Rolling up to The White House

On Easter Monday, Mariah and her daddy rolled up to the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn. Mariah ages out of the event later this year when she turns 12, so I was so happy she got this opportunity. It was an unseasonably warm day for late April, but she braved the heat for this unforgettable experience.

Score!



On the lawn



Mariah and "Top Chef" Carla Hall



Mariah and "Top Chef" Spike Mendelsohn



Willow Smith whipping her hair back and forth



Mrs. Obama's garden



Sasha and Malia's swing set



My beautiful Second Kid



Official White House Easter egg on the left; Egg Roll souvenir egg on the right. Eggs-trodinary!

The Wheels on the Bus

Ah, Spring.

Blooming flowers. Warmer temperatures. IEP reviews.

Earlier this month we attended Isaiah's Individual Education Plan meeting. It's an opportunity to meet with his school "team" and see how much progress he has been making towards his goals. He is still operating on an infant level in many areas of his cognition and abilities, but his gross motor functioning continues to strengthen and improve.

His PT feels it's time to "pull his chair", ie - no more wheelchair at school. Which would mean no more wheelchair on the bus.

Remember how I held onto his walker for dear life? I am nowhere near wrapping my brain around the bus idea. He'd still be restrained in an integrated harness on a Special Needs bus. He still requires A LOT of hands on assistance especially with with steps. And let's face it, that first bus step is a doozy. As ambitious as the therapists and teachers are, I'm just not sure I am ready to take away his safety net - my mental safety net - just yet.

So we agreed on a trial run. We'll see how he does during Summer School. I will walk him out onto the bus and strap him in. (And I have no idea where to put his backpack! It usually hangs from a carabiner clip off the back of the chair). Someone will have to get him off the bus once at school...and make sure he gets to class OK. Gads - I am already sweating. He is such a little guy for his age. And boy does get distracted easily...

I know they wouldn't recommend this if they didn't think he was truly ready. Apparently the only time he uses his chair at school lately is for transportation to and from school. They told me he doesn't even take it on field trips anymore.

*sigh*

So, who is going to take off this Mama's training wheels?

Go Shawty! It was my Burfday!

This past weekend I hosted an eclectic gathering of family and friends to celebrate my birthday. For me, it was more than a dinner party. It was a Coming Out party of sorts. I feel like I am coming out of so much lately...not the least of which will soon be my 30's. I'm coming out of my comfort zone. And ultimately, coming into my own.

I knew exactly who I wanted there - yep, my Bounceable Bunch of Besties. Naturally with life, they couldn't all attend, but I was definitely feeling the love from those who came ~ from near and far.

The Venue





Mexican chocolate cupcake with hazelnut mousse filling = one decadent Birthday Cake




Not 'UNO' this time



Cousin Michele travelled the farthest



And Jennifer, my Gween, took the biggest leap of faith - we've never met in person, despite the fact that we have known each other for years. Bet she's glad I'm not a very patient axe murderer. I'm glad she is awesome.

Strength, Courage, and Wisdom

Inside my head there lives a dream that I want to see in the sun
Behind my eyes there lives a me that I've been hiding for much too long
'Cause I've been, too afraid to let it show
'Cause I'm scared of the judgment that may follow
Always putting off my living for tomorrow
It's time to step out on faith, I've gotta show my face
It's been elusive for so long, but freedom is mine today
I've gotta step out on faith, It's time to show my face
Procrastination had me down but look what I have found, I found

Strength, courage, and wisdom
And it's been inside of me all along,
Strength, courage, and wisdom
Inside of me

Behind my pride there lives a me, that knows humility
Inside my voice there is a soul, and in my soul there is a voice
But I've been too afraid to make a choice
'Cause I'm scared of the things that I might be missing
Running too fast to stop and listen

It's time to step out on faith, I've gotta show my face
It's been elusive for so long but freedom is mine today
I've gotta step out on faith it's time to show my face
Procrastination had me down but look what I have found, I found

I close my eyes and I think of all the things that I want to see
'Cause I know, now that I've opened up my heart I know that
Anything I want can be, so let it be, so let it be:.

Strength, courage, and wisdom
It's been inside of me all along,
Strength, courage, wisdom
It's been inside of me all along, everyday I'm praying for:

I found it in me, I found it finally
I'm sure to keep it cause I like it, I say thank you

~ India Arie

Today as I celebrate my thirty-muffled birthday, I thank God for everything. The good and the not-so-good. The triumphs and the heartbreak. Because nothing that has brought me to this day has killed me. In fact, I am stronger. I am wiser. And I now have the courage to live my life to the fullest.

The best is yet to come - this I know for sure. 'Cause strength, courage and wisdom have been inside of me all along.

Babies Booming: Part 1

I mentioned last year how so many of my friends were expecting in 2011. Well, spring has sprung and those little chicks have begun to hatch.

I'm pleased to announce the arrivals of Kate, Liam, Lillian, Lorali , and Zachary - the first wave of new babies this year, with 2 more due in the coming weeks.

Congratulations, Mamas, Papas, Big Sisters, and Big Brothers!

P.S. for April 7, 2011: I've had to edit this post twice! Lorali and Zachary were both born yesterday.

My New Shirt

Because raisins don't belong in food items. Ever.