This weekend was full of babies! Barry and I counted 11 people we know that have either had a baby or are having a baby from the time that Maggie was born to her next birthday! That is a whole lot of babies!

We had a mini A-Town reunion at HBHQ on Friday and Erin, Molly, Katrin and Lara came to play. I love my Anacortes friends because years can go by, and when we all get together its as if no time has passed by. I think Molly might be my ‘newest’ friend that came – and I became friends with her back in 7th grade. (If we really want to get technical, I met Molly well before my 7th grade year, who’s counting, right?)

Erin’s son, Gavin, is a few days younger than Thomas and it was so much fun to have the trio together to let them cry, drool and poop together. Once the campfire started, they all focused their attention to the flickering flames.

When I sat down tonight to look at my pictures it appeared that Thomas was  camera hog and stole the show, as Gavin and Maggie are not in nearly enough photos. Thomas was quite jolly that night, so it makes sense.

By the way, Barry busted out the burst mode on us while taking some pictures. You think I’d be less surprised about it, but, by the looks of my face, he got me again. It was so great to see old friends again and I hope that we’ll be able to make the stars align in the future and do it again, because although I’ve made new friends, I sure do like my old ones.

P.S. Krista, we really missed you, Will & Lance!

I love my cousin Chaya (a.k.a. Chach) very, very much. We’ve got a trillion inside jokes and we always seem to have a good time no matter where we are. She was there for me the time I got escorted out of the airport in Kansas City to dump my water bottle.  She was there for me when I won the golden ticket at Disneyland. She was there for me as a teacher to my students when I couldn’t be.  She was even there for me when I was huge and pregnant, making me burgers and fries.

But today.

Oh, today.

She was there for me to leave and go get a massage. I left my baby in her arms, happily asleep, and I went and had the most glorious massage. It meant more to me than all the pregnant burgers or empty water bottles.

Even though Maggie woke up and was somewhat of a grump, because that is what babies do when they notice their mama isn’t around apparently, Chach was steady and kept my baby from becoming a total Grump House.

Now I can add that Chach was “there for me the time that I really needed a massage and got one” to the list.

I might just move that one to the top.

Typically this time of year I find myself in my classroom getting things ready and rehashing my summer antics with coworkers. The other day I did find myself in my classroom, but it was to clear out my things and make way for the teacher taking over my room.

It felt strange, but at the same time I wasn’t as heartbroken or sad as I thought I might be. I know that I’ll dearly miss my students and the other staff members that I interface with, but being home with Maggie just feels so perfect right now. I am a stay at home mom. Weird.

Today I really felt things come together in terms of being at home. Laundry, bathing, running errands and a bunch of other mundane tasks were checked off my list without the weight of the world on my shoulders. Maggie was a doll and perfectly happy (okay, she was sleeping because I planned to leave the house around her naps) to help me bop around town.

We’ve developed somewhat of a routine that includes playing, reading, singing, napping, walking and other 4 month related activities. Instead of whirring around my classroom making sure my students are getting their needs met, I get to whir around home – or wherever we might find ourselves – making sure Maggie’s needs are met.

I’m so lucky.

Things You Need to Know:

1. I have started this blog post at least 6 times. My brain wants to write, but it is coming out blah,blah, blah style.
2. My child is a giant still. We went to her 4 month appt. today and she is still in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. Hooray!
3. My husband lets me cut his hair now. We’re snazzy like that. He’s a babe, in my opinion, so there.

Things You Probably Should Know:

1. Going places with a child is much easier when there are two able-handed people. We love Grammy Fidge for this one today!
2. The weather. We’re going camping and it is supposed to rain. Oh, joy!
3. I came home to a book waiting for me on our dining room table the other day. Barry is not only a babe, but also thoughtful. Score!

Things You Don’t Really Care About Knowing:

1. I apparently grind my teeth. Are mouth guards gross?
2. We don’t really watch TV, but LOVE our Netflix. I’m talking L-O-V-E.
3. Maggie outright stole a bone from Sydney and we got pictures of it. That little thief.
4. Hopefully I’ll be back tomorrow with a bit more substance.

Remember when we met all those years ago? We look like babies in this picture, maybe because we pretty much were.

For a long time it was just us two and we had some pretty amazing times and lots of laughs.

But then this Hooligan joined our party. We fell in love with her snorts and wrinkles.

And then we got hitched – to this day I love our wedding more than I ever imagined I would. It was awesome, mostly because I think we’re awesome.

Finally, we got another Hooligan. She doesn’t have as many wrinkles and she only sometimes snorts, but we love her just the same.

To the future!

Happy Anniversary, Barry!

We’re off to Ferndale to go to Barry’s cousin’s wedding, but I just had to share this picture of Maggie and her BFF Thomas.

Thomas came to visit because he likes riding in the car.

The same can’t be said for my daughter.

Oh, well.

Happy weekend!!

I have finally made my way back to the pool a few times this week and it feels like my body agrees with the routine of swimming laps again, although I’m much less buoyant than I was a few months ago.

I came home the other morning, after swimming, only to discover Barry with Maggie in his arms and Sydney requesting some lap time. They looked so much at ease. It was difficult to see how Barry was going to get up because both Syd and Maggie looked pretty comfortable.

When he finally did make his move away from the sleeping duo,  he commented that he’s just a glorified pillow these days. I can’t say that I feel much different.

Wouldn’t change it for the world, however.

Carter and Suz came over to my parent’s house while we were in Anacortes and my mom pulled out some of toys.

Carter spent some of of the time with Izak’s old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle motorcycle.

After a careful inspection, it was road-ready and Carter made sure he got some miles on the tires.

He takes motorcycle riding very seriously, as you can tell.