Graduation

Monday was the University of Pennsylvania commencement.  I decided to attend only the School of Nursing ceremony.  I thought that one graduation ceremony in one day was more than enough. 

I think that the ceremony would have been more exciting if it actually meant that I had completed the nurse practitioner program.  The NP program does not end until August 8th but because graduation is in May, the school encourages us to participate in the ceremony. 

The girls seemed to somewhat understand what was going on and Isabella said, "Oh great, you're finished with school!"  Well, technically not yet. 

We took Clark to a babysitter,  and Jason, the girls and Lytle all sat through the almost 3 hr ceremony.  Apparently the girls were so well behaved that they received several compliments from people behind them after the ceremony. 

Jason and Lytle gave the ceremony 2 thumbs up but if it hadn't been for Laura Bush's absolutely jaw dropping, inspirational, tearjerker speech I would have wanted my money back :).  Her speech was amazing. 

She spoke about her years growing up in Midland, Texas.  She talked about her time as a school teacher in the poorest part of Houston when she was in her early 20's.  She decided that she would take a handful of students to AstroWorld, an amusement park, at the end of the school year.  These children had nothing and were so excited about the trip.  When she arrived at the last little boy's home, he answered the door in his underwear and was obviously not ready to join them.  Mrs. Bush said she called out for his mother several times from the front door but that no one came.  She could hear adult voices in the background but no one bothered to come to the door.  She had no choice but to leave the little boy at home.  She says she still remembers his face, this little boy- standing in his underwear and watching the van as it drove away.  She thinks of him and wonders what became of him, etc.  She vowed from that point on to do more to serve others. 

She spoke about her own graduation ceremony at The University of Texas at Austin, where George Bush, Sr. was the keynote speaker- someone she did not know much about at the time.  But, overall- the theme of her speech was service.  She spoke about how serving others is the only thing in life that gives us meaning and purpose.  Her speech was eloquent and sincere.  She spoke from the heart and articulated her life experiences in a way that hopefully I will not forget for a very long time.  

It was fun to participate in the ceremony with a few of my most favorite people in the NP program. These girls and I have worked on several projects together and have come to really love each other.  They are a wonderful group of women who will go on to do great things in their profession. 

The last semester of school begins next week.  I am looking forward to August 8th with much anticipation.  It feels good to finally be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Longwood Gardens

My mom and I kicked off Mother's Day weekend by taking a trip to Longwood Gardens.  The weather was absolutely perfect and we arrived as soon as it opened.  The flowers were in full bloom and the colors were vibrant.  The kids enjoyed running around all over and gardens and especially loved the fountains. 

This week we've been also dealing with a severe case of impetigo.  Poor Olivia's face was dark red and swollen- it happened almost overnight.  I took the girls in and they are both on oral antibiotics and Olivia is also on a topical steroid.  Slowly but surely her face is starting to clear up and so is Isabella's.

Lytle and Darwin Visit

After several weeks and many airline flights later- Lytle and Darwin finally found time in their busy schedules to come and visit.  After not seeing them for over a month it felt great to be together again.  The kids were so excited to see them, they were counting down the days for a week.  

Lytle came with gifts- two beautiful Flamenco dresses.  The girls loved dancing in them and it's definitely Olivia's favorite outfit.  I am sure she will wear it daily until she's outgrown it. 

 A few pics in the kitchen- where we spend most of our time when we're together. 

 Lytle and the kids loved creating these over sized bubbles in the backyard. 

We did go out to dinner on Friday night- adults only and had a fun time.  It was nice to enjoy a meal and adult conversation together.  As usual, we feel spoiled by Lytle and Darwin's proximity to us.  Although, Jason did remind us that in a year- Yaya and Darwin will be leaving the east coast.  Until then, we're going to try and spend as much time as possible together. 

We're back!

Wow- it's been two months since I've updated our blog-- a lot has happened but at the same time, not much has changed- and for that I am grateful.  Although, what has changed around here has been the weather....finally!  It felt like Spring would never make it to New Jersey but I'm pretty sure that it's here to stay.  I was dreaming about moving to a much warmer climate for most of February and March. 

I'm not going to try and 'catch up' on our lives over the last couple of months.  Suffice it to say, we've been busy and we are all doing great. 

Isabella is still loving school and adores all of her friends.  She's progressing in piano but still gets easily frustrated when she doesn't play a song perfectly the first time- we're working on it.  Both girls just started gymnastics and look forward to it every week.  I think it's good for Isabella because it helps her improve her balance and flexibility.  She took a wonderful trip to California with Jason and visited grandma, grandpa and all of her cousins.  They spoiled her rotten and she enjoyed every minute of it!

Olivia is really growing up.  She's maturing and such a wonderful big sister to Clark.  My mom takes care of Olivia and Clark when I'm at school or at the hospital, which is either 3 days/week or 4 days/week.  Now that the weather is warming, you can usually find them at the park, playing in the backyard or working on a craft project.  Olivia has really shown an interest in writing all kinds of words and even sentences.  I'm not really sure when or how she learned her ABC's because I have not worked with her as diligently as I worked with Isabella.  Olivia still enjoys dressing up at every ocassion- even a walk around the block.  She absolutely loves gymnastics and it seems to come very naturally to her.  

Clark is still a ball of fire.  He's talking a lot and keeps me moving.  He's extremely independent and a very social little guy.  He can be rough around the edges so I have to keep my eyes on him at all times.  He's such a sweetheart and whenever I put him down for a nap or come home from work he says- "I'm going to miss you mommy or mommy, I missed you!" He's a talented dancer and can really tear up the dance floor.  He loves playing outside and exploring every nook and cranny of our backyard. 

So- that about sums up are current state of events.  I'm trying to figure out what our summer plans will be.  I'll have a break from school in 2 weeks and I'd love to take this brood on some fun adventures- I'll keep you posted.  Overall, life is good- especially now that winter is over!

Selfless sister

When I picked up Isabella from school today she was excited to tell me that she was invited to a birthday party.

I looked at the date and realized that Jason and I will be out of town that weekend.  I'm not going to expect my sister or my mom to take her to a birthday party at 8:45 on a Saturday morning.

(we were all in the car driving home)

Me:  Isabella, I'm sorry, but I don't think you're going to be able to go to the party because mommy and daddy will be out of town that weekend.

Isabella:  Oh, that's okay.  She looked at Olivia and said-- I don't want to have too much fun without Olivia.  Olivia, I don't want you to feel left out.  I think I'd like to stay home with you (Olivia) that day instead and we'll do something fun together.  Mom, don't worry about it, I don't need to go to the party. 

Olivia:  Okay, Isabella- that's great.  We'll have fun that day together. 

Not every conversation goes smoothly but I'm grateful when it does. 

Oh-- and then there was the conversation we had yesterday morning about why the eggs we eat don't have baby chicks in them.  She wasn't satisfied with my answers and so I went over fertilization by a rooster.  She was still confused by my explanation and then concluded on her own that the rooster and chicken have to cuddle in order for a baby chick to be in the egg. 

First Haircut

Olivia also experienced her first haircut.  I wasn't planning to get her hair cut but the stylist said she could trim it and give her a cute bob, she agreed and it was a go.  The stylist was right-- she looked super cute and loved her new cut. 

Olivia and Clark are becoming best buds.  Olivia is constantly taking care of Clark and he will often call her 'mom' when he needs help off the stool or if they're playing baby and mom.  It's so cute to see this relationship develop.  She loves teaching him and helping him out.  I also love the spontaneous hugs they will often give each other for no apparent reason.  Such a sweet pair. 

A new look

I took Clark to get a haircut the other day and I wasn't quite expecting him to walk out looking like a totally different little kid. 

He went in with his hair looking something like this:

 And came out with a super short cut that looks something like this: 

He was very cooperative during the haircut and especially enjoyed the lollipop. 

Here he is after running downstairs after his bath.  He looks so much older and for a couple of days I missed my little baby and was scheming about the possibility of a fourth, but then came to my senses. Clark is such a love.