5 Months Old

Yesterday Bodhi turned 5 months old. It's amazing how time flies and what a fun and happy baby he is! He smiles, laughs, "talks" and can roll over from his back to his tummy now. He absolutely adores Mia and Delaney and they sure do love "The Bodhster." Here are a bunch of pictures from the past couple of weeks. Enjoy!

Time Traveling

So I'm sitting here, the kids are asleep and I can't stop thinking about my past. The people, the places and situations that played a role in shaping the person I am today. And today isn't the first time I've traveled "back in time" in my memory. It's been happening a lot lately. Maybe it's because I've recently experienced a life change with the birth of my son, perhaps it's because Delaney will be 13 next month and heaven knows that the tides all changed when I turned 13, or maybe it comes from being totally comfortable, secure and happy in my 5-year marriage to Trent, maybe he and I are entering a new phase of our relationship that opens us up to re-learning ourselves. Whatever the reason, so far it's been an interesting ride.

I have re-lived some hard times, but I'm finding that my reminiscing more often takes me to good periods in my life with good people. I giggle again thinking about my adolescent crushes, wondering if the boys had any idea how infatuated I was at the time. I remember the crazy situations I found myself in with my best friends. I remember how it felt to be me every step of the way. And during these memory sessions I have an opportunity to look at how far I've come as well as where I could use some work!

And in the end, I feel great looking at where I'm at in life. Every day is a challenge on some level - from attempting to function on 4 hours of sleep and finding the balance between work and family to identifying avenues for personal expression and still being a connected and present mother to my kids - but it's all worth it, it's all part of where I've been and where I'm going and I'm grateful for the journey. I'm grateful for the memories. I'm grateful for the phenomenal family and friends that have surrounded me throughout my life (that's you, dear reader!) and I look forward to the times ahead and the new memories we'll create.

So, cheers to the past and hooray for the future!

A Cut Above the Rest

Yesterday, Ashley dropped in for a haircutting house call and treated Grammy Gray, Mia and me to Scottsdale-style haircuts in the comfort of my Gilbert home! Here are some pictures of Mia's turn. This was her second haircut - she's definitely a lucky little girl to have Ashley - we all know Mommy isn't the most skilled with a pair of scissors!

Viva Las Vegas!

In early June Trent had a bowling tournament (they came in second out of 240 teams in the Southwest!) and I had a one-day work event in Las Vegas so we decided to make a family trip of it. This was Bodhi's first road trip and Mia's first time in Las Vegas. We spent time with Pat, Monica, Evan and Marisa, as well as my Dad, Cindy and their equine "kids" Lucky, Remy, JJ (and I think there was one more - I can't remember his name - sorry Dad!). We all had a blast and the kids are begging to go back and see the horses and their family!

Here are some shots from the trip . . .

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).