Identity Theft

We all know how much we love our kiddos. We love them more than we love ourselves {well, most of us}. But I am going to be brutally honest here: having children has somewhat stolen my own identity from myself.

For the past six years, my life has been completed and utterly devoted to my daughter. And now that has become plural. I love them more than anything! But there are times when I will look back and wish that the younger, carefree version of Me could emerge! 

2006

 Now, that is not to say that I enjoyed that version of myself better, it is just to say that those were less stressful times. The days that for me, were filled with what I believe is a permanent fixture of myself: Music.

Me back then, consisted of: good friends, dive bars, live music, and a lot of festivals! And I would be lying to myself if I said that I do not miss some of that. Because I do! 

However, the life I lead now is the path that I was destined to travel. I truly believe that, and would not change any of it! But who doesn't, from time to time, wish they could take a breather to do what they enjoy the most. Guilt free!! 

Because back then, it was guilt free! There were no children to feed. Or tuck in, or read to. In fact, me just writing this already has me feeling guilty for just thinking these thoughts! Let alone admitting them publicly! And why is that? Is it just me?!

Back to the subject at hand: Now this is not to say that I do not get to occasionally partake in some good ol' fun! And granted, the definition of "fun" varies from person to person. But for me, myself and I, fun consists of the following: live music, concerts, music festivals, and yes...the occasional dive bar {from time to time}! As cheesy as this may sound to some, when I am in the moment, I become completely  engrossed in every note, and every lyric, of the music that I am listening to. And in that moment, I am not just listening, but I know that I am meant to be there. In that exact moment in time, to soak it all up. Every last second of auditory excellence!! 

2010...Best. Concert. Ever.

See what I mean? I miss it! Not being able to make my own money to spend on a whim when I see one of my favorite bands or artists are coming into town! Because that is what I used to do. I used to live it up, and now I don't. Instead, I throw myself into my days by being completely submerged into all things Kindergarten. All things baby.

So how do I treat myself these days {well, really the past six years}? Well...I BUY my music, and I really listen to it. I am a total lyric-listener. I really listen to what is being said. The story that is being told. And yes, I play the air drum in my car, and I sing out loud!! And nope, I am not ashamed, and I do not hide it! 

And when I say I BUY my music, I mean it. I do not pirate it, and I do not steal it. Granted, I might burn a CD from someone on occasion, but I always purchase music. And why you might ask? Well, because I am truly a believer that music is an Art, and I want to do everything in my power to support the Artists that I love. I believe in them and their art form, and I want to support it. So yes, I purchase every tune, and I proud to admit it!

To sum this all up: while I couldn't imagine my life without my children, and I would not change a thing, I miss a few certain aspects of my old Self. Which in a way, feels as if a minor case of Identity Theft has indeed taken place. 

These words may be a little..."extreme". But if the shoe fits and all that...The best part of my absolute LOVE for all things music, is that I have already passed it on to Emma! And now I am "working" on Haylee! Not that it was intentional, but it happened, and I couldn't be more Proud of my child's admiration for the Artistry of Music! If I do not do anything else right in this whole parenting gig, I will at least know that I did this one thing right!

*ROCK ON*

Six Months Already?

Where did it go? A whole half of a year gone already {if time decided to slow down a little bit, I would not be upset at all}!

I am still in disbelief that our littlest Haylee Bug turned 6 months old yesterday! She has been having a rough week or two. Fighting off a cold, so her poor pretty eyes have been gooped up in the mornings. She has been a little more cranky than usual, not napping as well as she usually does and waking up once or twice at night. However, for the past two days she is starting to get into the swing of things ago! PHEW!

Our little Doll Baby!

 So yesterday she had her 6 month check-up. Here are her stats:
- 27 inches long, 90% for height!
- 17.04 pounds, 75% for weight!
Needless to say, the doc said that she is a pretty good size for her age! 

She is already so much bigger and taller than Emma ever was! We cannot believe that she is in the 90% for height! Crazy girl! And of course she had some vaccinations. Thank goodness Howard was able to go with to this appointment, because the shots are harder on me than the kiddos...So I make him take over for that part!

While little miss H is not rolling over from back to belly yet, the doc said that he is not concerned. After all, she tries like heck to sit up, and can roll to her sides, and from her belly to her back. We have been working with her for months now, on how to roll over and do exercises with her. And of course, the time she really wants to try is when she's getting her diaper changed! Stinker! We are truly convinced that since she hates her tummy time so much, that she just doesn't want to be on her tummy. EVER. I guess the girl already knows what she likes, and doesn't like!

She is loving her solids, especially her oatmeal cereal and fruits! But she does take after me in the veggie department: not so into the peas!

Recently we were visiting a friend who had their daughter's old Glow worm for Haylee to play with. She loved that thing! So much so, that I just had to get one for her! Granted, the new versions of the Glow worm's are not as cute as the old one...slightly creepy in fact. But she doesn't know the difference! But I must say, she really does love that little glowing face!

Lullabies and Snuggles

One of the things that Haylee loves more than anything, is when her big sissy Emma reads to her: it is possibly the cutest thing I have ever witnessed! It doesn't matter if she is upset, cranky or restless. The minute Emma opens up a book and starts telling the story, Haylee will calm down and just gaze at Em with her big blue eyes {which are starting to get a little more grey these days...} and start smiling!

Sisters that read together, stay together

Lately Haylee has found her feet, and is obsessed with those tootsies! She loves to play with them, and she tries like heck to get them in her mouth: not so successful with this task yet...but still adorable non-the-less!

Overall, we just cannot believe how fast time is going, and how big she is getting! Considering how small she started off as, at a mere 6lbs 9oz. Now she is a whopping 17lbs, 4oz! She is honestly one of the happiest, smiley-est babies I have ever seen! Now I know that I am biased, but it is so true! We love our little Bug more than words can describe! And before you know it, we will be celebrating her first birthday!

My two favorite Loves!!!