Thursday, September 29, 2011

6.

Yesterday was Savannah's sixth birthday. I have never ever witnessed a child more excited than she was about this birthday-the countdown started last May. Seriously. Because her birthday fell on a school day and soccer practice day, I was a busy baker. We brought 2 dozen cupcakes to her class,
where Mrs. Reeves spoiled her with a birthday hat and birthday "spankings".
 Mrs. Reeves has the best ideas. When I asked her if we can bring/do something special for Savannah's class in honor of her birthday, she suggested Savannah pick out a book to donate to the class and have either Tim or I read it aloud. While I was reading Edward The Emu, I looked down at Savannah and her face was shining with pride and preciousness, she was so happy. 
For soccer practice I baked 4 dozen cookies but handed the duties of passing out and mingling with kids and families to Tim because I was in a rush to get home and cook this and frost...
this.
All the Grandparents came over to share the cake and ice cream and open presents too.
Happy 6th Birthday Savannah Jane!

Monday, September 26, 2011

First Sleepover.

The Little Girls had their first "little girl" sleepover this last weekend. We drove to the Napa Valley to see our dear friends Jay, Stephanie, Julia and Thomas. Usually when we stay at friends' homes The Little Girls sleep with us in the same space but this time they stayed in Julia's room while we slept across the hall with The Goo. Like all sleepovers, they stayed up too late giggling. They can't wait to do it again!
(Savannah had her own first sleepover by her Big Girl self here.)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Napping Outside.

When Tim was a baby his family lived in New Zealand. His Mom put him outside to nap where he was guarded closely by their corgi dog. Nursing babies need Vitamin D since it isn't in breast milk, and so I spoke to our pediatrician about putting Grady outside for naps (in the shade, of course) and he gave me the thumbs up. Then I read this and loved the validation.
 The best nap I ever took was in my friend Esmerelda's garden on her ranch in Spain. I pulled a thin mattress out of her guesthouse and placed it under an apple tree. I woke up not knowing where I was or how much time had passed. Delicious.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Soccer Saturdays.

 This is Savannah's soccer team...The Raiders! With so many changes going on in the Botting house, why not add more to the chaos and commit to a team sport? It really is fun, not just for the little kids but the parents/coaches too. The players are starting to run towards the ball instead of away from it and there is a lot of laughing from the sidelines- these kiddos are just too darn cute! Tim swore he wouldn't be one of those crazy competitive dads yelling at his kid and so far he has kept that promise but there is a lot of eye rolling and yet a ton of pride when Savannah follows through with the coaches orders.
 Ivy on the phone with Santa. Getting an early start I guess.
 Goo and I playing in the shade.
 A quick huddle to discuss passing, not the most flattering photo of Coach Shannon. It is incredible to see what sponges these kids are and how they thrive off Coach's words and directions. Savannah in particular is such a people-pleaser, if only she would keep her eye on the ball instead of on Coach Shannon!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Pride.

There is a bridge in town that connects one side of the walking trail to the other, the freeway runs underneath. At times the townspeople make signs and post them on this bridge to send messages; messages of love, political opinions and banners that welcome home service members. This bridge connects more than just two concrete paths for bicycles and foot traffic, it connects people. And never more so than today.
Remembering 9/11.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Lately...

 
Ivy and The Gobbly Goo having a snuggle.
Savannah's coloring book. (thanks Grandma!!)
He's 2 months old!
Look what grew in! Eyelashes to be jealous of.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Tim is 35.

 Tim's birthday is September 5th and because it always falls on Labor Day weekend, which is our store's big sale weekend, he only takes the Saturday off. And the one thing he wanted to do for his birthday was meet up with Rebekah, Jason and family for a picnic. As a surprise Rebekah brought along Alanna, both these girls met Tim in Kindergarten and all have remained great friends ever since.
 Alanna and Rebekah teaching Hannah and Savannah the finer points of volleyball. 
The volleyball? Across the street.
 Eddie, Alanna's oldest, is so stinkin' cute. He and I had all kinds of conversations about dolphins, Bubble Guppies and little brothers.
 Refreshing.
 Playing team hide and seek. Hannah and Ivy vs. Taitan and Savannah.
 Tai-Ry.
 Jason, Tim and Grady too.
♪♪ Happy Birthday To You...♪♪
A group effort.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Breathe.

Life has been a juggling act these last few weeks. Somewhere between delivering The Gobbly Goo, sending Savannah off to Kindergarten and entertaining Ivy weeks passed of erratic disjointed sleep deprivation that is only now starting to take it's toll. Even as I type this post I find it difficult to put these sentences together and proof-reading will do me zero favors when I'm through. In an effort to accurately portray the sleepy position I find myself in, I will throw caution to the wind and embarrass myself in full disclosure by telling you that yesterday afternoon I was such a zombie I forgot to pull down my pants when I went to pee. The saddest part of this confession is that I couldn't put two and two together in that moment to figure out why my pants were wet. Today Ivy was watching a show when I fell asleep on the couch while burping Grady. I woke up to find her face inches from mine (her eyes like saucers), checking for signs of life. It is no wonder the first weeks of a newborn's life are difficult to recall, they pass quickly in a blur of semi-consciousness. And so I am trying to live in each moment, to slow down this crazy carnival ride and take in some fresh air. Being present mentally is difficult at the moment and so I'll tell myself what Tim and I always tell The Little Girls in chaotic circumstances...Just Breathe.