What A Gal!

Look at the sweetness! Em and Joe's baby, Maia Jane Morin, was born Tuesday and I'm already jealous. I've never seen a Hulse baby with a full head of hair. What magic did Em conjure for such an impressive coiffure? I'll have what she's having.

The happy couple with the little burrito. They both look super fab. I was kind of half joking about photo shopping my next post-delivery photo when I saw Kath, but now after Em's, I'm positively serious. Em is such a hero. When Lo called to tell us Em was pushing (8lbs 4 oz and 20.5 inches), Bri and I had to stay up and wait for our newest little neice to be born. Thanks Em. I can't wait to meet her. Unfortunately it will be longer than I'd like. (That's yet another strike against Tejas.)

Spaghetti Factory

THIS is what happened while I was desperately trying to upload and post all the pics from the girls' shows (see below). I've been getting a little slack about not posting in almost three weeks. I've gotten the very subtle, "Wow! You're good at the blog thing. You should try to keep it up." and the lovingly guilt ridden, "It's such a good way for us to see how the kids are doing," to the overly blatant, "You need to post new stuff." So for all you grandparents, aunties, unkies, and the like, you need to come wipe spaghetti off every conceivable inch of the dining room. Thank you very much. I know you're going to say, "Shouldn't you expect a disaster when serving spaghetti to a toddler?" And the answer is of course, a resounding yes. But I was in a hurry and just nuked last night's dinner thinking it would save me some time. I guess it was worth it. I did post the pics. Sadly, I left the spaghetti there thinking to myself, there's just going to be more food to clean up in a few hours anyway. Plus with spaghetti, sometimes the trick is to let it dry out, and then you can just flick it off the wall and sweep it up instead of spreading around wet noodles. Tricks of the trade. Disgusting, shameful tricks of the trade.

Pretty in Pink

The pictures speak for themselves. Lots and lots and lots of pink. This is the first year Santi wore a pink tutu for the recital and she was loving every minute of it. Although heavy stage makeup is required (and the director is pretty insistant on it), I thought Santi looked very sweet. The first, third, and fourth collages of photos are from the night of the recital.
The girls kept themselves pretty busy backstage. Those poor backstage moms. I did not envy them in the least. Santi's class had a whopping three wardrobe changes this year. Can you imagine having to help 20 little girls change out of three costumes (including tights) in the dark? No thanks. I marvel how they always come out on stage without a hitch.
Bri marveled at his little girl dancing her heart out on a stage in front of about 700 people. Actually, I couldn't really believe it myself. She performed three dances this year (and the finale): ballet, tap, and hiphop. It made a big difference this year that she was placed with a more advanced and technical level. She had to work hard all year, something she wasn't used to. But at the end she felt very accomplished and proud of herself.


The pictures above are from the rehearsal, the day before the big show. We're allowed to video and take pictures at the rehearsal only. Fortunately, Bri met me at the rehearsal and we were able to get video and pictures. Bri did his best to get photos of Santi on stage. Considering the lighting and the mosh pit of parents with cameras up front, I think he did exceptionally well. I haven't even attempted to upload video onto the blog, it takes forever. But I did make promises to grandparents numerous times over. So that is forthcoming....

It was an almost excruciating week of rehearsals going on simultaneously (for both Santi and Marin. See the post on Marin's performance.) By the end of the week, they were utterly exhausted. And did I mention Brian was out of town up until the day of the first performance? I was driving all over the place (and with gas almost $4/gallon, I am pleased as punch). I am seriously very grateful their actual performances were not scheduled for the same day.

I'm so happy Marin and Santi are willing to try new and challenging things. I truly admire them for that. It's made my motherhood very busy, but exciting and so much fun.

Over the Rainbow

Last week was Marin's big debut in OZ Fest, the musical numbers from The Wizard of Oz as well as seven numbers from the musical Wicked performed by our High School choir. Marin was one of five children selected from her school to be a munchkin (there were 25 munchkins total from neighboring schools). We were so proud of her just for being selected, but then we saw her on stage and couldn't believe our eyes. She was a little nervous before the show started and then like magic, she seemed to be having the time of her life up there. It was exhilarating for us to see her shine. It appears we have another performer in the family. What luck? So sorry no video on this one. Due to copyright laws concerning the Wicked songs, we weren't allowed to video.

A few pictures of Marin with fellow munchkins and her music director. The high school students (some with State accolades) did a great job and helped recreate the whimsy and fascination of the original movie. It was such a great opportunity for Marin to perform with older singers who were more practiced and polished. She didn't seem intimidated at all. I hope she always remembers it.
Santi was so happy for Marin. I wondered if there would be a little rivalry over performances this week but to my great relief, each was extremely supportive of her sister. Santi insisted on giving Marin her flowers and likewise Marin got to be the flowergirl for Santi on her night. Phew! After a jam packed week of activities, there really is no place like home. Luckily for Abram, that's where he stayed for the performances. Since Bri and I had even a hope of seeing the shows, we got a sitter for both nights. Maybe next year...

I had to include this last shot to illustrate Marin's excitement/embarrassment that I was around snapping so many photos. The strange dichotomy of wanting me there to offer support and security and yet, that squirminess of needing a little space. This, above all else, breaks my heart. I never really thought she'd start growing up. And not wanting me around all the time? How is that possible? I'm so cool! Cool I tell you!