Hey, Big Spender!

So I had quite the dream last night.  I was about nine months preggo, ready to pop...trying to waddle as little as possible.  I was at some college event in which people were performing various acts on stage.  My parents were there as well as a few friends, but mostly strangers (several thousand).  The stage manager approached me and said, "Everyone would now like to hear you sing Hey Big Spender.  You can wait backstage until you're ready. "  

Despite encouragement from my parents and friends, I was panic stricken.  I struggled to remember the words of the song and hoped I would be able to "wing it."  The audience sat in silent anticipation for what seemed like an eternity as I prepared to give the curtain guy the green light.  

As the curtain rose and that sultry beat began, I worked the mic stand like a pregnant Russian immigrant (Thank you, Tina Fey).  Are you picturing this?  I got the first line out..."The minute you walked in the joint, I could see you were a man of distinction, a real big spender."  But then, I froze...  All of the remaining lyrics evaporated from my brain.  I waved my arms in a gesture to cut off the music, apologized to the crowd and walked out.  I then waddled to a nearby hospital to deliver my baby.  

Anyone want to interpret that?  Anyone?  

Party for Peter

Liam's best buddy, Peter Jackson, turned 1 this month.  We agreed to put our house to good use and throw a ginormous birthday party for him.  Over 50 people came.  What can we say, we love those Jacksons.  (And if you're wondering when you can throw your next party at our house...We probably don't love you as much.)  

Molly and Vic experienced what no human should have to; they lost a baby girl a couple of years ago (Molly's Website).  Little Lucy only had one birthday party, so Molly vowed to give Peter the party of a lifetime for his 1st.  And it was.  Complete with enormous amounts of food, a pinata, Easter egg hunt, ping-pong tournament and one little face full of chocolate cake.  We were so happy to be a part of the big day.  Happy Birthday, Pedro!

The only child whose cheeks rival Liam's...Little Gaby.  Poor Liam is one month younger than she is, but he's a bit larger, so it kind of looks like he's slow or something...I swear, he's on schedule!  It would be tough for you to sit up too if you were the size of a Charging Rhino!  

Luck O' the Irish

In my efforts to become a domestic goddess, I endeavored to make Corned Beef and Cabbage in honor of St. Patty's Day this year (celebrated a little late...March 28th).  I've been in an experimental-cooking phase for the past couple of months and I'm loving it.  Thank you, Jamie Oliver!  Have you tried his Crunchy Garlic Chicken?  Yummy. 

I was feeling pretty confident about the fixins, so Wes, Liam and I enjoyed an evening stroll prior to the festivities.  Apparently, word didn't get out about the start time of the meal and everyone was at our house before we returned from the walk.  Slight breakdown in Charles communication.  In the end, my dish came out with wicked flavor, despite the unintentional crunchy veggies.  Oh well.  I'll know better for next year. 

P.S. Is it just me, or do we have some dang cute munchkins in our family?  

Notice the western sun in everyone's faces...Yeah, we're working on that.

Wes was happy to have his age-group present.  Finally!

One of about three pictures in existence of my entire family.

The following were all taken within 10 seconds.  It's a thin line, people.

Missing Dada

Wes is in the Bahamas for work this week.  Believe it or not, paradise is not all it's cracked up to be if you're stuck working in a basement full-time.    It's a beautiful office (see below)...the least they could do was give him a window, don't you think?  Wes absolutely HATES being away from the little guy.  One week in Liam-time is like one year in dog-time.  Wait.  What?  You know what I mean...  All I can say is that Skype is a wonderful thing.  

Liam wanted to give his dada a message, so I've translated below.

Dear Dada,
Dadadada did dii.  Gwah ga bahda whoa wow wiii!  Bwom baa buu buhh.   Buh.  Dududa daah da.  (I love you THIS much, Dada.  Please come home soon!  Mama and I miss you like crazy.  Seriously.  You're the best dada.)
Love,
Liam