Sofifi turns 7

It's hard to believe, but last Friday Sofia turned 7 years old. It is true what they say, that time flies when you are having fun.

Since she had a stuffy nose she ended up not going to school. Bella of course decided that if Sofia was not going to school then she was not going to daycare either, so both ended up spending the day at home. I had to work, so they both played until about 12:30 when I finally took a break for lunch. I then left work early and we went to run errands, including buying all the stuff for the goodie bags for her party the next day.

After work we all cut cake at home. My dad was sick, so unfortunately he couldn't come. But Lionel's parents were here, as well and Abuelita, Tia, Tio, Diego and of course Lionel, me and the girls. It is a family tradition – started by me - that regardless of when the party is we must cut cake on the exact birthday. Much to Lionel’s dismay, we also sing “the longest birthday song ever” and take tons of pictures.

On Saturday we hosted the birthday party for Sofia and her little friends. It was in the same place as last year, since she chose it that way. Parties are always a stressful thing because as a mom you hope that your kid doesn't have to celebrate their birthday by themselves. Luckily that was not the case. We had 14 children, so it was a good turnout and she had fun running around with all of them. Bella of course enjoyed the party and even told me “It was my party as well!”

Sofia enjoyed all her gifts, although she is still missing the one from us. For her 7th birthday we are buying her a bike. We didn't have time to get it over the weekend, but hopefully this coming weekend we can get it for her. She still doesn't know how to ride one, so we think it is way overdue.

So that was it! My girl’s 7th special day came and went. But I can still say one last time: Happy Birthday to her!

7 years ago...

Lunch at Panera

Dinner out

Mean Sister Bella

This morning, as we were getting ready for school and work, I noticed Sofia had written the note below. It made me laugh, partially because of the spelling, and partially because there is some truth to that.

Hairspray

Sofia swears that my t-shirt says "Hairs pray". So religious of her...

Easter

This morning, despite my best efforts, we arrived late for church. But at least we made it and even though it was standing room only, somebody was kind enough to give up his seat so that I could sit down with the girls. After mass we stopped by Ault Park to take some pictures, per my request. I was hoping to get at least one good picture, but the girls were not in the mood to cooperate. We then went back home, changed, went back out for lunch, picked my mom up, and went to the zoo. I love going to the zoo in the spring, so I was disappointed to find out that most of the tulips were ruined by the changing weather of the last few days - it got really hot, and then really cold. Luckily we found a few spots with nice ones, and managed to take a handful of pictures even though the girls were still not eager to cooperate.

Egg hunt

Today couple friends of mine and I organized a last minute egg hunt for our little ones and a pot luck dinner for all the adults at my house. I was very disappointed that Gabi and Raj didn't show up, because they probably preferred shopping than hanging out with us, but we had a great time. The weather was perfect, the little ones had a blast, and I enjoyed having people over and watching the girls run around with the neighborhood kids. It warms my heart when they are right smack in the middle of the fun, Vs being the odd ones out.

At some point Sofia surprised me when she told me that before everybody left she was going to play one song in the piano for all of them. She doesn't like being the center of attention, so I was happy to see her display that confidence. Later on she forgot all about it while she was running around, and I only remembered once everybody started to leave. But she still played for the neighbors and couple other kids. She was very proud showing her new talent, and I was happy to see her glowing like that.

Even though it was very last minute I think our egg hunt turned out really well. We should definitely do it again.

Viernes santo, day off

Yesterday was a great day. I didn't have to work, so I got to spend the entire day out and about with my Bella girl. Sofia had to go to school and Lionel was running errands, so it was just Bella and me. we also had lunch with Gabi and my mom, which was a nice treat.

One of my favorite parts of the day was when Bella, Lionel, Zoey, and I went to pick up Sofia from school. It was a beautiful day and for once we were not rushed, so we walked to her school. Sofia always wants to walk there, but for us doing so is very much a luxury since we have to drop Bella off, then take her, and then rush to work.

When we got home the girls went outside to enjoy the afternoon even more. It always makes me happy to see them happy, and even I got to take a break. I sat outside, in the afternoon sunshine, to look at the spring catalogs that have been accumulating for several weeks. When I was outside Lionel had a really nice gesture that signaled it was definitely time for me to take a break. He brought me a glass of wine and then went back inside to make dinner for us. That made me feel really good, pampered, something I don't get to experience every day.

Taking over

Some people go to their 9-5 jobs and after that they go home - the rest of the day is theirs. Some go workout, some hang out with friends, some enjoy their families, and others simply sit around on the couch. Not me ... After work I rush to pick up the girls, go home, eat, give the girls a bath, and put them to bed. Now that we once again have a dog I force myself to take her out for a 15 to 20 min walk before I sit down on the couch and start working all over again. I then work until I am so tired that when I go upstairs I fall asleep right away. No such thing as reading a book to unwind at the end the day. How could I possibly enjoy reading a random book when I know all my work email is accumulating and waiting for me the next day?

Many nights I feel that I am just going through the motions between 6 and 9pm, those few hours where I am not at work. Because as much as I love my family, hanging out with them a few extra minutes is an opportunity cost. Thinking like that of course makes me feel like hell.

So yes, during the week I rush and rush so that -hopefully- the weekend is truly for us. No meetings, no drama, no work emails. But it is NOT enough. I want my life back, and I want it now.