Crazy May Days

Favorite Part of the Day.

2012-02-15T01:04:00.000-08:00

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In a bleary-eyed moment of my not-so-blogged about days of parenting, I sat a puddle of a person, waist deep in diapers and about three years short on sleep. I was nails broken, a hair-clogged drain, thyroid on sabbatical forms of crazy-head living. The clothed version of myself felt just about as vulnerable and exposed as the naked one. Uncomfortably squished in the darkness between the familiarity of "before" and the shifting balance of "now", I became sorely lost. One cannot muster the kind of light to see the forest through those trees.

So, you didn't make me try to.

Instead, we just sat there. Sometimes we talked but mostly, I cried. Through it all, you sat there beside me and didn't make me move until I felt ready. We sat there for such a long time.

Days no longer carried the expectation of greatness.Too much pressure for too little zest. We grew it small. Every night, in the quiet security of almost slumber, we each shared just one thing to take from that day. A favorite part of the day. What started as an apathetic task gradually made way for change. Through time, the soft light gracefully trickled in right where it was most needed.

For all the large ways you show your love, it was in tiny quiet talks I felt it the mightiest.

Just shy of 7 years of marriage and 15 years of life together, I now know that contentment waxes and wans. Some years, it just ain't there like the others. Sort of like El Nino and rain. While the date nights, love lunches and beautiful Valentine flowers are so special to me, it is in our "daily favorite" discussions that I always feel my smile the most.

Today was no exception.

This year, my Valentine "date" was not documented in pictures. Ironically, you weren't even there. Our love lunch came in the form of pint-sized tables, crepe paper decorations and bunches of grabby hands. But that wasn't even it, really. Rather, it came in just one moment. Rounding the corner of the doorway to that creeping-across-the-face shy smile of our oldest, now sitting a little taller on the circle mat because her Mommy was one of the few to be there to help at her holiday party. No brother. No baby sister. Daddy took his lunch to sit at home with a sleeping sister and brother was away at school. It was just her and me.

And I wasn't the bleary-eyed, uncomfortably squished, lost Mom from her tiny days. All because you loved me in that darkness the way I most needed you to.

You gifted me my favorite part of the day and so much more.

What a Valentine.

10 Months!

2012-02-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

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Yep. We're here. While Kelly and I aren't ready to accept the almost walker we have on our hands, Lucy is beyond thrilled.

Oh, that independence!

This morning, Lucy and I took some time to celebrate her big milestone at Mayfield Park. Just Lucy, me and the peacocks soaking up the sun and eating some Torchy's. If you choose to visit this park just make sure to do it in SPRING because they are mating and all their feathers are open! It is incredible... and LOUD.

Lucy loves her some Mayfield Park.

Lucy loves a bunch of things these days! Her personal favorites include dogs/cats, babies and shoes. She kisses them all. In fact, we are in the kiss everything we love stage and this mama ain't complaining one bit. Lucy now climbs to the very top of all the playscapes and we slide down together. Some days, I have to book it to get there before she does... this girl is FAST. She is still a sucker for the swing but now must be watched SO close. Last week, she kept trying to stand in the swing... and the target basket... and her baby jogger. She's a thrill-seeker.

Such a personality, Lucy can now say Mama, Dada, Bye bye, Hi, Baby, Puppy, Yaya (pacifier) and More. She also signs more and all done. It is so fun to be able to understand what she want a little more. If we ask her where Gabey is... she will go off to find him. Those stinky sibs love to hide until she can find them. It drives her crazy. Lucy has mastered this really obnoxious scream to let us know when she wants something that we aren't giving her. This month...we are going to work on breaking that scream.... and the love affair with outlets.

Lucy still LOVES to eat but man, it sure isn't showing in her body size. She has one rockin' metabolism... just like her sister. Aside from sticks, rocks and pea gravel, she has a fancy for eggs, yogurt, grilled cheese, meatballs, avocados and especially rice. Lucy still eats her food in sections... it is so crazy to watch! When we feed her yogurt, we have to give use three spoons. One for each of her hands and one for us to feed with.

Lucy, these months just seem to be flying by and we are starting to get excited with first birthday plans coming so soon. You are at such a fun age and we can't wait to see about your adventures in the month to come!

a hundred

2012-02-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

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In a day there are about a million different ways to calculate importance. See, it's right there--- a million. This number while seemingly insignificant to some for another it can represent a huge milestone marked by relentless perseverance and the successful journey into something new.

For us, it has been a hundred days of new.

What a fruit loop.

A dog-eared day on our calendar does little to represent the efforts and growth of the past 100 days. It is amazing really. The marked beginning to this whole exciting chapter of living that was punctuated with extremely early mornings, large opinions on wardrobe choices, 100 notes in the lunch box and shortened nap schedules to grab the girl at school. There was the quiet, the missing, the budding of a new sibling friendship and of course... all that living in between.

It's been a happy hundred for sure.

I have taken some time recently to step into my own little world and transpose a quiet willfulness on to my daily routines. The pull of committments had peaked for this May and in the respite of home, I finally found the calming energy to break barriers within a cluttered mind. Never too early for spring cleaning, right? I am amazed at the level of peaceful clarity that can be found in a space of quiet...

All that unplugged Julie time--- just a number really---

representing a refreshing lot of living.

Gearing up for an exciting month to come of birthday celebrations for one little man and his gaggle of snakes...

Never a dull moment here. I love this.

sick house

2012-01-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

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So today, I cleaned my entire house in preparation forplaygroup tomorrow only to have Gabriel throw up everywhere. Welcome back,Strep throat. We’ve missed you. At leastwith the open windows and residual smell of lemony pledge lingering about Icould almost trick my brain that this was not “sick house”.

About an hour before all of this, I kidnapped someone’s catthinking it was a lost cat I had seen on a neighborhood flier. It wasn’t. All that stealth like form... A for effort? You can bet your bunnies, I was gifted the ole, “What the frick, lady” look from the cat as I tossedit back into the wild. It went all judgey-face on me.

Like this.

Only less haunting.

Never mind that Kel had dug through the trash for the flierand I had called the lady on the phone only to crush her spirits. Oooog.

It was one of those days. A dove/coca cola day. A moment where you look up to see just how FAR away that Mother-of-the-yeartitle lives. Thank you, reality for keeping me in check. Don't want to go getting ahead of myself.

At least I have a fantastically clean house now and noreason to get out of jammies before 2pm. Believe me, I am not the ever optimist… it’s the Coca-Cola and chocolatetalking.

Thank goodness.

An old flame

2012-01-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

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It seems that more often than not, January is just all about the new. New year, new resolutions, new school routines, yada yada all wrapped up in fancy hues of new. I get it.

And why not? I mean, January can be a perfect little catalyst for change. Couldn't we all use a little spark of newness? This gal can- most days.

Unless...you happen to uncover that super-special-better-than-magic-completely-free-and-abundantly-available-everywhere goodness. It's rare but out there. And when you find that? Don't you dare touch it!

Our personal rare and magical goodness has come in the form of Austin Parks. Dallas Parks. Anywhere Parks. Quite frankly, Mays just reeeeealllly realllly heart parks. In fact, we will drive to different neighboring cities just to check out parks. It's weird and yet wonderful all at the same time.

Yes, the temperature tango of Texas weather is a bit annoying and the ever-growing mold/cedar count definitely comes with some congestion these days... but despite it all, we are owning it and dosing up on all the vitamin D we can. February is fiercely marked with unpredictable cold and she is juuuuuust around the corner, folks. We are seizing this park weather while it's here!

My park loving crew:

The super swinger

Austin daydreamer

and my static clinger gal

Embracing ducky days...

that feed a Gabe

And keep us in the sun.

It's our oh-so exciting...

all too enticing...

lovin'-a-turtle fun.

So as a NEW way to perhaps SHARE something that we LOVE to you... here is a small list of our top 10 around Austin favorite parks.*** (Lots of linkies!)

Enjoy!

1. Northwest Balcones Park aka "Gabe's birthday park": OUR favorite and best for riding bikes at.
2. Katherine Fleischer Park aka "house park": Our second favorite park!! Best for make believe
3. Robinson Playground aka "Dino Park": great for really littles/small groups
4. Central Market Playground: live music, dance party with your friends weekend fun
5. Nature and Science Center aka "Dino Dig": Our favorite place to be explorers
6. Mueller Lake Park aka "Mommy's Hospital Park": Wackiest park around and right by Dell CMC.
7. Creative Playground aka "Castle Park": best old school park around (Georgetown)
8: Springwoods Park aka "Fire Station Park": totally redone and incredible! Located right across the street from a fantastic fire station too.
9. Elizabeth Milburn Park aka "Spiderweb Park": redone! Best my dare-devil kid needs to climb park.
10. Zilker Park aka "Green train park": obviously this park is awesome... although, not the favorite as it is REALLY crowded and hard to keep an eye on your kid.

And because I couldn't stop at 10.

11. Mayfield Park aka "Peacock Park": No playscape, really quiet... but so cool you'd be a fool to miss this park.

*** reviews from Little Austinite.

Perhaps our old flame will lighten up your 2012 with a nice dose of new.

Proven Wrong

2012-01-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

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When you are a worrier by nature, life can sometimes be a big struggle to relinquish control. Makes for fun living conditions, no? It seems that as soon as one worry is eased another little one just pops right on up, like a daisy... only this flower doesn't smell so pretty. It would be understandable to think that my concerns with global warming, world peace and corruption within the education system were keeping me up at night. Scary stuff and totally worthy of worry. Believe me, I would RATHER be worrying about that, but unfortunately my internal hamster wheel is constantly sorting through all the important worries life. Like planning playgroups, kindergarten drama, promotions, crock pot fails, etc. I mean life just can't get much worse than a burned crock pot potato soup, right? It's a work in progress, peeps.

It seems every so often, life just throws me a moment of "See. I told you so. Lay off it lady and just chillax' a little. This ain't worth your worry." (That's how the I told you so voice in my head talks. Is it strange that it is a very opinionated Man's voice? Hmm.)

All that time I spent worrying about the 3 year age gap between Gabriel and Lucy, the sadness Gabey would feel with Molly at school all the time and Lucy constantly feeling left out from her siblings' close bond...

Man, it just feels so good to be proven wrong. I should just listen to my internal bossy-pants man voice more often.

9 Months!

2012-01-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

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Well, it's official. Our Little Miss has been out now as long as she was in.

In case you didn't know this... 9-months is SO much FUN!

9-months-old is Kelly's most favorite baby age. I have always been unsure though (I love all babies!!) but really, after Lucy... I have to agree. We are having a blast with this sweet girl.

For starters. She moves. All the time. Everywhere. And for someone so tiny, she is fast!

We are learning all sorts of little quirks about Lucy. For starters, she eats her food in sections. If we mix it all up she will pick out all the meats first, then the noodles, then the squash. She does this with all food and all meals. It is amazing to watch. She definitely does not adopt her brother's cram and shovel method for eating that he still fully endorses. Right now, Lucy's favorites include grilled cheese sandwiches (she eats the whole thing!), avocados, cuties and spaghetti. While organized in her eating style, she is still a total mess by the end of most meals!

We have also learned that Lucy has a preference for Adele. As soon as she hears music she starts "singing" but if you crank on some Adele, she will sing top volume.

Lucy is also becoming the master of all things sneaky. She will do almost anything for a smile... if you catch her in the act, then she will just start laughing.

Case in point.

Right now our little chatter box says: Hi, Bye, Mamama, Dadadada, Gab, and yaya (pacifier). She also signs more and all done appropriately. So much to say... especially when you have two LOUD siblings to keep up with.

Lucy, this month you celebrated your first Christmas in Dallas with family. We participated in all sorts of holiday fun around Austin and have learned that you are beyond intrigued with Christmas lights. You continue to have a HUGE love for outlets, dog food and pea gravel. You have stepped up the safety level in this house for sure. You can now scale playscapes which has made playgroups at the park that much more exciting for you. Swings continue to be a favorite. You can crawl, stand and cruise. This past week you stood by yourself in the middle of the room. We fear that walking will be here soon. What an exciting month for you!

9 Month Stats

weight: 15 lbs 4 oz. (5%)

height: 27 inches (30%)

head: 17.3 inches (50%)

Hard to believe that first birthday is right around the corner. Looking forward to another great month!

2011

2011-12-31T00:58:00.000-08:00

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Yesterday, I forgot to shave one leg, a lion peed on my friend's shoes, and I held the hand of a child in the middle of a fight for their life. In that order.

Geez, 2011- you sure have been unique.

Always a guessin' and boatloads of new...

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Thanks for the ride, 2011 can't wait to meet your spunky friend, 2012.

Pockets

2011-12-31T00:09:00.000-08:00

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I have come to realize that there are moments of kiddie-living in which the stars align juuuust right and you capture it all in a perfect collection of family pictures. Pockets of time, really.

Very deep, rarely found, too-busy-chasing-my-naked-kid-around-the-house pockets of time.

All this is yet another reminder that I am exactly where I want to be. Fuzzy pictures, waist deep in this chaotic muck of life with littles. Squishy-faced, far too loud, hiding my keys under their beds just to see Mommy's crazy face sorts of living. A family-filled holiday with very little pictures to show for it... out of pocket, running around, wrapped up in all that silly fun with family. Could it get any better?

Our sole attempt at a posed family picture

was immediately forgotten in a candid moment of sibling love.

Shoes off, I sat back and soaked up my holiday-living where babies rule all

and the littlest man really can get all the ladies.

Opportunities for surprise

and twinkly goodness

felt like a present all wrapped up in an extra dose of Christmas magic.

Amazing bed head,

very first handbag,

ride my bike through the house in jammies types of magic.

Somewhere between the travel,

the multi-tasking,

the special visits

and master plans

we were just swept up in Christmasy love.

An out-of-pocket holiday. You know, the good kind of special.

A Molly Meal

2011-12-24T01:36:00.000-08:00

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In the wee hours of morning on a quiet ED shift in the wake of holiday hoopla, I finally find time to process through the immensity of my morning with Molly. Hours later, I still feel the tugging at my heartstrings, ever so gently reminding me to hold close to my memory of today for the rest of my lifetime. As if I could ever forget.

An awareness to the needs around you is often the combination of a mindful spirit and a heart for service. For some, this just comes naturally while with others it takes a little added effort to grow.

Molly entered this world with a flair for the dramatics and a love for all things fancy.

While our world can be quick to label this as sassy, bratty or worse... what often gets overlooked is a quiet willfulness wrapped up in heart of kindness, awaiting opportunities to grow.

Cultivate that.

This is our role as parents. Celebrate the uniqueness of your child and provide them with opportunities to grow ever so greatly into this vast world around them. Show them what it is to live by teaching them what it is give of their talents. To love. To lead.

Empower them.

"A Molly Meal" was the result of a hair full of suds and a mouthful of apple. For all the things that may take effort, talking about her plans is not one of them. Somewhere between chewing and scrubbing were discussions on the importance of cleanliness, nourishment and rest. With these discussions came the acute awareness that some people are severely lacking in these most basic needs.

Talk about planting a seed of service.

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Today marked my heart. It was a morning spent discussing big thoughts of her world all the while looping the bridges of Austin delivering food for the homeless. My fancy gal... and her beautiful heart. Presents smechents. This morning, was my most favorite gift.

"Intense love does not measure, it just gives."

Mother Theresa

Sibling giving

2011-12-23T23:11:00.000-08:00

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Our kids have no concept of money and quite honestly, I sort of love this... for now. So far we haven't had to introduce allowances or anything as some sort of incentive to help around the house. Hand them a broom or deem one of them tablewasher and good luck trying to get them to stop. If only I could hone it to a more functional clean. Oh, the possibilities.

Now, sharing and giving? Yes, this is something that they can wrap their brains around. I would love to sit here and let you believe that my children are the best at sharing and giving in the world but then that really wouldn't do much to explain why our Elf on the Shelf refused to return back to Casi di Maggio one night this week. It was THAT bad. Sharing is a consistent work in progress.

As a parent, this has become one of my favorite challenges. Taking a small dose of autonomy, their giant imaginations and mixing it up in a moment of premeditated kindness and voila. I mean really, how can the end result not be straight out of a hallmark card?

Now that our children are getting older, we have started a tradition where every Christmas each one of them takes their own piggy bank to the store to buy something for the other. This definitely could be tweaked to just creating something too. While our kids have no concept of money they do like to collect it to feed their piggies. Diminishing their piggie food supply for the sake of their brother/sister is a great opportunity to practice the art of giving.

Who knew that one little shopping trip would open the door on such great ideas about giving?

And of course, we had no fun at all.

The key is that everything is child directed and EVERYTHING is fair game.

The sneaking off to wrap-it extravaganza was a blast. We had one minor SNAFU when Lucy ate Molly's decor. Made way for a nice little added discussion on patience. They are both so excited for the other to open their gift. Gabe so much that he keeps trying to whisper to Molly what it is.

Sibling giving. Best $2.17 life lesson, yet.

Morning at the McKenna

2011-12-23T22:45:00.000-08:00

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You would think that if I were to go somewhere and think, "Wow. This is awesome" that I would remember it for later, right? Nope. At least this is the case time and time again when it comes to the McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels. I have really come to attribute my glorious dip in IQ to one sweet Gabey. He was made with some really quality brain cells. I miss them.

Nevertheless, our morning at the McKenna arrived and I am confident it was just as fun as the last times... had I remembered them. We will definitely be making a trip back there for a rainy, cold day in January. For selfish reasons, I saved this for Christmas break because I loved doing this with Molly there too. Throw in a date with Aunt Balissa and my godson, Jude, and it just can't get much better.

Even if Jude was quickly becoming one sad little sicky.

Such a fun morning to explore.

So fun, that perhaps I'll remember it next time!

37th Street

2011-12-23T22:09:00.000-08:00

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"Let me take you to... funkytown..." or for those Austinites---37th street.

If you have never taken a stroll down 37th street at Christmas time than you should definitely note--- there is a little hidden treasure you have been missing out on.

Located right at Guadalupe & 37th this little strip makes for a great alternative for your typical holiday decor. Squelch the urge to drop F-bombs while parking and just know that it when it is all over you can treat yourself to some Amy's on the walk back to your car. See... focus on the finish and while you're at it...

Enjoy the ride.

It's funky.

It's friendly.

It's all very Austin.

It can make for a great holiday stroll---even in the rain. Up and running the rest of the holiday!

Trail of Lights---Buda

2011-12-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

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The Annual Zilker Trail of Lights is a downright favorite in this lady's heart. And you know what? They went and just took it away for the past two years. Budget-Smudget. Yes, we still have the fandango tree for quality spinning underneath but really? I miss my almost mile long of funky twinkly goodness.

Alas. Buda.

Sweet, little,quiet, possibly-owned-by-Cabella's, Buda really stepped it up and stole my heart for one perfect evening this week. As it so happens, Buda, has one awesome "Trail of Lights". For free. No, you read that right--- totally free. Ka-chow.

This whole event was very much dinner and a show for my little Mays as that Hays ISD school bus ride was just about the coolest thing ever.

Lu was diggin' this carseat free way of travel and we most definitely rocked out to at least 3 Gabey led rounds of "Wheels on the bus".

No waits for bus rides and over a mile of twinkly happiness? Road-trip success.

You know, walking in the dark along a lit up path with a sky full of stars felt alllllmost like camping.

With Snowmen.

The plentiful photo ops

and great visit with Santa that ensued were just icing on the cake.

The trail is no longer running for the holiday but be sure to look for it next year. Such a great family date night in Buda!

*Hint.... Going on a Sunday evening was virtually crowd-less. Something to remember for next year.

Let it Snow!

2011-12-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

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This morning the proclamation of plans to play in the snow was excitedly met with a load of squealing and shouts of, "It's CHRISTMAS... there's SNOW."

Oh, Texas weather. You have completely confused my children by snowing each Christmas that they can remember. Disappointment will come in time.

But not today.

Nope. Today was all about capturing that Holiday Magic Twinkle.

In a snow-filled morning of fun!

And the play in the cold until you just can't anymore... is a wintry morning well spent.

Let it snow! Let is snow! Let it snow!

Twinkly love

2011-12-14T00:27:00.000-08:00

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I am about ankle deep here in Christmas-y goodness and there is just no turning back. And while my shopping list is severely lacking in completion, our cards have yet to arrive from Shutterfly and I can't stop eating all the sweets on hand... for this overflowing cup of Yuletide cheer... I welcome it all.

It's the twinkly goodness sorts of holiday love.

It's everywhere. Drive to the grocery store at night? Sure... no problem, I got this. But please note, I will additionally be driving two blocks over to look at the illumino fantastico while rocking out to Boys II Men Christmas. Alone.

It happened.

Twice.

And it was wonderful.

The added opportunities to re-fall in love with the cuteness of my little people? On stage? In costume? Come on. That's about the best thing ever.

So great that despite the fact that I did not record a bit of it on camera, nor manage to take a single picture during the performance, annnnnnnd Lucy may have yakked all down Grandpa Miller's fancy jacket just as Mary arrived at the manager. (Note. Helicopter baby + full tummy = RISK with the very limited chance of reward.) Despite ALL of that... I never stopped smiling.

Because it was MY sheep that managed to NOT go all rogue on the Baby Jesus in his "barn" and MY angel that actually made eye contact with us and I really believe allllmost smiled. That little lip curl was righhhht there. So my smile celebrated this HUGE milestone... all the while cleaning the baby vom off Gpa with my spit and the Hootie Hider. Now tell me that's not Twinkly Christmas magical.

The best part? We still have a bunch of holiday left. Two more performances, two holiday parties, THE TWINKLE LIGHT DATE (more to come on that), a visit with Santa, one big twirl under the Zilker tree and of course... a rockin' holiday in Dallas. Oooooo. If I had bells on my shoes they would so be jingling right now.

Instead we'll settle for Pajama dance parties to Christmas music...with our very own Cindy Lou Who.

Mays heart Christmas.

8 Months!

2011-12-05T20:27:00.001-08:00

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Holy cannoli it happened again. Another month sped right off taking my 7 month old with it. Hello, eight months... at least you're fun and packed full of cute.

November is busy for just about everyone on the planet and for Lucy, it was no exception.

What a month. After traveling to Dallas (you ole' pro) you celebrated your first Turkey day with all your cousins. The week of your icky "first cold" that followed at least resulted in some good snuggles. Rare for you... and sort of felt at times like a present. Those middle of the night booger sucking sessions most definitely did not though. Lucy, this month you had a real taste of Texas weather. Little chill, immediately followed by a couple days in the high 90s and then a plummet to a frosty 40 degrees several hours later. Why settle for one season when you can enjoy three of them in 24 hours. And hey, you do look awfully cute in all your weather going apparel....

You also had a taste of something else... table food! We have officially welcomed the arrival of self feeding. I can now eat dinner with two hands. Rosie and I are both so excited about this milestone for various reasons... none of them really about Lucy. Hooray autonomy none-the-less.

Our belly crawler almost immediately transformed into super speed crawler. Just as we almost adjust, she went and changed it again.

STANDING. CRUISING.

Oh, Barbies. Closer, closer and closer still.

Tonight after we finished decorating the tree, Kelly mentioned how fun the holidays have become now that our kids really get in to it. I couldn't agree more.

Lucy, gets "in to it" though in a WHOLE different way.

And then usually, she eats it.

Which occasionally backfires for her.

Everyday, she is learning. And exploring. And making us laugh all day long.

Our Lucy. We just love her so...

What an exciting month of holiday hoopla to come! Month 8 is sure to be great!

Cake

2011-12-04T22:03:00.001-08:00

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Tonight was music heavy and breathing easy. Add to the mixsome full voice crowd singing, a perfect photobomb, two encores and you are lookingat a perfect Julie sort of night.

Andyou know what? Somewhere between bucket seats and safety belts, I remembered.After all the years that have passed since I first sat wedged next to an awkward15 yr. old boy, one shared ear bud of musical goodness and a tummy full ofbutterflies… the feeling of awkwardness and awe, all came rushing back. Andthat 15 yr. old boy rocking out next to me was now the 30 year old version ofhis former self… soaking it up as much as me. We were so in it.

For so long we have missed out on this band… good reasons ofcourse… like our wedding night. Or our first daughter’s birth… or NYE whilevery pregnant. No amount of cold rainyweather was stopping us this time. Hubs and I… we like to dance in the rain…especiallyto some great music.

When the sitter sent the text about a Gabey that keptsneaking out of his room to visit post bedtime? I allowed myself to laughinstead of worry. Because I was that kid… the one that hid behind the Christmastree from a sitter. And Kel, well… apparently he played dead. And at the heart of it, we pay our sitterswell… and leave them lots of candy. They were fine.

Tonight. More thanever. I am thankful to live in this music capital. Awesome sounds just pumpthrough every crevice of the city awakening this whole space with music. EVERYWHERE YOU TURN. Want to win my heart? Fill it with some music and its yours.

15 years later.

SO worth the wait.

Small thanks.

2011-11-22T21:15:00.001-08:00

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Lucy is taking some time today to ponder this concept of thankfulness. We had some great baby talk discussions about it today. This year in particular... she has so many new things that she (and we!!!) are thankful for. There are some BIG new loves in her little life! From grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends... it's there. Wrapping around her sweet little self every day...around us all... bunches of mighty love. Our hearts are brimming over with heaping piles of thankfulness for this amazing love.

Funny thing about amazing love. When it you have it... you are able to settle enough to notice things that often get lost in the blur of living. Certain small favorites that make up our every day May living. Little specials that spontaneously arrive to bring us a great smile. Or a belly laugh. Or a sense of accomplishment and for some reason... often too easily forgotten.

So today. We give thanks for the small favorites too. Because, they're pretty special.

Pea gravel and Mum-mum sorts of special.

Not falling off your bike full speed ahead special...

Climbing up up up to the clouds special.

Everyday. It's there...perhaps something completely new and awaiting discovery. This year, with all our great love helping us keep perspective... we see the small seemingly insignificant with such joy...

And we give THANKS!!!!

Excited to start the holidays! Safe travels!!!

Learning

2011-11-18T20:31:00.001-08:00

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In recent weeks it feels as if we have crossed over into something completely new. While I am not quite certain when this shift began to occur, I am welcoming it... for all we know--- it was creeping into our lives for quite sometime. I just needed to slow my roll and look around.

Last week, I was driving in my beloved rental car (never a good thing when the rental is soooo much nicer than your current vehicle...I had to break up just three days in...sigh.) and I glanced back in the mirror just in time to catch Molly say a joke to Gabey, which caused him to snort, moving Lucy in to full on belly laughing. We all felt it. My littles have one fierce connection.

For all the moments of chaos and cranky-faced parenting... this was NOT one of them. This was a moment to be enjoyed and tucked away amongst a not so wonderful one. So, I did.

The past few weeks have been about taking some time to breathe.

I have been here, wrapped up in the everyday of now... tending to a sicky, establishing a new working routine and reclaiming adventures of this awesome city with one really forgotten friend.

I have been out, learning to BUNDLE and explore in the cold...

which has made the days when we don't get out of pajamas that much more wonderful.

Living in balance. I'm learning.

It feels pretty wonderful.

My Birthday Buddy

2011-11-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

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Molly's home sick today with scarlet fever, so celebrations of a second birthday were much more muted than typical May fanfare.

But I guess with this pup... every day longer with her has been a celebration of its own. Our Rosie George. She's our something special, for sure.

We have decided that days chasing after Milo and exorbitant attempts at eating his cat food/poop have led to the acquisition of some very key cat qualities.

Like nine lives.

Caught her yesterday illegally on the couch! See... she thinks she is a cat.

As of her 2nd birthday, Rosie used up about 8 lives all on September 30, 2011 when she was hit by a car.

I won't go into too much detail about it because it was horribly sad, and we had some really hard discussions on the financial limit of care we could reasonably provide. Oh, to be a millionaire. If this blog is about moments to remember forever, I am okay letting this memory fade. It was just a bad mix of an open garage door, a dangling carrot and a really bad habit. And while it still upsets me that Kelly had to witness it all from 10 feet away... had he not been there, I know it my heart we would not be celebrating our birthday babe today.

For a pup that most likely wouldn't make it through the night, she sure is a rambunctious, happy, healthy, birthday beast now. We are so grateful. For some awesome docs and a great deal of Rosie love that was sent our way. It made all the difference.

Happy Birthday, Rosie George! You are such a light in our lives.

The Beast

2011-11-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

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Wrath wriggled in like a snake in the night. Belly to the ground, crreeeeping up the way. Under a blanket of silence, it emerged from the shadows, hungry for destruction.

A mansion in peril.

Unanswered cries for help seeped out in to the quiet of the evening, tainting the darkness with dread.

The youngest, uncertain of her soon-to-be fate, maintained a watchful eye.

Three floors down, they were greeted by the sound of a chair hitting the wall. The kitchen table, in pieces.

Closer, closer and closer still. This day, never to be forgotten and their world... forever changed.

The beast had arrived.

7 Months!

2011-11-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

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Is it just me or are these Lucy updates coming a little too quickly? Me no likey. But alas, my little bit is 7-months-old today. I'm in DENIAL.

She sure is a cute 7-monther, no?

Lots of new happening this month. For starters. Can I please take a moment to let you know just how hard it is to get a decent picture of Lu now. She has places to be, people. Just this monthly photo round alone, she crawled off, pulled up to knees and out right lunged at me off the bed. It is in moments like these where a non-fancy camera comes in handy. Throw down camera and catch leaping kiddo. Never a good sign when the object in your view screen suddenly zooooooms itself WAY in.

Our busy body.

Lucy is now sporting 2 fully grown chompers and two more just in on each side. NONE on the top. She swims upstream in development.

Do not let this picture fool you. She is of NO help with laundry. In fact... she likes to hurdle nicely stacked piles of folded laundry. I would tell you this bothers me but in all honesty... I am not the one that folds the laundry around here. I'm the washer/dryer of clothing. Baby contained = happy Mommy.

She always finds a way out.

With all this amazing FALL WEATHER, our routines now include outside almost all day. So this...

seems to happen a lot more. Shopping is now so much better too. Only problem is when she eats my list.

There are all sorts of fun things that happen when you are a full time sitter now. Like, bubble baths with big sister and/or brother. Not going to lie... piling all three together is the BEST thing EVER.

I have so many separate catch-up posts in the works like... the state fair, our birthday bash, Dallas visit and of course... Lucy's baptism. Her outfit is 89 years old in case you were wondering. Hand stitched by her great great grandmother and wore by her great grandma, Nonnie, Mommy, aunts/uncles, cousins and siblings. She was the 12th person to wear it. So special.

WHAT a fantastic month!

Just take a couple blinks and I am sure that we will be at month 8. Eek.

Think Pink!

2011-11-02T00:04:00.000-07:00

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I would love to say I don't know anybody battling against breast cancer. I mean, how incredible would that be.

This would mean one of two things.

1. There have been so many advances in research that preventative care catches precancerous cells WAAAAY early.

or

2. Julie May has no friends.

Can I take door number 1, please?!

Unfortunately for today, I know too many in this fight. Because right now, breast cancer is everywhere. Yet with research, we are one step closer towards the cure.

In just 3 little days, some AMAZING women I happen to know and love will partake in the Dallas Susan G. Komen 3-Day Race for the Cure. No easy task at all. What an incredible way to give of your time, finances and energy in support of such an important cause. I am so jealous that I can't be there walking right with them.

But, I guess in so many ways we are all walking.

As sisters, daughters, mommies, wives, aunts, cousins, grandmothers and friends, we stand by in support of a cure to a disease that has touched the lives of so many that we love.

And let's not forget the brothers, sons, daddies, uncles, grandpas and hubbies walking right along that journey too.

We're fighting the good fight for sure.

Tiffany, Lauren and Lauren--- we couldn't be more proud of you! Loving and cheering you all the way from Austin...

Mays THINK PINK!

(and has a slight problem remembering his OWN shoes. At least sister always has extras in the car!)

*Seeing how as next year I will no longer be nursing a 6-month-old, I would LOVE to participate in this! Let me know if anyone would love to join in and we'll get a group together!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

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Five Little PUMPKINS ~~(standing on the driveway...)~~ sitting by a gate...

The First One Said...

It sure is getting late...

Sugar crashing...

The second one said...

There are witches in the air...

The third one said...

BUT we don't care...

The fourth (mommy) one said...

Let's run (and jump!) and run and run...

The fifth (daddy) one said...

I'm ready for some fun!!!

"bobbing for donuts" returns

so does the cheater.

Ooooh oooooh went the wind and OUT went the light....

And the five little pumpkins rollled out of sight.

Happy Halloween!!!!

Entering candy coma in 3..2... no wait... already there.

Preview

2011-10-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

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Whoa, buddy. I am just coming off what I am sure is the best weekend I have had in a really really really long time. Did I say really? 'Cause I meant it. Pretty amazing considering last weekend was quite wonderful too. I haven't even had a chance to blog about it. I am digging this awesome weekend trend and really hope it is here to stay. I mean I haven't even been on facebook in two whole days. Whhhaaa...

Oh, this post is going to be such a little tease. Sorry, for that friends... but when you have a glass of wine, visit with the hubby and a vat of LOVE DIP waiting for you (seriously, my most favorite and if you weren't lazy like me you could even make it at home!!)... blogs get jilted.

What a week of change this is going to be! Starting a new job, the blog's all amovin' to a new domain (get ready to change those blogrolls!) annnnnnnd we get a holiday on a Monday. Fist pump. Ha. I'm lame.

Oh, I sooooo can't wait to catch you up on our past two weekends of fun with some big specials of mine...

Our Rapunzel

Crazy Pascal

And of course, our little golden flower (believe me, the costume is worth the wait! Come back tomorrow night!)

I know. Such a tease.

I'll leave you with perhaps the best little chuckle I had this evening all by my lonesome. I love stumbling upon a great candid moment. And this one, still makes me smile.

I mean, I couldn't have found a better representation for our phase of living if I tried.

Attractive grown men in silly costumes, beers in hands, manly man talkin' Rugby/Sales/Baseball kinda stuff all the while gathered around an empty pack n' play.

Catch you on the flip! Have a spppppooookkky start to your day, friends.

Our inbetween

2011-10-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

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Agitated from the concoction of baseball fury, kiddie transport and grown-up job balancing, my week was hungry and wild. Yet, as the hands gently approached closer to the sacred cusp of weekend, the beast was sated and the cool October air glided us all into the welcoming boundaries of home. And just like that, breathing was a little bit easier.

You see, my Mays like to move.

And while they do rock some sweet moves of our on-the-go lifestyle

there are some secrets to be found inbetween, wrapped up in the quieter moments of home.

Our clubhouse of sorts, optional truffle shuffle, is the safehaven for our moments that stand in the shadows of a full week's schedule. The too often overlooked quiet. There's some real magic in this inbetween.

In a 7 series drive of the CRAZIEST World Series, on a holiday filled weekend, during the first chill of fall... we put it all aside and reached for the inbetween with open arms... all the while, giving thanks to the beauty of DVR. Because sometimes, we just need to turn it all off and give way to what really matters.

Like "washmallow roasting"

and snoopy sorts of laughter...

and a far-past-your-bedtime snuggle on the couch.

It is in the inbetween where our kids will come to know the comfort of uninterrupted attention from their parents. A clubhouse marked by tents in the living room and jammies all day. This place where our real conversations are equally balanced with a good deal of silly ones. And if we're lucky... a place our not-too-far-away teen children will continue to seek out time with their not-so-cool parents.

The inbetween is a secret kind of magic... and if planted and nourished juuuuust right, will only continue to grow.

Linking up for what's important to me this fall here:

Guinea baby

2011-10-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

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Test post from my iPhone. I haven't attempted this in about a year and a half and that long ago attempt didn't go so well. But the kids are kickin it with Annie and her hard knock life and Kelly secretly working and attempting to avoid a wifey judgy face (man's a work addict), I gots to pass the time on ole 135 north somehow.

So far the higlight of the trip was passing my dad on the southbound lanes. We were waving and wooing on the phone like crazyheads while Papa John and Mama Sue had arms all a flying' out the open windows on the highway. High comedy. And the kids? Totally unphased. They were sucked into miss hannagans big moment and missed it. Oh, pig droppings. At least we had a blast.

Want to know whatelse was a blast?

Submitting lucy to research. Oh, the life of a third child. She's just so smart, how could we not share her sweet self for the sake of science?

Lucy totally rocked the EEG leads. It just might be her best look yet.

Big weekend for our little guinea baby. Stay tuned.

A light

2011-10-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

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Kids are funny. Truly, spontaneously, couldn't-do-it-if-I-tried-my-hardest kinds of funny. .. and sometimes it just gets me good when I am least expecting it. I love this.

Hormones coming off the building of a Lucy just haven't been the greatest. I don't know why it has been so different than with the others but it has... I'm not really going to implore much into it either. I don't need to. Just going to chalk this in to the my-body-caught-up-to-thirty-and-you've-had-three-children-fairly-close-together file of living and move on. A break from a glass half-full happy hour is never really too awful a thing. Allowing myself to just "be" whatever the day brings has actually been a healthy addition to my every living. Besides, I look quite good in blue. The added transparency of daily woes? Why, there is some rare beauty there, especially to those entrusted to share in it.

I have been extra attentive though to not let struggles of my day influence the moods my littles. They deserve to stand in the sunshine for as long as they want. I won't lie, this has proven really hard at times. Especially, when my cloudy mood is smooshed all PB&J style to a moment of full-on kid autonomy. The result is often sticky mess but the clean up is always there. At some point or other. I have a little rule I try to follow. Mommy hard days = at least 3 extra "I love you's" per child + one group belly laugh. Even if its forced because if you force a belly laugh long enough it actually turns into a real one. You should try it.

So when that least expecting kind of funny creeps across my face, I treasure that smile a little bit more.

Molly thinks her school's official name is "Summitt Eagles" because every morning starts over the PA with, "Good Morning Summitt Eagles..." It's pretty darn cute. The fact that this led to Gabriel renaming his school "Tiger Robin" so it would have an animal in it too is even better. Every day, at least at one point he references "Tiger Robin" because he is so proud of the new name. And quite frankly... so am I.

I stifle that giggle a little bit less

Molly telling everyone at the playground that her name is really Molly May Porshay is silly. When I ask her about it and she drops Daddy's name to give her some credibility is even better.

and let some lulu laughter...

just lighten my mood.

So thankful for my crack-ups.

Zippy.

2011-10-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

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Holy, Smokes! It's a zip jacket day. Whhaaaa??

Sitting here camped by the computer with a sleeping dog warming my toesies, I am battling with torturous efforts to stave off a nap. A handful of chocolate doves and the amazingness of open windows will just have to hold me over as Gabey is out of school in about 20 minutes. I know, my life is hard.

Today is the fall I had been waiting for. I have been pretending and celebrating that it was already here but let's get real... we were still rocking shorts and tanks most days. But today. Why, I had soup and wore long sleeves. I subbed out all the kids summer clothes and bought a pumpkin while out with Lu.

Lord knows we haven't bought ANY pumpkins, yet.

heehee. Go Rangers!

Ok. So we have a million. But, really... what's one more pumpkin?

While Molly's skeptical, I feel confident in my purchase.

Here's to a chicken pot pie, afternoon in the breeze sort of day. Man, is it needed. I have so much to catch up on the ole' bloggity blog. More to come soon.

Marked

2011-10-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

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On a quiet moment of nothing during some ordinary October day it happened. For all our anticipation, it arrived without banjos, parades or fireworks. Typical, really. And yet now, there is absolutely NO way we are giving it up.

Hear that summer? We loved you and your pink lemonade skies, outdoor musical programming and plethora of poolside fun. Unfortunately--- you had this really UGLY inferno jacket that just wrapped around us all of for 90 loooooooooong days. So, it is with a smile that we rush into the colorful leaves, hot chocolate promising, footballs in the air feeling of Fall.

We've been marked.

Looking back, there was a gradual appearance. My albums shifted. Poolside pictures were gradually replaced with other outside activities. Taken in the hottest part of the day. Not sweating. Strange.

We had new activities and a whole house worth of decorating fun.

And the daily drive, windows down as my son reminds me each morning, "To feel the fall on our face"? Um... who needs fireworks?

Quite frankly, you gave us something much better.

You've marked us, Fall-- for sure.

P.S. you're pretty stinkin' fun. So how bouts' you stay and play a while?

Half a year.

2011-10-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

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This morning started out all "Happy happy to you. Happy happy to you..." for one special little 6-month- old!

Let me tell you. This gal wasn't the least bit excited about her special day.

All the added attention and half birthday song singing just for her... Well. She ATE.IT.UP.

Speaking of eating. Can you guess the biggest milestone of this past month?

Mmm. hmmm. Our little lady is a eating machine. She will eat ANYTHING you put in front of her. Right now avocado, oatmeal, squash and pears rank highest on the list.

This sudden arrival of refreshing fall weather has made for some fantastic patio eating. What's not to love about dinner under an umbrella?

And Missy Independent and her full time sitting. Oh, that is sooooo 5 months.

Lucy, this month you are showing us so much more of your sassy little personality. Your feet still continue to take residence at almost all times in your mouth. You have the crawling backwards down but now you are up on all fours, rocking and making some sllllloooooowww progression forward. Take your time, it's a lot time coordinate. Now that the weather is cooler, we hit up parks almost daily and man are you a sucker for that swing! I keep worrying you are going to throw up from swinging so much but you haven't. Yet. You are sleeping pretty good through the night but you have now decided 4am is the best time to try and sneak a feeding in. Stinker!

Lucy this month you traveled to Dallas, celebrated both Mommy and Daddy's birthdays, visited the fire station, had several of your OWN baby playdates and partied late at neighborhood night out.

Height: 25.5 in. (50%)

Weight: 15.15 lb (40%)

Head: 42.5 (75%)

Happy half-a-year, Lucy!

Big.

2011-10-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

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Today has been a struggle to balance out the intensity of the weekend. Some days are just off like that. It continues to press down on us a little but not for my lack of efforts. Our day is an ambiance of open windows, lemonade candles and fresh laundry. I don't know what it is about a can of pledge--- but how can all that lemony goodness not lighten your heart a little? It's gradually taking affect. And that... well, that feels pretty big.

Let's talk a minute about this concept of big, shall we?

Because this guy has some pretty unique perspectives on big.

Lunch under an umbrella table is a must when the weather is a sunny coolness and your mood feels a bit cloudy. It can open a window to your soul. Gabriel and I had some mighty fine discussions regarding our favorite musical artists throughout our Pandora infused, umbrella dining. At one point we were discussing the previous band known as Owen. Age appropriate, no? Gabe had some thoughts on this.

1. Is Owen a boy or a girl? to which I responded a boy--- but for awhile it was a couple of boys.

2. Is Owen a little boy or a BIG boy? He was really excited to hear he was big. So of course he followed with...

3. So, Owen's a daddy then. I really didn't know. Looooongggg pause for Gabe. Distracted by a bird for a couple minutes... and then....

Being big is really special. When you are big --- you can turn on every light by yourself. No stools. When it's dark, you reach up and make the light come on.

Such a simple concept yet exactly what my sleepy-eyed, weary heart needed to hear.

Lunching with littles on some big ideas. Who needs pledge.

My decade

2011-09-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

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Barefoot in my music filled kitchen, sangria in hand and chicken on the stove, while laughing with my favorite Floridan on the phone is how I spent the final 29 minutes of my 29th year. Looking back, there is nothing else I would have rather been doing. A chaotic life of old faces and new adventures. Throw in some silly kids, a couple of animals and a cute boy from high school and it's just about dead on. My decade.

6 moves, 4 job changes, 10,000 + diapers, 5.5 years of sleep deprivation, 3 vehicles, 3.5 years of college, one marriage and three babies later. Oh, 19-year-old Julie. You had no clue the ride you were in for. While this decade did highlight some critical points ( like that I am not meant to be blond), there were far more treasures revealed. For all the heartaches, tummy bugs, dirty diapers, teenisy-budgets, job changes, packing, disagreements, toddler meltdowns and sleepless nights... I'd take it all again for the end result.

For a decade of adventurous...

Messy...

Comical living.

Where our hours logged in the bathroom...

would in no way overshadow the ones that took our breath away.

Between the boxes...

and great escapes...

we celebrated.

And we grew...

all the while surrounded in some great company

of familiar faces...

and some important new ones...

Oh, what a decade of living.

39-year-old Julie, I can't wait to share in your secrets.

The Letter F

2011-09-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

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So, I had a really fun Friday post in the works. Don't you just love when life changes it up on you? I promise... we started out great.

It has been all about letters at the May house recently. While I embrace learning on all levels, playing the letter game every hour of every day gets a bit old. All day, over and over I hear:" Truck starts with T... " yep, your right. Every letter. Several times over. By the end of the day I joined in with "What does Please Be Quiet start with?" Ha... At least I had a giggle.

Today was all about the letter F.

F is for Friday! We love Fridays because it means we are just several hours away from weekend fun or as the kids think of it as time with the fun parent named Daddy. Lucy loves weekends.

Ok. You caught me. She has no concept of weekends. She's just too stinkin' cute to leave out.

F is also for Firetruck. Today our awesome Mom's group spent playgroup at the fanciest of fire stations. Gabriel went in full fireman attire and had so much fun. I love this group and this was such a great day to be outside. Man, those firemen sure did well handling about 15 kids under the age of 4... FANTASTIC even.

And the afternoon? Yep, there were letters there too. As the bell for end of school rang and literally EVERY student and parent filled the great hall, Gabriel turned to me with a funny expression and "frowed up" all over the floor. Lucy in a moment of sibling camaraderie timed a perfect diaper explosion that shot straight up her back after 3 days of holding it in (hello, life on solids!)

Mmm hmm. You guessed it. Eff.

I think everyone will remember me and my germy kid for a loooooong time to come. Talk about leavin your mark on the school. Thanks to the school nurse, we are sporting yet another elementary school shirt. We do have quite the collection going. Go eagles, sorry for the vom.

Wow. Kids are FUN.

Happy Handwashing-- enjoy your weekend!

Escape to Dallas

2011-09-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

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We escaped last week to Dallas for the first time since the 4th of July. We try to get to Dallas once a month but with Molly's birthday and the start of kindergarten we opted out of August traveling. Looking back, we totally had the right idea. This time around, we still missed a bunch of people but it is all the more reason to visit again soon. Hopefully next time we come to Dallas... we can be sporting long sleeves. Sigh.

Who knew that all it took for it to rain in Austin was for us to leave? And by rain, I mean a few little showers here and there but we will take it. Cancelled night at the Plano balloon festival? Totally worth it for a night of rain. We just made up for it with some good ole' DQ, snuggling and Mexican Train. And Aladdin, at Lucy's request.

My sister and brother-in-law cooked us birthday dinner on Saturday night. No rain, slight breeze... it was fantastic. I know a certain pack of kiddos that picked up right where they left off.

In between rain spurts we also had a chance to catch up with our Millers and breakfast at one of my favorites--- Garden Cafe, with some favorites. This place continually changes each time we visit. I mean that garden? AMAZING. If you haven't been then you really need to check it out. I mean what's not to love about a table of cuties and fantastic food? (Thanks for the pictures, Heather!)

One of our main reasons to come to Dallas was to finally have some family pictures with Lucy in them. Not going to lie-- listening to pouring rain Friday evening, I was feeling a bit defeated. We have waiting for these pictures for so long. And yet, Saturday morning the rain held out. Gabey might have had a tantrum the entire photo session, true reflection of home indeed. We'll take what we can get. Miss Emily has some mean editing skills. Can't wait to share the pics soon!

We might have bunches of laundry to catch up on and school mornings definitely started this week in a pout... but for a fun weekend, we'll take it.

Dallas, we'll play again soon.

Kelly's 30th.

2011-09-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

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There's something to be said about celebrating. And around here... birthdays are kind of a big deal. Today was no exception for one very well loved, Mr. May.

Funny though, because no amount of wishing....

could even come close to replacing what we already have.

Loving someone through three decades of their life is a pretty amazing feeling. Here's to many more.

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

10.

2011-09-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

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10 years.

Can you believe that? That's a Molly plus a whole other one. It is difficult to go back to the memory of that day and then see the whereabouts of my life now. In some ways, too much has changed for it to only be 10 years. In others, those feelings still feel so close to the surface.

I was in my sophomore year at The University of Texas at Austin and I had overslept for my 9 o'clock class. My roommate was notorious for sleeping through her 8am alarm for piano class (truly on a daily basis) and consequently, I stopped setting my alarm. Her relentless beeping on the other side of the wall was enough to wake me without fail. This morning, was probably the third morning of the semester that she had made it to piano on time. Ironic, because once on campus, she would arrive to a cancelled class. But, we didn't know that yet.

I awoke in a panic. Disoriented from time and yearning for breakfast. Food would have to wait. I raced across my apartment complex just in time to catch the Wickersham Bus to campus. It was 8:42. I remember feeling annoyed that it was standing room only. Seems missed alarm clocks were the themes of the morning for others as well. This of course meant that I was standing squished next to Mr. No Deodorant and Senorita Sneezy-face. It was my version of a morning gone wrong. 3 minutes later the radio broadcast was interrupted and through the crackly speakers of an overcrowded bus I heard some mention of a plane and a tower. That was all I could make out. No iPhone. No Facebook. Just an old stinky bus and the Daily Texan to entertain me on the way to class. I resumed project plug-your-nose and zone out.

Stepping foot off the bus in front of Jester was a much different site. Imagine stepping on an ant hill because to this day, that really seems like the only way to describe that moment. Lots of students, teachers all bustling about. Some crying, some sitting... but everyone was quiet. Awkward, anxiety inducing levels of quiet for that many people in one space. My stomach felt unsettled and I had no idea why. I started walking across campus towards class when I ran smack into my roommate. The largest university in the world and I turn the corner to collide right into my roommate at one of the busiest parts of campus. If that's not divine intervention, I don't know what is. We sat down right there on the side of the fountain and I asked her what was happening. You know you are loved by someone when you can ask a stupid question and feel nothing but kindness behind their eyes. The gravity of her words knocked the wind out of me. My ignorant, egocentric self felt blindsided by the magnitude of a hatred so great. Between feelings of sadness and fear I was met with this overwhelming desire to flee. Gather all of my people and just hold on to each other in some place safe. The problem with a moment like that though is that nowhere really felt safe.

The bus ride home was the opposite. It was standing room only and yet, we all sat down. Right there on the floor. I was trying to reach my brother, a freshman on campus, while a couple people around me were praying. I arrived at my empty apartment to a note from another roommate. She had gone home to her family. So I did the most natural and comforting thing I knew to do. I called my mom and cried.

In the days and weeks to come I would cry a bunch more. I remember a picture with Diane Sawyer with 17 babies that year born to broken families of 9/11. Let me tell you that I have thought about and prayed for each of those babies at distinct points through all my three pregnancies. The heartbreaking stories live in all of us. As a nation, we remember and grieve that loss.

Today was about the small things. The safe things. Breakfast with friends. Religious education classes for the kiddos and an afternoon spent at the splash park with my little family. A day chock-full of together time.

10 years ago a cloud of sorrow arose from the ashes of fallen rubble. Today, we stand together and we remember. In a balance of hating the enemy or loving each other a little bit more, I am thankful, that in all this time...

I chose love.

Balance

2011-09-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

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Today was definitely not a good day to fall asleep with your house phones on silent. And the cell phone? Yep, that was on vibrate too. Good thing I have some amazing and persistent neighbors that know me so well that the figured they better call again... you know, in case Lu and I were daytime napping without the ringers on. And the lack of judgement on my ill gotten availability? Yep, it's the good love indeed.

Waking up to a cell message of, "Our neighborhood's on fire" does not leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling. Let's suffice to say I kicked on the mighty wheels---even if my contacts were suctioned to my eyeballs. No amount of ragweed was stopping me. I had a house to ~~pack~~. Wait-let me rephrase that. More like shove EVERYTHING in your car as quick as possible. Cat food on your floorboard? No biggie. It would get eaten by either Milo or Gabe. Thank goodness it was laundry day because those piled high hampers sure helped to speed up the process. This is probably the only time that I will be able to say a messy house helped something. I am continuing to find dirty socks in random places. The lamenting of my by-the-door crated cat just fueled me more. We were some Mays on the move!

Today was Plan A.

The best methods were not utilized, logic and reasoning never quite awoke from naptime and my cat has spent the evening pouting under our bed. Yet, because of some awesome firefighters that are working over time to keep us safe and an amazing network of neighbors that sent mass neighborhood emails faster than twitter, we may not need a Plan B. Sounds good to me. And thanks to today, I now know where my social security card is too.

Our Tuesday wasn't all crazy. In fact, it was even a little special. This morning Gabriel embarked on yet another year at his incredible preschool. He is in the "dino room" this year and couldn't be more excited! We celebrated this by roaring the entire way to school--- a whole 3 streets away.

It is amazing the difference a year can make. Look who even carried in all his stuff!

And little lu? We celebrated the morning with a Mommy and Lucy breakfast date at Mayfield Park. Pumpkin cream cheese is back at Einsteins... get excited. This morning was the fall weather I had been longing for. Long sleeves, baby legs, a great magazine and a peacock to keep us company.

Great morning to get us through an exhausting afternoon. If that's not living in balance, I don't know what is.

Lucy's 5 Months

2011-09-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

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Lady Lu is now a rockin' 5 months y'all. In case you didn't know this--- she's kinda a big deal.

Our gal has all kinds of fancy tricks these days. Lots of droolin', toe suckin', rollin' across the room and as of yesterday... CRAWLING. Slooooooooww down, Lu. Too many attainable barbie shoes for eating with too little organization for them yet...my project this week. In terms of crawling, it is just commando crawling but you bet she gets where she needs to go. I turned to Kelly in a mild state of panic and informed him, "Well, at least she isn't up on all fours yet." I kid you not--- as soon as the words left my mouth we look across the room to her on all fours.

Stinker!

I really think that our biggest accomplishment this month has been surviving August's heat. Countless days of 108-112. 70+ days of over 100. Not fun. And yet, we made it work. Lucy has been swimming everyday this month but one. We are soooooooo grateful she loves the water or our on-the-go lifestyle would have been struggling.

Our poolside babe...

Lucy, this has been such a fun month. Molly summed it up best when she told us that you were now a, "fun, big baby". Your siblings LOVE how engaging you are now. You are so interested in everything around you.

You make hilarious faces and have such a funny laugh. We have some sorry efforts to catch your laugh on our basically broken video camera---*would make a great birthday present... just sayin' :)

*Mute music on side.

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Hopefully this month you can experience zip jackets, cool wind and umbrellas. Hard to believe that you have never seen rain. You can try cereal this week and we just know you are going to LOVE it! Such an exciting month to come!

Happy Five Months, Lucy girl!

Celebrate!

2011-08-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

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We started this weekend off just right with a nice ole' celebration at the DQ. While this week might not have been the prettiest and the evenings went beyond a little weepy... we survived. We ALL did. That was something to celebrate.

Hear that 110 degree weekend? We'll take your heat and raise you an extra scoop with sprinkles please.

Oh, week. The high comedy had to be Wednesday. I just might forever refer to it as weeping Wednesday from here on out. I always knew that if there was going to be a pisser of a day during this first week of school that it would have to be Wednesday. Adrenaline can only take you so far.

See? We have a short fuse these days.

Wednesday afternoon, Molly greeted me at pick up with an "um... I'm not going to go to this school anymore." Something about some little boy moving his clip to red and not having manners and it "not feeling terrific". You see, according to one curly girly I know, "kindergarten just has too many rules". She recited some poem about sticks and rocks on the playground which clued me in to the dismissed efforts to make rock/stick soup at school (playground favorite for this gal). The kicker of course was that all they use at school is "boring pencils and journals never glue and tissue paper." I mean really, what kind of life is there without glue and tissue paper?

I feel ya', my sleepy sister.

By Thursday, we were either a bit refueled or just more accepting of the sleep deprivation. By Friday we knew the promise of ice cream awaiting us at the finish line. It kept us going.

While this week was sometimes an utter mess... we gave full effort to clean it up and make it through.

Definitely something to celebrate.

Here's to a weekend without alarm clocks, packing lunches or kindergarten drama. Yes, please. Happy weekend to you!

Butterflies

2011-08-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

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"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies." ~ unknown

This quote, a favorite for years, just speaks to my heart right now. It is such a great perspective on change. A perspective very much needed because man, what a week of change! Don't get me wrong... our life is constantly evolving and I feel in a continual quest to seek the newest version of now. That change, I love--lots. However, in terms of my littles... this is the first time in my life that the newest change has actually brought me less time with one of them. Each baby has 'gotten' more Mommy. So this change, well... it just feels strangely different. I am learning all sorts of little secrets this week.

For starters. Did you know that I am actually a pretty awesome boy mom?

For the past two days, we have holed up at home fully immersed in some Gabey directed play. How awesome is it to hear the great ideas this little man has about things?! With Molly around, he often chooses to be her shadow and plays whatever role will grant him the most time in her room. He is a sister sponge soaking up any time he can get with her. I love this. It kind of reminds me of one barbie buddy, pony playing little brother I know and love from my childhood.

With Molly at school, the house feels very different. Random spurts of too quiet but very balanced by new sorts of sounds... like roars. And train whistles. And helicopters. Lucy does one mean fire truck siren, just sayin'.

We're learning to embrace this new version of now.

And yet, in all this change there is something so very familiar.

August 2011

It must be those butterflies.

March 2008

Kindergarten

2011-08-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

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Last night squished somewhere between the comfort of pillows and the unease with transitions, I found my nerves. Tucked deep within, hiding dormant only to be unveiled by the reality that the morning would bring. So I let it out. Spoke aloud the hodgepodge of feelings that make up a Julie in transit. Lots of uhs, and you knows, and a good deal of circle talking... but because I had a good listener, I was finally able to get the basement of my emotions and look at my most unsettling concerns square in the face. I wasn't ready to miss my specials just yet and I definitely didn't want to share them. But alas...

I woke up this morning with the sun. We all did.

While I really wanted to stage a "weekend coo" declaring coffee and snuggles all morning in bed, I didn't. I put on my big girl panties and embraced this new adventure right here in front of me because whether or not I realized it at the time... I actually had prepared for it.

And even if I was bite-the-heck-out-of-your-bottom-lip kinds of nervous, our girl was more than ready.

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And that was something to celebrate. So we did.

Charging on to new beginnings seems far less scary in an army of five.

As for the morning spent listening to all the grand ideas of the tag-a-long little brother? Well, that was quite wonderful.

The Molly-less quiet that attempted to take residence in our home? No worries, Lucy attempted to fill the void with some amped up chatter. The little missy has a lot of BIG opinions.

And for that can't get to your classroom fast enough, hug your face off sort of feeling that greeted us at 2:45 this afternoon after an "awesome" day at school? I wouldn't change it for the world.

Kindergarten living? Yep. We're there.

Meet the Teacher

2011-08-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

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I have come to notice that there are just those moments when you look at something so familiar and suddenly, in that instant it seems completely different. Changed somehow. Scanning bookshelves for a last minute grab at next week's bookclub selection (speed reading indeed...), balancing a fancy clad Lu and the week's library selections in my arms, I glance up at the perfect moment to this.

The legs. The length. The calmness. Who are these big kids and were did my tiny tots go? In a moment... it seemed changed.

Library time, has been one of my most favorite times with my littles. Especially with Molly. Man, does that kid love books. And yet next week... well, her story time will take place in one big and exciting library sans one very teary and overly clingy Mommy. Alas, we are there.

And quite honestly, I couldn't be more excited for our little Sweet Pete.

Tonight hand-in-hand, we adventured to our local elementary school to open our new chapter of life with a schooler.

Just in the doorway we were quickly overloaded with friends, ice cream, booths and classroom assignments. I swear my pupils were the size of saucers... so I did as all out of sorts peeps do in moments like this... I bought shirts. Waaaaaayyyy too many shirts. Go Eagles.

My favorite moment of all was definitely the hanging-out-by-the-gerbil-new-buddy-whispering that took place between one very excited Molly May and her sweet freckled, glasses wearing new friend. Our gal's going to be just fine.

Gabey assigning his classroom chubby for Monday? Well, that one might need some work. And pancakes. Because nothing quite heals an empty heart like pancakes.

Aside from her classroom, Molly was quite smitten with the library. And the giant doghouse.

Because of one Daddy, our kids are suckers for "Doggie Caves". Which is where we spent the rest of the evening...

Feeling a bit more ready for Monday...

Molly's Five!

2011-08-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

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Well what do you know, our oldest baby is a whole hand old.

This has been quite the year for our Molly and I am positive that next year will be even more exciting with the adventures of big kid school, visits from the tooth fairy, navigating the lunch line (gulp!) and discovering how sharing a room changes when your baby sister is mobile. What a year to come.

Molly,

This year we have laughed at all the silly phrases and insightful concepts you have about this world we live in. You are so perceptive to those around you and envelop those closest to your heart in love. You are shy in a crowd and loud in your home. Very loud. Molly, I just love how you see the world. You remind us both on a daily basis to challenge authority a bit, ask lots of questions and never underestimate all the awe to be had in a fancy moment of fun. You started our first great adventure as a family.

You are such a treasure, my love. Happy five years. We did it.

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A Breeze

2011-08-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

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We have been lying pretty low these past couple days for various reasons. Partially, Lucy's recovery from those yucky pokes which consequently leads to a couple days for me to recover from the sleepless nights that accompany them. Honestly, a big reason that we have been hiding out these past few days is because frankly... it is just so stinkin' hot. Remember a couple weeks ago when I referenced the escape to Canada? Yep. I'm there.

Unlike this hot, lamenting, bump-on-a-log that I have transformed into these days, my children manage to bottle up enviable amounts of energy that explode inside leaving us all a little crazed and Rosie George in a full body tail wag. Lack of sunshine does some crazy things to my little Mays.

Today was gradual. Like one toe dipped in the pool on a cool day kinda of gradual. I just wasn't in the mood to take the belly button plunge of outsideness today. Too much. Too grouchy-faced. And yet...

Outside around 11 this morning something exquisite happened. Molly felt it.

It ruffled Lucy's hair igniting a torrent of excited baby chatter...

A breeze. A shaded cool breeze that carried maybe just the tiniest whisper of respite from this intense heat... some day or another. Perhaps just a future promise. Thankfully, it was just enough to tweak my mood for the better.

An ipod streaming hour of beautimus chalk art on a ground that didn't burn our booties helped even more.

Maybe I'll hold off on that ticket to Canada for just a bit longer.

Now, unfortunately this mystical breeze carried with it no droplets of rain. So tonight, I ordered some awesome rain boots for Gabey online. Sometimes, we just need to raise our own hopes a little. Well, that... and I am holding a lot of stake in the groovy rain dance/chant my children participated in this past weekend with friends at Ruta Maya.

Perhaps some weather change soon? Well, if not... at least I made it outside.

Lucy's 4 months!

2011-08-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

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Hard to believe that our little lady is now 4-months-old!

4 Month Stats:

Weight: 13 lbs - 40%

Height: 23 Inches- 25%

Head- 16 in.- 45%

Life right now for Lucy sure is exciting. I have to say, that I love this age much better than tiny newborn. I am actually able to get some sleep now and no longer feel quite like the milk factory I did in the beginning. Lu has mastered trunk control, head control which now means she enjoys the sling, bumbo and tummy time that much more.

Meet Lucy's latest obsession.

Life is a mess of hand and toe sucking for her. Her favorite by far is her feet as at any given moment they are taking up residence in her mouth. We are just starting to see early stages of teething and increased drooling... fun stuff.

Did I mention how loud our child has become? She has found her voice and she will talk at you all day... even at 3 in the morning. Aren't we lucky? She is just trying to keep up with the household volume, I guess.

Because, man... those siblings sure are busy. Having a baby sister is just so much fun for them.

Lucy, this month you are doing so many new things. You completely roll all ways, chatter incessantly, reach for all toys, laugh out loud, prop sit for a short time, bring toys, toes and the likes to your mouth and you are sleeping in your big girl bed all night! We love watching you learn all about the world.

And we LOVE your facial expressions!

Today was a vaccine day and let's face it... those are the worst. Even with sweet-ease. This is our little Lu today and probably tomorrow too. Extra cuddles though are more than welcomed by this Mommy.

Happy 4 Months, Lucy Ellen.

Molly's party was the S*%$

2011-08-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

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No. Literally.

Don't let our little Lu fool you---- there were exciting doings afoot.

This weekend we celebrated Molly's 5th Birthday Party with friends and family at Veteran's Memorial Pool. The entirety of this event completely reaffirms for me that there are just some things in life that you can't plan for. And that's okay. Because my Crazy Mays, well... we know how to laugh things off.

Molly has been planning her 5th birthday party since somewhere around August 15, 2010. Important work here, people. You can imagine our relief when we visited Veteran's Memorial Pool for the first time this summer and Molly immediately exclaimed that this was the chosen spot for her beloved gathering. Whew. Affordable, awesome and cool water. Yes.

In terms of May waterpark musts...this place just has it all.

While it was 105 outside the cool water sure did feel awesome.

For about 30 minutes.

You see, it seems that one little pool patron had an unfortunate accident that kicked us all in to CODE BROWN protocol. Whistles were blown, life guards swarmed and we immediately joined in the mass pool exodus. Party pooper, indeed.

We handled this as any sane party goer would...we ate cake and push pops. Rainbow ones.

The kids swarmed the presents

While we soaked up some time with a few of our favorites...

When were given the option to stay and wait the additional decontamination hour in the hot sun or head home to our neighborhood pool. We chose the latter.

Our party was a tad short, quite dramatic and marked with love. Yep, sounds like our Molly.

A party to remember for sure.

We are gearing up for her official birthday this weekend. Stay tuned!

Persistent

2011-08-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

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As I stumbled into the bathroom this morning all bleary-eyed and resistant to the household noise, I was greeted by this stubborn fool. My gato fabuloso.

Milo has an unhealthy obsession with drinking from the sink. EVERY day ALL day he could drink from the sink. Please keep in mind that he has own personal little igloo all nice and full about 10 feet from this sink.

And yet he waits here all day for you to return.

While his tactics are a bit intense and definitely have resulted in an unfortunate toothpaste hairball on his backside (yet another reason my husband should rinse his spit from the sink), I have to admire his persistence. I can only hope that there are things in this world that I am as passionate about. So important that I am willing to sit in another's spit for the sake of the prize? Hmm. I'm not so sure.

Our backwards vacation

2011-08-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

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So yeeeeeeaaahhhh, I may not have posted a blog since mid-July.

I know, Lucy.

I'm shocked too.

At least it is for good reasons. You see we have been traveling of sorts. You know, minus the whole having to pack a suitcase part. We have been vacationing for the past month on what we are lovingly referring to as the backwards vacation. We are just ahead of this new and upcoming trend, right? Don't be jealous.

I have come to realize that July is just our busiest month. Hands down. Funny, because December sure feels action-packed but in truth, it has nothing on our Julys. Last year , we were out of town 23 out of 31 days of the month. It was busy. The one before that and even the one before that were equally busy too. This year was a lovely bit of new as we were the vacation destination for so many people that we love. This of course meant that we were able to cash in the luxury of vacation all in the comforts of our hometown. Worked great for a certain daddy that can't take time away right now. We are approaching week five of house guests and quite frankly, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Casi de Maggio--- one loud, summer-filled, adventuresome place to visit.

I mean, where else can you wake up to a psychedelic lion

brunch with a bride

and have a 75 lb beast sit in your lap all before coffee? Sounds glorious, I know.

We will provide entertainment at no additional cost. We even have a full slip n' slide dance routine for your enjoyment. Clothing optional.

And yes, it may be 108 outside. Don't worry--- you will have plenty of opportunities to cool off.

We promise to take some time and slloooooowwww down too.

And just soak up the surroundings. We sure aren't complaining.

Because with all this extra July love around...

Life has felt just about perfect.

Rainbow

2011-07-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

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Oh! I have so missed blogging... what a busy couple weeks of living. SO much to catch up on. I'll start with our most recent adventure.

It seems that if you are able to log roll off the couch arm, fall 2.5 feet, then it is fairly possible that you might hit the hardwoods juuuuussst right to land yourself one nice little concussion and a visit to "Mommy's hospital". (Sorry Michael Dell, I know that you were the investor and all but to my kids, apparently I take all the credit.).

Oh Molly girl.

She fell, she cried, we painted some art projects, she quickly declined, became lethargic and capped it all off with several rendezvous in a throw-up bowl. She was a sad little mess of curls. Luckily, we were headed right to the perfect place. While the pay may not be great as a CCLS (way less than great!) and I am surrounded by sick kiddos all day (is there anything worse?!), getting to zoom through the waiting room, hand-pick your doctor, have the charge nurse love on your child and two awesome Child Life Specialists at bedside sure made me feel quite supported. And Molly, well once she returned to the girl we knew and loved... why, she was quite smitten with Dell CMC's ER. I believe there was even an "Ah man!" when it was time to go home.

I will say, my balance was thrown off with the home/work overlap. Two roles that I work fairly diligently to keep separated were quickly merged in to one. It is SO different to be on the other side of things when YOUR child is the patient in the emergency room. It definitely was a whole new perspective on my job. And in that moment, as I sat snuggle-bugged in the bed with my snoozing daughter, all the while surrounded by the most incredible advocates and caretakers for my little special, I started to think about rainbows.

Cute, perfect little five-toed rainbows---and the awesome man that painted them the night before.

The daddy that knew his daughter so well that the while there were only five toes... all six colors of the rainbow had better be represented ---even if only in the form of a blue/purple pinky toe combo. That knowing-you-all-the-way-through love--- it's my favorite type for sure. Sitting in that room... my heart started sending lots of unspoken love to this man, maintaining his post at home with our two other kiddos, worrying about his rainbowed toed oldest, just so my best friend could come in his place and snuggle with me bedside in a hospital room on her last night in town. The knitting friend beside me, hospital staff, grandparents texting from afar, neighbors that welcomed us home...why they all just further drove the message deep into the squishy feeling parts of my being...

we are so loved

And if life is a balance of the ups and downs, weathering the storms... than we are going to be just fine.

Whatever our life weather, we are so well loved through it all. Bright five-toed rainbow types of love... and that love is worth WAY more than a pot of gold.

Three Months!

2011-07-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

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How is this little lady already three months old?!?!?! Slow down, Lucy!!!

This month has been quite exciting for our sweet girl. She is learning all sorts of new tricks and having fun with her little friends. Lucy's favorite person to talk to these days has been... well, herself. She will start screeeeeching and squealing top volume at herself in the mirror.

Lucy also experienced the bumbo for the first time this month. Check out that head control! Also, note all the toys that her brother keeps her stocked with. At any given moment in the day, Gabriel is shoving some other toy in his sister's hands. Important work.

So many choices. Oh, and notice the hands?

Yeah, she looooooves those!

She has found her feet once by accident and it was so exciting for her. She is still working on grabbing those piggies. Anything in reach of Lucy is dangertown for sure... she will stttrrretch to get anything her path.

Lucy, this month you had all sorts of adventures. You had cousins spend the night, took a road trip to Dallas, had a baby playdate, laughed at some fireworks, saw your first movie in the theater, went to Pinkalicious- the musical, celebrated Father's Day, rolled over both ways, found your hands, and learned to belly laugh. You still think your siblings are the best ever and though they may not always be so nice to each other--- they sure are nice to you. Lucky girl!

Can't wait for all the fun to come this month!

McQueen

2011-07-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

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When the fireworks are banned --- we take to the stands... (as in stadium seating, with cushy chairs and GIANT tubs of popcorn).

Lucy and the fam at her first movie!

I will say, I am a bit disappointed in the movie though... so far we are one nightmare in for our little McQueen lover! I really didn't stop to think that this one would be so different than the first. If you have really young kiddos, I would consider reading this first. I pretty much agree with everything she writes here. I think had we watched it at home it would have been a little better as we could have explained some of the scenes in toddler format.

MPAA, get your ratings right 'cause no way was that a 'G' rated movie!

Live and learn.

Our afternoon at the movies was still a great way to beat the heat! More from our weekend to come ---- Kachow!

The Best Worst

2011-06-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

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So, I am coming to realize that of all the amazing children's events this city has to offer, there are just a few that are not meant for the Mays in this phase of our lives. For example, Symphony Square Art Park. I love EVERYTHING about the idea of this event. I mean, instrument petting zoo? Teddy Bear Picnic? Children Musicians? All this and more for fifty cents. Now... that is money well spent. In theory.

I really did all that I could to hype myself up for this event. After working until almost 2 in the morning, my hype came in the form of two beautiful cups of coffee. Downtown parking can always be hit or miss. I scored a meter parking spot and opened my wallet to actually find quarters. You have no idea what kind of miracle this is. A certain sticky fingers informed me a couple weeks ago that the household piggy banks were hungry and in recent weeks have been on a quarter binge save today. Lucky me. Cruising down the mountain that is 11th street, wind in my hair and tots at my side... life was good...

for a few moments

Unfortunately, in an amphitheater which seats around 350 we just might have been 351-354. We were packed, standing on a concrete island in 100 degree weather sans stroller. Life suddenly went from good to sticky. Post performance we herded like cattle to an art tent where the lines for face painting filled up in a matter of seconds. Seriously, where did all these people come from? Can you guess whose child really really wanted her face painted? Off to plan B where they promptly ran out of art upon our arrival. So, as the sweat rolls down the middle of my back, I turn away from a pouting Molly just in time to see Gabriel eat a piece of gum off the ground. Cue the credits, because we were OUT OF THERE.

Funny thing about mountains.

I really think that if you sub out that car for a stroller than this is just about dead on. Oh, and add a Gabey that kept trying to pants me. It was okay though. I was so hot that I sort of welcomed the nudity.

About halfway up Mount 11th Street, we hit breaking point. Literally.

It was all angry curls and intense jazz hands because world, she was upset. Of course, her brother's response to her loss was to celebrate the survivor. That really helped things.

As Lucy looks up at me all "Frick Mom, it's hot in here...", I start to giggle.

By the time that Gabey is peeing on the meter at the car, I am laughing through tears. Crazy person kind of laughter because really, at that point, what else is there to do? It was us on our worst city date yet. And that was something to celebrate. Or at least tolerate.

We made it home, stripped down, got cool, dragged out the art box and made the best of it. Because that's what we do.

It was our best worst part of the day.

I'll take it.

It's not Brain Surgery.

2011-06-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

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Yesterday I was in a really mighty fine mood. And by mighty fine... I mean don't-get-near-me-or-even-look-my-direction-lest-I-breathe-fire-on-you kinda fine. Let me tell you, those days and a house full of kids don't really mesh.

By about 8pm this fire-breathing ray of sunshine was spent. And once I reach that level we all know what comes next, tears. Lots and lots of tears. Tired tears.

So as my husband sat on the couch ever-so-bravely attempting to talk to his weeping compadre that might maim him with eye bullets any moment, what do you know but that man starts to make some sense.

It seems that when we began to make a bucket list of "issues" I had with the day, the root of all the evils stemmed from exhaustion. So to get better--- I had to start with this....

Which of course would open the door for him to do this...

And wouldn't you know... that made all the difference. Today has been incredible. And I didn't even attempt to insert this...

into my parenting.

Who knew, right?

Thunder

2011-06-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

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Miracles of all miracles, the ole' ATX finally saw rain. I swear as I lay in bed last night listening to the glorious rain, I could almost hear the sizzle and crackling of joy coming from our parched front yard. A moment like this just has to be shared, right? Unfortunately, my husband did not appreciate my 2 in the morning wake-up and chat session and greeted me ever-so-kindly with something that resembled a deep harrumph and box out from under the sheets. His loss... because it was amazing to listen to.

At least I wasn't alone. It seems one member of our family has developed a little anxiety with thunder. No, I am talking about any of our three children deeply snoozing straight through some ceiling cracking thunder. Because that's normal, right? Rather, I am referencing our fearless protector.

Her little whimpering was just about the saddest thing ever. She is some good company, my Rosie George. We had a nice little visit talking all about the rain and the huge possibilities of rain puddles in the morning. Hers for the rolling and ours for the splashing. Folks', it just doesn't get much better than a summer storm.

And then it happened. Lying there in the early morning darkness whispering with my dog, I am struck with a sudden wave of nostalgia - and it takes me home. Growing up I shared a room with my sister for 16 years. I am pretty sure that she too is reading this with a deep sigh because let's face it---16 years is a loooooong time to share a living space with someone. Yes. Yes, it is. But! Somewhere between the moments of dividing the room full house style with tape, unplugging the phone on each other and launching the person on the top bunk catapult like to the air... between those moments was something really special. Secret special because not everyone is fortunate enough to share in it. My sister was my early hours of the morning, rain listening, talking about life good company. We were sneak-out-to-the-Christmas-tree-steal-your-Santa-presents-to-bed partners in crime. And in that moment last night, my heart started palpitating just a little faster as I became all too aware of the magic that my girls will get to share in each other. The secret special stuff.

And while, I thought my husband was a bit too cranky last night and definitely not understanding all the possibilities of thunderstorm visiting--- I now understand. He had his own room. Can't fault him for what he didn't know.

But these girls...

Why, they get the secret special. Lucky them.

Moving!

2011-06-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

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No, not cities. Been there. Done that.

Rather... virtual moving. Pretty soon crazymaydays.blogspot.com will be moving to just crazymaydays.com. That's right--- we're getting fancy here.

Of course this means that I am in WAY over my head and will be immediately consulting the web designers and programmers that work with Kelly. HTML codes and Julies do not maintain friendships.

I am comparing different hosts for my new custom domain and am open to all suggestions. Have you found one that works great for you? Right now, wordpress seems to be the leading contender but my search efforts have been very limited.

Can't wait for the new exciting changes ahead... any guidance from you way more advanced bloggers out there is MUCH appreciated!

Big World

2011-06-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

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We all have our memory of what our childhood was. Still images forever encapsulated in our brains of our lives at some point in the relative past. And whether or not these images we have captured even begin to represent reality is really non-important. Because they are ours. Our childhood memories. Our perceptions of a world that was ours for exploring.

As a parent, you can't help but wonder what your children will look back and remember from their childhood. Which images will they have they locked away in their heart to carry them through some challenges faced in adulthood. For selfish reasons, I hope they choose to hone in on our Saturday morning dance parties, laugh attacks and Popsicles in the tub on wash hair nights. Or perhaps sibling slumber parties, doggie caves in the living room or the messiness of baking with Mommy. All of these definitely mark my favorites of raising littles. Surely they will manage to block out the piles of laundry or short tempered parenting skills that are so readily a part of everyday living too...right?

To share in a child's perception of this world is such a treasure. This just might be my favorite part of parenting. I mean, when else can apartments become "cute little towns", sky scrapers transform into "castles"and weddings spontaneously occur daily on the fireplace? Tea time with royalty in your pajamas or balancing your budget. You choose.

You can imagine my excitement to discover that Molly's personal camera has a USB port to upload pictures. Spend a moment looking at the world through the eyes of my daughter? Um, yes please!

Little glimpses of her mighty big world...

How lucky am I to live in it?!

2 months!

2011-06-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

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So, this post might be a little overdue. Um, like 11 days overdue.

But nevertheless... look who's two-months-old?!?!

And showing us more of her fun little personality each day!

Lucy continues to be the sweetest, easiest baby. In looks, she is the perfect hodgepodge of Molly and Gabriel and yet, there is something also that is just only Lucy. We haven't been able to quite put our finger on it. This month, while hot, has been full of some fun firsts.

Lucy, this month you rolled over from tummy to back, fell in love with the swimming pool, slept 8 straight hours, laughed out loud, went to the museum, attended your first music fest, stayed with your first babysitter and there is so much left of the month. By the end of this month you will have seen Pinkalicious (the play) and Cars 2. Goodness, your siblings' activities sure do keep us busy!

You weigh 11 lbs and are 22 inches long. You are exactly 1 lb heavier than Molly at 2 months and 1 lb lighter than Gabey.

It is so fun to watch you grow!

My morning coffee

2011-06-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

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The stars have aligned. My typical Monday morning greets us all too early with the usual hrummmp of having to say goodbye to the weekend (and Daddy for the day!) and hello to productivity and routines. We (mainly me) usually spend a bit of the morning in a pout. Oh weekends, how I love you!

But today. Today has been something exquisite!

They actually asked me to leave so that they could just play together. No fighting. No stealing toys. No ensuring little-brother-bottom-totem-pole placement. You see, the cars are all preparing to head parade style over to littlest pet shop and adopt a gaggle of friends. It is kind of a big deal. Mommy alone time? Don't have to ask me twice.

And this one.

Why she wanted to just contently swing and listen to Pandora a bit. She drifts here and there to sleep and then wakes up when a favorite song comes on. I would say that this is a rare occurrence to make you love me more but really---this is our Lucy pretty much every day. What can I say? She is a groovy little Austinite.

Jaymay's "Autumn Fallin'" just came on which was the song that I played directly into my belly with headphones at least once a day throughout my entire pregnancy. I swear she just smiled in her sleep when it came on.

And my morning coffee and homemade muffins... why, they are magical. Mavs winning kinda magical. Okay. Maybe not as magical as that. But still pretty great.

I need to soak this up because in about 5 minutes it could all fall apart...

Easy morning? We're not complaining.

Have a great start to your week!

Check out other Monday happenings here!

First Born

2011-06-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

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Without any warning, I have been swept up. Recent life happenings have added to my ever-growing list of Julie's-time-on-this-planet favorites. Glimpses into daily living that are pure, real and ever so beautiful.

Yep. I'm talking babies.

If I were able to pocket a secret stash of memories to carry with me when my time here is over, how could babies not make the list? What's not to love? That curled up little ball of a person with soft perfect skin, fresh new baby smell and the significant resemblance to a really old man. How can that not make your uterus do a dance of joy? And while babies are perfect... I am actually referencing something MORE magical than new babies. Gasp! Is there anything more wonderful? Why yes, I believe there is.

The building of a family.

The past few weeks have gifted us with the birth of a bunch of new specials in our lives. Our specials having their specials. It is all very wonderful. That alone, fills me with such insurmountable levels of joy---but to top it off, these are first babies being born... the makers of parents. And that, is a beauty all to itself.

We know love growing up... at least I hope so. And then one day, you meet that special someone and your heart beats in a whole new way. It flutters. This flutter is really quite great. And although you have no blood relation to this person (hopefully!) for some reason, you can't imagine them anything but family. So you give them your heart. It is love. One layer of great and perfect love.

Who knew there were so many other layers to love?

Going to the hospital that first time to meet your new baby is terrifying. Giant bunches of excitement all wrapped up in a pretty package of nerves. You have your ideal birth plan, you've called in your biggest fans and you are not even sure that you are truly in labor but you spend the whole way praying you are because how can you go home without a baby? The idea of waiting a day longer seems torturous and if you're anything like I was, this wasn't your first visit to maternity obs. My pride needed it to be the "real deal" because dang, those "contractions" sure seemed real.

You pretty immediately figure out that babies have their own birth plans. Those contractions you felt on the way are quickly replaced with HOLY HELL WHAT IS GOING ON IN THERE type of fun and you are rapidly coming to regret the crawfish etouffee you had for dinner last night. The one who made your heart flutter and got you into this business of making babies may or may not be discussing politics at the foot of your bed with family. Oye. Let's face it, a cherry limeade never sounded so good. But you're in it to win it and there is no backing out now.

So you breathe. You soak up all the newfound terminology that is hospital living like effacement and dilation. Your hooha quickly becomes the most popular person in the room and you very soon come to know all that is possible of your go-go-gadget delivery bed. You have read all the books, gone to the classes, are surrounded by your best advocates... and yet, in this moment, you feel under-prepared. Tired. Nervous. You look at your partner, remember to breathe and push like what you imagine is the hardest possible push ever. Eyes-closed-kinda-pushing because we all know it must be a mighty push if your eyes are closed. It is a busy, chaotic moment of living...

and then suddenly...

It isn't anymore.

And just like that, you are a family.

Your day is no longer about how much time you get for yourself but rather how much time you maximize with your favorite tiny. Happy hour now references the time in the day that you get to shower... which is in actuality usually taken with the door ajar, shower curtain half closed and baby monitor on full blast. Diapers are now your biggest online purchase and sleeping 5 hours straight feels like a present. A very BIG present.

You find yourself just staring at this ity-bitty that you grew inside and can't help but wonder... is there anything better in this world than this? See. First-born kind of magic.

And before you know it, they go from this...

to this...

and you spend the evening sprawled on a blanket at an outdoor musical venue as they tell you about the babies they plan to have. In Molly's case, a whole hundred. A good mix of boys and girls with names of Lemon drop, Malasha, Allison and Elizabeth. Some with straight hair, others with curly. She has a busy life in the works with all hundred children, her husband "probably named John" with hair just like Daddy at their home on the beach. Where she says I can live next door. To help hug on her hundred kids. Okay.

So mark that to my lists of favorites. The Makenzies. The Jacks, Ellies, Harpers, and Jaydas. The Bellas, Bens and Seths. The Averys, Helens and Grahams. The Sydneys, Millers, Judes and Eleanors.

The Mollys.

My heart is so thankful for you.

Frat-living

2011-06-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

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Today was my day to get things done. The older two at were at VBS this morning and it was just me and Lu. Ready to party. Because tomorrow is the LAST day of VBS and I will quickly return to the awesomeness that is all-my-children-around-me-all-the-time mode (sigh.), today was the day to knock out the to do list. Oil change, anyone? In all fairness, I did drive to the auto center to use my Groupon but it seemed that everyone else in Austin did too. The lack of available parking did little to ensure my in-and-out oil change.

So I did as any sane person would do... I returned home where I kicked it back college frat boy style---the day after the party. Unfamiliar? You know--- passed out on the couch (snuggling a baby!), potentially on a pillow of drool, stuff all over the house, only to be awakened with some leftover frozen pizza and somewhat flat coca-cola. Man, all that was missing was a house-full of wounded soldiers. I know. I am the envy of the neighborhood.

So much for productivity--- but wowzers... what a nap.

We've arrived

2011-06-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

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It seems that over the past few weeks, I've been in deep search for some little kick of energy... an obscure surge of zest that awakens my mind to a new and refreshing day. Something about having a baby and lack of sleeping seems to cloud that some, no?

Well folks'. We've arrived.

No, not in the form of robo-Julie with superhuman abilities to fold laundry and vacuum at the same time. I have not mastered nursing a baby while loading the dishwasher or planning a week's worth of meals. That's just crazytalk. Rather, what I am referencing is the lovely little bit of zest that has crept into our home and brightened our days. The increased pep in my step that strangely enough was not brought on with increased caffeine or huge bouts of extra sleep---although, both are definitely welcomed. Who knew that all it would take to feel inspired is some crazy out-of-school Mays and a good dose of 100+ days? Oye. That's right... I'm talkin' summertime.

We've arrived.

This summer, I made a promise to myself to embrace the great summer fun that is our city. Oh, it is SO easy for the heat, fighting littles and relentless baby gear in tow to keep us from even leaving the house. And on some days, home is exactly where we need to be. It is all about living in balance.

Moments of calm...

to balance a good deal of chaos.

And while we have been on our quest to find all the summer secrets of this city...

The results, have been rather encouraging.

I'm talking dance-in-the-water, sparkling-lemonade, roll-down-a-hill kind of encouraging.

And we have soaked it up.

We continue to be surprised by our findings...

From coffee shop rock and ice-cream flinging contests to some good ole' blues-on-the-green... we are embracing as much as we can. For free.

Hot dog!

Now, I know that there will be plenty of moments that I will be cursing this heat and truly dragging out my suitcases with a plan to escape to Canada. It happens every year. But until then, I am going to kick off my flips, reach for my frosty beverage and enjoy some fun in the sun.

You should come play too.

Gabey love

2011-06-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

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Gabriel is such a loving big brother to our Lucy girl. In fact, he sits right next to her in the car and this is truly one of my most favorite things ever... he likes to hold her hand while we drive. Occassionally, I have to reign in his "helping" aka cramming her pacifier in her mouth, cheek, eye... you know the general area of her face. I am always looking for great ways for our big boy to help.

So today presented with the perfect opportunity. Lucy is in a growth spurt and cluster feeding right now (wowzers, is that work.) and thus she is STARVING about every 2 hours. So today while coming home from the grocery store she started fussing in a Lucy kind of way--- I won't go too much into it because I don't want you to hate me. She is pretty great. Anyways, as she is fussing I decide this is a perfect opportunity to give Gabe a job. I ask him if he could talk to Lucy to make her smile. (That girl is a sucker for a face covered in dirt.)

Gabe seems to love the idea. He turns to Lucy.

Takes her hand oh so lovingly.

Starts in a whisper...

"Lucy. Dinosaurs are soooo scary."

A little louder now....

"The have SHARP teeth"

And finally...

"They always ROOOOOOAAARRR so loud like this. ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAARRRR".

Perhaps I should offer topics of conversation next time...

Full Circle

2011-05-31T21:50:00.000-07:00

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Adventure seeking. High speed, unpredictable chaos all wrapped up in a nice little ball of excitement. Adventures carry a high probability of knocking you off your feet and yet the thrill of something new propels you forward. A drive maybe? In life, I feel that there are many windows to adventuresome living. Some truly plunge-worthy while others serve only as a glimmer of a dream to be put into action some time in the very near future. Recognizing the right moment to leap can leave you feeling doubtful, foggy-headed and quite honestly a bit run down. This adventuresome living can be tiring, no?

Sometimes, you don't even see the adventure until it has passed you by--- hopefully sweeping you up in it. Spontaneous adventures can make the whole process oh-so much easier. Happenstance. Other adventures are a compilation of forethought, effort and a good dose of heartache.

Like moving.

One year ago today.

Thinking back to moving day, I feel overwhelmed. All those boxes, hugs goodbye and the leap into the unknown. Scary overwhelming and yet plunge-worthy for sure. You see, moving to Austin was a glimmer of a dream for a really looooong time. And then one day ---- it was reality.

What a year it has been. Hard times? You betcha. Moments of doubts? Uh-huh. Bits of fun? No way....

Try Bunches.

Adventuresome living? Why not.

The Brady's

2011-05-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

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What a busy week! Between working all week at the hospital, we managed to squeeze in a BUNCH of fun with some friends. Our good friends, The Brady's, were in town from Colorado. They were bringing their first little son, Seth, to good ole' ATX for the first time. What better reason to throw a party, no?

Seth is just a few weeks older than Lucy. She was in LOVE.

First kiss with her boyfriend, Seth. She had to get them in before Seth drops Lucy for Helen.

What a great night with friends!!!

Stella

2011-05-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

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There are certain friends that just make their way to your heart right when you most need them to be there. For us, this was the Miller family.

Right at a moment when mommyhood was feeling a little bit lonely and my daughter seemed a bit different than her other playmates... my daughter connects with this little blond girl at the splash park. All by herself, she just starts playing with this friend--- which she never does. So, I go and hit on her mom. BEST.DECISION.EVER because it sure has been true love.

This was the first official play date. How are they so small?

You know, we never were able to witness our sweet friends get married or be there to congratulate them on the birth of their first daughter (as ours was not far behind). In my heart, I still celebrate that joy for them though. We never had the chance to see our girls together from the very beginning (you know, at the age when you can actually carry on an adult conversation without interruption.) However, if we HAD met as brand new moms versus 2 years into it... I imagine it would have been somewhat like this...

only better now... because we have double the fun.

Lucy and Stella's first play date. Oh, all the adventures our girls and a Gabey are going to have.

We love you, Millers! Thanks for the visit!!

Molly's Preschool Video

2011-05-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Molly's school made a really cute video in two parts. I don't know if they will link up correctly but here's hoping.

*Don't forget to pause my music on the side

Milwood Preschool Graduation 2011 from Michael Davenport on Vimeo.

Milwood Preschool 4 year olds 2011 from Michael Davenport on Vimeo.

Lucy Smiling

2011-05-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

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Lucy started social smiling at 4 weeks and they are getting bigger and better by the day. Unfortunately, her smile is REALLY hard to catch on camera. This is my attempt. Apparently, she enjoys Gabe's "fast talk". My crazy mays.

*Pause Music on Side

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Graduate

2011-05-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

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This morning we celebrated our little graduate. I know that there are a bunch of people that think preschool graduation is silly and that by over celebrating the little events, we are creating a generation that struggles with entitlement and the expectation of immediate reward. Yes. I hear you, people. I just believe that anytime you can celebrate a scholastic endeavor of your child, you are further supporting their confidence in the pursuit of academia. Even in preschool. So that is what we did this morning. We celebrated our Molly girl as she finished her last day of preschool and plunged forward into this unknown world of elementary school. Ready or not world, we officially have a kindergartener!

For selfish reasons, I could keep these preschool years for longer. I love this age. Molly has the funniest little outlook on life and is in this really inquisitive phase that I really hope lasts a lifetime. I love to share in her perception of the world. In many ways, I wish that Molly and Gabriel were just a little closer in age (am I crazy or what?!?!) so that they would just be 1 year in school apart. He has LOVED having her at school. He especially loves it when he passes her in the hall or ends up at recess with her. His teachers tell me that he just hugs on to her so tightly.

And today at graduation was no exception.

Hard to believe that they won't be together in the same school again until Molly is in second grade---Which I am sure will get here all too fast. Sigh.

Molly's class put together a program with about 8 songs and then they received their diploma. I am continually shocked at how my loud and rambunctious daughter can transform into a timid and shy girl on stage. Don't be looking for a smile in the video footage---there is an almost smile--- but we were just celebrating the fact that she didn't cry.

*Don't forget to pause music on the side!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Oh, we're off to kindergarten yes we are... Yee Haw!