's time to go to bed.
Ellie: But Mom, if you let me come out there with you I will get you a nice chair.

Yeah, I have no idea what prompted her to think that I need or want a nice chair but I know her well enough to know that there was some serious logic in there somewhere!

On the B Side: I am grateful to be a parent, to be a Mother. I must admit that it is an extremely humbling experience at every moment and I wonder how on earth I am going to manage/parent tomorrow. Parenting is a responsibility that you grow into. You don't go into it knowing how to do it well regardless of what you think you know. When they are infants their needs are basic and fairly easy to attend to. As toddlers their needs become more apparent and beyond that I am still trying to figure it all out! If you didn't know what your weaknesses were before you sure do after you have kids. Bless their little hearts, I love them so much and that is the piece of this confounding equation that I never have to ponder because I just feel it so strongly and naturally deep inside.

18 Weeks and Counting!

Dear Baby Cakes, You are 18 weeks old tomorrow! Rest up little one as tomorrow is a big day for all of us! We have an appointment for your next ultra sound and we will finally know if you are a boy or a girl!

Word on the street has it that the pads on your finger tips and toes are now formed and your finger prints are developing nicely. You are roughly 5.5 inches and weigh 7.5 ounces. Your ears work well and I'm sure you hear all kinds of sounds these days. There is no way you can miss those silly siblings of yours because you can't miss that racket! They are so excited to meet you and often hug my belly.

You kick, swallow and sleep. You are definitely a mover and a shaker! I notice the most movement between 8 PM and 11:30 PM. I can't determine if it is because I am generally more still and things are more quiet during this time or if you are just a night owl!

Your heart now pumps between 25 and 30 quarts of blood per day. Keep up the good work and strengthen your precious heart! You'll need it to hold all of the love we have for you <3

On the B Side: I am so thankful for the opportunity our family has to experience this together. We love thinking about you, talking about you and trying to patiently wait for your birthday! You bring much excitement and anticipation to our little family so thank you for giving us yet another reason to come together. We sure do love you already!! xxox

Home Sweet Home

Life is always sweeter when my babies are home! Their Dad dropped them off this evening and I always love hearing about their time away. Ellie graciously helped me fold clothes while Dayton munched on some clementines.

We finished the Magic Tree House book #8 and they were excited. We always switch the names from Annie and Jack to Dayton and Ellie when we read and they love it! They both went to bed quietly and were out before 9. I sure do love my little ones!!!!

On the B Side: I am just thankful to have them home with us again! I'm glad that they're both healthy and happy and just feel so blessed to have these two little amazing spirits in my life!

Sharing the Love

While we are still settling in today was just another day of neglecting the things that really need to be done! Liz came over shortly after Noon and brought lunch (thanks Liz!) We chatted the afternoon away and it was nice to relax. The kids came home from their Dad's and Marky's been busy trying to get their beds back together! Micci made it back from Cali and we're headed into another new week!

Luckily Mark has some time off so he can relax and get some things done around the house. As for me today here's a small list of the things I accomplished;

-Ironed the curtains in the living room and our bed room (they were driving me nuts!)
-Washed, dried, folded and put away all of the laundry
-Took out 4 bags of trash
-Changed (and washed!) all of the bed linens
-Loaded and ran the dishwasher
-Ran Dayton's belt & Ellie's tap shoes to them at their Dad's (two trips, mind you!)
-Emptied two more big boxes
-Started (but did not finish!) filling the kids dressers with their clothes
-Finished putting away the last of the Christmas decor (way late on this one, I know!)
-Had quality talk time with my Wih! (WIH ROCKS!)
-Got to talk to my Dad and Mom

There were no naps but you can bet that will be to bed early! Maybe tomorrow I will find my dishes! I will admit that after the cat fiasco my car is finally stench free! I was also excited that the kids got to go to Church with their Dad today.

Rebecca, if you're reading this...Gecko's is out of the picture from now on! That Mexi meal kept me and baby up way too much last night! Hope you're feeling better after a long day of merciless shopping!

On the B Side: I am grateful for the many wonderful people in my life...even if I am one of the brain tumor wackos that Liz merely has compassion for! hee hee xoxo

I'm the DJ, You're the Rapper

This is a phrase frequently used in our home. I don't know what it means or where it even came from but the kids take turns pretending to be the DJ and the rapper respectively and anyone else who joins this convo is a groupie. Once in a while they will add a rocker in just for kicks and I can't be sure what really constitutes a rocker (or a DJ, or a rapper or a groupie!) but I rather enjoy it nonetheless. There is not a game of skill and really not much of a game at all but sure is a lot of fun. Just a simple phrase that turns into a random, meaningless discussion that eminates giggles and no real logic!

These are the moments that I cherish the most.

On the B Side: I am grateful to be a Mom!