One and done.

Right now Brandon and I are decidedly "one and done". We adore Dylan and want to keep that affection centered solely on her. And I'm not so sure our marriage could survive another first trimester.

Apparently Brandon had to share plums with his brothers and it was a "fight for resources"; I guess fruit was a hot commodity back in those days.
And I struggle daily to balance everything. Having another baby certainly ain't going to make that any easier.

Being that I have a sickness for buying overpriced toddler clothing, we have an entire room devoted to oversized stuffed animals and babydolls, and we pay someone to cater solely to Dylan, we are a wee bit concerned that she may get spoiled.

While many would would say that the ship has sailed, I still have hope that we can raise a semi-well adjusted young woman.
Brandon is currently researching any potential negative impacts this might have on her psyche. I say we just put all the money we're saving by not having another baby in Dylan's future therapy fund. Lord knows she's probably going to need it. Don't we all?

i love my child. I also love my job. Omg.

Since I can remember, I believed that when I had children there would be nothing more rewarding than being a full-time, stay-at-home mommy. When we had Dylan, it was not financially feasable for me to quit my job. And I was devastated.

My mom kept Dylan and it was worth the 2+ hour daily commute to know that she was with family. When D turned one, Brandon and I were ready for me to pack up the career I'd been working on for the past 7 years and raise my baby girl.

I took 3 weeks off before I gave my official notice of resignation. I spent the days with Dylan. After the first week, I was miserable. And I was miserable that I was miserable. I love my little girl more than I can even put into words, but I came to the realization that I also love my career. And it was a hard realization to make.

A complete reevaluation of my goals, priorities, and long-term plans had to be made. And I had to come to terms that I wouldn't be happy just being "Dylan's mom" or "Brandon's wife". That alone would not fulfill me. It just isn't me.
So I work full time. I love what I do. And I love my family.
But I am also a full time mommy. And I'm so fortunate to love both of my jobs - raising my girl and building my career.

d's party

Dylan's birthday was Saturday. I was between jobs and had 2 weeks to completely devote to making this day magical for me...er, I mean her. I live for throwing themed parties and I used her beloved stuffed penguin, Bubba, as inspiration.

Bubba was given to her by her Uncle Jeremy & Aunt Mercedi. We named HER Penny at the time. Which stuck for about 2 weeks, until Dylan decided to call HIM Bubba. We are so progressive.

Anyway, here are some pics of the fun day!

Yes, I'm crazy. So glad we've established that.

I'm not quite right. Ha. Well, at least I'm in touch with that. I'm a little too anal; I don't particularly enjoy surprises or anything that doesn't go according to a plan. I don't like messes - including clutter - and I am hyper paranoid about home invasions, bugs, and air-borne illnesses. I'm slightly socially awkward and a serial-perfectionist. Oh, and I'm just a touch dramatic. My husband is the polar opposite of me - easy going, a bit dirty (in both the good and bad ways), completely spontaneous, emotionally flat-lined, and too damn smart for his own good. And we have a wild, stubborn, curious, brilliant and absolutely beautiful 18 month old girl. Sound like a recipe for disaster? So you'd think. And sometimes it is. But mostly I love it. Each one drags me out of my comfort zone of a daily basis. I usually go kicking and screaming, but I love them for it. So I thought I'd start a blog to document the adventures of our life - that fine tight rope we walk each day as we balance our careers, our family, interests, friends. . . everything. I'm not a particularly great storyteller, nor do I have the gift of wit or humor. And I don't think our story is more interesting than the norm or incredibly unique; but it is entertaining. I hope you enjoy :)