Craner Clan

Ch ch ch changes....

2011-08-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

While most moms cut the apron strings on the first day of Kindergarten, I have resisted. I have resisted with stubborn, determined, selfless (or possibly selfish), well intentioned, joyful, fierce mother love.

Home schooling was never a conscious decision. It's just always been a way of life: reading stories, museum visits, library outings, art projects, science experiments, reading stories, writing, counting, zoo field trips, reading stories, traveling, exploring, learning, learning, always learning.

When Liv turned 5, there was no doubt in my mind that she would stay home. Kindergarten? Why? We were spending every waking moment engaged in child-directed play and exploration. She was doing unit studies on dinosaurs, mermaids, and pumpkins. She was enrolled in weekly music classes, gymnastics, book club, and home school group. We didn't have TIME for her to go to school....we were too busy learning! And so it went year after year..........

She is 10 years old now. Each year, her learning has become gradually more structured, more challenging. The subjects she studies have become more diverse, complex, and interesting. I have learned right beside her, marveling at all of the things I missed during my own education as a child. She has learned how to play piano, violin, and guitar. She is an accomplished swimmer and BMX racer. She has been in Latin club, Destination Imagination, theatre productions, nature center classes, Liberty Girls club, art lessons, and is a Girl Scout. She has raised rabbits, chickens and ducks, planted vegetable gardens, built forts, earned money with lemonade stands, and gone to summer camp. She has spent countless hours playing and interacting with her younger siblings, forging friendships with them that are priceless. For the past 10 years, she has slept until her body is ready to wake up each day. She has eaten when her body feels hungry. She has been physically active at any time of the day that she needs and chooses. She has friends of all ages and both genders. She is confident and kind, cheerful and curious, creative and empathetic.

Would she have experienced the same things, developed the same skills, met the same people, showed the same interests if I had put her on that big yellow bus five years ago? Of course not. Would she have had enjoyable experiences, developed useful skills, met good friends, and tried interesting things if I HAD put her on that bus? Certainly. Did I make the right choice? Yes. Even though there is no way for me to know how our lives would have been different, I know I made the right decision.

How do I know?

When she took her first step, she walked into my outstretched arms. When she got her p's mixed up with her b's and her d's, she wasn't embarrassed to cry out her frustration in my arms. When a playground bully pushed her down in the dirt, she wasn't afraid that asking for my help would be "tattling." When she expressed herself with bold and unusual fashions, she wasn't worried that I would tease her. When she had a secret to tell, a crush to share, or a lie to admit, she knew she could confide in me. Has our academic focus always been perfect? No. But my daughter, my forever first baby, has learned that she is good, sweet, smart, cherished, loved, respected, appreciated, and valued just as she is.

This school year, we made the big leap to public school....5th grade. It was a decision that our family discussed openly, honestly, and at great length. We all agreed that it felt like the right thing to do. Is she ready? AM I READY? I think so. I worry about all sorts of things. Will she be challenged enough academically? Too much? Will the other students treat her respectfully? Will she fall into a clique and pretend to be someone she's not in order to survive the social pressure? Will her teacher treat her differently because she's a home schooler? Will she learn the right kinds of things? Will she learn anything?

This is where I take a deep breath. She knows how to learn. She knows who she is. She knows what to do. I trust her to trust herself. If she's learned nothing else in our years of home schooling together, she HAS learned that making mistakes is a big part of learning, that the process is more important than the product, and that mom is always here with arms outstretched in case she stumbles. It's only the third day, and I miss her already.

Summer 2011

2011-08-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

This summer may have been our best ever. It's a bold statement, I know. I can sum up the proof in one glorious moment several weeks ago.......

As I stand in the berry patch with warm raspberry juice dripping from my fingers and lips, the hot sun freckling my shoulders, I look around me. Scarlett is herding our flock of chickens through the yard and away from the vegetable garden, where she has been tending her crop of green beans planted so carefully by her tiny hands earlier this summer. She is already living her dream of becoming a farmer. I can hear Olivia's giggles and shrieks from the creek running behind the house as she and a friend brave the cold water and muddy slime to tube down the area that she's termed "the rapids." Milo, wearing diaper, sneakers, and helmet, is ripping up the pump track on his bike. He stops every so often to say, "Mom, watch this," or "did you see thaaaat?!" The expression on his face is simultaneously concentration, exhilaration, anticipation, and joy. The dirt on his face and knees reminds me of his dad's biking gear, soaking in the laundry room. I gladly wash out the mud, knowing that the afterglow from yesterday's great ride will remain with Ben all week. My scrubs are waiting for their turn in the washer as well. I've come straight to the berry patch after returning home from witnessing another miracle. A baby came earth side, a woman became Mother. As I watch my children, I reflect on the great outings we've had this summer: Grandma and Grandpa's cabin in Island Park, rafting the Provo river, hiking Mount Timpanogas's cave, the Heslop family reunion at Donate Springs, parks, pools, plays, a demolition derby, concerts, cookouts, bike rides, water fights, sleepovers, the list goes on and on......

But none of it compares to this moment right here and right now in our own back yard.

15 Glorious Days

2011-05-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

5 people

1 family

2 airplanes

1 rental car

621 miles

4 hotels

2 amusement parks

1 world famous Mouse

1 aquarium

1 boat

5 orca

3 seasick kids

6 trips across the Golden Gate Bridge

12 new sister midwives

1 weekend spent with a personal hero

1 hike among majestic redwoods

1 afternoon on the beach

4 beautiful births

1 incredible and generous husband

3 deliciously sweet children

1 completely grateful and fulfilled self

15 glorious days

A Whole Year?!

2010-09-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, an entire year has passed since my last post. How exactly did that happen? I don't know.

Is it possible to look back and attempt to summarize the last 12 months? Probably not. But here is a look at the random snippets my memory held onto....enjoy the ride.

MILO finally started walking at 17 months then promptly sustained fractures of 3 metatarsals a week later during an innocent fall involving his oldest sister this required two weeks in a "disturbingly cute" blue cast that prevented any and all weight bearing so he was back to scooting on his heinie he has mastered the art of non-verbal communication and if there were an award for the number and variety of motors a person can impersonate he would win because when he is asking for a toy there is no doubt whether he means his jeep motorcycle dump truck tractor train race car bicycle bus van helicopter jet vacuum lawn mower or stroller because he makes a different "motor" sound for each and every one he experienced many "firsts" including a hair cut (grandma wore me down) eating lemons and cartwheeling down various steep inclines such as our stairs and rock retaining wall his pediatrician chuckles because he's been to the doctor more in 2 years than my girls combined in 9 years wish me luck SCARLETT left the land of preschoolers and hasn't looked back she is a girl who marches to the beat of her own drum and although she cares little what others think she is still kind and considerate of their feelings it is a surprising and lovely combination she celebrated her 5th birthday among the princesses at Disney World and you'll have to take my word for that because I managed to lose every last picture of the entire week long trip she continues to be hypersensitive to all tactile input and we've finally realized that her screams that once convinced us she'd amputated a limb generally mean she's scraped a knee on the cement or has a trampoline burn on her elbow she would rather wear pink pants a size too small with holes in both knees and a stained yellow t-shirt than any of the latest fashions her love of animals has expanded far beyond dogs and horses and when asked she will tell you that when she grows up she wants to be a zoo keeping-farmer-dolphin training-rancher who lives among wild wolves she is freakishly strong and agile for her size and can outrun and outwrestle her older sister her favorite kindergarten activities are music class coloring and chemistry experiments she has been shockingly cooperative and sweet for the last year and is suddenly showing signs of shifting her approach wish me luck OLIVIA completed the 3rd grade at home by some miracle as I was sure we would kill each other on a daily basis the funny thing about all the drama and conflict is that it ends up that we both wanted the same thing- for her to be more independent she grew her hair amazingly long she finished her second year of piano lessons and switched to violin she sold hundreds of boxes of girl scout cookies and has her first "real" best friend who now hears all of her deepest darkest secrets instead of me she performed her first monologue on stage in front of a decent audience and turned 9 years old she added the family laundry to her chore list and started wearing a bra she continues to have a knack for fashion and loves to sketch original designs she has used my sewing machine a few times and is making noises about having one of her own she is straddling the divide between little girl and young lady it is bittersweet to witness her play with Barbie one minute then roll on her lipgloss and play Taylor Swift on her ipod she is lovely and complicated wish me luck BEN is still the love of my life he parents our children with the wild abandon of a mountain biker the hard working drive of a marketing VP the creativity and finesse of an artist and the sheer joy of a perpetual kid he has travelled enough this year to easily explain the existence of a second family he has opened new Cafe Rios in 5 states rallied his bike down the slopes in 2 countries and taken some or all of us to Arizona California Oregon Idaho Florida Las Vegas and Hawaii his lastest venture rendered him injured when his bike bucked him off he is every shade of black and blue and struts around like John Wayne will it slow him down- only until the next ride wish me luck TINA baked four birthday cakes witnessed a baby's first steps and a daughter's first heartbreak she learned history science and latin along with her girls she considered her lumps and lines and shaved her head she attended births started a new business went back to school and began a new journey wish me luck OUR FAMILY was busy at county fairs water parks museums school activities music lessons theatre productions play dates vacations amusement parks national parks backyards book club art class mountain cabins beaches hiking trails biking paths zoos campouts cookouts concerts recitals races weddings reunions parties and street festivals it will be a tough year to live up to wish me luck

Celebrating Baby's First Birthday

2009-10-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Milo recently turned a year old. I have been avoiding this post, just as I was in denial about his birthday. I cried for a week. Although there is no noticable change in him, I feel his babyhood quickly slipping away. The last year has passed in giggles and grins and snuggles and a lingering triumph over having created this masterpiece of a boy. It has been the best year of my life thus far, and I continue to be in love with the little human below.

September 17, 2008: 8:00 am

8:00 pm

Long, but very sweet......

Summer Sailed

2009-10-03T10:37:00.001-07:00

Summer was a whirlwind of activity. Here is a very brief and unorganized synopsis.

The boy ate and grew.

We played at Cherry Hill.

We went to Yellowstone National Park......

Jackson Hole, Wyoming......

and Island Park, Idaho.

We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary.

Kiki learned to swim.

We went to the Utah Art Festival

Mac and Walter learned to bike.

We had lots of silly fun outside.

The girls won ribbons at the science fair after hours of experiments.

Mac ate and grew, then ate and grew, then ate some more.

Did I mention all of the silly and MESSY fun?

Spring sprang

2009-08-04T20:57:00.001-07:00

Summer is in full swing. It is hot. Remind me why I was complaining about the rain in June? I miss Spring. I love Spring. It is the time of year that offers me the rare chance to live in the moment. I don't miss winter, and I don't plan for the season ahead. I just soak up the sunshine and breathe in the wakening green.
Maybe it was all that living in the moment that prevented me from posting these pictures sooner. But now that it is 100 degrees outside, I have a reason to look back, remember, and savor Spring one more time. It is a magical season.

Sleep

2009-05-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

As the mother of a 7 month old baby, I ponder "sleep" often. It is an enigma. My children resist it with all of their might. They insist to me and themselves that they do not need it. They dread sunset's warning that the time for sleep is approaching. They whinge and screech when told they must go to sleep.

I, by comparison, desire sleep with every cell in my body. Every morning I find myself thinking or saying that I did not get enough sleep the night before. Every afternoon, I need a nap, but do not get one. After supper, I watch the clock, waiting impatiently for it to be bedtime. I am relieved when the house is finally quiet and settled, so that I can tiptoe into my bedroom and sink into my pillow.

As the mother of a baby, the topic of sleep comes up often in conversation. Friends want to know if I'm getting any sleep or if the baby is sleeping through the night yet. It is obviously a valuable resource for all parents. Those who are getting enough of it themselves offer encouragement and then silently rejoice that it's you instead of them. Those who are also deprived commiserate and share strategies for attaining more.

Then occasionally, I startle awake at 4 am and realize that the baby slept through his 2 am feeding. How I wish I could go back to sleep on those rare nights rather than waiting and worrying until he does wake. And there is a tendency every night to wonder if THIS will be the night that he sleeps until dawn. Will he achieve the holy grail of milestones this very night? The answer thus far has been no. And secretly, I smile over this. When I snuggle up with him in our rocking chair in the dark to nurse, it is the best part of my day. There are no distractions, no interruptions. Instead of breastfeeding the baby while simultaneously answering phone calls, reading email, helping with math, playing horses, reading stories, or playing Jenga...there are only the two of us. His sweet gulp, sigh...the only sounds. His body heavy with sleep and his sweaty head....my only focus. I can release all of my worries and frustrations as my love for this boy melts my own body, and I sink into this moment.

He'll sleep through the night eventually. For now, I'm content to let "sleep" remain a conundrum.

Walter

2009-04-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Our "new" dog is a mystery. Actually, he is not "new" at all. He belonged to someone else before us. We don't know what his name was and have given him a new name. We don't know how old he is, but the vet says between 4 and 6 years. We don't know how he came to be lost, only that he was picked up by animal control in Bountiful. No one claimed him. We don't know why.

These are the things that we DO know about Walter:
1. He does not chase or bark at the cat. He gets a bit more excited about the ducks, but controls himself perfectly when told to.
2. He does not jump up onto anyone.
3. The only time he barks is when the family is getting in the car and he hasn't been invited to go along.
4. He allows 4 year old girls to dress him up (including socks on all four feet), wipe his nose with a tissue, lift him onto and then push him off of the trampoline, take him on 29 walks a day, comb him with the Barbie comb, and attempt to feed him sand-repeatedly.
5. When he sleeps at night, he must be in physical contact at all times with this same girl. His favorite position is supine, front feet raised in the air. He snores quite loudly.
6. He loves to sort the garbage and will tip over any and all trash receptacles left within reach.
7. He will lick every square inch of Milo's exposed skin when he thinks no one is watching. This affection is lavished solely on the baby, perhaps because he is the only one who tastes good enough to lick.
8. He has very quickly become a member of the family.

For two parents who are not dog lovers, adopting Walter was very risky. When I consider the problems that we might have had, I wonder at our luck. I can't help but think of his previous owners with sadness for their loss, in spite of our gain. I'm too jaded these days to believe in fate, but I hope that our crossed paths feel as serendipitous to Walter as they do to us.

Time...

2009-04-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

Last night when I went to bed, I asked myself what I had accomplished that day. Where had the time gone? Laundry was washed, but not folded. Dinner was eaten, but dishes left in the sink. Toys were put away, but the floor not vacuumed. How had I managed to burn up an entire day without completing any of the tasks I began? I felt like a failure.

So today, as I sorted through pictures, I looked for proof that my days aren't a waste of time. And this is what I discovered.

As TIME passes:

Little girls fall in love with dogs. (This is Walter.)

They win coloring contests, which earn them a dining experience with gigantic and terrifying mascots at restaurants.

Babies sprout teeth, learn to roll over, sit up, and eat solids. They don't care that these new talents break Mommy's heart and make it burst with pride.

Little girls become big girls who give presentations, watch mesmerized as larvae turn into ladybugs, and practice cartwheels and handstands by the hour.

These beautiful events don't get written down in an appointment book or appear on any "to do" list. They take place in spite of dirty dishes, unfinished laundry, and sticky floors. And sadly, they happen whether they are witnessed or not. My photos reminded me today that I AM watching. I'm not missing any of it (even if it is 1 pm and I haven't showered yet.)

I'll never win a beauty pageant or a Pulitzer prize. I'll never be an ambassador to a foreign country or run an orphanage in a third world country. I'll never receive an award for the hours I spend every day caring for my sweet kiddos, but their smiles and laughter have to mean I'm doing something right.

So, maybe I've accomplished something important after all......

If this chair's a rockin'..........

2009-02-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

Future bull ridin' rodeo star....or bronco buster maybe? YEEEEEHAW!

La Vida Loca

2009-02-01T10:40:00.000-08:00

Our recent trip to Mexico was fabulous. We stayed on Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancun. Things began a bit stressfully when we arrived at the airport with 4 passports (oops, Tina, we're a family of 5 now). Ben went home to get it, and we made our flight. [READ: Ben cursed at the top of his lungs while driving 95 mph and Tina had a nervous breakdown at the ticket counter while Liv tried not to throw up, Kiki dumped the contents of her suitcase on the floor, and Milo pooped all over his clothes.] But as you can see, it was all worth it when we got there.....

Kiki is ready for a nap after snorkelling. She surprised us all
when she jumped in and swam along the reef with the rest of us.

Our room was steps from the pool with the beach just beyond that. We had an actual "cabana boy" who brought
drinks and snacks to our patio, pool chairs, or beach umbrella. It was great to be so spoiled.

We visited a turtle farm where sea turtle eggs are protected
and hatchlings are later released into the ocean to try to increase their numbers. The girls got to hold these baby
land turtles while we were there.

The beach was our favorite place to be whether swimming, napping, or playing in the sand.

We walked into the little fishing village every evening where
we enjoyed the live music, the fresh seafood, and the local
people who were incredibly friendly.

The island is small enough to see in a few hours by golf cart.
The girls took turns steering, and we stopped at lots of beautiful places along the way.

My favorite moment all week was at sunset on our last evening. I can't think of anything more spectacular than watching the sun sink into the Carribean Sea, listening to acoustic guitar with Ben and the kids laughing on the beach in the background.

We all loved having Ben to ourselves. No work, no phone, no
interruptions. He is such an amazing father, and I couldn't hope for a more loving partner to share my life with. It was wonderful to watch him play with and enjoy the children so much. But most of all, I was happy to see him relax during a
much deserved vacation.

Proof that being a work-a-holic sometimes pays off!

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

This was to be the photo on our annual New Years card that we usually send out to friends and family. This posting is as close as we got. Oh well, there's always next year for ambitious projects.

Let it snow...let it snow...let it snow! This is Ben's current workout routine.

Liv had her hair, nails, and makeup done at a birthday party...isn't she gorgeous?

Future ranch owner gets her first tractor for Christmas...notice the horse in the trailer.

After asking Santa for a Barbie house for 4 years straight...Liv finally broke him down.

After 35 years of NOT being a morning person, Milo's song has me waking up with a smile on my face. Who wouldn't be happy with this sweet sound as an alarm clock?

It's a beautiful life

2008-12-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I have three such fantastic kids. Ben and I marvel at them every day. Life just doesn't get any better than this!

We had a gingerbread party at our house last weekend. We made a stable for Santa's reindeer, complete with fence and feeding trough.

Newest pics of the kiddos.....

Baby Mac is 3 months old today! He is growing and changing daily. He is the sweetest little soul.

He babbles and coos continually, but my favorite is the giggle.

I hope this stuff washes off....

2008-11-20T20:18:00.000-08:00

We got a bit carried away with the face paint. The kids thought it was only fair that if mom and dad got to paint their faces, they ought to have a go painting ours and each others.

Gratitude

2008-10-26T12:16:00.001-07:00

I don't know if it's the beauty of autumn, the plenitude of harvest time, the countless hours I spent in church during my childhood, or having consumed my first caffeinated coffee in months, but I find myself feeling especially blessed (yes friends...blessed) this Sunday morning. I would be remiss if I allowed the moment to pass without acknowledging the generosity and kindness of the Universe and the bounty I enjoy in my life. And I'm not just referring to the obvious things that we all take for granted daily such as our health, our jobs, our homes, our children and spouses, our country....I'm also thinking of the number of days of sunshine Utah experiences per year, the way the cat keeps my feet warm at night, the way my far away friends turn up in my dreams to remind me of their love and loyalty (thanks Amy, Leann and Keely), the absolute pure indulgence and pleasure of a good massage, the sweetness of my 3yr old's voice when she says "I love you," a good book, the burn that only a Coke can make in your throat, complete silence during a 2am feeding.........I suppose these are all "simple pleasures" and maybe not worth noting or sharing. But I hope that I can pay it forward in some Karmic way, so that they continue to come unbidden and often into my life.

Reflections at four weeks

2008-10-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Life in our household is gradually resuming its usual rhythms. The girls are busy with their activities and school work, I'm in charge of meals and laundry again (it was a nice break though), Ben is finally able to sleep through the 2am feeding, and Milo is beginning to establish his own schedule. He has mastered 2 new sounds this week: ahn-goo and oooohhhhh (see video clip below). He also has started to giggle, but his dad is the only one funny looking enough to make him do it.

Here are the latest pictures. Enjoy!

Mommy in training....

I feel like I should legally change my name to "Milk Truck."

Liv has earned some new badges in Brownies.

Kiki has enrolled in gymnastics again.

Liv has decided that painting requires formal wear.

I'm new at uploading video clips, so forgive the strange angle of Milo's movie.

Kiki is reading her favorite book.

Milo MacAvoy Benjamin Craner

2008-10-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

That's right, he finally has a name. And call me crazy, but I am loving the newborn phase. There is nothing more precious than his milky sweet mouth, his eyes just the color of the Mediterranean Sea, his silky soft head that forms a perfect question mark in profile, his quavering little chin when he cries for mama, the way he smiles in complete adoration at his daddy, and his purity. I am in love with this boy.........

Baby Boy Craner has finally arrived!

2008-09-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, as you know, the "due date" came and went....followed by 9 of the longest days of my life. But it was well worth the wait. Our son finally arrived Wednesday, Sept 17 at 8:12 pm. He weighs 9lb 7oz and is 21 1/2 inches long.
The birth was beautiful, although slow to start. My water began leaking at 3am, but we waited until 4pm for my contractions. Once they started, they intensified rapidly, and I was surprised when I felt the undeniable urge to push. It was a peaceful moment for Ben and the girls and me as we welcomed him into the world. He is healthy and calm and sweet, and we are so happy to have him here at last.
We're still trying names on him....hopefully we'll have a decision soon!

Kiki is so excited to be a big sister Liv put on the first diaper (with midwife Chris supervising)
He's a champion breastfeeder, even during my "porn star" stage of motherhood
Isn't he handsome?

2008-09-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

Any day now..............

So tomorrow is the official "due date" (how I detest that term). I'm feeling so many things right now....excitement to meet my son, anticipation of how labor will start and how the birth will evolve, denial that I'm about to start over with an infant, fear that I won't be able to handle juggling three children, joy over the promise of new life, love for this small but profoundly important person, wonder at my body's ability to grow another human being, gratitude for Ben and the girls for caring so gently for me, sorrow that I'll never experience the miracle of pregnancy again, sheer awe at the power of womanhood.......

Hopefully my next post will be of the baby on the outside! I'm prepared to go a week late, like I did with both girls, but my fingers are crossed that I won't have to! Stay tuned.......

1 week to go......

2008-08-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Two big sisters just counting the days until they can give proper hugs and kisses.......

3 weeks to go.....

2008-08-17T10:53:00.001-07:00

I've begun the serious countdown now. My body is ready to stop being pregnant, but my brain isn't ready to accept the intensity of caring for a newborn. He's so much easier where he is now...
My local friends had a party for me called a Blessing Way or a Mother Blessing. It's a Navajo tradition that honors the mother's journey through pregnancy in preparation for birth. It was amazing (thanks Jenn and Andie!) and made me feel like the most powerful woman on earth. The rituals consisted of energy cleansing, foot bath and massage, decorating my belly with henna for good luck, offering a bead for a labor necklace for me and a bead for a birth bracelet for the baby, and everyone brought a meal to fill my freezer. The women who were here are wearing a string around their wrists at this very moment to remind them to send me positive energy during the remainder of my pregnancy, and they have all agreed to light a candle when I go into labor to continue sending their support until the baby is born. I feel so grateful to be included in such a wonderful circle of women. And for all of my long distance friends....I lit a candle during the party in honor of all of you who continue to send your love and support across the miles. Thanks!

Fun in the Sun

2008-08-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but we're trying to cram in as much fun as possible before summer is done. These are our latest outings......

Ben is trying match my pregnancy weight gain by taking the kids out for ice cream every night.
Liv and auntie during our camping trip to the Uintah Mtns.

It's not a coincidence that the pool is located next to the raspberry and blackberry bushes. When they finish picking (or eating rather) berries, they are purple and in definite need of a wash.

Beus Park:

Kiki and Grandpa camping in the Uintah's.

LAGOON:

Summer Highlights

2008-07-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Speed demon....

White Pine, Wyoming

(Did I mention Ben won the title of Wyoming State

Downhill Mtn Bike Champion?)

Cherry Hill....

Fun with Blancas family and Burnside family at the North Carolina beach house.....

Kiki's first bike.......

These are a few of Liv's favorite things.....

Fun at Grandma's house......

6 Weeks to go.......

2008-07-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

I am due to give birth to this boy 6 weeks from today. We had a playdate today with a family that has 2 girls the ages of Liv and Kiki and an 18 mo old boy. I wonder if their mother could see the obvious panic on my face. What have I done? What have I done? That's all I kept asking myself!