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Group Therapy

Spending the weekend with my favorite girls in the world (my college roommates) is my idea of the best therapy! Due to our cautiousness in capturing photographic evidence of our debauchery, here are a few quotes to help us remember the weekend: 

You wrote them ALL down? Gathering momentum * Like Chip and Dale, but better * Why? Would it be a different color? * On my palm * I bet it's....respectful * It's coming out! * I have a pain.... *  I have a personal question * A pirate and a lumberjack *  Rub a dub dub, Four girls in a Tub * What roles? * Something just stroked my foot * Will you tell Zach that? * Put on your pearls and go to battle * You hurt me * Take me, I'm Fun Sally! * If I were to write a letter to myself... * I saw that look! 

Naturally, although it was a truly fabulous weekend, I was anxious to get home to Max. This was the longest I've ever been away from him. I rush in the door expecting him to greet me with hugs and kisses. Instead, I get a perfunctory smile and then he reaches for....Sally. Sigh. I think the only separation anxiety occurring here is on Mommy's part. 

I love my roomies and cannot wait for our next reunion! 

Now and Then

As part of our extended anniversary celebration, Jason and I relived our wedding reception by spending the night in the honeymoon suite at the Ryan Nicholas Inn. Tango, anyone?

Mr. and Mrs. Richards

Then

and Now

You Can't Stop the Max...

...from pulling up and crawling!

Deja Vu

This weekend has been like a repeat of several summer weekends put together, leaving me with a feeling of deja vu. First up, on Saturday morning Jason took Max to the Farmers Market just like we did two weeks ago. (The pictures are from his first trip) Jason patiently explained the various fruit and veggies before letting Max help pick out some yummy blueberries, tomatoes, snap peas, and fresh pasta!

Jason had "Daddy duty" this Saturday while I participated in the Run 2 Overcome, a 5k to support a recent victim of sexual assault. It had an amazing turnout of a 1000 people, but it was brutal. I ran (haha, kidding)...I walked, but it was all uphill! In the August heat! Afterwards, my mom, my sister, my grandmother and I went to lunch and to see Mamma Mia. Then we finally got to visit with my cousin Adriane who is pregnant with a precious baby girl! 

Since Jason had entertained Max during the day, he decided to meet some friends for the baseball game that night. Deja vu, part duex. We took Max to his first game a few weeks ago, where he was reunited with his two favorite girls, Sofia and Wesa. Be proud, Auntie Beckers, he seemed very excited about the game! 

However, while Jason was at the game, I experienced the worst part of my deja vu weekend: food poisoning.  Jason had unfortunately gotten it when we went to a Mexican restaurant the night before the 4th of July, thus ruining our plans for the holiday. My case was not as severe, but still very unpleasant. Luckily, I was able to get Max to bed before running for the bathroom. Ugh. Not the best end to an otherwise fun day. However, I have a lot to look forward to in the coming week, including spending next weekend at the lake with my best friends! I'm counting the days!

"Baby Meat Market" by Baby Max

In the beginning, I had no distinct fears as Mommy and Daddy were loading the car. We have been spending a lot of time packing and unpacking lately. However, I began to experience a general feeling of anxiety as we crossed the state line. Where could be going, hurdling down the highway at maximum speed with me backwards and restrained? I pretended to sleep, hoping to discover the secret plans of Mommy and Daddy. Had Frank put them up to this? Was this an assassination attempt? I grew more and more agitated. After an extremely long period of time shackled in the car, we arrived in Louisville, home of the Underground Baby Market. This was it. Frank had somehow managed to convince Mommy and Daddy to get rid of me.

They carted me around the city and introduced me to various buyers. I was poked, prodded, and cajoled to bare my teeth like some sort of animal. They wanted to hear my noises and for me to demonstrate my skills. I would not succumb to their trickery! I managed to escape the clutches of the potential clients on the first day and attempted to purchase a disguise that night. Surely they would no longer recognize me as the baby for sale!

Alas, my hopes were dashed when I was shaken from my slumber and taken to an outdoor meat market for babies! Oh, the pinching and the measuring of my chubby legs and cheeks! The indignity of my private areas exposed for the world to see as I was stripped! I was passed from one buyer to the next without a thought for my comfort. 

And there were so many others for sale! All shapes, sizes, and ages. One girl fell on the playground and the damage was so severe that she was immediately snatched up. The others ran wildly, trying to escape before they too could be taken. It was madness. The day lasted forever as they tested our endurance skills. Eventually, we were lined up so that the merchandise could be compared. 

Although the superior specimen, I managed to hide my positive attributes. Others were chosen and gradually drifted away. At the end of the day, Mommy and Daddy were forced to reclaim me! Upon my return home, I will reign more forcefully to prevent them from imagining that they can be rid of me so easily. I must also keep a close eye on Frank to make sure he is not plotting against me...... Heil Baby!

Postscript: No babies were harmed in the making of this story. No babies were manipulated for photos in an effort to compare them to the Fuhrer.

Like Mother, Like Son

One of the neatest parts about being a parent is listening to your own parents tell you all the ways your child is similiar to you as a baby. In honor of my 29th birthday, I thought we could take a look back at me when I was a little one. Max may have started off as a mirror image of his Daddy, but he looks just like his Mommy now! The black and white pictures are Marie, circa 28 1/2 years ago. The color pictures are Max....just so there is no confusion!

Same expression

Same sleeping habits

Same chipmunk cheeks!