Woobies are hereditary

As a baby, we frequently wrapped our son in his sister's Christening blanket because it was soft, knitted, cool, and didn't seem to bother his sensitive skin the way the other blankets did. Since then, it has remained a necessity. He sleeps with it, travels with it everywhere (although it stays in the car), takes it to daycare, and brings it to dinner. It has been swimming, made smores, flown on an airplane, and dragged through the dirt more times than I can count. It is frayed, has holes, and is no longer a bright shade of white. It's his "woobie".

I have been thinking about how to rid him of it, and even looked to Mr. Mom (1983) for advice.

http://youtu.be/t2-NFhEl-DM

But, that didn't work.

Then, last weekend, we were cleaning out the basement going through old boxes when we found this. The picture doesn't due it justice. My husband had stored away his favorite old t-shirt in the bottom of a box. It was faded, torn multiple times around the logo on the backside, and was so thin I could have used it for kleenex. Yet, he held it like a new born baby. Better yet, like our son holds his woobie.

Jeans Please

With the exception of her snowsuit, she has not had a desire to wear jeans or pants in over three years. Even in the winter. However, in the one week since she has met Hannah and Miles, she has requested jeans and received a new shiny "heart embelished" leather belt from Mom Mom and Pop Pop.

I am nervous what the next year will bring. She is head over heels in love with her horses.

Cowgirl Up

While my grandparents had a farm growing up, I was told we could never have horses. They were too much maintenance and too dangerous. So, I resulted to picking eggs, feeding chicks, and the like. They were all good memories. But, it wouldn't be until I was 23 years old and living in Southern California, that I would have my first ride on a horse. It was a trail ride in Descanso and one of the best days ever! It felt so natural to ride. It was relaxing. Therapeutic almost.

Fast forward to 2011. Our little Kate is obsessed with horses. She wears them on her shirts, carries stuffed varieties on road trips, and recently received an American Girl Palomino compliments of Nana. So, it was no surprise to us that this year, she chose to have Horseback Riding lessons instead of dance.

This is her with Hannah.

Hannah is an American Paint Horse. 7 years old.

She enjoyed cleaning her and putting cream on her "boo boos". It was A+D diaper rash cream. Who knew there were so many uses?

This is Miles. He is a Morgan. 17 years old.

Katie thought it was gross that he drooled all over the place. We learned a little too much clover causes for a bit too much gas.

She brushed, and brushed, and brushed some more. Then, took her cleaning to another level, cleaning the frog of his hoof. She thought it was neat he got to walk around without shoes. Barefoot.

Then, she took to the saddle. A "Circle Y" to boot. So cool that her first ride was on leather made in Yoakum, Texas. Yeehaw, Ya'll!

Check out that posture! Such a little cowgirl. Such a cutie!

Spaceballs

My husband and I had a "laugh-out-loud" moment today, which sent me running to the assistance of Google for an image. Little Kate's best friend, Caroline, was over to play. As Joe and I were in the kitchen making lunch, Caroline leaned over to Katie and said, "Your Mommy looks like the Druish Princess Vespa from Spaceballs."

If I remember correctly, she was spoiled and had her nose corrected. Still, I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks, Caroline!

At 5 years old...

At 5 years old, you found your first Best Friend, Caroline.

I hope you always cherish and love your friends the way you cherish and love Caroline. Best friends are special and can last a lifetime.

At 5 years old, you asked for a phone.

We were teaching you how to dial your phone number, and you kindly asked when you could have your own phone. It was nice, but the answer is still no.

At 5 years old, you began to ask why others are different.

This is the age where you are recognizing the differences in your friends. Just recently, you asked me why all your friends are losing their teeth and you are not. Just remember, when it is your time, it will happen. Life is full of surprises! Don't try and figure them out.

At 5 years old, you enjoyed doing homework in the summer.

I love to see your face light up when you write your letters, and put the sounds together to make a word. May learning always make you feel this confident!

At 5 years old, you received your first American Girl doll from Nana.

You picked Rebecca Rubin, because she looked just like you.

At 5 years old, we celebrated!

This was the year we arranged a party for the first time outside the house. It was so wonderful to see you share the excitement of your birthday with all your friends!

At 5 years old, we are so proud of the little girl you are growing up to be!

At any age, good girlfriends are a treasure

If we have learned anything as parents, it's that we need to take time for eachother and ourselves. So, many years ago, Joe and I agreed to annual "friend" trips. In recent years, the stars have aligned such that the Chargers and the Ravens have met up in San Diego. Therefore, Joe's annual trips have tended to lead him to the West Coast to watch sports. Me, on the other hand, I enjoy relaxing coastal vacations with the girls.

This year, three of us Moms from the neighborhood headed down to Ocean City, MD, for some fun, sun, and relaxation. As with years past, I never know how much I need time with the girls until I am with them.

We enjoyed our girlie beverages.

Found a cool sushi place (no shoes!).
And indeed, relaxed on the beach. All. Day.

As with all good times and good friends, our time together caused for some good memories...

This is our friend we call MBA: It's meaning is not academic.


The Bruiser: This is me. And, the nickname? Well deserved.

This beloved is Dirty Banana: While she didn't earn this nickname on the trip, we can always count on her to break out in dance to Michael Jackson.

I had such a good time with these ladies. I look forward to next year. We are parasailing!!!

A Letter to My Daughter on her 5th Birthday...

Well, Katie, it's was five years ago today (add a few hours) that we first met. It was the greatest moment in my life. I remember the way you were taken out of mom in an emergency C-section, and how I was worried about the both of you. How pissed off you looked when you were born (like "what took you so long?"). But it was that very exact moment when we locked eyes the next evening, I knew that a special bond that would last a lifetime was made. Instantly.

So now, here we are, 5 years later. 1/2 way to double-digits. One whole hand!!

I couldn't be more proud of the sweet little girl that you have become. You care so much for your little brother (even as you make fun of him for wearing a mermaid towel). You have that charm that will take you a long way in life. You have that sparkle in your eyes that is so welcoming to everyone you meet. You showcase the love you possess for life and your friends every single day. Sometime it's when you wake up. Sometimes it's when you are telling us how much you love your best friends. A lot of times it's when we laugh together when you are supposed to be sleeping (and mom yells at us both). But you know what, Kate?? Sometimes in life you have to just go ahead and laugh anyway. No matter how many people in the house we keep awake. :)


Keep on being you, Kates. You couldn't be any more perfect in my eyes. Live, laugh and love. I love you more than you could ever imagine (and you can imagine, believe me!). Keep on making me the proudest Dad there could ever be!


Happy Birthday, Katie-bug...


Love,

Dad