balance

When deciding what would be Maya's birthday present from us we really liked the idea of a bicycle. However, not far into our search, we realized it was near impossible to find one that wasn't 1)princess themed with sparkly pink streamers, or 2)Spiderman themed in black. Being the economical parents that we are, we of course wanted a bike that Fin could also grow into, so a gender neutral one was a must. We then started realizing the difficult task we would face of teaching her how to ride a bike post training wheels sometime in the future. One word: STRESS.

Brett mentioned a balance bike (that we had previously made fun of while in REI). I did not know much about them, but it took one viewing of this video, and I was sold.

It didn't take as long as I anticipated for her to gain confidence and balance. This is Maya only one month later on her balance bike, that she absolutely LOVES!

deja vu

Almost four years ago, this is what was on our minds. Now we find ourselves in a place where we are not quite ready to put down roots, struggling to make ends meet, and looking for our next adventure. We've never been the ones to settle down early, for us it has taken time. Our soon to be 3 years in Arizona have been a much needed blessing of stability. But, it is time to move on, to expand, to reach for our long-term goals. That being said, we recently found out Brett has been admitted to a graduate program, yet again. This time, not so exotic and adventurous as London, but admittedly more familiar and close to home and family.

Some have asked us the simple question of "why." Brett has a stable job here, and he already received a master's degree didn't he? Correct. He received a master's degree in public management and governance from the London School of Economics, meaning he was looking for work within the public sector upon our return. Coming home to a very unsure economy did not help our nerves and fears. Only a couple of short months after returning to the states, he received a job offer in Phoenix, AZ. We didn't even take time to consider it, it was an obvious answer and much needed blessing.

Over these years, however, we have realized that the public sector just isn't for us. Weighing our options, mapping out several different scenarios on our future, and creating endless pros and cons lists, we finally came to a solution for the easiest and most beneficial transition into the private sector. The solution was to receive an MBA in HR (an interest that sparked within the AZ State Government work) the cheapest way possible. That being said, it was obvious where we should apply. We didn't branch out this year at all, thinking that if our #1 choice didn't work out, we could try for more schools next year. So, he took the GMAT, applied and we heard back in the affirmative.

It is daunting to think of doing the grad school thing yet again, but very exciting. I have loved living in Mesa; minus the summers, the close to zero rain, the 2 seasons that seem to blur together, the mountain-less landscape. I have loved it for one main reason: it has been our home. Griffin was born here, Maya has flourished here, we have met amazing people here and have finally lived somewhere for 2+ years!

Now we are preparing for another graduate degree, 2 kids with us this time, and thankfully not boarding an international flight, but rather a longish drive back to where we first met. Provo will be our home again for two years starting this fall. BYU here we come yet again...

my half

I completed my first half marathon last Saturday. I PR'd...wait am I allowed to use cool runner acronyms after only my first race? It was a long time standing goal after fin was born. I trained with my two darling kids in tow, and ran the final race solo. It felt awesome, I'm not going to lie, and I think I may have opened something inside willing me to do it again or maybe even a full. 

I loved running through familiar parts of my neighborhood and especially seeing Brett on the corner of Bashas holding fin in the rain, and Maya's eyes frantically trying to reach mine. Seeing them seriously ignited me and may have brought tears to my eyes. So grateful for them and all of their support. Also a shout out to Stephen Dubner, Steve Leavitt and Ira Glass for keeping my mind occupied during long training runs and the first half of the half.

I was so nervous the night before and morning of because of the predicted torrential downpour that was supposed to last the duration of the race. It turned out it only really rained a little at the starting line and off and on throughout, but brought with it a wonderful, cool, refreshing feeling that nobody expected in Phoenix, Arizona. The weather turned out to be absolute perfection.

Brett was so great the morning of. He woke up at 3:45 with me, made me breakfast, made the kids waffles so we could eat breakfast at this amazing restaurant after the race, walked me to the car and came home to get the kids up and out of the house by 7 AM, which is quite the task. He was nothing short of a miracle worker. He even had to put up with some snide remarks from fellow onlookers at the finish line for putting Maya on his shoulders and blocking views...really? Plus attempting to maneuver a double jogging stroller through a crowd of people makes enough enemies. He and the kids were troopers through it all!

I think now he even feels motivated to do a race with me, maybe a triathlon of some sort. We will see what the future brings. For now, my kids are wearing my medal around thinking I won the greatest prize there ever was.

*Some signs that made me smile: "Smile if you need to poop," "I woke up early to make this sign and stand in the rain for this sh** so run faster!" "This probably seemed like a good idea 4 months ago," "Ryan Gosling is waiting for YOU at the finish line" and the best one of all "RUN MOJO RUN! MEET ME AT EL POLLO LOCO!"

four years ago

she was born. our world was brighter because maya was finally here. our little groundhog baby. scary, thrilling, emotional, wonderful, we embarked on the adventure of parenthood. she has been full of surprises everyday and has taught us so many wonderful things. a caring older sister, a loyal friend, a wise and sensitive soul, a compassionate daughter, a wild and crazy kid, maya is our light and happiness.

hand washing

My hands are dry and cracked. Living in the desert does not help. I probably wash my hands fifty times a day, and not just because I eat that much dairy. I'm paranoid. I expect others to be as on top of it as I am. Is that too much to ask? Some people may say yes, but I feel like the growing number of children with food allergies, is bringing with it a growing concern, empathy and diligence in keeping these and all kids safe.

It comes so naturally to me. Like second nature. When I eat anything dairy, I actually feel dirty. Like I need a shower. But I settle for washing my hands and most importantly my mouth with soap and water. Because kisses from your almost four-year-old are the best part of the day, and who wants to compromise that? So when I give family members, friends, teachers the hand washing lecture, I get the crazy eyes looking back at me, probably tuning my, to them, insane expectations out. But who can blame me? I've seen her after coming in contact with one of her scariest allergens--swollen shut eyes, hives spreading before my eyes, wheezing, coughing, sneezing.

This is merely from touching, not ingesting, so you can imagine the nightmare it is to think about sending her to any kind of school. Those little milk cartons threatening her well being and life. It doesn't seem fair. We are weighing options, finding advocates and information that would help us.

Truth be told, I want to homeschool. I wish I was that mom. But I don't know if I am. I see her flourishing too much in a school and social setting, and I believe in education. I want her to have the best. This is a major dilemma for me as she is turning 4 this Sunday. She asks about going to school constantly. We do school at home now, but I know I don't always bring out the best in her. I have several friends who homeschool for reasons different than food allergies. Talking to them, they mostly do it to be with their kids more and to avoid the crazy strict school schedule. I don't know where I fall. Somewhere in between.

Some schools say they are accommodating for food allergies because they have a separate lunch table, nut or dairy-free, as if these children are not ostracized enough. But can I really trust someone to notice in time when she is having an allergic reaction? Then there are "peanut-free" schools, which is wonderful for kids who are deathly allergic to peanuts, but what about Maya, who is deathly allergic to milk? Will there ever be a school that would be "milk-free?" I don't see it in the near future. Unless I created one myself.

I know to most people, I must be so annoying always going on and on about food allergies and the importance of spreading awareness and education, but I ask those people to put themselves in my shoes. When your child's life is at risk on a daily basis, wouldn't you speak up and want to do anything and everything to keep her safe? People may look at me and think I'm paranoid, and I probably am to some extent. But as I pack her dinner to eat at a restaurant and not even attempt to ask the chef about dairy-free options, as I wipe every public place we go to down with a wet wipe before she touches it, as I furiously look at the kids on the playground dripping ice cream cones and eating pizza, or the mom who is throwing goldfish crackers all over the splashpad with her son apparently "feeding the pigeons," I don't know of another way to be. To me, it isn't worth the risk of being "nicer" or "less-confrontational" or "easier." I guess I'd rather be the mom people get sick of hearing from than having the child who isn't safe.

So with that rant, I should go wash my hands because I just ate breakfast.

wordless wednesday

one year older and wiser too

He did it. He turned one. He survived a house with overtired parents, a very active older sister who bosses him around, steals his toys, makes him play all things princess and gives him hugs and kisses against his will. He likes airplanes in the sky, wrestling on the bed, taking things apart and putting them back together (even his birthday cake), playing in the bathroom, tv remotes, swings at the park, trampolines, cars, trains, the list goes on and on.

He is such a joy to have in our family and we are all a little wiser because of one small boy. 

Happy Birthday little buddy! 

Maybe you'll eat your cake next year!