Daddy's Girl

Daddy's home!

Sort of. Actually not at all.

Rio loves her daddy of course, but she is a momma's girl all the way.
I know that'll change. I know that she'll hit that Electra Complex and I'll be a distant memory.
But for now, she's all mine.

I think I would have been a little crushed if it had gone the other way. After waiting 8 years to have a baby, I would not have handled it too well if she only wanted daddy. My cousin's daughter was such a daddy's girl that she actually felt like the kid didn't even like her!

Once again, I lucked out.

But there are moments I get to sit back and watch. Moments when daddy lights her up. Moments when she hugs him and pats his back. And I know she'll get there.

There is something different about resting your head on your daddy's shoulder. Something different about being scooped up by big, strong arms.

There's nothing like the love a girl has for the first man in her life.

Magic Carpet Ride

"Well, you don't know what we can find
Why don't you come with me, little girl
On a magic carpet ride"
--Steppenwolf

We went to the carnival this weekend. I was hoping to see some of the people from "Heroes" but no such luck. There was a guy guessing people's weight/height/age who had an amazing talent. He was really accurate. Weird but not a superhero power.

Rio ran up to every ride with extreme excitement only to stop abruptly and break into a little dance. She was just in it for the music, man. Maybe next year we'll actually get on the magic carpet rides.

Can't Stop Now

I'm over this week. Big.Time.
My cousin's young wife passed away the day after my brother's wedding. Talk about a shock.
Then my best friend's father died unexpectedly. I mean, what the heck!
And while said friend is at my house discussing what he needs to do to attend to all the details involved, Rio has another febrile seizure.
Ever feel like your heart is threatening to stop?
I apologize for ducking out on the blog lately.
"But I can't stop now
I've got troubles of my own
Cause I'm short on time
I'm lonely
And I'm too tired to talk.
The motion keeps my heart running."
Next week had better be good. I'm talking sunshine and rainbows only - no rain.

*lyrics courtesy of Keane

(Nothing But) Flowers

There was a shopping mall
Now it's all covered with flowers
You've got it, you've got it

If this is paradise
I wish I had a lawnmower
You've got it, you've got it

I miss the honky tonks,
Dairy Queens, and 7-Elevens
You've got it, you've got it

I dream of cherry pies,
Candy bars, and chocolate chip cookies
You've got it, you've got it

We used to microwave
Now we just eat nuts and berries
You've got it, you've got it

Don't leave me stranded here
I can't get used to this lifestyle
--Talking Heads

Disclaimer: I am completely kidding and do not wish to be "rescued" from
my paradise.

Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy

My brother's wedding was this past weekend. It took place at a botanical garden on the bay. It was lovely. And the best part was that my little velocity girl was able to run her tiny heart out around the seemingly endless grounds.

It's difficult to capture her at full speed...

until she runs right up to the camera for a quick suck of the thumb

then I made the mistake of asking her to sit down (in the grass) and she took off towards the chairs. Toddlers can be so literal!

Nothing escaped her curiosity - when she wasn't on the dance floor.

Sometimes I feel old. My brother getting married and just starting out - oh the possibilities! Even though he is older than me, I've been married for almost 16 years. Our honeymoon was so long ago. Way back when we were young.
But then I look at Rio running around, throwing herself on the floor, and managing to keep up with the crew doing the electric slide, and I think:
Be young, be foolish, and be happy!

So I give my speech and dedicate Boom, Boom, Boom to the newlyweds.

99 Red Balloons

You and I in a little toy shop

Buy a (couple of kites) with the money we've got
Set them free (in mid-afternoon)
'Til one by one (they hit the ground)

Back at (home)
Bugs (in your pants)
Flash the message
(I still wanna be) out there

Floating in the (spring-ish) sky
99 (parts of kites) go by

A Sister's Social Agony

My future sister-in-love, Becky.

The bridal shower went off without a hitch. What a relief. It ended up being too cold to be held at the beach (Florida, you really let me down) but we still enjoyed the day pool side at my mother's home.

I was most nervous about hosting an event with so many people I've never met. I didn't have either of my sidekicks for support. Mark is extremely outgoing and Rio, well, come on...all the attention goes to her and is nicely diverted away from me. I'm naturally shy, but I love being social. And the more talkative the company, the better.

Luckily, it was a good crowd, albeit unlucky in the games.

Mission accomplished. Phew!

Anyone else have social phobias?