The kids are having a great time & are learning so much at such an amazing rate. Hudson is officially 33 months & the twins are almost 20 months.

Hudson is a real character. He has stopped using the “potty” and now uses the adult real toilet. With no help. In fact, the other day I was in the bathroom & he told me to “leave him alone” and made me wait outside while he took care of the entire thing himself. He is super obsessed with Star Wars ( even though he’s never seen it) and spends most of the day singing the theme song super-dramatic like (“duhhh Nahhhhhh nanana NAH NAH duhnah NANA NAHHHHH nah nah nah NAHHHHH!”) with hand motions even. SO ridiculous. He pretty much refuses to drink from a sippy cup anymore. He doesn’t like tv much, but loves youtube & Disney movies. He is getting even better at drawing people & homeboy now tells me almost daily that his birthday is in January.

The twins are talking a lot more. They are also starting to potty train themselves! Truman always tells us when he needs to go and Sawyer is getting better, I think having Hudson using the potty has made them super interested. They even both went at Scott’s aunt’s house today on the big potty! I am impressed at how quickly they are picking it up. Sawyer has been having sleep issues lately which have been keeping me up. She is teething & taking it pretty hard. The other night thanks to Sawyer’s crying I ended up with an hour sleep & three kids in my bed. I must have passed out at some point because I woke up to the toilet flushing- only to find the boys egging on Sawyer as she flushed Game Boy games down the toilet. No Joke! Sawyer is about a week from climbing out of her crib which is scary & I’m pretty sure they will be in toddler beds before their birthday.

I’ve been sick this week which has been kind of shitty. I’ve been trying my best not to let it hold me back from all my plans. Last night I saw Portishead at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley with my sister-in-laws & my buddy Kelsey. It was AMAZING. Beth Gibbons’ voice was basically flawless. They sound like a recording- even live. It was really spectacular. I remember the first time I saw the video for Sour Times on MTV on Beavis & Butthead in like 6th or 7th grade. Been hooked ever since! & since the last time they played in the area was 1998 (which I missed for whatever reason) I was STOKED to finally see them live after being a fan for 15+ years.

Tonight we went to Scott’s aunt’s house & had dinner. The weather was really summery & we played soccer out in the yard. Until, that is- I kicked the ball full force & it went straight into the back of Truman’s head! It was so loud I thought for sure we were hospital bound but he didn’t even flinch. I was like “uhhh, you ok, Tru?” He was like “YEAH!” and that was that. I felt HORRIBLE but thank god it wasn’t serious & he was totally unfazed.

We went to the pumpkin patch Tuesday & Krust got some really cute little pictures. I plan to upload them to Facebook, so if we aren’t friends on the book- go ahead & add me!

Because it’s hilarious. It’s at least 5+ years old because it was in my old apartment Scott & I inhabited before buying our (now for sale!) condo. I don’t eat turkey legs. I don’t even like them. I think the sheer SIZE of this here turkey leg was so amazing that I had to pose with it in “i’m pretending to eat you” fashion.

It may be 1 am & I may have spent the last 3 hours going through photos & art with Krust trying to figure out what will make it’s way out into the house. But, in reality I spent the time looking at old pictures DYING over how many sweet & hilarious moments I’ve spent with great people over the last 28 years! GOOD TIMES, guys.

Other than digging DEEP into the photo archives, lately I’ve been so all consumed with the life that is in front of me that this blog has officially fallen to the wayside. But, I intend to rediscover my voice soon. I have realized that having a place to organize even my most mundane thoughts is cathartic for me. And right now, in the thick of so many thoughts- I do need to write. Not for anyone reading but for me to just get into the universe & out of my very busy braindome.

Though I feel like so much has happened lately that I almost don’t know where to start. Can I do bullet points? Yes? Ok. Here goes:

-We’ve officially moved. Over a month ago. The new place is AMAZING & big & gives me the most amazing feeling. It’s the perfect place for us right now & we are loving putting everything together piece by piece.

-My kids are adorable, smart, funny & amazing. As if there was any doubt.

-My kids are insane, infuriating & absolutely driving me to an early grave with a layover at a mental hospital.

-I got bit my a spider & it got super infected & I got cellulitis & am on antibiotics.

-Truman fell backwards off a bench & hit his head on a brick planter & there was blood & it was scary.

-I have visited Ikea at least 4 times.

-We had a garage sale & made good money.

-We went to an AMAZING wedding at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

-We went to a Giants game.

-Our condo officially had it’s first open house.

-Sawyer & Truman are practically real-life humans who do 90% of what Hudson does now & say new words daily. Today: “Waffles.” They are officially 18 months old & are winning at life.

-Hudson is 32 months & an amazing little dude. The conversations we have at this point blow my mind. It’s amazing when you realize (even though you’ve been communicating well for some time) “Holy crap. This kid has about 80% of my vocabulary totally down.”

-This morning Hudson almost fell out of his chair & said “JESUS CHRIST!” and I laughed. Which probably wasn’t the appropriate response but it’s clear he listens to me say it because his inflection is dead on. He also told me bananas were “so nasty” the other day.

-Sawyer is the most beautiful dainty little creature. I’m beginning to think nature vs nurture is BS because she doesn’t have many “girl” things & homegirl’s first three words were “mommy” “daddy” & “shoes.” All she wants to do is put on clothes on top of clothes all day. And try on shoes. She is still a bit reserved & though she is still weird when she first gets around most people she warms up really quick & loves to smile & cuddle & be all around adorable. But homegirl farts, burps & poops like a truck driver. It’s pretty amazing.

-related: Sawyer doesn’t laugh very often but today she was laughing about something & it was the most amazing little laugh ever.

-Truman is still the most adorable, sweet little tank ever born- but he loves hitting people in the face. and he is freakishly strong. We’re working on it.

-Scott has been INSANELY busy. Leaving before 730 most days & getting home at 7 or later. Friday night it was after 10. No complaints as far as making money, but I sure miss hanging out more!

So, that’s what’s going on over here. What’s up with you?

Today Scott had a big dollar job scheduled. It was an all day thing so he didn’t schedule anything else. He got up early, dragged ass out of bed and headed out to work. Not 10 minutes later he called form Starbucks with the news that the job had been cancelled due to the customer not finishing the prep work for us. So, by 830 I was in the shower (with a frap!) and we were formulating a plan for the day. Which ended up being a much awaited trip to the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. I haven’t been since the OLD one was open. It’s been like 20 years.

I am IN LOVE with days like today. Not only was it a (surprise!) family day but it was also a day where I got to see my children in a new way. New experiences through their eyes. Watching them literally SOAK IN information.

The Museum is amazing in design & in what it contained. But watching Truman point furiously at “fish!” and “Turrrrtle!”? Or watching Sawyer meander through the gift shop and return hugging a little stuffed Albino Alligator wearing a neon pink hoodie with the Academy of Sciences logo on it? (how could we say no!?) And of course Hudson who is at an incredible age. No stroller at all- just walking with his hand in mine. Pointing to lions, gorillas, monkeys, zebras, fish, sharks etc. He was like my little docent. He was showing us everything and telling us what things were. (“Look mama! Alligator! Captain hook is SCARED of alligators!” “Penguin SCARED me when he jumped in water!” “Gorilla big and SCARY!” Yes, he has a new favorite emotion.) When he didn’t know- he’d ASK. It was amazing. All three were wide eyed the entire time- and though we didn’t leave the museum until close to 3 (the twins usually nap 12-3) all three were awake until they were cuddled into their car seats and on the way back home. Even Hudson napped. And Sawyer slept clutching the stuffed alligator, of course.

Scott & I decided to take advantage of the sleep time & went to the mall for Legos for him (yes. I know. He’s a lego maniac at 31.) and a new Kate Spade wallet for me. Side note: OMG. I felt SO 1997 while purchasing a Kate Spade wallet. But I needed a new leather wallet as my Chanel (from 2004) FINALLY broke down. And I went with a more budget friendly option than Chanel this time. And it will no doubt last just as long.

Of course today was Thursday so we went to my Dad & Stepmom’s house for dinner- which was trying only because the kids can be really difficult when in a non-childproofed environment. We had a wonderful dinner, the kids got some new clothes from their Nona & I got a really great family heirloom from my dad that I could not treasure any more than I do. It is AMAZING. It was a great night. Especially hearing Hudson tell his Pop about the museum. He said things like “I saw an ALBINO alligator.” I told him that at the museum but he remembered. He also told pop that he pet a starfish and an urchin and went in a tunnel of fish. All without coaxing. His memory is really taking off.

Once home (with a horrible headache) we put the twins in bed & read a few books with all three in their beds. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a movie. Does that happen to you? Tonight during story time was one of those times. Hudson laid down on his pillow and both twins sat upright with their feet dangling through the bars of their cribs. They were listening. They were smiling and giggling. All three of them. Being a parent is sometimes like being complete outside yourself, right? I don’t know how to really articulate that, but- it’s this crazy feeling I get sometimes. It makes me insanely happy. Then Hudson came downstairs repeatedly begging for “more stories.” “Read _______” etc. He also decided to call me “Emily ” “Babe” & “Emmie” like 100 times for no reason which was HILARIOUS.

It took a visit from Kelsey around 10 who rough housed with Hudson for about 45 minutes to tire him out finally and he is currently passed out in our bed between us.

So that was today in a delicious nutshell. July 14th, you’ve been good to our family. Did I mention I bought presale tickets to Portishead for October in Berkeley this morning? Did I mention I bought their first album circa 1994 and still have never had a chance to see them live? Well here I am.  17 years later with a ticket in my hot little hand. CANNOT WAIT.

Also this week:

Our house- FINALLY appraised.

I’m taking a giant sign of relief and sponging up every last second of this week. I cannot believe it is Friday already. Can you!?!

Truman missed out because he was staying with his Nonnie (my mama) but Hudson & Sawyer enjoyed themselves. They had french fries & ice cream & COTTON CANDY! Not toddler food at all- but my father-in-law LOVES doing up the fair right. So, the kids got treats. Enough for the next month!

They rode the carousel together & Hudson drove a little car with his friend Seanie. Then, my sister-in-laws Krust & Sarah & I took Hudson on a ride like the tea cups but it was a bear. Bearcups? Anyhow- he had fun! They pet animals & sang Old McDonald a lot. Though Sawyer can only sing the “E-I-E-I-Ohhhhhhh” part.







Also: My husband held a scorpion. And still managed to look goddamn adorable while doing it! Also-also: OMFG. Sawyer in these sunglasses all day was RIDICULOUS. Homegirl ROCKS the shades. Like Mother like Daughter. DO they make baby- bindis?! She needs those!

Scott took this at the park today. I was there too- but I was playing on the slide with Hudson. I can’t believe he was totally unfazed by this because I almost had a heart attack WATCHING. Homeboy is like “Whatever!” Truman- you are one tough little dude.

I finally got to participate in the Bay to Breakers. It’s a now 100 year old 12k foot race in San Francisco. It begins at the Bay and you make your way across the city & end at the Ocean. It was last weekend but I am blog-lazy & am just getting around to posting pictures now! It was really fun & definitely entertaining. Lots of awesome costumes, drunks & more penises than I’ve ever seen in my life. I went with my mom, aunts & cousin. Can’t wait to do it again next year! But next year I vote costumes & alcohol.

We have been super busy this week, apparently- because I blinked & here we are!
Monday we went on a quick bike ride of about 3 miles & then had DELICIOUS BBQ burgers, watermelon & corn on the cob with our friends Lisa & Harley. It was awesome because that means it is OFFICIALLY BBQ SEASON! Ok, mayyybeee we’re jumping the gun but I love home-BBQ’d burgers in warm weather. Really? There is nothing better.
Tuesday I got Chipotlayed for dinner with Mario & visited a realllly strange smoke shop in town. Think taxidermied interspecies animal sex. Complete with an ex-neighbor humping said taxidermy.
Yesterday we had a free-day where Scott was able to move his schedule around & we went to the SF zoo. Now, I haven’t always been a huge fan of the zoo- but it does have educational value & the animals are gonna be there regardless of if I go to visit them- so I figure why not!? It was so fun & Hudson surprised us by knowing a ton of animals I didn’t even realize he was aware of. It was really cool to watch the kids watch the animals. When Hudson saw the giraffe his face made it clear that the pictures in his books did NOT prepare him for their size. Homeboy was straight up surprised. He’s like “giraffe!?” We also hung out with my parents & watched the sharks. Wednesday was also my little brother’s 21st birthday. So, Happy Birthday Andrew! Love you & miss you & hope you had a fantastic birthday!
Today I hung out with my friend Steph & the kids & then went to my parents for dinner. After dinner Scott stayed home with the kids so I could meet up with like 10 of my friends at our local dive bar for a drink. I stayed for a few hours & chatted- and left 1/2 my beer on the table. Is it weird I just ordered a drink so I could sit & not drink? I also got my hands on the new doily clutch by my very talented sis-in-law/BFF Krust. Now I have 3 of her bags! One was a custom she did for my birthday but I also have this one & this one too! Check her out!
Anyways- now I’m home & it’s basically Friday. FRIDAY. And I couldn’t be happier. LOVE weekends with my family & I am wishing hard for some fabulous weather, BBQs, bike rides & digging in the sandbox with the kids.

Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

Oh, & here is my favorite picture from the zoo. I only took iPhone pics so I’m saving most of them for my week in iPhone post…