Mimi: The Tween Zone

In July 2008 I became a mother to this beautiful little six year old girl. This was the moment I met her.  Subhalakshmi was so timid and scared and I was instantly in love. 

It took her a while to warm up to me but her little nearly 3 year old brother was having none of that.  So we took them to the park and let kids do what they do.  This is the first hint of a bemused smile from her toward her little brother.  It would not be the last.

It was a lot of work and time and patience (maybe even some blood, sweat and tears) but slowly she warmed up as she acclimated to her new life and learned to trust us.  By the age of 7 her personality was in full effect:

Then came age 8 and I began to see the beginnings of a feisty little mini me developing! 

By 9 there was NO denying it.  She was a full-on Diva!

And a bit of a drama-queen.  No, really... she even admitted it!

Next came the double-digits and as she turned 10 she seemed to immediately blossom into a young lady, yet still maintaining her youthful innocence. 

And now here we are.  Mimi is 11 years old.  I cannot believe how far we have grown together in these past 5 years.  She came into my life so scared and confused and developed into a spirited, sweet, loving, sensitive and compassionate young girl who always gets in trouble for being "too social."  She has more friends than I can count and it is because her spirit is as bright as her smile.

I am in awe of my daughter. 

Lucky Number Seven

Max just celebrated his 7th birthday.  Before we begin you all need to know that he and his sister are being raised by a woman who never ever ever had a birthday party.  Not even a Sweet Sixteen.  *le sigh*  Soooooo to compensate for the childhood trauma their mother *coughs*me*coughs* experienced, she throws fabulous birthday parties for her children.  MTV should really come document these events.  No, but seriously... they should.  

I kid... I kid...

These parties are simply about making fun memories and being sure that no matter what they're eventually in therapy for they will never be able to blame me for not throwing them birthday parties.  So a party we had.  This year: BOWLING!

Max's beloved friend Dagny was in attendance.  I always contact her mother before finalizing any plans to be sure she can come because a party isn't a party if his sweet friend isn't there celebrating with him. 

Look at those smiles.  That's genuine 1,000 watts of happiness right there.  Oh and the outfit my kid is wearing?  He chose the entire thing himself.  I know... It was inevitable he be that cool with me as his mother. *grins*

Back to the party.... So who knew Max could actually bowl?  I didn't. 

This year's theme was Spongebob Squarepants.

Unfortunately Max didn't get to enjoy any birthday cake because he got sick at the bowling alley.  He did recover enough to be able to fully enjoy everyone singing to him before he blew out his candles.

Then we went home where Max was genuinely overwhelmed by all the presents his friends gifted him with.  It was clear that they know him well as he received all his favorite things:

He was a very happy birthday boy.

A Perfect 10

That's my daughter.  She turned 10 on Saturday. So we had a pool party to celebrate!

That's my son.  He's 6 years old.  He had to endure a day at the pool with a dozen "older women."  So what did he do to entertain himself (and the rest of us)?

Isn't that what tubes are for? *shrugs* Well, the 10 year old girls reacted to this much like I hope they do 10 years from now while at a pool where a boy is trying to get their attention:

Yelling: "Stop it!"  And like most boys, he was undeterred. 

*sighs* I have my hands full, I know.  I apologize in advance to mother's everywhere.... 

Fun Fact: 

Sunday morning I was preparing breakfast for the girls who slept over. One girl told me that she didn't like eggs. I then asked the other children if they liked cheese in their eggs.  She quickly amended "I like cheese in my eggs."  To which I said "Oh so you want eggs then?"  She hesitated, then asked "Well, what kind of cheese?"  I replied "American."  She asked "shredded or sliced?" I said "sliced." She sighed and said "No. I don't like that. I'll just have cereal." -- I will spare you the discussion on which cereal she was willing to eat. And no milk.  Because she doesn't like milk.   

Now you know why I drink on the job. ;)