Baby girl...

 Sloane Bologna (Boppa's nickname for you),


Wow... where has the time gone?!
You are nearing 9 months old already!


I fall more in love with you more each day. From your smiling face in the morning... to your warm breaths as you sleep. My little Sloane.


I must admit that I was a tad fearful of having you... a little girl. I was raised around boys, and felt more at ease around boys... I knew that you would change me, as your sister has... for the better.


I hope to have the mother/daughter relationship where you look up to me as a guide, trust me like a dear friend, and laugh with me like a carefree child.
I wish us a beautiful relationship, but also a beautiful individuality. I don't want to change you, but assist you in blossoming into Sloane.


You are now eating avocados, bananas, all baby foods, and wafer crackers. You are currently still being breastfed and take formula when I'm away at work. I would say that your first word was Mama... but that's up for conjecture as it always seems to be unintentional (doo da MAMA sssss dooo)... but hey, we'll stick with that for now. :)


Papa likes to set you on the toilet at 10:30am every morning so you can "expel waste", and it is actually working... well, 50% of the time. The other 50% we still get you to the toilet, but just not as timely. You seem to love it, and I think you will be quick to pick that up.
You sure are a quick little learner! You are constantly pulling yourself up to tables, couches, and even a leg! You have dared to stand on your own (by 8 months!), but seem to not be in a rush toward walking freely.


Take your time little one... I have all the time in the world to watch you grow.


I am so blessed to have you in my life little one. Thank you for choosing me as your mother.
You are amazing.
I look forward to all that you have yet to show me as I have already learned so much from you.


Mucho Love,
xo-Mama

Turn, turn, turn.

Another year of life is looming in the coming week... I'll be turning the big 3-5.

This year (more than any other) I am taking the time to reflect. To really soak in my current position in life.

I am reflecting with questions like:
What do I give?
What do I take?
Who do I choose to surround myself with? Is this a beneficial relationship?
What I have I failed at, and in turn, learned?
What can I do to better my situation?
Do I pause enough?
What do I want? Where do I want to be?

This particular year I have taken on quite a bit more than any other. I've had a lot to tackle from my daughter's pregnancy and birth, my son's many ER visits, my step kids schedules, my teeth, my business, my home, and my extended family... the list goes on and on... and not minor issues at that.

Here I am, reflecting... I look with these unbiased eyes (well, as unbiased as I can be) and see... with clarity. I see that we are all lost... trying to figure this whole thing out.
Still...
Always...

The only thing that will separate you from me in this world is how we react, and what we take from our lessons and reflections (if we choose to pause and reflect). Their aren't any right or wrong answers, but maybe... more thoughtful and reflected upon ones... and, that's what I want for myself. To be honest, thorough, and genuine.

In the end, I hope that I am reacting the best way... the way that creates the least harm and the most love (for others as well as myself). The way that inspires and makes hearts beat with joy...
This is the kind of year I want for myself. That is the kind of year that, in reflection, I deserve.

For my Birthday in the coming week I will take all of your love and well wishes... roll them up in a big ball and smash it with a loud bear hug... for I am 35, and this is my year!

Like the song says, "To Everything There is a Season", and this will be my season of blooming joy! 

Turn, turn, turn - The Byrds

Mucho Love!

Chew on this...

I am a wife, mother, and step-mother. 

My children have an amazing father. All four of them. I see the word "equality" floating around a lot lately... mainly in regards to gay marriage. However, this is not the only area in which equality has yet to gain momentum... there is also the area of Fatherhood. I hope that someday our Government will see all Fathers as equals to Mothers. In my humble opinion, I believe that it is barbaric to assume one is better, or more needed than the other. All parents are needed... the more love the merrier!!!

I was reminded of this today, when I saw Jeremy at play with our young ones. I realized in this awareness that I am blessed. I see him for the amazing person and parent he is, and for all that he can teach, give and love. I am lucky enough to be enlightened... actually, it's quite simple... love. We must not ask anything of each other, but only give and allow others the same right. The equal right. 

After an scary incident that I was placed in this summer with my son... I am aware of how quickly it all can change, and how beautiful it all truly is. I am awake. I am grateful. 

Mucho Love!