Head Over Heels

Becoming a mother for the third time was such a different experience from the first two. Everything about this pregnancy and delivery was a bit more intense; the pregnancy symptoms, the discomforts, the birth...well, that's what happens with a full-term baby weighing two pounds more than her sisters, right?

I have found that the bonding and love for my baby girl also feels a bit more intense, profound and immediate. Not that I love her more than my older girls, but I think I am appreciating the infancy stage more, possibly because it lacks the tantrum throwing capabilities, along with the whining and sassy-ness that are also noticeably absent at this sweet stage of the game. Plus Daddy has been home longer than with the other girls, which means I've had lots of time to just enjoy a new baby.

And once again, I am in complete awe of the hormones and natural instincts that come into play with a newborn and her mother. Is there anything more amazing than the ways the human body connects the mother and baby, from pregnancy, through labor and delivery and into the postpartum period? The body just knows what to do to ensure mama and baby will form a bond and it seems the less we mess with the body's natural instincts, the more smoothly that bond forms. I know that's not everyone's experience, but I've been fortunate to know it, and it's simply awesome.

So, with that, I introduce the newest love in my life, little Miss Madeline Lauren.

And speaking of bonds, I am incredibly impressed with the bond Malia has developed with her little sister. She wants to "holt" Maddie or feed her (yes, she pulls up her shirt as if something is there to feed the child) or kiss her head and caress her cheeks constantly. She was a born nurturer (she's loved baby dolls from a super early age) and although it can be a little worrisome ("Please don't stand and jump next to Maddie's head!"), she has been incredibly gentle and has adapted to her new baby sister with surprising ease. This was my intense Mama's girl and now all she cares about is Maddie. (I'm taking lots of pictures to remind her how much she liked having a little sister at one time...)

Doesn't Maddie look thrilled?

It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To

In fact, I'll cry...

...while celebrating my 2nd birthday with family at Padaro Grill

...while blueberry picking at a local farm

...while attending a birthday party full of balloon animals and bubbles at our favorite park

Seriously? Kid, do you have any idea how cool your life is for a 2 year old? Malia's been throwing herself down on the floor in tantrums for the past year, but lately she's throwing them when she's supposed to be having a blast. Oh how tough it is to be 2!

Four Year Old Thinking

On the way home from ballet today, we had one of those conversations that makes my heart melt and my soul sing. One of those conversations that convince you that becoming a parent is truly the best thing you've ever done. And since she won't say these things to me after age 9 or 1o, I'm trying to soak it up now.


Liv: Mom, what house will I have?

Me: Um, what do you mean, what house will you have?

Liv: What house will I live in with my kids?

Me: You want to know what house you'll live in when you grow up and have your own babies?

Liv: Yes.

Me: I don't know. You'll get to pick it out yourself. When you get married and have kids, you and your husband can find one like Daddy and I did.

Liv: I want to live next door.

Me: Next door to Daddy and I?

Liv: Yeah. Then we could be neighbors.

Me: Then I could see you and your kids all the time. That sounds good to me.

Liv: And I want my house to be turquoise.

Happy Birthday My Baby Girl

Happy 2nd Birthday to a beautiful girl that captured our hearts the instant we met. You make us smile and laugh all day long and you truly have the best sense of humor. You came along and helped us realize we could love two little girls more than anything in the world.

You are generous, perceptive, goofy, loving, and an incomparable cuddlebug. You give the best hugs and kisses, and your smile lights up your face, and our lives. Thank you for two amazing years, can't wait to see how you grow this year!

Be Vigilant

Early detection has caught two very serious forms of cancer (and pre-cancer) in my family in the past month, and I am feeling incredibly blessed that both were caught early and are extremely treatable, so we can get on to living and enjoying life. I am also learning not to mess around when it comes to my health and the health of my family.

My cousin-in-law Darcy is running in a marathon this weekend to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, in honor of her sister Megan, who was diagnosed with Leukemia the day after Olivia was born in 2006. To experience such happiness and horror at the same time was incredibly intense for our family and we are blessed that Megan's Leukemia continues to be in remission.

In recent days, my friend lost one of her dearest friends to breast cancer and to see such grief and know how deeply this woman is missed...it's heartbreaking. And yet breast cancer is considered one of the most "curable" cancers around if caught and treated early. My Mother's surgeon praised her mammogram for finding her tumor before it grew too big, or spread, and remarked that her case is an example of early detection at it's best. I am grateful to advanced technology for saving my Mom's life and I'm grateful that she took the initiative to get her yearly mammogram.

So I ask you this:

Have you done a self-exam recently?

Have you kept an eye on your moles or seen a dermatologist recently?

Have you had an annual physical or other annual male/female test?

Has something been bothering you lately and you keep putting off a doctor's visit?

Please don't hesitate and please be vigilant about all health concerns. As much as ignorance is bliss, ignorance can also be deadly.

I am grateful for vigilance these days. I am simply grateful.