Be There for Family and Friends

Last week my sister, Bianca, texted me, asking if I wanted to go to her college graduation. This amazing lady finished her BS in 3.5 years (in December), and decided she wanted to attend the Spring ceremony. At first I texted back, "no," because Bronwen had assessments the following week, and the trip would require her to miss school on Monday. The more I thought about it though, my heart sank. I kept thinking to myself, if you can't count on your family to support and represent you, who can you count on? Suddenly I thought, "This is crazy -I'm not going to miss her graduation! Surely I can make arrangements." And, so I did (Bronwen's teacher postponed her testing to Tuesday).

As soon as I found out we could go, I called up Bianca and said, "Are you sure you can get more tickets?!" She was sooo happy, and I was so happy! The girls and I went, and even with three kids under the age of 6, we had a great time during the ceremony, and an even better time at the barbeque. Best of all, we didn't miss out!

The thing is, we are all busy, and can always come up with an excuse as to why we can't be at one function, either for family or friends, or the other. The sad part is that when we don't go, we miss out. We miss out on the fun and on the opportunity to really be there for the ones we love. This is especially sad when it's for brothers and sisters. I mean I look at my little girls who are the best of friends, and think it would break my heart if they weren't there for each other as adults. So, my challenge to everyone who reads this is to find every reason to try and be there for your friends and family instead of every excuse as to why you can't. Trust me, you'll be happy you did!

I love you Bianca, and thank you for inviting us (and thank you, Dad, for listening to the nonstop baby crying on the way back haha)!

Motherhood and Trying to Get My Body Back

I feel a little sheepish about admitting it, but I've really been into this season of the show Kendra. Yep, I'm talking about the former playboy bunny Kendra. For those of you who don't follow the show, it's been focusing on Kendra and her husband raising their beautiful baby boy born in December. What I love about the show is that it shows the reality for many of us normal women of what it's like trying to get back into shape and accepting the "new body" post baby. I love the fact that she gained 50 lbs during her pregnancy (I gained 45 -with 2-weeks left). I love the fact that she doesn't understand why the weight won't come off (as she's stuffing sweets in her mouth -like me- who ever saw a skinny cow producing good, quality milk anyway?). I love that it shows the frustration of trying to look like your old self, while trying to take care of baby. "Do I do a billion more sets of bicep curls, crunches, lunges, to look awesome, or do I leave the gym now so I have energy to play with the kids and hold my baby?"

Cate has definitely thrown me for a loop this time, and I will say that as I still have those stubborn last 10 lbs, it is hard to see my soft tummy and bigger sha-booty (as the girls say). But then I look at Cate and the girls and realize that I will have the rest of life to be a gym rat, but only a finite amount of time to cuddle my baby and nourish her. So, for all you moms out there who aren't quite where they want to be yet, give yourselves a pat on the back. Anyone can have a hot little bod, but not everyone can be so lucky to be a hot mama!

More Stuff I Made Today :-)

A Fun and Super Easy Cute Craft

A few weeks after Cate was born I bought a cute headband with a flower on it for about $10. I was in love with the look, but didn't want to fork out tons of money on hair stuff. So...I went to the Dollar Store today, bought 5 bundles of flowers (that were only $1) and five packs of headbands (2/pack), and started sewing! This project is so ridiculously easy, and the effect is super cute. I encourage all moms/aunties/grandmas/friends of little girls to try it! An FYI, be sure to take out the plastic backings on the flowers (just sew the flowers to hold the petals together), so it won't press on baby's head. Enjoy!

Dance Recital Weekend

Bronwen and Ava had their second dance recital yesterday and it was great! It's remarkable how much their dancing has improved in a year. I wish I had something more creative to write about it, but the day (or night should I say) was topped off with Ava vomitting and running a fever of 103.7. Being up with her for three hours, plus getting up to feed Cate at 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, then 5:30 (seriously?!) has me tired. Fortunately, Ava only has a slight temp now (and no more throwing up), I'm almost caught up with the stinky laundry, and Cate is sleeping. Ah the trials and tribulations of motherhood... :-)

Portland Trip/ Grandpa's Birthday

Once again can I say how wonderful it is to be a few hours away from my wonderful family? I got some great pictures of the family, went out to eat, took long walks to the park, and capped off the visit celebrating my dad's birthday. Fun times!

Conrad, Me and Cate

Cate is 11 weeks old, and it is amazing how quickly she is growing and changing! At night, she has started sleeping 6.5 hrs in a row, waking up only to eat, then goes back to bed. So far she is the best sleeper. :-) Conrad, the girls and I are just soaking her up. Some fun things:

-She loves icing (Bronwen was "feeding" her some off of her donut)
-She smiles the most when she first wakes up and when she's being changed
-She loves bath-time
-She needs to be in somebody's arms at all times -yikes, I know, but at least my arms are getting buff haha!

I am so proud of her and her awesome sisters. :-)