I have been known to bash families with more than one kid. Let me say this, I like large families, I just don't think it would work for me. Let's take a look at my own family tree.
My Grandma Louise, My Mom Bobbye, Me *at 11 years old* and my awesome dog Cash
And there you have it. Of course I have a father, William, but my Mom raised me as a single parent. I have a handful of aunts, uncles, a cousin or two that I have seen a few times but this was my family core. No family reunions, huge Thanksgiving gatherings, bickering over the bathroom in the morning or awkward chit chat with relatives you see once every few years who pinch your cheeks and say how much you've grown.
Now my hubby, his family is massive. When they have a family get-together the crowd rivals Woodstock. Being a part of his life and family for the last 16 years I've grown accustomed to larger families. I never had that many people to care for and it was overwhelming for me at first. Then I enjoyed meeting new nieces and nephews, visiting relatives from LA to Mexico. I think having 3 sisters-in-law, countless cousins and uncles, and "this is the son of my sister's daughter's husband's brother" is very cool. I sometimes wonder what life would be like with 3 or 4 children and sadly, I only see chaos. I meticulously make Liv's lunch the night before and I couldn't even imagine making specialized meals for 3 other children. As organized as I may seem, there are definitely days when I can't find a shoe or Liv refuses to take a nap so I can't wash dishes, clothes or even my hair. How do these Super Mom's do it? I am terrible in the discipline department. I can't scold Liv with a straight face and when I do get stern with her I am on the verge of tears. I thought I hated diapers but I despise taking a toddler to a public restroom even more. Or even having to clean a potty with a #2 *Yuck beyond belief* Well, obviously I'm only seeing one side of large family life. There are several amazing families who seem to have everything under control. Case in point...
Gabrielle is mother is 6 lovely, well behaved, incredible children. She manages to feed, clothe, bathe, entertain, educate, and love them all while living in this amazing farmhouse in France! Following her family's move from the States to Europe has been so inspiring. If she can do it with 7 people, I surely can handle Paris with just 3! She really proves the phrase "The more the merrier!"
Now they may not be the largest family but James home-schools her two oldest and she takes care of a 2 year old *who is potty training* and an adorable 3 month old. She still manages to bake a cake every Sunday...from scratch. This family is moving from Texas to Tennessee and I still can't figure out how she a. maintains her sanity and b. can afford to dress her children in the cutest clothes ever. The style and kindness that radiates from this family gives me a toothache from being so darn sweet.
They say three kids is average but this is no average family. I recently found them from Bleubird and became smitten by the charm and silliness the Lyons exude. I guess it helps she's a professional photographer and Dad is a producer for our favorite show. There's something about big brother's holding their little siblings that makes me melt. Seeing the photos of the bonds between these 3 siblings shows me there's more than arguments, obligations and other family drama. It teaches me to not hold on to being selfish and learn to be selfless.
I do have my moments when I consider having another baby, so let's just say I'm never going to say never. Babies are such blessings and I feel indebted for every day I spend with Olivia. Who knows what the future may hold for our family. Just please don't ask me when!!
Here's some photos of our day. Happy Weekend!
Toy shopping at Dinosaur Farm *so happy she's on the mend from being sick*
Showing a dinosaur to a new friend
I finally used my Kate Spade pouch, I love it so much!! *I'm just terrified I'm going to somehow ruin it*
Thanks for being the freakiest thing I've ever seen in a bathroom
I have a one-track mind lately, well, actually multi-track mind. Liv being sick for the last 3 days is super lame. I'm just getting over my cold, we are both sad faces.
Matching chins, only her double chin is cute and mine is horrible!
This amazing song is constantly playing in my head from putting together Liv's birthday party playlist.
Last night Antz and I had our first Wii workout last night *I've gained 2 lbs since Halloween* I did 36 minutes of boxing, step, hula hoops and kung fu *my favorite* I'm not the least bit sore today! So when I'm not preoccupied with those things, my mind is daydreaming of our new kitchen. It's hard to stick to our tight budget, especially when our 10 year old toaster dies and I have been wanting this handsome guy for ages.
Knowing my luck when I'm ready to buy accessories, they will be sold out *they are sold online only* I am so excited to actually have counter space for lovely things. I am constantly looking at white subway tile kitchens on Pinterest. I'm a little cautious of buying any cute stuff now since I still haven't gotten a final plumbing quote and I'm expecting a ton of unexpected costs when Ikea installs our cabinets. We didn't budget for professional demolition. We're going to attempt to do it ourselves and see if we don't ruin our house before we have to hire professionals. I have toWILL stay on budget!
My batteries are all charged and I've got a skip in my step towards making my resolutions into reality. I've got my first scheduled Wii workout tonight. My plan is to get 3 workouts and 2 walks a week. I had to postpone last week's workout since I was sicky. Now my lovely Liv has what appears to be a light flu. She's sneezy, coughy, fevery, stuffy, achy, runny nose and has a serious case of the sleepys. I've been giving her liquids, soup and toast. So far toast and fruit is all she eats but she's not barfing which is good news, I suppose. Unfortunately, I don't think she'll go to school tomorrow. I'm sure by Thursday she'll be back to her bright and cheery self.
Here's a sneak peek!
I have made progress in the Great Birthday Plans. I found the perfect venue, within a reasonable budget and accommodates most of our needs. Antz is going to take a day off this month so we can check it out since it's closed for private parties on weekends. I hope all is well and I can book it so we can secure our date *June is a very popular birthday month* I was going to order Party Packs from Hot Dog on a Stick but the new venue includes pizza and who doesn't like pizza? That takes a great load off my plate since I no longer have to find someone to pick up the food and all the expense of keeping it warm, and the condiments involved with hot dogs. I'm going to make lemonade myself and use my new lemonade dispenser. The adults will be happy to know I can serve beer and wine at her party. It's all coming together and before I know it, June will be here. This morning I found the perfect 3rd birthday party outfit for Liv but I have to hold off ordering any clothes for her since she grows like a weed and everything I've bought so far she's on the verge of outgrowing. It is ridiculously cute in an edgy-but-sweet way *not your typical tutu with a shirt that says I'm 3* I'm super excited for her party!!
So tomorrow I will meet with our plumber, Martin, to get his feedback on the faucet I bought. Our existing sink is only 29 inches wide and the new sink will be 36 inches so we are going to reconfigure all the cabinets layout. In March we're having Ikea come to our house to measure our crooked walls. I'm so happy we aren't installing those cabinets ourselves because we have the slanty-iest house in the world. I call it my Pop-up book house. We'll attempt to do the backsplash ourselves since we have experience installing waterproof drywall and tile, so I'm pretty confident. My Mom has a hardwood floor guy to refer to us and all we need to find now is an electrician *who doesn't charge $200 per hour*
I'm pretty geeked out for Antz & my date night in a few weeks. We're gonna see Life of Pi. I wasn't gonna see it until I read the book *which I hear is pretty awesome* but life with a toddler makes reading a rare occurrence. My friend Nic said it was visually stunning.
The world's hardest to pronounce kitchen faucet is now all mine. The Hjuvik Faucet is sold at every Ikea and for some unknown reason they are discontinuing it so after checking online it turned out to be ONE in stock at the Burbank Ikea. Aimee and I went there today and I made my first official purchase for our kitchen remodel. This is a pretty amazing faucet! It has an industrial sleek look that will modernize our classic white kitchen design.
I also love that I will be able to rinse dishes quickly and then pop them in our dishwasher. Oh man, when I think of how wonderful having a dishwasher will be after 6 years of hand-washing dishes, I hear Angels sing. I think it will look amazing with our new sink.
I have my eye on the prize this year. No more setbacks, I'm staying focused and making my dreams turn into reality! These aren't my resolutions, more like a go-to list of things I will accomplish over time.
Get Liv signed with a reputable talent agency
Even if I have to send her photos every month, I'm getting her an agent!
