Ballet Class

Did anyone else take ballet as a kid? I remember all the positions and took class at the neighborhood church in Clayton. Every year we would have a performance and I would always have the leads. My favorite was when I played the part of smoke in Pinocchio. You may be thinking what part is that. Well it is when the whale swallows Pinocchio and they have to light a fire inside the whale to get out. That is where the smoke came in. So yes, I was being sarcastic when I said that I always played the leads.

Anyways...I tried Ballet Bar Class at ClubSport today. I was hanging out with Shae and thought it would be something she would enjoy since she likes dance classes. I can't believe what good shape ballerinas must be in. It was such a good work-out and we were doing VERY simple stuff. We did a set where we did mini jumps at the bar and I was completely out of breath at the end. I almost thought something must be wrong with me to be feeling this way. Needless to say, I loved my workout and am interested to see how I will be feeling tomorrow. You always know you get a good work-out when you are sore the next day.

It feels great to be back at the gym. I had put my membership on hold for the last 2 years and am so relieved to be back, but have a long way to go before I am back in cardio shape. On a side note, I left Roman at Kid Care today and when I went back to pick him up, he was at the front desk being held. I've never seen any babies up front, but not surprised that it was him. I have a Diva Baby at times.

Career Change

Many of you have listened to me through the past few months with debating about what to do about work. It truly was an inside battle that I was having with myself on whether I would be happiest to stay at home or go back to work. I think it is one of the hardest decisions for women to make these days and I didn't take the decision lightly. I have always been driven to succeed and worked so hard to get where I am in my career. Starting out with internships in TV and radio and working my way through the competitive world of advertising. While some people thought I was crazy, I loved working long hours and thrived on deadlines and challenges.

Three years ago I joined Diablo which was closer to home, less stress and easier hours. I knew it was the right direction I needed to make in order to eventually start a family since I would no longer be commuting. When I went on maternity leave, Diablo was hopeful that I would be able to come back Part-Time, which would have been ideal. Unfortunately with how the economy has turned in the last few months, my position was eliminated and I found out this morning that I will not be returning to Diablo. It took a few moments of me being sad to then realize that it really was all a blessing. When I went to bed last night I prayed that all would work out how it should. AND...I really do believe that everything happens for a reason. When I would talk to my friend, Jen about what to do she would say to me, "I know it will all just work out how it should." And she was right. I didn't have to make the decision, it was made for me. And now looking at Roman I smile and think how much I am going to cherish the time I am able to be at home with him.

Through it all, Jason has been so supportive to me. He never worries and always reminds me that everything will be fine. I am so lucky to have a husband that wants whatever makes me happy. He is AMAZING!

So I am joining the world of stay at home moms. Of course, I will always be working on something on the side (I just have to, it is in my blood).
SIDENOTE:A new blog is already in the works and at least it will help my creative juices flowing. Stay tuned for details.

I am ready to hit the gym, schedule playdates, go on morning walks with Marley, make Jason lunch and most importantly shower Roman with all the love and attention I have.


My new boss. Isn't he a cutie? When I came home today after my meeting, I picked up Roman and said, "OK man, you are stuck with me 7 days a week." I think he smiled.

Relay For Life

Last weekend, Jay and I participated in Relay for Life. The American Cancer Society was one of my clients at work and Diablo put together a team to walk and raise money for the event. The walk lasts for 24 hours from 9am Saturday to 9am on Sunday. I got assigned the 1am shift. I persuaded Jason to walk with me since I didn't know how many other teams would be walking in the middle of the night. We actually had a really fun time walking together and were able to talk and actually got quite a good work-out. When we arrived there was only 1 other woman walking the path, so we were glad that we went to keep the relay going. We made it for 20 laps and were back home in bed by 2:30am.


The path was lined with luminaries that were in honor of those who have fought cancer and also in memory of those who have lost battles to cancer. It was very touching and inspirational and allowed me to reflect on my friends and family that have been so brave and have battled cancer. It helped me realize what an impact the American Cancer Society makes on so many people's lives.

4 Months

I can't believe Roman is now 4 months old. Time really does fly when you have a baby. He had his appointment this morning and is now 1 ounce shy of 16 tipping the scales at 15.15. I am looking forward to this month since things are becoming much more routine and I am happy to announce he is now sleeping through the night. YEAH!!!! He goes to bed around 8:30 and wakes up around 5:00. I wasn't really strict about getting a routine down, but it kind of just naturally happened so I'm one lucky Mama. He is still sleeping in our room, so hopefully his sleeping will stay just as good when we move him to his crib (in a few weeks).


I just love my little man so much. He is full of personality and loves chatting and making lots of noise. He is starting to hold his head better and is getting really strong. Sometimes he pinches me and it really hurts. He has started to play more with his toys and is so much more aware of everything around him. He is still a spit-up machine and I now carry a towel with me wherever we go. It isn't a matter of IF he is going to spit-up, it is how much. Luckily now with his medicine he isn't in so much pain, it is more just a matter of changing outfits (his and mine) a few times a day. Thank goodness this man's closet is packed with lots of clothes.

We love you RO!

Coldplay

Jay and I went to see Coldplay last night and they were AMAZING!!! I left the concert totally satisfied and loving them even more. They put on such a great show and sound better live than anyone I have ever heard. After I got over the initial "I Miss Roman" feelings, I had a great time out with my hubby. We both love to dance, so we were rocking out to all our favorite tunes. If you have a chance, don't miss Coldplay. It is worth every penny.

It was packed! I was so thankful we had seats. No one sat down the whole time, which is the kind of concert I love.


Nachos, beer and red vines. All of my favorites. I also wanted Ben and Jerry's, but the line was too long and I wasn't willing to miss a song.


During the song yellow, a bunch of yellow balls were brought out and roaming around the crowd.


My favorite part of the show was when butterfly confetti was shot into the audience.


Everyone got a free Coldplay Live CD when we left. What a fun surprise, so we were happy to rock out the whole way home. We even got one for Danny since he missed out on the concert.

Thank you Betty and Bob for taking care of Roman. I'm sure he loved hanging with his grandparents.

MeShelle Comes to Cali

I was so excited to have an afternoon with Michelle and her fam. The Iagulli's came on a family trip to California and we had a BBQ afternoon with them and the McKenzie's. Michelle is one of my best friends from high school and the sweetest and most genuine friend anyone could ever ask for. I also got to meet her boyfriend, Rene who is a perfect match for her. It was great to catch up and the only thing I wish was that she was closer by. Can't wait to see her in August in Tahoe. She loves to dance (and so do I), so we will be sure to have lots of fun on the dance floor. Love you Michelle!




Scottie loved bouncing on the tramp with Michelle.


Michelle brought Roman this outfit the last time she visited, so he had to wear it to the BBQ. I think he looks like a future golfer.

Happy 4th of July

I have always loved the 4th of July since it is all about hanging out with family and friends, eating and just relaxing. Our neighborhood has a parade that begins close to our house so we had a little pre-party with friends and then walked the parade to the Bucklews for their front yard BBQ. Thank You Mark and Claudia for hosting such a fun party and always being so welcoming to my entire family. You are so thoughtful, caring and inviting to everyone.

Here are some pics from the day.


Roman and Jay getting ready for the parade


Roman loved his shades


Grandma brought over lots of fun stuff for all the kids. It was so thoughtful and her and Scott even decorated little visors for everyone. Thank you for all the cute stuff. The kids loved them.


The ladies getting ready for the parade.


Charlie and Scott got ready by riding around the backyard


The parade has a firetruck that leads the way


Roman passed out for the parade


Ellie's car was decorated and she looked so cute!


We were near the very end of the parade


Our dear friends, Jen and Keith


All-American girl, Maddie


Knute and Ellie dancing to some tunes. This girl loves music and dancing with her Daddy.


The 2 Maddie's and Claire having some fun girl time.


What is a blog post without a pic of Roman and Hunter?


Our friend, Stacey put together this adorable collage from the 4th. She is starting a photography business and has such a good eye, especially capturing children's expressions. Please visit her new blog to see her latest and greatest @
www.staceypphotography.com

Ahoy Grandma and Grandpa

Since Betty and Bob are sailing in the British Virgin Islands and have internet access, I thought I would post some recent pics of Roman. Here are some of my favorite from the last week. (I think I average about 100 photos per week...maybe more. Thank goodness for digital)


We have 2 playmats, so both Roman and Marley can play at the same time.


The smile is captured on camera. This man is chubby!


Just chilling with my girl, Hunter Rae.


Tyler loves his little baby cousin.


This is the cutest toy. It is a seahorse that glows and plays lullabies. I couldn't resist.


We went to cheer on Jay play softball on Tuesday. Roman wore his baseball tee. They won by 1 run!


Today we went to the pool and Roman sported some cool boardshorts.