a blended life

It's hard to describe in a few concise sentences the emotional energy that Hannah put into planning her birthday party. I can only stress that SHE was the one who planned it, the plan changed daily, and if things didn't go the way she imagined in her head, it was my fault and she was crying uncontrollably. Somehow we made it through the big day and I think she was quite pleased--and overwhelmed--with the whole day-long event. Having a 5 year old makes me feel old and mourn the loss of her babyhood, even though she barely reached 40 lbs.  She opened a few family gifts in the morning. A bike from me, a stroller and handmade diaper bag (and clothes) from Grandma, some earrings and a Barbie from Auntie Jen. This picture shows Leah  suffering a severe case of jealousy.  The birthday part was a Ladybug theme and Hannah wanted all the kids to dress up. Only a couple of them would. I made this bug cake and think it turned out pretty cute, considering I'm decidedly NOT a baker...

I haven't forgotten to post about Hannah's birthday party. I've been sick sick sick and shuffling around the house in a thick fog. I hope I wake up tomorrow and it's all gone.

Here's a pic of Hannah being a drama queen. In skinny jeans. Here's a pic of Leah with a fever and an ear infection, trying to find out how her latest Judy Moody book ends. **Important side note: We went to the doctor today for the first time since....drum roll please....she had her tonsils out 18 months ago. Hooray for healthy kids! And here are the two monkeys livin' it up in the bath. I have many pictures of bath time, which may seem weird, but they spend quite a bit of time taking baths and invent their craziest, silliest stuff while bathing. Maybe it's like how some of us get our best ideas while showering? *ahem* Hannah is a spitfire. There is no other word to describe her. I was going to include some of the outrageous stuff she's said lately, but my brain is firing right now. About two or three times a day, something comes out of her mouth that is either completely shocking or completely hilarious. Usually both at the same time. Kids make me tired....

This post dedicated to Karina. And actually, the jeans debate isn't that great. It's really stupid. You see, I picture myself as being quite a bit chunkier than I really am. This has ALWAYS been the case. So when these horrid skinny jeans came back in style after being an 80's castaway (along with drop-waisted crap and sweater dresses), I had decided in my mind that I couldn't pull it off the first time, so why try for a second time. Maybe that first time was a failure because I didn't have Guess jeans with the little zipper on the side and green question mark on the butt. Yes, that probably would have made all the difference.  Anyway, it's been several years and I still don't own a pair of skinny jeans. I thought to myself, Self--get over it and go buy a pair of decent jeans already. I had finally talked myself into a pair of skinny jeans. I gave myself pep talks on how I wouldn't look like an overinflated balloon on top of an ice cream cone. I went ...