Decompression, Carmageddon, and Paris

What do all three of these things have in common....las vegas. That's what we had going on last weekend.

I was eager to decompress and that's the first thing I did. When we got to vegas on the first evening, the Newhaus family went to dinner and I stayed behind in the hotel room and did.... Gee, what did I do? I don't think I did anything. Oh wait, I actually squealed with excitement over the phone call I made. It was a quiet, intelligent conversation with my brother without Max trying to rip the phone out of my hand. That was cool.....(ALONE TIME OMFG I never ever ever get that anymore YYYAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!)

Paris was the hotel we stayed in and it was really nice. We had time at the pool, some delicious dinners, and I got extra crazy and hit up a few yoga studios. Yeah, I went to three fantastic yoga classes while Marc played poker. Marc and I even went on a date while grandma and grandpa took the baby. Now that's just wild!

We finished up the debauchery with the quickest drive back to LA. I guess everyone was terrified of the roads and freeways because of the 405 closure and it was a breeze getting home. Carmageddon turned out to be less than the anticipated auto apocolypse. What a relief for us not to be stuck in a traffic jam all day with the baby!

Now we're back home and it isn't easy adjusting. Reality doesn't suck, but I prefer being spoiled on vacation. Now instead of looking for les toilettes, I'm just going to the bathroom. Dinner is no longer at the eiffel tower, but on the basic couch. And instead of merci, I hear "hurry up, the baby ripped his diaper off and I told you not to use velcro anymore!"...... Yaaaay reality!

But here's the reality. After a few hours away from Max, I really miss him. And I look forward to seeing him again. It's amazing that I could spend so much time with someone and never ever ever get sick of it. Don't get me wrong--I enjoy some breaks and definitely need more of them. But I'm always ready to get back to being mama.

I'm posting three photos on this blog because my hair is done in all three of them. That's a big deal in case you didn't realize what it was like to have an active toddler pulling out clumps of your "do". Honestly, I think it's a miracle that I had (mostly) matching outfits and accessories for three days in a row.

It's worth noting that my "wig hair" is returning. My postpartum hair regrowth is several inches long and it sure has become easier to style my mane! There is evidence that I still know how to work the hot rollers....ahahaha!

Paris was a great place to chill out during carmageddon. I highly recommend it. But even more I recommend Blue Sky Yoga. Yeah, I'd definitely go back that nitty gritty donation based studio in the art district. Or the Yoga Sanctuary. (Except the prices are higher for out of towners....BOO!) I really enjoyed the power yoga classes at both of these vegas studios. I can't think of a better way to decompress in sin city than with a floating pidgeon.....the new pose I'm semi-mastering. Viva las vegas!

What is going on here?

I should post an addendum to my last blog. Remember the shopping spree I went on? Well, let's go over the items purchased.

1. Potty training seat: I even spent the extra $10 for the high back bjorn seat that I was told to get. Let's see what baby Max does with his new toilet. He uses is as a bowl for his ice. He's figured out that as the ice melts he can drink cold water out of the area that is supposed to hold urine. Oh, and when he is finished eating his dinner, he will take it and put it in the potty. That's probably why I found potatoes in there this morning.

2. Swimming pool: I bought a little pool for our rooftop deck because the weather is beautiful and Max loves the water. However, after bringing the pool in the house, Max filled it with all his toys. So his swimming pool is actually a glorified blue and green toy box. And truthfully, the toys are all stored in there so perfectly that I don't mind leaving it just the way it is.

3. Extra large gardening tools: It's not like he can ever play with them outside anyway. He might knock a little kid over at the park with that arm of his. So he walks back and forth over the carpet with the rake and I kind of feel bad that he hasn't gotten to use his hoe, rake, and shovel in an actual garden.

Ooooohhhhh welllllll...... He's happy and who cares if everything we get him is noticeably less interesting than the box that it came in. I'm just grateful to have such a happy baby boy.

This week he taught me about motherhood in the millenium. No texting while diaper changing was the #1 lesson learned. Yes, I learned the hard way and no, I will not be repeating that mistake! I THOUGHT I've been doing great because I basically gave up talking on the phone months ago, but texting while parenting is a major distraction to watch out for!

I also learned that after about age 16 months, it is not wise to cloth diaper with velcro diaper covers. He can take those off by himself and snaps are the way to go. My favorite diaper covers are called the "flip" for this age. Another lesson learned....

Today Max got his 15th tooth. All he needs, is one more bottom tooth at this point for a complete set of chompers. He's been nursing soooo much for comfort lately and I wouldn't be surprised if after these last two teeth come through if he goes back to only breast feeding a few times a day again. We have been enjoying oodles of snuggles.

Tonight when my little angel fell asleep I couldn't help but stare at him for a while before I laid him down in his bed. I breathed in his breath and held his little hand and told him how special he is to me. He is such a peaceful little boy and our attachment is the most beautiful bond I have ever experienced in my whole entire life.

I love that I have such a healthy baby boy, such supportive mommy friends, and the ability to go to bed late at night without feeling like a truck ran over me. I have not forgotten how sleep deprived I was this time last year and it is such a blessing to feel rested--even with a teething baby!

Good times on runyon canyon with our sweet friends Jolynn and Zaiah made for a fun beginning to the week! We're getting ready to leave town tomorrow in time to beat carmageddon in LA this weekend. We're packing for vegas and rocking out to some tunes...Let the good times roll!

Happy Birthday America!

Today, July 4th, was the most spectacular day of the year. No, seriously. It was perfect.

It suddenly occurred to me that Independence Day is one of the best days of the year every single year. Not just because there isn't a single cloud in the sky... Not because I get my first tan of the year... Not because we got to see a fantastic firework show (or three)... Not because we got to eat yummy guacamole and gooey chocolate cake... And definitely not even because I get to enjoy the beautiful beach with my baby after a full night's sleep (double score)....

Oh, nevermind. It is because of all these reasons....And more. As far as I'm concerned July 4th marks the beginning of summer. And that's why I think everyone in Los Angeles is crazy for this holiday. It's as if we all start palpitating over how fantastic the next four or five months will be. We looooove summer time!!!!!

So good bye June gloom and heeelllllooooo summer!