I fully admit that this post might tick off all my friends who are stay at home moms. Or just plain offend anyone who considers themselves "grammar police" because I'm sure there will be many-an-incoherent sentence, incomplete thought, and rambling.
When I had Pearl, I wanted to come back to work. It's not that it wasn't hard, but it felt like the right decision. When I had Cole, I wanted to stay home. It was torturous to go back. I felt horrible guilty until I told myself to stop walking around with my head down and to make the best of my situation. Luckily, I have a flexible part-time job that isn't too challenging (please don't think I'm a lazy state employee, like what seems to always be the general perception, because I'm not). I'm able to adjust my hours each week as my family commitments (and quite frankly, mental health!) demands. It took several months, but things got better.
But now I'm struggling again.
There have been a few potential opportunities come up and that will be coming up in the next few months that I really want. And a couple of them, I can't help but know they are custom built for me if I want them. But they are full-time positions. Well, one is a part-time position just like mine in an area I love. I'm torn. I see other coworkers advance in their skills and I feel like I've fallen drastically behind. I feel so out-of-the-loop with how public health is changing and growing. I used to be "the in person" who everyone came to for brainstorming and advice on up-and-coming trends. But over the past couple of years, I've suddenly found myself out of the loop. I joked about in a meeting, that "I used to be cool." Everyone laughed but it's really how I feel. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy my job but I'm bored. I miss program planning, partnership development, and working on new, challenging projects that push boundaries and break the status-quo. If anyone knows me in my professional life, they know I like to "be in the know" and in leadership roles. I'm good at seeing the big vision and helping make all the little pieces connect together. I love being ahead of the curve, at the forefront of the next new public health challenge.
I guess it has suddenly hit me that I've made sacrifices because I'm a mom. Oh sure, there's the sacrifice of sleep, my body, brain, mental state, money, time, etc that all moms give up when they have kids but this is the first time I can see some of the things I have and might miss out on professionally. Which sounds so selfish I'm sure for anyone reading this who quit their job entirely to stay at home. You're thinking, "you still work how can you be upset or feel like you've made any sort of professional sacrifice? You didn't make that much of a sacrifice because you are working." It's much harder for me to keep one foot in the door and see others move ahead by leaps and bounds than if I was at home and never saw what I was missing out on.
I've struggled with what to do about these potential opportunities for weeks. I feel like if I don't take hold of some of these, I will slowly be forgotten at work when the time does come to advance. Plus, I feel like I've been banished with our cubicle reconfiguration. I'm way, way, way down the hall away from everyone. I would love these jobs. And with Pearl's attitude lately, working full time doesn't sound that bad! :)
But then everything else around me makes me feel like even thinking about these opportunities and being upset that I feel like I've sacrificed things professionally is selfish. How can I say I've sacrificed things when I'm still working? I know deep down my family is my number one priority and that working full time will probably make it that much harder to try and keep that as my first priority. I know my kids will never be little again and that I only have a few years in the grand scheme of things to treasure this time, it's just I feel this same way almost when it comes to these potential jobs. Maybe this is a test. I just didn't expect to see it so in my face all at once. It's always been the "stay at home or work" sort of question that you think you have to deal with. Not missing out on professional opportunities that you want. Maybe it's Satan trying to thwart my futile attempts at raising an eternal family. All I know is I'm confused, sad, and lonely. How do I keep myself fresh at work, on the cutting edge, and not be forgotten while at the same time trying to be a good wife and mother? What if the answer is to stay where I am and miss out on opportunities? Or what if it's to go back to full-time and then miss out more on my kids than I already do? Maybe I already know the answer but I'm just not ready to listen to it.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
The last dance
Pearl had her last dance on Wednesday. The long awaited dance recital. All three hours of it. Five months of lessons and many threats from me and Jeff that we would never, ever let Pearl take dancing again finally paid off. At the peak of frustration dragging Pearl to dancing every week, Jeff and I sat down and discussed how this might be a chance to teach her about commitments. She wanted to quit but we insisted that we all stick it out, that we made a commitment to take lessons, and needed to keep our commitment until the recital was over.
We all made it.
Pearl was so excited to wear her costume, get her hair done (until the actual combing and curling started to take place), and put some makeup on. I thought she looked mighty cute all dolled up. Although after seeing some of the other dancers at the recital, I've decided I need some cosmetology lessons if she's going to continue to pursue dancing.
Pearl did really good waiting for her turn to dance. I must admit, I had a year or so stint with dancing as a kindergartner and remember having to just sit in the back and wait for all the big girls to do their dances before it was my turn. And with Pearl's clingy-ness lately, I was terrified she'd just sit back there and cry and freak out if we couldn't stay with her. But she was fine. She did awesome at her dance rehearsal earlier in the day too.
When Pearl came out, I thought for certain she'd just stand there after seeing me with the camera. But once again, she proved me wrong. She did awesome! Really, she did so amazing with remembering all her dance moves. She seemed to really enjoy everything. All that practice paid off!
Action shots!
I don't know the real name of the song Pearl danced to, but it goes something like this.... "L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see. V is very, very extraordinary. E is".... uh I don't remember the rest." But you can see Pearl knows all the words (and moves) by heart. She's the little pip-squeak on the far right. 
Pearl wanted to stay until the grand finale dance. She got to wear her new tee-shirt, which she was very excited about. 
Pearl has wonderful grandparents. I told Jeff's dad we'd probably never be as good of grandparents as they are for driving from Logan to sit through three hours of a dance recital. Not to mention, grandma gave Pearl a rose for doing such a good job. 
David and Vickie came too. Pearl had given them their tickets a week ago, she was so excited about her recital. Even Jeff and I made it through the recital. We tag-teamed it with Cole who was NOT happy about being there. And just because I laughed when about this, I have to tattle on Jeff... he brought (and used) ear plugs!
With all my gripping about Pearl wanting to take dance, I'm glad she did. We all learned a lesson about sticking with something we say we're going to do, she looked beautiful in her costume, and she did just awesome! I had so much fun watching her dance, shake her little booty, jump around, and smile from ear to ear. I am one proud mom!
But that doesn't mean I'm not hoping she picks soccer for her next activity!
We all made it.
Pearl was so excited to wear her costume, get her hair done (until the actual combing and curling started to take place), and put some makeup on. I thought she looked mighty cute all dolled up. Although after seeing some of the other dancers at the recital, I've decided I need some cosmetology lessons if she's going to continue to pursue dancing.
Pearl did really good waiting for her turn to dance. I must admit, I had a year or so stint with dancing as a kindergartner and remember having to just sit in the back and wait for all the big girls to do their dances before it was my turn. And with Pearl's clingy-ness lately, I was terrified she'd just sit back there and cry and freak out if we couldn't stay with her. But she was fine. She did awesome at her dance rehearsal earlier in the day too.
When Pearl came out, I thought for certain she'd just stand there after seeing me with the camera. But once again, she proved me wrong. She did awesome! Really, she did so amazing with remembering all her dance moves. She seemed to really enjoy everything. All that practice paid off!
Action shots! 
I don't know the real name of the song Pearl danced to, but it goes something like this.... "L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see. V is very, very extraordinary. E is".... uh I don't remember the rest." But you can see Pearl knows all the words (and moves) by heart. She's the little pip-squeak on the far right. 
Pearl wanted to stay until the grand finale dance. She got to wear her new tee-shirt, which she was very excited about. 
Pearl has wonderful grandparents. I told Jeff's dad we'd probably never be as good of grandparents as they are for driving from Logan to sit through three hours of a dance recital. Not to mention, grandma gave Pearl a rose for doing such a good job. 
David and Vickie came too. Pearl had given them their tickets a week ago, she was so excited about her recital. Even Jeff and I made it through the recital. We tag-teamed it with Cole who was NOT happy about being there. And just because I laughed when about this, I have to tattle on Jeff... he brought (and used) ear plugs!With all my gripping about Pearl wanting to take dance, I'm glad she did. We all learned a lesson about sticking with something we say we're going to do, she looked beautiful in her costume, and she did just awesome! I had so much fun watching her dance, shake her little booty, jump around, and smile from ear to ear. I am one proud mom!
But that doesn't mean I'm not hoping she picks soccer for her next activity!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt (or Mom gets wet)
Jeff is our sprinkler system. Which means every summer he trudges throughout our third of acre to keep our lawn looking lush and green. He tells me it's getting old. Especially when the neighbors tease us about when we're finally going to put in a real sprinkler system.
Needing a picture for my daily blog, I thought the sprinkler would make for a good subject. I was busy adjusting the exposure on my camera, oblivious to everything else around me, when all of a sudden I saw a flash of white and heard squeals of delight coming from Pearl. It took me a second to figure out what was happening. Jeff had warned me earlier in the day that it was going to be hard keeping the kids away from the sprinklers since all they want to do when we get home is play outside, which is also the only time Jeff has to water.
Once I saw Pearl's huge grin, I refrained from yelling at her to get out of the sprinklers. Although the thought of Giardia did cross my mind several times during this escapade. We have Weber water... and it smells like poop. She did close her mouth though once Jeff saw what was going on and hollered at her to keep her mouth shut as she ran through the sprinklers. He should have also mentioned to her to keep breathing, since she took one huge breath and ran through them, like she was diving under the water. 
Before I knew it, Cole had decided to join his sister in the fun. Too bad for him, he didn't quite understand the mechanics of sprinklers. He walked right up to that sprinkler without a fear in the world. As soon as the water hit him full force, he took a deep breath, turned, and ran. He had no clue what hit him! It was so funny! And once the initial shock of getting squirted right in the face wore off, he loved it. I have to admit I was laughing - and still am as I look over these pictures - pretty hard.
While I did refrain from screaming at Pearl about all the associated risks of contracting some horrible water-borne illness from the water, I didn't hold back once I saw her shorts drop to the ground. Unintentionally, but still! Apparently wet shorts and a little bum don't bode well. Thank heavens she had on a long shirt, even if it was white. I'm sure the neighbors and cars driving by had a good laugh at me yelling at her to pull her shorts up NOW!
Coming back for more.
Yep, it still squirts you right in the face. Poor Cole. He's totally at eye level for that blast of poop water. 
Look at these two! You can just see on their faces how much fun they were having! I was half-tempted to join them but the thought of smelling like feces from the canal water was more than enough to keep me perched on the sideline. Oh the joys of being a kid during the summer. 
Jeff is a bit of tease, and decided to aim that sprinkler right at me. Luckily I had Cole to block the majority of the water for me. And he took the brunt of the fun when a few seconds later he missed the sidewalk and totally turfed it. I picked him up at arm's length so as not to get too wet myself and saw blood pouring out of his mouth. He was screaming so I ended up holding him for real - getting soaked in the process - and ran him inside to inspect the damage. He cut his lip (thank heavens his teeth are still intact with all his spills lately) and was more than ready for a warm bath and his bed.
But oh what fun we had! I'm sure there will be many more nights like this - probably some where I'm not so nice and make the kids get out of the sprinklers - especially considering our sprinkler system goes to bed by 10 p.m.
Needing a picture for my daily blog, I thought the sprinkler would make for a good subject. I was busy adjusting the exposure on my camera, oblivious to everything else around me, when all of a sudden I saw a flash of white and heard squeals of delight coming from Pearl. It took me a second to figure out what was happening. Jeff had warned me earlier in the day that it was going to be hard keeping the kids away from the sprinklers since all they want to do when we get home is play outside, which is also the only time Jeff has to water.
Once I saw Pearl's huge grin, I refrained from yelling at her to get out of the sprinklers. Although the thought of Giardia did cross my mind several times during this escapade. We have Weber water... and it smells like poop. She did close her mouth though once Jeff saw what was going on and hollered at her to keep her mouth shut as she ran through the sprinklers. He should have also mentioned to her to keep breathing, since she took one huge breath and ran through them, like she was diving under the water. 
Before I knew it, Cole had decided to join his sister in the fun. Too bad for him, he didn't quite understand the mechanics of sprinklers. He walked right up to that sprinkler without a fear in the world. As soon as the water hit him full force, he took a deep breath, turned, and ran. He had no clue what hit him! It was so funny! And once the initial shock of getting squirted right in the face wore off, he loved it. I have to admit I was laughing - and still am as I look over these pictures - pretty hard. 
While I did refrain from screaming at Pearl about all the associated risks of contracting some horrible water-borne illness from the water, I didn't hold back once I saw her shorts drop to the ground. Unintentionally, but still! Apparently wet shorts and a little bum don't bode well. Thank heavens she had on a long shirt, even if it was white. I'm sure the neighbors and cars driving by had a good laugh at me yelling at her to pull her shorts up NOW! 
Coming back for more. 
Yep, it still squirts you right in the face. Poor Cole. He's totally at eye level for that blast of poop water. 
Look at these two! You can just see on their faces how much fun they were having! I was half-tempted to join them but the thought of smelling like feces from the canal water was more than enough to keep me perched on the sideline. Oh the joys of being a kid during the summer. 
Jeff is a bit of tease, and decided to aim that sprinkler right at me. Luckily I had Cole to block the majority of the water for me. And he took the brunt of the fun when a few seconds later he missed the sidewalk and totally turfed it. I picked him up at arm's length so as not to get too wet myself and saw blood pouring out of his mouth. He was screaming so I ended up holding him for real - getting soaked in the process - and ran him inside to inspect the damage. He cut his lip (thank heavens his teeth are still intact with all his spills lately) and was more than ready for a warm bath and his bed. 
But oh what fun we had! I'm sure there will be many more nights like this - probably some where I'm not so nice and make the kids get out of the sprinklers - especially considering our sprinkler system goes to bed by 10 p.m.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
House of chaos
Warning. I've already had one meltdown this week because I couldn't stand the mess, whining, and my lack of parenting/housekeeping abilities and it's only Tuesday.
Warning. There is a lot, and I mean a lot, of high-pitched squealing in this video.
Warning. I live in a house of chaos. Not a house of order, a house of prayer, a house of all that other stuff I'm supposed to cultivate as mother/nurturer/woman.
A house of chaos.
With panties strewn in the kitchen because my laundry basket is slowly being picked apart. Over-ripe mangoes on the counter that unfortunately, will never be turned into that mango sorbet I had hoped for. Clutter, junk mail, grocery ads, and various other papers spread across the kitchen counters and table. Laundry baskets, shoes, empty boxes needing to be taken to the recycle bin outside, and leftover chicken nuggets, peas, corn, rice, and Cheerios on the floor. And I won't even go there with Pearl's room. Or the dust and cobwebs for that matter.
But despite the feelings of frustration, guilt, anxiety, failure, and inadequacy, sometimes that chaos makes me smile. I even forget about the above mentioned unmentionables. Although it's hard to ignore the squeals for too long.
Those minions of mine make me laugh sometimes. Like the other day after dinner when Cole was cruising around the house as fast as his little legs could run squealing and jabbering at his sister. And Pearl playing along, squealing right back at him (too bad it eventually turned into out-right screaming) and encouraging the silliness.
And if that wasn't enough, during scripture study that same night - er, I should say attempt at scripture study - those minions decided to up the chaotic-ness a degree. We, and by we I really mean "I", have this bad habit of letting Cole and Pearl take the cushions off the couch and run wild on them. I do draw the line at no jumping though.
Silly me for thinking this might give us a fighting chance at catching up on our scripture study. Cole had other plans. The second that cushion came off, he started running from the end of the couch to Jeff. Who happened to be sitting on the next cushion, trying to be calm. Cole would squeal, yell "DA DA DA DA DA!", and then flop himself on top of Jeff. Then the giggles came. First from Cole, then Pearl, then me. I couldn't help it. We didn't even get through one verse.
Chaos. I'm living the dream.
Warning. There is a lot, and I mean a lot, of high-pitched squealing in this video.
Warning. I live in a house of chaos. Not a house of order, a house of prayer, a house of all that other stuff I'm supposed to cultivate as mother/nurturer/woman.
A house of chaos.
With panties strewn in the kitchen because my laundry basket is slowly being picked apart. Over-ripe mangoes on the counter that unfortunately, will never be turned into that mango sorbet I had hoped for. Clutter, junk mail, grocery ads, and various other papers spread across the kitchen counters and table. Laundry baskets, shoes, empty boxes needing to be taken to the recycle bin outside, and leftover chicken nuggets, peas, corn, rice, and Cheerios on the floor. And I won't even go there with Pearl's room. Or the dust and cobwebs for that matter.
But despite the feelings of frustration, guilt, anxiety, failure, and inadequacy, sometimes that chaos makes me smile. I even forget about the above mentioned unmentionables. Although it's hard to ignore the squeals for too long.
Those minions of mine make me laugh sometimes. Like the other day after dinner when Cole was cruising around the house as fast as his little legs could run squealing and jabbering at his sister. And Pearl playing along, squealing right back at him (too bad it eventually turned into out-right screaming) and encouraging the silliness.
And if that wasn't enough, during scripture study that same night - er, I should say attempt at scripture study - those minions decided to up the chaotic-ness a degree. We, and by we I really mean "I", have this bad habit of letting Cole and Pearl take the cushions off the couch and run wild on them. I do draw the line at no jumping though.
Silly me for thinking this might give us a fighting chance at catching up on our scripture study. Cole had other plans. The second that cushion came off, he started running from the end of the couch to Jeff. Who happened to be sitting on the next cushion, trying to be calm. Cole would squeal, yell "DA DA DA DA DA!", and then flop himself on top of Jeff. Then the giggles came. First from Cole, then Pearl, then me. I couldn't help it. We didn't even get through one verse.Chaos. I'm living the dream.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
#4
There were several moments the days prior to Pearl's birthday that I honestly didn't we'd both make it to the big day. Seriously. One of us wasn't going to live to see birthday number 4 with all the whining, crying, tantrum throwing, sassiness that has seemed to ensue our house lately.
Miraculously or by divine intervention, we both made it.
Pearl is now 4. Wow, where has the time gone? If my baby is four, that makes me, well old.
I knew she was going to be super excited when she woke up so I made sure we had her presents sitting on the dining room table. She was very happy to see three presents just for her. Even if I did re-gift the bags and tissue paper from Cole's party... but who cares, right? Jeff managed to distract her with the "outdoor grocery store" (Bountiful Baskets pick up) so Cole and I could wake up without help from one very excited four-year-old. But as soon as they were back, the begging started. We gave in and let her open just one present. You'll notice she hadn't even combed her crazy bed hair yet. She just so happened to pick the one with the new shoes. She was very excited!
I felt a little guilty for not planning a huge party. Pearl was under the assumption that she was getting a grand party like Cole did for his first birthday. Or a Rapunzel party with all her friends from school. All day, in between the normal Saturday chores, Pearl kept asking when she could open her presents, when we were having her Rapunzel cake, when her party was going to start. I guess our free ride of enjoying slackerhood with our parenting is over. Four-year-olds get what birthdays are all about.
Luckily, Jeff's parents were coming down to celebrate with us. While Cole and I picked up the Rapunzel cake Pearl had picked out, Jeff and his parents took Pearl to see "Born Wild" at the IMAX theater at the Gateway. Once Cole and I got downtown, we headed to the fountains. Pearl had been begging us to take her swimming for her birthday so we figured the fountains were a good compromise.
The kids had a blast. I wasn't sure what Cole was going to think of all the water spraying up in his face but he loved it! He ran around like a mad man, laughing, yelling, squealing, smiling, and getting absolutely soaked in the process.
I honestly figured Pearl would whimp out on the fountains like she has every year prior. So I hadn't thought to pack her a spare pair of clothes. Silly me. Pearl had even more fun than Cole!
I was so busy trying to keep Cole from getting sprayed in the face or up his diaper that I only saw flashes of a very wet Pearl streak by. But once her pants started to fall off and everyone could see a white bubble butt running around the fountains, it was easier to spot her. It was embarrassing but hilarious! I'm sure everyone watching found it hysterical or appalling that I was screaming at my kid to pull her pants up as she ran by.
I must have been distracted by a nearly half-naked daughter and son who was getting awfully brave with the water because before I knew it, my attempt to keep Cole from getting squirted right in the eye backfired on me. I ended up keeping Cole safe, but in the process sacrificed my own dry clothing (and hair and makeup) in the process. This also just so happened to be just seconds after I had sent Jeff down to Old Navy to buy Pearl some dry clothes. Apparently I should have also told him to buy me some new clothes because my entire left side was soaked. Jeff always picks out super cute clothes for Pearl... too bad Old Navy was out of all panties! Trying to explain to her why she was going commando was an interesting conversation.
After getting the kids dried off and stuffed full of goldfish crackers, we headed to the Pizza Factory for dinner. Pearl's choice of course. Then the real celebration began.
Presents. Lots of presents. Spending money, jewelry, clothes, new Rapunzel and Hello Kitty panties (someday Pearl will be horribly embarrassed with this gift but she was pumped to get them), and books from us and Grandpa and Grandma.
And if the new bike wasn't enough already, a beautiful pink afghan from David and Vickie. 
Cole was quick to remember what you do with presents. After shredding all the tissue paper, he grabbed one of the bags and played peek-a-boo with us. 
If that wasn't enough excitement, up next was the long-awaited Rapunzel cake! Pearl was so excited to finally see the cake she had picked out. Someone please tell me I'm not the only slacker mom who doesn't make a homemade birthday cake? 
It took Pearl exactly four breaths to blow out her candles. One candle at a time (and a small huff from mom to finish them off). 
Pearl wasn't nearly as excited about getting to use the "You Are Special" plate as Jeff and I were. She was more interested in making sure I mutilated the cake just so she could have Rapunzel's face. Oh and that she got a big scoop of Aggie Blue Mint ice cream. And eating the cake and ice cream. She didn't touch it. I think the excitement from the day had taken it's toll.
And there you have it. A birthday fit for a spunky four-year-old that I wouldn't trade for the world.
Miraculously or by divine intervention, we both made it.
Pearl is now 4. Wow, where has the time gone? If my baby is four, that makes me, well old.
I knew she was going to be super excited when she woke up so I made sure we had her presents sitting on the dining room table. She was very happy to see three presents just for her. Even if I did re-gift the bags and tissue paper from Cole's party... but who cares, right? Jeff managed to distract her with the "outdoor grocery store" (Bountiful Baskets pick up) so Cole and I could wake up without help from one very excited four-year-old. But as soon as they were back, the begging started. We gave in and let her open just one present. You'll notice she hadn't even combed her crazy bed hair yet. She just so happened to pick the one with the new shoes. She was very excited!
I felt a little guilty for not planning a huge party. Pearl was under the assumption that she was getting a grand party like Cole did for his first birthday. Or a Rapunzel party with all her friends from school. All day, in between the normal Saturday chores, Pearl kept asking when she could open her presents, when we were having her Rapunzel cake, when her party was going to start. I guess our free ride of enjoying slackerhood with our parenting is over. Four-year-olds get what birthdays are all about.Luckily, Jeff's parents were coming down to celebrate with us. While Cole and I picked up the Rapunzel cake Pearl had picked out, Jeff and his parents took Pearl to see "Born Wild" at the IMAX theater at the Gateway. Once Cole and I got downtown, we headed to the fountains. Pearl had been begging us to take her swimming for her birthday so we figured the fountains were a good compromise.
The kids had a blast. I wasn't sure what Cole was going to think of all the water spraying up in his face but he loved it! He ran around like a mad man, laughing, yelling, squealing, smiling, and getting absolutely soaked in the process.
I honestly figured Pearl would whimp out on the fountains like she has every year prior. So I hadn't thought to pack her a spare pair of clothes. Silly me. Pearl had even more fun than Cole!
I was so busy trying to keep Cole from getting sprayed in the face or up his diaper that I only saw flashes of a very wet Pearl streak by. But once her pants started to fall off and everyone could see a white bubble butt running around the fountains, it was easier to spot her. It was embarrassing but hilarious! I'm sure everyone watching found it hysterical or appalling that I was screaming at my kid to pull her pants up as she ran by.
I must have been distracted by a nearly half-naked daughter and son who was getting awfully brave with the water because before I knew it, my attempt to keep Cole from getting squirted right in the eye backfired on me. I ended up keeping Cole safe, but in the process sacrificed my own dry clothing (and hair and makeup) in the process. This also just so happened to be just seconds after I had sent Jeff down to Old Navy to buy Pearl some dry clothes. Apparently I should have also told him to buy me some new clothes because my entire left side was soaked. Jeff always picks out super cute clothes for Pearl... too bad Old Navy was out of all panties! Trying to explain to her why she was going commando was an interesting conversation.
After getting the kids dried off and stuffed full of goldfish crackers, we headed to the Pizza Factory for dinner. Pearl's choice of course. Then the real celebration began.Presents. Lots of presents. Spending money, jewelry, clothes, new Rapunzel and Hello Kitty panties (someday Pearl will be horribly embarrassed with this gift but she was pumped to get them), and books from us and Grandpa and Grandma.
And if the new bike wasn't enough already, a beautiful pink afghan from David and Vickie. 
Cole was quick to remember what you do with presents. After shredding all the tissue paper, he grabbed one of the bags and played peek-a-boo with us. 
If that wasn't enough excitement, up next was the long-awaited Rapunzel cake! Pearl was so excited to finally see the cake she had picked out. Someone please tell me I'm not the only slacker mom who doesn't make a homemade birthday cake? 
It took Pearl exactly four breaths to blow out her candles. One candle at a time (and a small huff from mom to finish them off). 
Pearl wasn't nearly as excited about getting to use the "You Are Special" plate as Jeff and I were. She was more interested in making sure I mutilated the cake just so she could have Rapunzel's face. Oh and that she got a big scoop of Aggie Blue Mint ice cream. And eating the cake and ice cream. She didn't touch it. I think the excitement from the day had taken it's toll.
And there you have it. A birthday fit for a spunky four-year-old that I wouldn't trade for the world.
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