Birthday girl

Four years ago at 1:02 PM, Desmina Suzette entered into the world (not so gracefully). After over 30 hours of labour Desmina was born via C-section.

We often tease her that she was even stubborn coming out of the womb.
I was not able to share her first hours with her. But fortunately, Daddy was there with her.


Family came to visit too. They waited all night in the waiting room to meet their little girl.



Here is the birthday girl now.

I love swimming! If I had my way, I would have a swimming pool in my backyard. Texas is perfect weather for swimming almost year round. Alas, we didn't get a house with a pool as I hoped. And because of school, the public pools shut down the pools early. So swim season is just as short as it is in New Hampshire despite the fact that it is in the high 90s here.

It's moments like these that makes me love having two. At times they can be so sweet to each other. Today, Desmina got a plate for Bodhi and sat him in her new Dora chair. She wanted to make sure he had enough to eat. It was just so much I did not suppress an "Awwwwww."

What is a party without a pinata? Now I love these pinatas these days. Instead of blindfolding the kids and have them blindly try to whack a doll with a stick and hoping that someone does not lose a tooth (or family jewels) they have these strings that you pull. Each child takes a turn pulling a color. It worked out beautifully as Desmina happened to choose the winning one!

The carnage, or as Fred so maturely pointed out, "Look Curious George is pooping out candy." Kids didn't seem to mind.

How come we spend hours making such beautiful cakes only to get destroyed?


Just to hear this song and see that smile on her face. It never fails, every year, when they sing the song I still get tears in my eyes. My baby girl is getting older.




Cake Time!!! Num Num Num!



Bodhi taking advantage of the situation

Eventually he decided to double fist the soy ice cream.

Happy Birthday, baby girl!

Closing time

A little Tom Waits anyone?

I love this album!

Fred and I closed on our house today! *Happy Feet* Glad that process is over!
We also went shopping for Desmina's birthday present. Ms. Thang is turning four. Then we shopped for tomorrow's festivities. All this before their nap.

While they napped, Fred and I worked like beavers. We made tonight's dinner, FWEG (vegan egg salad) sandwiches, pasta salad, pinwheels and four cakes. We even were able to take a little break in between.

I can't breath a sigh of relief yet...one more cake to decorate, and tonight we are having a few friends over for some good food and maybe wine.

So what, the house is a mess. Laundry is piled up as tall as my oldest (Hey, she is short for her age). You can't see the dining table because of the party decorations. My daughter is going to have a kick-a$$ party!

Tug of war

Roscoe vs Rocco

Roscoe Pickle Juice for the southern accent and Rocco Jelly Beans for the Boston accent. So which is it?

Introducing

the newest member of our family



he came with the name Roscoe. But we may or may not change the name. It all depends on what ind of accent we choose...yes we make our dogs talk.

Musicbox

It's amazing how much music just transports you to different moments of life. Music has always been a big part of my life. My parents were part of the church choir so when we were younger they used to go over to people's houses for rehearsal. And even though my dad can't carry a tune, I still love to hear him sing. He is so happy.

Towards the end of my pregnancy with Bodhi, I could not sleep. Insomnia sucks. I had it too back in college. My remedy was to listen to Fiona Apple. Fiona is apparently my remedy to everything. Heartache, insomnia, labour...

Desmina is angry right now. Put on some Fiona.

I am now in my living room. I can't get any sleep. It's two AM. Contractions...baby is coming. I must get some sleep. Next thing I know, I wake up to rain on the tin roof. It's 5 am. The sound of rain, a new memory for me.

It's Alive!

Before popping it in the oven.

Mmmmmm....homemade pockets.

Take a bite!

Open letter to my son

Dear Bodhi,
I love kissing you and inhaling your baby scent. I love your sweet baby breath. So please stop eating the toothpaste. Speaking of toothpaste, it is not lotion either. Your skin is still baby soft.
The kitchen sink isn't a swimming pool. Neither is the bathroom sink or the washing machine.
The trash can? Yeah, not a step stool. I like to keep the trash inside the can, thank you very much.
I know the lawn mower just sits in the back yard. It does have a purpose, I promise you. But I reassure you it is not a circus ride.
Love,
Mommy

Take me to the ball game

buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks...

We took the kids to the Ranger's game last night.

You have to fight for your right

to potty!!!!

Can you believe that this handsome devil had something to do with this?

All partied out


If I had a choice, I would put him in a sweater vest with a little bow tie every day. He may be destructive, but at least he'll do it with style.

Manic depression

Can I have this dance

for the rest of my life?

Elephant

My daughter has quite the memory. Sometimes it's a good thing; other times it bites you in the ass. Yesterday was a sweet memory.

"Mommy, do you remember when Bodhi came out of your birth canal?" What I wanted to say was, "How can I forget a six pound bowling ball tumbling through?"

"I ate ketchup chips. And WATERMELON! And got it on the bed." I can't believe she remembers such a minute detail. It did transport me back. Funny, I can still taste the chips.

Dig in,

Birthday girl


dig in!

Happy Birthday Evelyn!

Love,
Uncle Boogie, Aunt Cinnie, Mimi and Bobo

Happy Birthday Evie!

My little niece will be one tomorrow! I can't believe that she is one already. Everyone give a shout out to my baby niece and wish her a Happy Birthday.

Rainy Day Fun

Summer rain. Only good thing about Texas summers. I love dancing in the rain just as much as I love running through the sprinklers.
We missed the rain this morning, but the sequel is just as fun. Puddles!

We decided to make boats. I made two kinds: a row boat and sail boat. Which one do you think will float better?



As soon as the rowboat hit the water, it pretty much sank.

The sail boat floated much better! Even when Desmina put the boat in sideways and getting it partially wet, the boat floated when turned rightside up.
The aftermath:

God is a female?

Human: Who are you?
God: I am the Allmighty, God himself.
Human: Don't you mean herself?
God: Don't you? Yes, that's what I mean, isn't it clear?

http://alicebot.org/igod/

Wordless Wednesday

except to say I love my new camera!