Six!

I have been MIA.

Yes, I know this.

However, there are posts floating around my brain that need to get out. I will write them.

These stories and observations and party planning successes will again make their way here.

But for today, I need to share about my supercalifragilistic six year old.

Dear Moira,

My lovie girl, my sporty girl, my first baby girl, I wonder if you know how fabulous you truly have become? 

Everyday I look at you and am mesmerized. 

You continue to amaze me as you have become a real reader. I love watching you devour a new book and when you write, I am in awe. You are smart and push yourself to learn new skills. I love that you love to learn and that you love school. 

Still the most athletic kid I know, you have the speed, agility, and strength to go far. More importantly, you have this innate drive to play. Watching you play soccer and softball, brings out not only pride but excitement. I know you are doing what you truly love. 

Your kind heart makes me realize I have done something right. You are an amazing and caring friend and wonderful big sister. (most of the time). Watching you, Maeve, and Margo play makes me so grateful you have each other. 

Finally, Mo I love that you are you. You never seem to worry about what's popular, and instead go with what interests you. I'd love it if you would let me do your hair in something other than a ponytail and I'd like you to wear a dress more, but since those are my only real complaints, I realize I'm quite blessed. 

You are filled with confidence, energy and the right amount of quirk. You are my most favorite six year old in the whole world, and I feel so lucky to be your mom. 

I love you.

Love, Mom 

Rewind, Pause, Save.

It's a rainy Sunday morning in New Jersey.

Sofia is speaking to a mermaid, Maeve sits mesmorized, while Mo's fingers slide photos on the new family Ipad of the year that has passed.

This year, the year 2013, the year our family became a fearless fivesome has made some fabulous memories. This moment right now gives me a much needed minute to stop, to look back, and to see what the hell we did this year, because I must confess, frankly it's been a blur.

So, I'll steer clear of my usual flow and overly wordy prose, and instead let the pictures tell the story.

A Year In Photos 2013

 What a fun filled year!

Oh, No, Baby!

Can you hear that?

The sound of nothing. 

I'm sitting in the living room at nine in the morning alone.

The bigger girls are with their Uncle Joe-Joe eating a nice healthy breakfast of yogurt & chocolate cookie pop tarts. Fuel for their fun day with Popsie and Joey as they head to Dutch Wonderland.  Margo naps upstairs leaving me alone with my computer. 

Joey and his lovely wife Colleen are expecting their very first baby in December. As we dropped of Mo & Maeve yesterday, Bry and I shared stories of pregnancy, birth and parenthood with the new parents to be. 

I hope we didn't scare them too much. 

It was that conversation yesterday that inspired my list for today's Monday Listicles.  

There are lots of interesting things floating around the universe for babies now. Things that are totally impractical and seem to have no functional use, however can be found at places like Babies R Us, and on sale on Zulily. I don't doubt that Kim & Kanye's baby registry were filled with these sorts of items. However, for most of us, these things are impractical and no necessary. 

Thus, Colleen, I have this list all for you and any other new moms to be:

Ten Impractical Things for Baby

1. Hooded Bibs

How can you take this seriously? 

Furthermore, which kid will keep this on? 

2. Wireless Wet Alarm

Because one's sense of smell isn't enough to tell if a diaper is dirty?

3. Any white outerwear

White = No

Simple as that. 

4. Cashmere Diaper Covers

Cashmere, really?

5. Baby Heels

No words. 

6. Faux Pigtail headband

Bald babies are beautiful! These headbands, not so much. 

7.  Baby Towel Warmer

Excess in the bathroom. 

8. Baby Dior Sneakers

For the baby boy who has everything. 

9. Tiffany Bow Sippy cup

Imagine whipping this out at the playground? 

Goes perfect with a container of fish.

10. An Alarm Clock

Because you'll never sleep in again.