My poor babies.  They are going to have to grow up with a crazy mama and have to learn how to hopefully thrive regardless.  I had my first moment of crazy-mama-social-anxiety the other day at the park.  Now that Leo is toddling around and can talk and interact with others, he has started to have an interest in playing with kids when we’re out, which is great, and totally terrifying at the same time because when you are certifiably crazy (like me) you displace all your social anxieties on your children, who currently have none but I’m sure will develop mine by osmosis.  We hit the park the other day and Leo waddled up to the four-man teeter totter which was currently being occupied by 3 “big” kids (who were, you know, probably all about 3 years old) and I started panicking–like, full on sweaty-palms panic.  What if the kids wouldn’t let him sit?  What if they were mean to him and told him he couldn’t play?  What if they pushed him off the free seat, threw him on the ground, rubbed dirt in his eyes and spit on his face?  Poor little Leo didn’t know what trouble lied ahead of him when he threw his little leg over that free seat, and I literally held my breath and closed my eyes as my baby interacted with the “big” kids.  And for a slight moment, I saw those big bad kids look at my sweet little baby, and him at them, in complete silence and I waited for it.  I waited for those boys to be mean to my little Leo and was ready to go over there and give them a piece of my overprotective-mommy-mind.  But alas, nothing happened.  The slight second of what I interpreted as awkwardness, was actually just those big kids pausing to let Leo on the ride, and the smile on Leo’s face literally lit up as he went up and down and up and down with his new friends.  Granted, they only played together for ten seconds before they all got up and ran in opposite directions, but I was so proud of my little guy for playing.  And so proud of myself for not needing to pop a Xanax.

So yes, I’m sure you’re thinking that I am a nut, and you’re right, but if I have to be a crazy person, I’m so glad that I have people to surround me that can help keep me grounded.  One of which you are about to meet again.  My good friend, Amy, is always there to answer one of my crazy anxious mommy texts with a big dose of rationality and empathy, or at least a good laugh.  I feel so lucky to have found a friend that can keep me grounded and make me giggle at the same time.  I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: my prayers were answered when I met my mama tribe, including Amy and her family.  They are good people and I’m lucky they are mine, because when you get in a bind and need someone to watch your kids so you can have a meeting with a potential bride and groom and your wonderful friends offer to let you dump your teething toddler and newborn baby over at their house at bedtime on the day they came home from their babymoon, you know you’re blessed.

Amy, AJ, Cal and I got to hang the other day while we grabbed a few photos of this soon-to-be family of FOUR!  Little Cal is about to be 2 in just a few days, which I still can’t wrap my mind around, and is going to make the best big brother.  He is funny and lets Leo share his trucks, which pretty much makes him the nicest kid ever, and will most likely be getting a full ride to college for basketball because he is insane on the Little Tykes plastic basketball rim.  And did I mention he is totally adorable?

Oh I just love them!

I forgot to mention, Stella and Cal are in love and totally getting married.  I’m ecstatic that they are going to use this picture for their Save-the-Date cards in 2035.

Amy, AJ, and Cal–you’re the best.  Thanks for being beautiful and such good friends.  Can’t wait to meet baby (girl?) soon!!!