Something about weddings and Saturdays

I have twenty-three first cousins. My mom was one of five, and my dad was one of four. I always had plenty of playmates at family reunions, Christmases, and summers in Colorado.

My cousin Caleb is getting married tonight. I debated for a long time if I should take the kids and go. It would have been a seven+ hour drive and I would have had to deal with the logistical nightmare of figuring out childcare (and a place to stay) in an unfamiliar city. By myself.

And gas, it ain’t cheap.

But I really wanted to go.

The other wrench in my plans was the bridal shower of one of my very best friends, planned also for this morning, the day of Caleb’s wedding. What to do?

In the end, I decided to stay here and go to the shower. I’m a bridesmaid, Madeline is the flower girl. (But I am so sad to be missing the wedding and seeing far-off family.)

A funny, sort-of related story. My cousin Caleb, Suzanne (the bridal shower honoree), and I are all the same age. We graduated from Covenant the same year. In fact, I think the three of us even had a class together.

(In which I may or may not have fantasized about them ending up together. Alas, it was clearly not meant to be.)

Anyway, one of Caleb’s infamous memories was missing our graduation ceremony. Long story, not mine to tell. Did I ever mention Andy and I got married on the same day as my graduation?

Andy and I got married on the same day as my graduation.

Crazy, yes. It seemed a great idea at the time. (And, really, I am glad we pulled it off). Suzanne, bless her soul, let my wedding day overshadow her college graduation day. She was obliged to be involved, too, being my MOH.

Anyway, so Caleb & friends didn’t make it to graduation, but they darn well made it to my wedding. It seemed only fitting I make it to his – except for the fact that I couldn’t, and one of the reasons was that I was fulfilling my duties as bridesmaid to Suzanne.

A sort of triangle of life.

Albeit an odd one.

Here are a few fun shower pics I took:




Apparently, Madeline thought my shoes were picture-worthy (I found this later):


Playing wedding:


The Bride and Flower Girl:


Suzanne and our friend, Kristine:


And finally, some college friends:


A beautiful day.

And now it's Wednesday already

Yesterday, mid morning, I got a call from a friend’s hubby asking if I could help her celebrate her thirty-first birthday by going out to dinner with her that very night.

I told him I couldn’t promise anything, but that I would try. I called my sisters, angels that they are, and explained the situation and that it was totally up to them to decide if they wanted to help me out with the kids, yet again.

They did.

Since Tuesdays are Andy’s day off, I ran the errands on my list while the kids were napping, without having to hurry home for him to leave for work. I also just got a free $10 gift card to Ann Taylor for ten of my friends signing up to Shop It To Me (shout out to Jo-Lynne for sending it to me in the first place).

So I did a little turn around Ann Taylor. Hey, I had a good excuse. Leave me alone. (And I even found a cute something.)

I was really at the mall to pick up Madeline’s three-year-old portraits I had done of her a few weeks ago. (Never mind that it was three months past her birthday. She’s still three.)

They turned out pretty cute, so real-life friends and grandparents, be warned. Also, I’m taking Adelaide on Friday.

After I had fed the kids and wrangled them into their pajamas, my sisters came over and I got myself ready. Andy sings in the local “professional?” choir and they rehearse on Tuesday nights – which is why he wasn’t going to be home to keep the kids.

We had a really nice dinner. Nicky and her mom came, with baby Seb (wink to Nick), and then the birthday girl and two other friends.

And since I know you’re dying to know (work with me here), I wore the shirt I had found on sale at Ann Taylor that afternoon.

Shop It To Me may just be my new BFF.

Showering Babies

We live in a college town. My sisters (twins, nine years my junior) are back in the area for their sophomore year.

Hello, Free Babysitting. How very nice to meet you.

They came over last night to watch the kids so I could go to Nicky’s baby shower. Nevermind that I didn’t bring her a gift, I was just there for the coffee.

I mean decaffeinated Earl Grey tea.

And chocolate cake.

I think she got some great stuff, although I couldn’t see a thing during the gift-opening process, but she said she got a ton of diapers (which she asked for). It’s a good thing, too, because I already gave her all of Drew’s old clothes.

(4 huge Rubbermaid tubs' worth. How many clothes does one boy need?)

The shower was also for another friend (Hi, K!) who is having her first boy after two girls. So I’m sure she got some wee boy clothes, but again I couldn’t really see from where I sat. (But I was only there for the party, remember?)

When I got home I hung out with my sisters for a while and Carrissa told me she had asked Madeline when her birthday was.

“Twenty minutes.”

Yeah, baby girl, I sometimes wish that, too.

Baby Mama

Had an impromptu pajama party last night with two friends who are the kind of women you don’t mind seeing you in faded grungy clothes and a makeup-less face because, well, it sort of feels like they’ve known you forever and will like you despite your varying personal appearances.

We watched “Baby Mama,” had popcorn, and drank this raspberry-cream tea (decaf) one of them brought over for us to try. Yum.

I still can’t decide what I thought of the movie. It had some hilariously funny parts...but I’m wondering if it was hyped up to me so high that anything would have been a letdown. Although I will say it was quite interesting to watch it with a hugely pregnant friend.

(I mean a beautifully glowingly, um, horizontally (not)-challenged friend.)

(If you know her, you know she’s dying laughing right now.)

Did you see it? What did you think?

And, I’ve got to run for now because I have to get Drew ready for preschool and then a meeting at 10:30. More on that later.

Write a title, win a prize

I think my ‘dry-clean-only’ clothes are out to get me. (Which, as a mother of young children, are few and far between.) First, a dress I had just picked up from the cleaners was the one I was wearing when the wasp stung me. Some of the venom got into the fabric and every time it touched my skin, I felt like I was being stung again. Back to the cleaners it went. (So much for getting a few wears out of it first.)

Then today, I pulled another skirt out of the plastic to wear to church, only to have my kids bump my arm and send my communion cup flying, drenching both my skirt and Madeline’s sock.

(I’m just thankful it didn’t get Madeline’s dress or my cute, cream-based top. Those would have been infinitely worse than the skirt, which was black, even if it had just been cleaned. Again, a few uses would have been nice.)

Of all the Sundays we’ve had communion with kids (that would be four-and-a-half-years’ worth), this was the first time I’ve ever been spilled on. Which is pretty good, considering.

*****

We spent the afternoon with some friends we’ve known since college and are expecting their first baby. Oh, sweet innocence. I always get funny questions from our guy friend, such as “oh, you mean they don’t just potty-train themselves?” and “do they eat real-people food?” Today’s was: “isn’t there a rule or something that girls have to wait to get their ears pierced until they are sixteen?”

Oh, they shall be fun parents to watch. (They’ll be great, I have no doubt. I’m just glad I can be along for little bits of the ride.)

*****

You know those classic childhood stall-tactics for squeezing every possible second out of one’s bedtime routine, such as I need a drink of water, I need to go to the bathroom, and there are monsters in the closet? Drew’s become quite the master at bedtime stallage. I’m too scared to call his potty bluff and always let him take that last trip.

But it’s the end of the day, I’m tired as it is. And then when the excuses start to multiply, my patience runs low and my blood pressure high. Add in the fact that Andy is now working the evening shift and I get to do the whole jolly charade by myself, well, we have ourselves a recipe for disaster. And yelling. Lots of yelling.

I believe I have found a solution, however. Friday night I put the baby to bed (she’s easy, not having figured out how to climb out of her crib yet), and told Drew and Madeline to get in my bed for stories. (Usually I’m so exhausted I fly through a couple of books on the couch or floor, sneak in a skipped page or two here and there, and get them in bed as fast as I can before I collapse or my brain goes numb.)

We made it through several books rather leisurely, relaxing and letting them sort of ease into bedtime. Then I turned out the light. They like me to scratch their backs (or, as Drew says, “shrack his back”) and draw circles on their faces with the tip of my finger. We laid there together for a while, just breathing and calming down from the busyness of the day. (Andy’s better at doing this, but now it's completely up to me.)

A little while later, I placed each child in their beds, still awake (as usual), but peaceful and sleepy. Content. Still. And you know what? Not once did they get out of bed. Not even Drew, which is a minor miracle.

(Makes me think all those bedtime excuses really were just a ploy for water attention.)

Busy Day, Good Day

I have plenty of friends I probably could have left my kids with today but I threw caution to the wind and took them with me to brave the DMV and county courthouse. The baby had had her nap, and everyone was in a good mood. I brought books, juice, and snacks. I thought we'd be okay. And we were.

Also, I had washed and done my hair this morning and had my “face” on. So it was a good time for a driver’s license picture. (If there are such things.) *grin*

It’s a bit of a drive, the older kids fell asleep on the way out there and it was peaceful. There was no line since it was the middle of the day, and I got right in. The only iffy part was Drew and Madeline each “took” themselves potty in the public restroom while I was signing papers and writing my check.

I don’t even want to know. I made sure to douse them in antibacterial cleanser afterwards.

The courthouse was surprisingly just as easy and quick. The only iffy part there was the security guard would not allow me to push my stroller through the metal detectors. I had to leave it by the entrance. So the kids were obligated to walk and I hadn’t even bothered to grab Madeline’s shoes.

Again, no line, I walked right up. The kids ran around some while I paid and got my plate stickers. But this is the South, after all; most people are friendly and no one cared or even batted an eyelash at their antics. The older clerk who helped me even said “I know how it is! I raised two boys!”

So that was that. Checked off my to-do list. And good riddance.

I managed to snag a last-minute babysitter for tonight and we were able to go out to dinner with friends. (Andy’s old restaurant, of course.) I think this has been one of the most fun things about being back – impromptu little get-togethers with the near and dear.

[And speaking of that, this past Monday night I went with some of my girlfriends to see ‘Mama Mia.’ I don’t think I realized it was a musical...so I was a little surprised every time the actors would break out in song. But it was a fun movie and had gorgeous scenery. Greece, anyone?]

And, like I said to Sarah, it’s nice not to have to cut up anyone’s food or put anyone to bed.

At least for tonight.

Tired, thanks, and you?

So... Fourth of July...

I unpacked my china cabinet in the morning (not so much because I care about that particular piece of furniture, but because the boxes were taking up precious real estate all over the room) and then late afternoon we went over to a friend's place for a little birthday party combined with a 4th-of-July BBQ. Oh, and also a small Welcome Home Us was thrown in for good measure.

Dolly and Ethan came up for the festivities and ohmyword it's been way too long. They are some of our closest IRL people. And, of course, it seemed like we'd never been gone. Don't you just love friends that you can utterly be yourself around? I didn't even bother with make-up because, hello, swimming.

(Not that I even got that far into the water. Two words: ICE COLD.)

We scarfed down our veggie burgers and then later gathered around the drive to set off a collection of do-it-yourself fireworks (which are perfectly legal around here, bytheway). The kids even were allowed to "help," under careful adult supervision and they LOVED it.

I even heard Drew yell, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULY!!!" in his excitement.

I have no pictures to share because a) my camera batteries are dead and b) the aforementioned no make-up.

Today we had a little more time with E/D & kids , sandwiched by more unpacking. I managed to run several boxes and rubbermaids up to the attic this evening, so it's not quite as cluttered as it was. I even did a couple of loads of laundry and started the dishwasher (my reacquainted bff).

I, for one, am looking forward to resting tomorrow.

I blog my life here

and last night I drove up to Erin Liv's for Jeannette's (known to some as Diber) baby shower. An evening out, oh yes.

Drew asked me if I was going with him, Daddy and the girls to the playground and I said that no, I was going to a little party.

"Are you going dancing?"

Um. No.

I'm sure it was because the last time we used the word "party," to him it was for Robbie's wedding and there was a little dancing involved.

Jeannette and baby Marlowe:


Aren't babies yummy? (Except, I have to admit, I was glad I could hold and give back. I mean, I still have my own newborn.)


What's that? You want to see my gift? Well, okay, if you twist my arm:


Aren't they the cutest things ever? I LOVE the girl version of these (from Target, where else?). We've gone through six pairs of them in various sizes and colors with Adelaide. Actually, two of them are to grow into. They are some of my favorite baby shoes.

It was so fun to see some college friends (two housemates, even. Hi, Em!) and catch up a little before we head back down South. And there was decaf mocha punch. The only thing better than that would have been decaf mocha punch that doesn't stick to the hips.

On the way home I pulled an Andy, totally missed my exit, and took a 15 mile detour. It cost me a whole hour of extra driving.

Apparently I was a little absorbed in my music.

But there were no kids in the back. Can you blame me?

Congratulations!

To Benji and Christina on the birth of baby Margot!

Shameless [friend] promotion

I was first introduced to baby slings (specifically the pouch-style) when Madeline was about 15 months old. I was newly pregnant with Adelaide but hadn't told anyone, save Dolly, yet.

The first two I purchased were Hotslings. Loved 'em. I could keep Madeline on my hip, have my coffee in one hand, and the other hand clamped down tightly on Drew's wrist.

And if you know anything about a 2 1/2-year-old Drew, you know he liked to run.

Away from me.

At full speed.

Which is slightly problematic when one is standing behind a loaded cart in Wal-mart.

So anyway, I truly appreciated the hands-free benefit the sling provided.

When Adelaide was born, my love for them multiplied exponentially. Madeline followed in her brother's loving-to-run footsteps and usually would bolt in the opposite direction he had. So the hands-free thing was even more important with three small (two of which outrageously energetic) kids.

A newborn Adelaide would fall asleep immediately upon being placed in a sling. She was just so warm and cozy in there.

It's also how I currently shop; Drew and Madeline buckled in the double stroller, Adelaide in a sling on my hip. It's the only way I'll venture into Target alone with my kids.

A visual, if you will:


I like the pouch style best because it's custom fit to the mom's body; no adjusting, no extra fabric, no awkward rings, clips, or weird tying maneuvers. It's simple and straightforward, easy to pop on and is comfortable for everyone.  There are three ways to wear them that grow with your baby from newborn to toddler. Plus they are super cute!

And I'm always on the lookout for a cute accessory.

So, back when I received my first one in the mail, after looking at it closely, I just knew I could make them.  And since then I've made myself...well, a few.

Which is why I was so excited when WonderGirl decided to open up her shop and even asked me to help with the extra sewing.  This little post is simply a shout-out; you really should pop on over and see her Etsy store and drool over all the cuteness.

She has a wide selection of darling fabrics and also an option for customizing using a fabric of your own choice (that no one else has!).  I also should mention that hers are more cost-effective than Hotslings, for those of you frugal at heart.

So to go check it out, click here!  And for pete's sake, tell us what you think!  (Depending on the number of comments, I may even be able to weasel a giveaway out of her.  Not that I've asked her yet, but, you know, minor details.)

Unbelievable!

It just happened again.

Supposed to be the first!

Normally when there’s news of a new baby, the women are the first to know and they dutifully pass around the juicy little tidbit.  But this year?  Twice Andy’s been the first to know – twice! And they’re my friends, too! Unbelievable!

We were on the train into NYC for my cousin’s recital and Andy was chatting it up with Ethan and the next thing I heard is, “does Moriah know?”

Clearly not.

And then, just last weekend, Andy called while I was shopping at Aldi’s and practically shouted into the phone, “I KNOW SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW!”  And I could just picture him dancing around the living room.

Sure enough, I got home and he was still dancing.

I duly seized his cell phone, locked myself in the bathroom, and checked all of his recent call history.

Because I’m smart like that.

Unfortunately for me, it didn’t give me any new information because he had spoken with practically all of the husbands who were on my “maybe” list. His advice to me?  “You’d better start calling all of your friends and asking them for their secrets!”

I was not about to give him that satisfaction, no siree.

So, I busied myself with other things until finally my phone rang and “Nicky” registered on the caller ID.  “Hello.  Do you have something to tell me?!”

But, seriously, I can’t believe twice in a row Andy knew before me.  Twice!

A Night Out with Friends

Andy and I went out Friday night with some friends we knew before we moved here. They've moved around some, too, but are conveniently back in this area. We took the train into the city and ate some really good (and really authentic) Mexican food.

Pardon the slightly surprised-by-the-flash look. Ahem.


And I'm sure you were all very concerned to know that Andy still wears his pink shirt even though we no longer live in the South.

Here's one of E and A. For those of you that know 'em.


A is about 3 weeks from her due date so we were sneaking her sips of sangria - since it really was that good.

So good, the guys just just couldn't leave the rest of it sitting there.


And yes, we dared them.

And, I'm sure Andy will also really appreciate me posting this picture of him for all of Blogland to see, but you should have seen this fish when it started out on his plate. It was, um, very large and whole. I don't like fish. But I really don't like fish that are staring at me.


It didn't seem to bother Andy.

After dinner we took a cab to another part of town and had dessert and drinks at one of Andy's accounts. I ordered a funnel cake. Because I'm all about the fancy desserts, people.

It was the type of really fun evening that is a total blow to both the checkbook and any sort of diet.

And totally worth it.

Quite Frank-ly

This weekend, as in the one that just passed, we had our very first visit from a Chattanooga friend.

A FRIEND! THAT CAME TO SEE US!

And confirmed for us that our kids have more energy than charged electrons. Like I didn’t know that. Anyway.

Friday night Andy and Frank ate dinner in Atlantic City (at one of Andy’s restaurant accounts, obviously). I’m sure it felt just like old times, but not. I can’t comment on either the food or the conversation because I don’t have ESP.

Since the guys were gone, the kids and I spent the evening at Target, naturally. Saturday morning we ate pancakes and then went to see the aforementioned house. And then while I stayed with the kids during their nap (Mommy, the Babysitting Slave), Andy and Frank drove down to Longwood Gardens. They named it as their most extraordinary plant experience, ever. Which might be saying something.

[I confess, the whole prospect sounded a little dull to me at the time and I was quite happy to stay home and stare at Mr. TV. But probably if I had seen the website and what beauty is to behold there, I might have been a little jealous.]

Saturday evening we ordered pizza (because what else is there to eat on a Saturday night?) and the guys went to a movie so I could, yet again, be Mommy, the Babysitting Slave. But I really didn't mind. They went to see “Transformers.” And that’s when I asked Andy, ‘uh, how old are you?’

All in good fun, of course.

Yesterday, being Sunday, we went to church. And then came home. And then ate a lasagna that Mommy, the Kitchen Slave made. For more on that riveting meal, click here.

And then Frank was off. I told him next time, to please bring his wife.

There's a Shower I am Missing Tonight

Because I am up here.

And it is down there.

For two very special babies.

Waaa.

Maybe Papa John can make up for it. Mmm.

Southern Style, Part II

Look at this bee-utiful dress my friend D is making for her daughter:





Now there's real talent, people!