I guess it’s only fitting to have a motherhood post after the fatherhood, sisterhood and brotherhood ones. The thing is, motherhood for me is an ebb and flow between the sane and the insane. Fortunately most of the time we’re in the sane zone. I’m good, I’m good, I’m good, and then all of a sudden I freak out, and then I’m good again. ...
Whitney’s Down syndrome was not a delivery room surprise. We found out late in the 2nd trimester. I wanted the delivery to be as normal and natural as possible, Down syndrome or not, birth is birth. Monday morning, and the room was buzzing with medical staff in anticipation. Buzzing because baby has Down syndrome and a known heart condition, and buzzing because Mama was...
I love the ocean any time of year. But, the beaches near us are often cold and windy in the summer. Even cloudy beach days are beautiful….especially with dear friends. We got to visit with our sweet friends from Minnesota who were out for a beach vacation with their family in Half Moon Bay. It was a Sunday Sabbath…beautiful, restful, heart warming. We hope...
The last couple of days have really stunk. So today I’m working on thinking happy thoughts…with memories from the last few weeks. Happy is….baking zucchini chocolate muffins and bringing the special treat to daddy while he works. Mickey Mouse pancake breakfast with cousins (a.k.a. the Gramby Special) Polka-dot swimsuits and princess float rings. Watermelon and water tables Sidewalk art with nieces and first swings with...
Today’s Favorites…. Michelle: the Waffle Maker – I love this thing! We had waffles today and they were just great. As usual. And left us wondering why we don’t have waffles more often?! We like to eat them with syrup or yogurt, or even freeze them for a quick and easy meal or snack. I want to try dipping them in chocolate for a...
For a few decades my mom collected charms. Dozens of adventures and meaningful moments are molded into these little tokens. I love it that I can scan through her charms and remember some of these experiences because I have either been a co-adventurer or have lived vicariously through her stories. At Christmastime I decided to figure out how to get these memories out of...
For the greater part of a decade now my mom and I have made a yearly tradition of jam sessions. We’ve become a decently well-oiled machine when it comes to strawberry, olallieberry, and peach preserves. I know there are a number of methods out there…but here’s the one we follow to a T. What you need for one batch: – 8 canning jars (8oz)...
In springtime, the only pretty ring time, When birds do sing, hey ding a ding, ding; Sweet lovers love the spring. — Shakespeare Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day. I’ve got a beautiful feeling everything’s going [our] way! — Curly in Oklahoma! [the way I sing it with the kids] Wake up buttercups and daisies, wake up violets dear, see...
Whitney made a friend at an appointment this morning. A six-year-old girl with Down syndrome entered the room and zeroed in on Whitney, coming over to proclaim her “sister” and sat forehead-to-forehead cupping her face, whispering secrets, and looking into her eyes lovingly. It was precious. I soaked in this beautiful moment of kinship. I’m not usually one to try to make best friends...
We took a little drive up the Eastern hills this Friday for a fun family adventure. This time of year the hills are a lovely green and there’s mustard blooms proclaiming spring all over the place. It is trips like this one that make me well up with pride to be a native Californian. When we actually take the time to explore I find...
Whitney’s homecoming from the hospital was a week ago yesterday. We are thrilled with how “normal” our life is already…the surgery successfully closed up the hole in her heart and her resilient little body is recovering quickly. Here’s a recount of the day-by-day… The night before the surgery…bath time with Gramby. Day 1: Daybreak arrival. Happy drugs. Emotional parents not wanting to let...