Ode to BAM J

Without Addi, I woudn't have a blog, as she is the one who told me, showed me, and taught me what a blog was, and how to do it (she even came up with the name of my blog!). Without Addi, I probably wouldn't have any hair left, as she has saved me from going insane and pulling out all my hair countless times. Without Max and Jack, Audrey and Joshua would have had many boring days, but instead they were filled with fun experiences. Without BAM J (Blake, Addi, Max, and now Jack), life wouldn't be the same. See you soon friends. We miss you like crazy.

Thank you Addi, for all the fun gifts, and especially the playgroup picture book. We look at it all the time and think of you.

Wednesday Playgroup

"It really does take a village to raise a child, or at least a few fantastic playgroup moms, who have become some of the greatest friends I will ever have. There's just something about wiping noses, changing diapers, and cleaning up puke that bonds women together. Plus, they can understand, appreciate, and maybe even look forward to my stories of the aforementioned bodily functions. I know I appreciate their stories and realize I am not alone." ~Natalie, Sammy's mom

June 10th, 2009

Natalie started this playgroup when Audrey was six weeks old. Three years, and nine months later it is still going strong. Wednesday mornings were my sanity boost, my favorite time of the week. We would take turns hosting in our tiny apartments, and then when the kids got too old, we moved to the park. We took lots of field trips together and enjoyed all San Francisco had to offer. These ladies and their sweet kids were the highlight of my week. I am so lucky to have known them, and their support while I was raising my one, now two kids is much appreciated.

The early days (Audrey on the right, the flower-it was Halloween, I promise)

Exploratorium

On June 5th we took the kids to the Exploratorium (thanks Memor for the ticket!). The last time I was there was when I had just found out I was pregnant with Audrey. The kids loved it, and so did we. I especially loved having their daddy be able to come. The last few weeks of school were so nice! Dave was able to be home so much.

Babies

The babies born during dental years. Missing: Taylor and Logan. Soon to be born: Jocelyn's girl, LaDonna's girl and Regan's boy.

These sweet kids won't remember what it was like to have a dental student daddy, but their mommies will. :)

Last Thursday Playgroup

Every Thursday morning we would all meet at the park so our little ones could play, and let's be honest, so the moms could talk. What lucky little kids to have so many friends to play with,

and how lucky am I to have so many friends to talk with.

Last park day, June 4, 2009. The first time I went was Audrey's first birthday, August 10th, 2006. I am obsessed with dates.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress

For our last girls night, we drove around San Francisco and took pictures, then went to Bucco de Beppo for dinner. After stuffing ourselves we went to Mindi's to hang out and sign books. Mindi showed us the dress she bought for graduation but wasn't going to wear anymore. So the rest of us started trying it on, and the sisterhood of the traveling dress was started! Ironically enough, we all went to see the Traveling Pants movie together, so cheesy.

Last Girls Night

Our first girls night ever was October 24, 2006. We have come a long way since that night...babies were born, friendships strengthened, and dentists were made.

On June 1st we had our last official girls night. These girls, how I miss these girls. Together we endured three grueling years of having our husbands go to dental school (or work really long hours). We had girls nights at times weekly, and I could count on them for anything. They are a big part of why San Francisco will always be so special to me. We shared our young motherhood years together, such a joyous and sometimes challenging time of life. Every single one of us had a baby or got pregnant during our three year stint together. And now we are scattered all over the country and I miss them like crazy.

We're here

Goodbye California, hello Texas.

After being here for 10 days, I finally have internet!!! So, so, so much to get caught up on. We are safe, we are sound, we are homesick.