Back to the rat race and explaining my crazy self.

I officially accepted a position outside of my little home office. Yep, that means no more early morning coffee walks, watching Flip This House on Bravo or an impromptu mid-afternoon tea party with the girls. I've been working remote for almost two years now and I have to say I AM READY TO GET OUT OF HERE FOR A FEW HOURS!

Honestly, I'm very excited. It will change the home dynamics, but I'm thrilled with the prospect of working in a fast paced crazy environment. Mia will start school in September and Maz has adjusted quite well to her new digs. So, it is time for mama bird to fly the coup.

The only downside:

I went in for a sales training session yesterday and lunch arrived which was full on roast beef, ham and turkey. Here it goes again, for the 100th time of my life..."Laurie, did you get anything to eat?" says the new boss. "Actually, I'm vegetarian (not to mention a little OCD and obsessed with watching TV evangelist-the crazier the better) but don't worry I wear leather, so I'm not a hater on the meat people." He doesn't quite know how to take that from someone who appears professional and is wearing pearls, but in time he will.

Aunt Molly invited Maz to a PJ and Pancake Party!

 

Mimi+Maz

 

 
Mazlin is an accessory girl. She loves shoes, sunglasses and hats. Since summer arrived, she loves her animal towels. This is the "fish 2008" summer look.

Our Waterbabies

 


M+M are equally in love with all things water. Swimming, sprinklers, bathtubs...I'm certain they were fish in a prior life.

One other thing I've learned since I became a mom...

 

I've become keenly aware of every obvious way I could of made millions. Just when I started to heal from the fact I missed out on the opportunity to have invented the Boppy, swimming suits with snaps on them to make bathroom time easier for girl toddlers, rubber bowl covers that allow your kids to reach in for snack, but the cover makes it impossible for any snack to fall out, (I could go on and on), I'm faced with "KiddieCutz". For a mere $25.00 you can plop your kiddo in a fancy car and pop in a video and what should of been a $10.00 cut turns into a visit to the amusement park. Although, after a long wait and many screaming kids, I didn't say to myself "why didn't I think of that?" Instead, I thought..you couldn't pay me enough!

 

A moment with Mazlin

The best visit

We went to Milwaukee over the 4th to see Margie and Lulu and Daisy. Margie was the first person I met in Guatemala (my apartment neighbor) and we have kept in touch (as have all of in our little group) over the years. It was so good to see her. It was as if no time had passed. The girls had a great time playing in her amazing downstairs playroom fit for a full-fledged daycare. And the grown-ups had a great time talking and catching up. She is planning a trip to St. Louis and we can't wait.

Mia still talks about "Waukee" and her special vacation room (hotel room) with the big bed. Too cute.

Dancing in Waukee

Mia the purple people eater...

 

 

Ms. Lulu

 

Lulu and Mia in the water

 

Dennis and Margie figuring out where we can get more bloody mary's this early in the morning

 

Lula+Mia+Eliza's nap time

 

Yes, my hubbie is a hottie!

 

Margie and Daisy

 

Mazlin's first year home

In the adoption world, they have a term called "Gotcha Day" and it means different things to different people. I wanted to mark Mazlin's one year anniversary with a little film she can look at with her friends ten years from now and maybe think her mom was pretty artistic and cool to use Ben Harper as background music. Maybe not, but enjoy!

The gift of the divine Ms. M

 

It was one year ago that Mazlin came home. Although, it seems like she has been here forever. Knowing how sensitive she is, I look back and realize what a hard transition it was for her. I know children are resilient but I also know it probably wasn't a walk in the park for her. She is THE snuggliest little thing and so painfully shy that she will continue to close her eyes until the mean person stops trying to look or talk to her. Once she warms up she is hilarious. She still sleeps like a dream---goes down at 7 and wakes at 7smiling and ready for a new day.
She has taught me so much about myself and has truly made me a better more present mommy/person. I'll always owe her for that. It was through her needing of me that I found out things about myself. For some reason the same things weren't triggered with Mia. I think it is easier to continue to live life like you always have with one child and with two it isn't as easy. I guess each child brings there own gift and Maz's gift was one of change and letting go (clean house, laundry, People Magazine, etc.)and replacing it with a true desire to have a fun and healthy family. I don't know if I would of been aware if she didn't enter my life and challenge me.