Becoming a Godmother!!!

July 24th @ 11:48 PM, my phone rings. I think, "Who the heck would call me this late??? Have they lost their mind?" Ignore...the caller immediately calls back...I think, "Oh! SnAp!!! I bet it might be Carrie!!!" I answer the phone to a calm soon-to-be mommy who informs me that her water broke:

Me: What were you doing?
Carrie: Sleeping.
Me: Are you sure?!
Carrie: Yeah. I'm positive!
Me: Are you sure you didn't pee the bed?
Carrie: *chuckle* No! My water REALLY broke. I'm going to take a shower and go to the hospital.
Me: Okay! I'll meet you there!

As I drove to the hospital, I realized that there was not going to be sleep in my near future (not to mention, I did wake up at 6:45 AM that morning), and that I had until 9:00 PM on July 25th to complete an assignment that was already granted 2 extensions...and I had only finished about half (which already took 2 hours). I know...oh, poor me! How selfish! How un-cool for me to be worrying about my own darn self while my bestie was about to deliver her 1st child! It must be my only child syndrome.

So, fast forward to the Labor and Delivery room at Sunrise Hospital. I had an over abundance of energy (adrenaline...I'm sure!) So, as my bestie was agonizing over Pitocin induced contractions, I tried to work on my assignment with no success. Around 5:15 AM, the nurse (and what a fabulous nurse, Maricel was) had her "practice push" (which she really didn't need...she was a natural...or maybe it was from being in my delivery rooms...or maybe it was all the countless hours of watching TLC's A Baby Story and MTV's 16 and Pregnant). Anyhoot, she pushed for about 20 minutes and stopped to wait for Dr. Jameson. Once the Doc showed up, it was like 10 minutes of pushing and...

Baby Maxim James "a.k.a. Max" tipped the scale at 7lbs. 1oz. and stretched 20.5 in. long. He joined the party at 6:08 AM on July 25th, 2010. And he was worth the long wait, the missed sleep, the stress to get my assignment completed, the missed birthday party (on Sunday), and the 3 hours of sleep I eventually got.

P.S. It was so amazing to be a part of Baby Max's arrival. I thank Carrie for the opportunity to be part of such an intimate, joyous, spiritual, emotional, and surreal experience. It was so crazy! I had an emotional breakdown. My legs were sore from trying to hold my composure and refrain from shaking...as I unsuccessfully fought back my tears. I can't even explain it! It really brought me back to that place when I had my girls...only, I had so much going on that my emotions didn't affect me in the same way.

The story of how a pig and a cat became besties...

So, being the animal lovers that we are, Mike and I were on the lookout for a nice indoor pet. I didn't want another dog (for many reasons-potty training, shedding, etc...). I really didn't want a cat-since I am allergic. However, I have always wanted a pig...since Charlotte's Web (the 1973 cartoon...and don't do the math because the movie is several years older than me...LOL!). The only problem was that little pigs...become big pigs...become gigantic pigs. I couldn't have a 200 lb. pig running around my house. Ewww...imagine the clean-up...gross! So, when I heard about a mini-pig, I was determined. After several weeks of research, I found the pig of my dreams...LOL.

Meantime, Mike was on the look out for an exotic cat. He thought a hairless would be perfect for my allergies, and he stumbled upon the Bambino Sphinx. They are like the Sphinx, but they have short, thick, wide legs. Well, it just so happened that we were able to arrange for both pets to come home on the same day. (Cat (VooDoo) was coming from Florida, and Pig (Spartacus) was coming from Kentucky.) They have been growing up together ever since and are the best of friends. They snuggle up every day and night in their bed, play together, and endure the torturous love from the "little giants" (Maysie and Mylie). Both have great personalities and have made our farm...I mean home...complete. (Although I'd still like to have a pet wallaby...LOL)

Baby Shower for my BeSTiE!!!

Okay...so obviously June is by far my busiest month. And to add to my madness, I hosted a baby shower for my bestie, Carrie (who is carrying my godson, Maxim James, in her belly), on the same day as Maysie's dance recital. (Yes, I am a mad woman!) No really though, June 19th was the best day for the party and everything worked out wonderfully! Here are some special "facts" about her shower:

- Dr. Seuss' "One Fish, Two Fish..." theme

- Approximately 50 people in attendance

- Hired a Taco Lady to serve up fresh tacos

- Served ceviche, rice and beans (from Cafe Rio), chips and salsa, salad

- Had a chocolate fountain (Thank You, Melissa!) complete with: rice krispy treats, pound cake,

strawberries, pineapple, apples, pretzels, bananas, and gummy bears!!!

- Played "Measure Mommy" (Ha! And a boy, Jimmy's cousin, won!) and a few raffle games

- Filled out advice cards and wrote silly messages on diapers (I bit these ideas from Melissa's

shower...thanks again, girl!!!)

- Opened oodles of presents (or "presidents"...as Maysie would say)!!!

- Gave boxed SUPER yummy Chantilly Cupcakes as a party favor (which was ALL

my idea...LOL...just kidding, another fabulous idea from Melissa)

- The shower was so much fun, even "Papa Bear" showed up to help open a few gifts...and the

compliments were just the cherry on top!

Now we just need to wait for Max to make his big entrance!!!

A Star is born...

Three days after our Hawaii vacation, Maysie had a dance recital. She has been attending a ballet/tap/gymnastics combo class at Preston's Class Act for about 3 months prior. Since she is a little ham, we thought this would be a great experience for her. She totally knew her dance and even performed it to the best of her ability at the dress rehearsal. But, when it was time for the real deal, she stood on stage like a deer caught in headlights, tapped her foot, did one "pirouette," and shuffled off stage with a smile and a wave! Although she practically stood there, she was way ToO CuTe!!! I can't wait to get the video so I can experience the WHOLE thing again. Here is a picture of my little StaR...and 2 of her many "FaNs," Justin and Kennedy!! LOL!!!!