Good Job!

As I watched Tiger Woods sink a birdie putt (before his most recent surgery) to thunderous applause and as I applauded my son for putting the blue square in the square hole, I fantasized about how awesome it would be for most of us to receive applause on a daily basis for doing our jobs well.

Can you imagine?

Mommy, great job on the laundry! Really nice creases!

Glen, great job on that expense report! You really attached those receipts well!!

Don't worry...I'm not suggesting that these "accomplishments" are even in the same universe as what Tiger or our babies do. I'm just saying...it's a nice fantasy, isn't it?

The Easy Way to Have a Baby

Some of you may recall my post describing a comment I received about how adopting is an easy way to have a baby. It's difficult for me to imagine that such naivety is widespread, but maybe I'm just being naive.

Just in case there is any doubt in your mind or in the minds of any of your acquaintances, read this article and imagine that you've been waiting for months or even years to bring your baby home. Then imagine that just when you're feeling certain that it won't be much longer - that you'll certainly have your baby home by summer or at the very least by Christmas - just imagine that that is when you learn that the country you've been waiting for has shut their program down indefinitely. Imagine what an easy way to have a baby that must be.

Here's the thing:

There is no easy way to have a baby.
But, once your little one is home (however he or she gets there)...
that's when you find that somehow it was all worthwhile.

Primevil Preschool

The whole preschool scene has driven me to the edge. That's right, I'm considering Waldkindergärten. Those Germans know a thing or two about Kindergarten, so perhaps they're on to something in sending their children out into the forest to learn about whatever it is one learns about in preschool. And they're not the only ones espousing the benefits of this particular style of learning.

If I simply send Island Boy out into the forest to explore for a few months he's bound to return with a mind prepared for the rigors of elementary school and life in general, right? If nothing else, it sounds like I could avoid the entire process of applying years in advance and hoping we are selected for admission to the preschool of our choice (and by "our choice" I of course mean "my choice") .

Come to think of it forests are rather scarce here in West Los Angeles so there's probably a waiting list to get into those, too!

Pool Party

It's a bit dreary here in "sunny" Southern California today with unseasonal and very unusual thundershowers rolling through last night and cool temperatures and drizzle today. What better time to share this photo of the recent birthday party of one of Island Boy's best buddies?!

Doesn't this picture just make you want to be 1 or 2 or 3 again? Well at least go dip your feet in a pool for a bit and let yourself feel like you are! Happy Birthday again, N!

Mirror Mirror

It's becoming increasingly dangerous to do anything without thinking about it if you're within sight or earshot of Island Boy.

Say, for example, you happened to be on the phone and you found yourself mindlessly picking lint off your pants while you chatted. You could reasonably expect Island Boy to join you in short order in picking lint, imaginary or real, off of said pants.

If instead (or in addition) you found yourself holding your lower back as you pondered your younger days, you can count on this little guy to remind you of how you look when you're doing that - even the next day when you're no longer doing that - as he toddles along gingerly, hand placed firmly on his lower back.

Putting some lip balm on while driving? Expect to hear some lip-smacking from the back seat.

We're having so much fun watching our little boy soaking up the world around him and we're learning a lot about ourselves in the process. Yikes!!

Music

We attended a new music class a few weeks ago. Since no one else showed up it turned out to be a private session and Island Boy and I had 2 music teachers all to ourselves!

Our little sweetheart was fascinated with the instruments and, as always, he couldn't help but move to the beat. He loves music!

While the entire class was fun and interesting, the best part was the Grand Finale of a live piano rendition of Pachelbel's Canon accompanied by the magical bubble machine. The look on Island Boy's face during those few moments is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Seriously. I nearly cried. I hope I never forget it.

(No, I don't have a picture except in my mind. As much as I wanted one, I didn't want to break the magical spell trying to get one.)

He Shoots! He Scores!!

We were recently enjoying some play time at a local gym when one of the staff members rolled out a tiny basketball hoop and a bunch of balls.

I cannot tell you how surprised I was to see my son walk over, pick up a ball and dunk it!! As far as I know he had never before seen a hoop in person, so I was amazed that he knew what to do and actually did it on the first try.

Of course, Island Boy isn't the tallest guy on the block, so we're hoping he doesn't get too accustomed to this business of "dunking". It is nice to dream, but I'm fairly certain he won't be breaking any of Yao Ming's records anytime soon. Right now though, the boy can dunk!!

Toddler Left at Airport

Can you imagine? A toddler was left. At the airport. Airport personnel discovered the wayward lad and notified the parents.

Wow.

Beach Boy

Island Boy visited the ocean for the first time last month. Our visit to the beach, like this post about it were both long overdue. Those that know the importance of the ocean in our lives (not to mention our proximity to it) will be particularly surprised that it took this long. Although it was never our intention to let so much time pass before we got our own selves back to the beach, let's just say it was worth the wait.

We are very pleased to report that Island Boy loves the beach and the water as much as his Mommy and Daddy! Island Boy spent a good amount of time exploring the tide pools and marveling at the tiny anemones, crabs and fishes. He couldn't get enough of the sand and especially the surf! Ah, the thrill of the ocean sucking at your toes. Is there anything better in life?

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Motherhood, as with many things in life is something difficult to fully appreciate until you've done it yourself. Of course the first thing about Motherhood is that it's something that can't be "done". Ever. Once you're a Mother, you will always be a Mother no matter what else happens in your life.

We've been home for just over six months now and these are a few things I've learned about Motherhood so far.

It surprises you with its power. Think you need some time to yourself? Just try to enjoy it. Instead of fully enjoying that time to yourself you now find yourself yearning to return and hold your child in your arms.

It surprises you with its completeness. Your brain is reprogrammed. It's primary function is now to think of caring for another human being and any other thoughts are extraneous and secondary. As a dear friend and Mother of three recently said, "I used to be really smart.". Indeed!

It surprises you with its demands. It makes you a better planner. It makes you more aware. Meals? Schools? How you react to life's disappointments and challenges? How you spend each hour of your day? They all make a difference in the development of one little brain and one little life. One entire life that lies ahead.

It surprises you with its rewards. One little smile or one little hug is all it takes. Each is a treasure without equal.

It surprises you with its lessons. Perhaps the most important of these lessons is that you finally have a small glimpse into what it must have been like for your own Mother, but only a glimpse. You grew up in a different time and probably in a different place, so you can only understand the most basic concepts in what it was like for her then.

For all the sacrifices you made, Mom; for all the lessons you taught me, Mom; for all the things I did to make your life difficult or frustrating or wonderful - Thank you, Mom!

Happy, Happy Mother's Day to you and to Ah-ma and to every Mother and Grandmother that reads this (yes, even if you're still waiting!).

The Perfect Sunday

A few weeks ago we were invited to a casual brunch at a friend's house. The definition of "casual" in this case included an amazing spread of delicious food (all made from scratch by the man of the house, natch), lounging on the lawn without a care while the babies explored the baby-safe environment and the adults visited with each other, and - get this! - a live jazz trio that included the man of the house who also happens to be the father of two very lively twins. All the while the lady of the house and mother of these two adorable little ones was the perfect hostess tying all the details together and instilling her charms all around.

It was all so lovely and civilized (something that I've noticed is more difficult to pull off with babies and toddlers in the picture), but somehow our friends made it seem entirely effortless.

The result? It was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

This Explains So Much!!

After many years of telling people that for the most part I bake and my husband cooks, I've finally found an explanation for our respective skills.

Finally it all makes sense! Who knew??