Missing My Girl in Missouri

Delaney has traveled extensively during the summer since I met her when she was 5. Her mom being a teacher affords them the time to get out and explore which is a lot of fun for our little traveler. And although we know it's coming every year, it's always hard to have a member of our family away from home and out of our reach. You realize how much you miss certain things that you take for granted on a day-to-day basis. Here are some of the things I'm missing the most . . .

I miss:
Delaney's impromptu dance routines
Her hugs and kisses goodnight
Rockin' out in the car with the music blasting our favorite dance songs
Her sweet words to Bodhi and tickles with Mia
Sharing jewelry
Trying on each others' shoes

I could write so many more, but I'll keep this simple. I am just missing my girl in Missouri! My heart will be whole again once she's back home . . .

Bodhi By the Numbers

Bodhi had his four-month appointment this afternoon and I have been reminded once again how great it feels to have a pediatrician that you LOVE! Dr. Sudha Chandrasekar is absolutely fantastic (www.greatcareforkids.com) and I can't say how happy I am that we finally found someone who not only genuinely cares for our kids, but also someone who is fully versed in breastfeeding and other natural family living practices. Now I've just got to find a good general/family practice doctor for me!

So, here are Bodhi's current stats:

14.6 lbs (50th percentile)
24 inches long/tall (20th percentile)
17 centimeters head circumference (75th percetile)

My Zen Baby

When I was pregnant with Bodhi, I felt very strongly that I was pregnant with a boy. Trent and I eventually found out that our baby was, in fact, a boy and we were delighted. Later in the pregnancy Trent and I went through a very difficult period with an outside individual that left us sad, surprised and disappointed with this person's actions, words and unwillingness to address important issues. Under regular circumstances, I would have experienced a much greater level of stress and anxiety about the situation, but instead, I was enveloped by a sense of peace and calm that brought me much needed comfort.

I often wondered where this newfound "zen" was coming from. I thought maybe it was yoga and my dedication to stay in touch with my spirituality, or perhaps it was an upswing in happy pregnancy hormones. And although these seemed like plausible explanations, I continued to feel like there was something more to it.

Then one day I had an epiphany of sorts - I realized that while I was growing and carrying my sweet baby boy, I was also a temporary home to his soul. And as crazy as it sounded to me (and maybe many of the people I shared this with), I knew that he was the true source of my peace and serenity.

At the time I thought it would be interesting to see if his personality outside of the womb would match my pregnancy experience. Now, 17 weeks after giving birth to Bodhi, I am happy to report that he is a little man with an amazing spirit and the sweetest, most serene nature. He is the epitome of an "easy" baby - I can take him anywhere without worrying about meltdowns or rough times. In short, he is simply a joy and definitely my personal little Zen Baby :o).

Bodhi's Life According to Mia

Tonight after I gave Mia and Bodhi a quick bath, I asked Mia to tell me about Bodhi's birth. Here's how the conversation went:

Me: Mia, tell me about Bodhi's birth.
Mia: Bodhi was born in New York.
Me: (chuckling) New York, huh?
Mia: Yeah, in a castle.
Me: (laughing) A castle?
Mia: Yeah.
Me: Does Bodhi have a Mommy and Daddy?
Mia: Uh huh.
Me: What are Bodhi's Mommy and Daddy's names?
Mia: Johnsons.
Me: Johnsons, huh? Does Bodhi have any brothers or sisters?
Mia: Yeah, brothers.
Me: How many?
Mia: Two.
Me: And what are Bodhi's brothers' names?
Mia: Naney and Marisa!

She then proceeded to throw her head back, laugh like crazy and then ran away naked as a jaybird. I adore this little girl!

Obeying Life's Speed Limits

So, anyone who knows me can attest that life is a little - ok, a lot - crazy right now. With a pre-teen, a two-year-old and a newborn in the house, working full-time and on an opposite shift from my husband, there is very little time to just sit and catch my breath let alone pick up all the toys, manage all the emotions, pay all the bills, etc. etc.

But sometimes the universe sends out a signal loud and clear that says not so subtly, "SLOW DOWN!" And although it's the last thing you want to hear and the last thing you think is even possible without everything falling down around you, if you don't heed the warning, you're liable to find yourself breaking down and really dropping the ball on things.

With this in mind, I'm taking a few minutes to journal my thoughts before heading off to bed earlier than I have in a long time. All I know is 4:30 a.m. always comes too soon. So . . . sorry Trent. When you get home tonight, just know that the house is a disaster and the bills are still in a pile on the table untouched. Tackle it all if you want, but know that I respect your need to obey life's speed limits too.

So, here's to holding onto my last bit of sanity for the week - Cheers!

Mama, I Hold You

Ever since Mia could talk, she has said, "I hold you" when she wants to be picked up. With arms stretched upward, she looks at you and you can't help but comply. As Mia grows, I hope she always comes to me and knows that I will hold her - whether it means literally holding her or just listening as she tells me about her day. At almost 2 1/2, Mia continues to delight us with her smart, social, witty personality and catchy "turn of phrase."

Publish or Perish

Delaney and I were perusing books at Ross one day when she found a notebook that declared, "Publish or Perish" on the cover. Being the paper addict that I am, when she asked if she could have it, I simply couldn't say no.

Today, those words come to mind as I craft my very first blog entry. As the title of this blog suggests, my motivation in creating this online journal has very little to do with my desire for anyone else out there to read and approve or disapprove of my musings and memoirs. It stems primarily from my ardent desire to not forget the "little things" in life that too soon fade from memory when you're busy figuring out what you'll fix for dinner, how you can squeeze in an extra couple of hours' worth of work into 30 minutes or when you might find the time to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with an old (or new!) friend.

So, here goes - my venture into the often narcissistic world of blogging begins. And perhaps one day Delaney, Mia and Bodhi will read through these pages and laugh, cry or roll their eyes together at the entries of this writing woman, but at least I'll have a written account of my life's "little things" to look back on.