Kalins Cousins Photo Shoot

For Father's Day this year, my sister in law Dina & I decided to tag team our gifts for the girls' Grandpas and do a photo shoot.  Thanks to Dina for dancing and singing to keep the girls' attention! Even with her great skills, it is still a challenge to get all 4 girls looking in the same direction, smiling with their teeth showing, and not crying.  

 Alex (4), Reese (2), & Quinnley (4.5 months)

Our 2 Favorite shots



Flores Family Photo Shoot

 Happy 5th Birthday Milo!

 Leo's signature pose

 Cousins - Teddy & Milo

 Sometimes the outtakes are just as good

Day 31: Memories...

Day 31 of the Blog Every Day in May Challenge: A Vivid Memory

Since I was a kid, I was told that I had a great memory.  My parents or other adults would tell me that they were impressed by how much I remembered and the detail.  When I'm not suffering from a bout of Mommy Brain these days, my memory is still pretty good.  I sometimes surprise myself with what I remember - a small detail, the clothes that some one was wearing, or even a certain smell.  This weekend kicks off my little sister Laura's birthday week so I thought I would pay omage to her with recounting one of my first memories of her.  And yes, we celebrate birthdays for a whole week in my family.  I plan on continuing this with Eloise too!

Laura Michelle Clark was born on June 3, 1985 at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL.  I'm not sure how much I knew what it meant that parents were having a baby or how much it was going to affect me.  When my parents called to tell me the good news that I had a little sister, I said, "Okay" and promptly hung up the phone.  I guess it didn't take me long to figure out that things were going to be different.  When we were at the hospital, I remember seeing her and still not really getting it.  When they changed her diaper for the first time in front of me, I told my parents to leave her at the hospital because she was dirty.  Sorry Lo Lo! During one of the first days at home, while my mom was changing her diaper, I remember seeing her belly button and thinking that was gross too.  Again, sorry Lo Lo.  I have no idea why these few memories are so vivid in my mind 28 years later, but they are. 

28 years later, that little sister that I wasn't too sure about has become one of my best friends.  Our relationship has evolved through the years.  We started off as competitors, competing for the attention of our parents.  We quickly became playmates - having tea parties, playing dress up, riding bikes, playing Doctor/Veternarian, playing with friends and swimming until we were completely water logged.  At some point, that little sister decided that she was "too cool" for her big sister and we went our separate ways for a while.  All it took was a broken heart in high school for that little sister to change her tune and become my protector.  All the years of wanting her to like me paid off and we were friends again.  We started to share secrets again, vent our about parents, develop inside jokes, and act as sisters should.  Our relationship only grew stronger after I graduated high school.  Through the years, we have nutured our friendship and strengthened our bond as sisters.  When I was away at college, that little sister told me she missed me.  When I graduated from Graduate school, that little sister told me she was proud of me.  When I got married, that little sister made sure that everything was perfect.  When I was struggling with trying to get pregnant, that little sister wiped my tears.  When I was pregnant, that little sister showered me with love and thoughtful gifts for her niece on the way.  When I had Eloise, that little sister redefined what it meant to be a good aunt.  When I questioned if I'm doing everything right as a new mother, that little sister told me that my baby was perfect.

Here's to all the memories of past, present, and future...Happy Birthday to the BEST little sister that anyone could ask for! 

Day 30: Letting Go

Day 30 of the Blog Every Day in May Challenge: React to this term: Letting Go.

Letting Go?  I sometimes cannot.  Why?  Because I obsess...perseverate...mull over.  In some situations I even dream about it - whatever "it" is.  I need to do better.  I think some of this goes back to me being a people pleaser and a control freak.  I'm always wondering did I do enough? say the right thing? say the wrong thing?  If something has affected me on an intense emotional level, I have a hard time letting go.  I know I need to accept things for what they are..."let go & let God"...and move on.  Like I said, I need to do better. 

Day 29: Sing along

Day 29 of the Blog Every Day in May Challenge:  Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories. 

1. Everyday People - Sly & the Family Stone
This song reminds me of my childhood.  My sister & I would make up dance routines and sing along to this whole album.  And yes, I'm talking vinyl.  My parents introduced us to some great music as kids. 

2. N'SYNC
Anything by N'Sync reminds of high school.  Boy bands, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, & many other Disney stars turned Pop stars were huge during this time.  

3. Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World - Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
This song reminds of my wedding.  As soon as I started planning my wedding, I knew that I wanted to dance to this song with my Dad.  At my bridal shower, my dad debuted a slideshow he made for me with this song playing in the background.  Throughout the year leading up to the wedding, I probably listened to this song 100 times if not more!  I still get a little teary eyed when I hear the song. 

4. Dog Days are Over - Florence + The Machine
This song reminds of the late summer/Fall of 2011 when we were in the midst of intense fertility treatments and preparations for IVF.  I loved this song before it became popular because it really lifted my spirits every time I heard it.  I loved singing along to it at the top of my lungs too!

5. Home - Phillip Phillips
This song reminds me of all things Eloise.  The first time I heard this song on American Idol, I instantly connected with it.  At the time, I was 7.5 pregnant and anticipating Eloise's arrival.  Brad also loved the song and connected it with Eloise too.  It gained even more popularity with the Olympics.  Before I had Eloise, I told Brad that would use this song for a slideshow with photos of her one day.  When Eloise was only days old, Brad did just that.  He made a beautiful slideshow with all the photos for her first few days.  Every time I hear the song, I get choked up thinking about those first few days. 

Day 28: Picture this!

Day 28 of the Blog Every Day in May: Only Pictures

Wish you could smell these lilacs in my backyard

 Wish you could hear this laugh

Wish you could taste these pancakes

Wish you could feel these soft dog ears

Day 27: Dear Reader

Day 27 of Blog Every Day in May Challenge: A letter to your readers


Dear Reader, 

First of all, thank you for taking the time to read! Sometimes I really wonder if anyone is actually reading my posts.  It's hard to believe that when I first started this blog that I kept it a secret and only shared it with a few people.  Now, I check the stats of each post from time to time and it brings a smile to my face when I see the number of views going up.  Every "like" on Facebook or comment makes my day.   Also,  I appreciate that all of you humored me and applauded the creation of ANOTHER blog for Eloise.  This Challenge has truly been just that...a challenge.  It's been great to push myself with each topic - sometimes even outside of my comfort zone.  I feel a sense of loyalty to you to get my posts up and make them as interesting as possible.Thank you for your patience when there are long lapses in time between posts.  Thank you for your support and interest in my life.  Keep reading.  


Mandy