The C Family Preview

Over the weekend I was lucky enough to be able to do some family shots for the C family at Lake Katherine.  Despite the stormy clouds overhead all day, we managed to sneak in an hour of photo fun.  It was such a treat to get outside and have some natural light to work with again... not mention sweet baby Sloane!  Thank you so much for thinking of me to capture these precious moments!

The End of an Era...

I feel like often in my youth, my friends and I used the term "end of an era" to describe anything that lasted for about 3 weeks or more coming to it's usually rightful demise.  So many times in our oh so dramatic state we would mourn the ending of things that had barely begun in the first place.  Now, however, it is the end of an era. 

Era: long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic.

More than one era has come to a full circle in my life over the past few months.  I have lost two people dear to me and said goodbye to my longest and most cherished intimate relationship. 

Life has handed those close to me more than a lemon.  There were days were it felt like it might as well have been hailing watermelons, but through the storms I have realized:

Life should always be cherished, because whether you are old or young, caring or selfish, the only thing that is consistent is change.

You are stronger than you ever believed yourself to be.  When given a challenge, rise to it, overcome it, conquer it.

Life is filled with blessings.  Whether they are holding you tightly or subtly guiding you.  Surround yourself with people that love you and care for you and need you in their lives just as much as you need them.

Be grateful.  Even on the days where "everything" is going wrong and it is truly believable that the sun will not peek out from the clouds, look around you and realize that what matters is not material, or who is missing from the moment, but who you have been lucky enough to share your moments with and the experiences that have brought you to the here and now.  All of those memories shaped the person you have become, learn from them, embrace them, let them encourage you to believe there is good in the world and become the good. 

The times are changing whether we are ready or not.  I will carry with me the love and memories.

Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, ma, ma, momma, momma, mom!

Motherhood is nothing short of miraculous.  Be it the miracle of developing a new life or keeping that life alive once you have brought it into the world, every moment should be cherished.  From the first prenatal flutter, to holding that precious - I cannot believe how tiny - angel, through the year of firsts: smile, laugh, food, words, steps, to birthdays and holidays, and moments that take your breath away.  It is momentous and life altering in a way that you can not even comprehend until it happens to you. 

Then there is the lack of sleep and energy, tantrums and whining, the boo boos, and the constant battle of the wills.  There is the dish of pasta chucked to the floor and what seems to be barely enough coffee.  Then somewhere amidst the madness, you realize you would not trade any of it.  Not even the blood curdling screaming at the grocery store when you firmly tell your toddler, "No, you cannot eat M&M's for dinner." (Okay, maybe that part.)  One day this realization washes over you... this little boy has changed for your life for nothing short of the better.  Miracles do exist and one is standing right in front of you holding up a Mother's day card with his hand prints proudly stamped inside.

Mother's are warriors, teachers, friends, chefs, seamstresses, your first admirer, and your biggest fan.  They are Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny.  They are the reason you know the saying is "feed a cold and starve a fever."  They fix the unfixable, find the inevitably lost, and really can make it all better with a hug.  Mother's day is not just some Sunday in May where you go to brunch with a bouquet of flowers.  Mother's day is every day. 

Every day I wake up, I am a mother first and Sarah second.  My day starts with a tight squeeze from one of the sweetest two year olds I know and only gets better with every smooch.  I am reminded of what is really important in life and it is not the extravagant gifts or the cliched cards.  It is the love that you did not know was possible for another human being.  It is sharing a meal with the people you care about while no one is caring about technology.  It is unplugging from the drama of gossip and judgment and laying belly down on the ground pushing a car back and forth with this angel who today thinks this may be the funniest thing to ever happen and that contagious belly laugh echoes throughout the halls. 

Becoming a mother drives me to be the best version of myself I can be.  I strive to be a positive role model and to lead by example.  I am motivated in ways never before possible because this little curly top depends on me.  Depends on me to greet him at 5 am with a smile and be present and on my game from literally dawn until dusk.  Depends on me for knowledge and guidance, compassion and support.  And on those days when 5 am came hours to early, or my boundaries have been tested, I take a deep breath and remember how blessed I am.  Blessed to have this 2 foot side kick who thinks I have the power to "turn down the sun."  Blessed to have a baby that wants to snuggle before bed.  Blessed to have a baby. 

Being a mother takes boundless love and endless patients.  It will change your life and make you a better person.  It will restore your faith in god and humanity, that someone so tiny can alter your entire world.  It will make you realize that if it had not been for your own mother, grandmother, great grandmother that you would not stand proudly in front of this blessing, that just peed in the potty for the first time, or said thank you with out being prompted, held the door open for you, or drew you a picture, with the ability to love and nurture them.  Had it not been for all the times mom wiped your tears, and brought you soup when you were sick, or cheered you on from the sidelines, or always managed to have that shirt with the awful stain ready to wear just in the nick of time, you would not have the compassion and courage to embrace your own parenting journey. 

So on Mother's day and every day be grateful for this truly amazing blessing and do not dwell on the diapers or sulk through the tantrums, smile after stepping on that Lego in the dark, cherish the sound of belly laughs, and soak in the smell of sunscreen and just bathed curls.  Remember every moment you were moved to tears, because that little nugget will grow up and know better.  The "Mommy's" turn into "mom (eye roll)" and it will be years before they think Mom really is magic, again.

A Day in the Life of Cousins

Play Dates, Snow Dates, and not a whole more!

Well, I was on a roll with posting more regularly...  In the past few weeks, there has been a lot of time visiting my Grandma in the rehab facility, late night homework, and helping W get over his new fear of sleeping.  I think we are finally getting to the bottom of what is causing him such anxiety and while all he has really asked is that you sit in the room with him, allowing me a large amount of time to browse pinterest for decor for the home I do not have, clothes from a budget I cannot afford, nursery's for newborns not in my near future, and unrealistic wedding fantasies, it means I do not start my homework until around 9:30 which had become my bedtime.

We have had a few adventures in the past few weeks.  I was lucky enough to borrow my buddy Cutie for the day for a play date.  W and Cutie had a blast and I was glad to be able to help out the new Momma!  I must say it was probably the most quiet play date I have ever been a part of.  The boys ate respectfully with no mess or fuss, the toys were shared and picked up, and there was not one outburst, from anyone, for any reason.  It was really quite amazing!  It is that false sense of reality that tricks parents into thinking, "we could totally have another baby!  Look how awesome we are at this!"

Our other adventures have come from the "abundance" of snow.  W has become a master at throwing attempting to launch snowballs around the yard.

He loves to shovel the snow off the patio and has actually begun clearing paths on his own.  Although he would stay out all day and night if you let him, once our nose looks like Rudolph we head in for a hot cup of soup.

We have been eating a lot of chili in the past month or so and I am delighted to report that my former meat-hating toddler finally tried my chili and on occasion claims to LOVE it, Mommy:1.  More to come on some of our winter favorite meals.

I hope everyone is staying warm!  Can you believe it is almost time to spring ahead?  As much as I love a matching scarf, glove, and hat set I am looking forward to skirts, fresh air, and, knock on wood, a trip to the park.



Happy Valentine's Day!

A party, a horsie, a sucker and more.  We had a lot in store for Valentine's day this year.  

Ever since we left the parking lot to the United Center after Disney on Ice W has been talking about Maximus the horse from Tangled.  I think he regretted not snatching him up when he had the chance, but as luck would have it, the Disney store had all of their plush characters buy one get one free so Maximus was able to make a guest appearance this morning along with a few other treasures.

W had a party with his fellow classmates on Monday.  They passed out treats one by one and everyone seemed to enjoy our homemade cupcakes. 

I was lucky enough to share my Valentine's day with my favorite guys.  Tyler made it home from work last night, so we were able to just spend a nice day at home basking in all the love.

Hope everyone had a lovely day!

Happy Birthday to Papa!

No, it is not W's birthday take two, Little Man decided that Papa was 2 just like him!  We, or more accurately me, made a cake and chili for Papa's birthday!  Papa did not want anything for his birthday this year aside from an iPad, and since we did not win the lotto, Papa had to settle for some pretty kick ass cards and an iTunes and visa gift card.  W has been really into the birthday song for about 5 months now, but Papa's birthday was really his time to shine.  W sang happy birthday about 5 times and helped Papa blow out the candle at the end of each rendition.

Happy Birthday Papa!