Birthday

At the zoo

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At the zoo

Theo turned one on Saturday and we had a simply wonderful weekend. My mom was in town to celebrate with us and it was equal parts fun and relaxation, excitement and calm. It was the perfect birthday weekend.

Theo tried his first piece of cake (in the form of a vanilla cupcake) and on Sunday we went to the zoo. We have a family membership to our local zoo and it is always a hit when we go. There is this fantastic gondola that takes you high above the trees and overlooks Oakland, Alameda, and out to San Francisco. The kids played and watched the animals and we just enjoyed one another. I am just happy, that is all!

And on to photos!

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Theo at one year | Happy Birthday!

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Theo at one year | Happy Birthday!

Mr. Theophilus is one year old today!

Hold me.

He is fearless, sassy, loving, and joyful. I’m not going to lie. When I found out I was pregnant with Theo, I was completely overwhelmed at the thought of three (!!!) children. But now that he has been earth side for this past year, I am convinced that he was always meant to be ours. He is a balm to my anxious heart. And I am completely in love with this boy.

Our Theo has four teeth, is a walking champion, loves to eat, and dances to any and all music.

He loves to play with Emma and Henry and always wants to be part of the action. He takes excellent naps but we are still working on the through the night sleeping. He will be starting at the same pre-school/daycare that Henry is at now in a week and we’ll be saying goodbye to our phenomenal nanny. But I am looking forward to only one morning drop-off for the boys.

Never did I picture myself with three children. I always knew I wanted children, but my love of dentistry was so deeply ingrained that I never pictured the family life sides of things. And now that I am over five years into parenthood, I know that this is what I’ve been put on this earth to do.

To love my husband, to raise these children, and try to get us all to heaven.

I am grateful that I was entrusted to raise them. Emma, Henry, and Theophilus are my heart walking around outside my body. And on this day of celebration, I am reminded again of how deeply I love them and how much I’ve been gifted in motherhood.

God bless you sweet Theophilus Sebastian on your first birthday. We love you!

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30th birthday surprise

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30th birthday surprise

Yesterday, I celebrated 30 trips around the sun. It was a surreal and special day, filled with love, laughter, and joy. My husband surprised me with a party where I was completely showered with love by our family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. I am still reeling from it all.

Being surrounded by this love was simply magical. I have not felt so celebrated and loved since our wedding day. I am grateful to our family who traveled, our friends who planned with Paul, and all the surprise guests I got to hug. We wined, we dined, we celebrated.

God is good. Here’s to the next decade!

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30 things in 30 years

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30 things in 30 years

Tomorrow is my birthday! But not just any birthday, my 30th birthday. 🤩

I am still trying to get my head around it but on the eve of my 30th birthday and as I say goodbye to my 20s, I’d like to reflect on some important things I’ve learned.

So without further adieu and in no particular order, here are 30 things I’ve learned in 30 years.

  1. Always save room for dessert.

  2. Don’t play games with people. Be honest and earnest.

  3. Hand written notes, letters, and cards are incredibly meaningful and you should write them often.

  4. You don’t have to explain yourself to strangers on the internet nor do you have to prove anything to them.

  5. No one has the right to your time, your body, your energy, or your skills.

  6. Replace your toothbrush every three months and floss every day.

  7. Advocate for yourself/your children to doctors. You know your body and your children better than anyone. Trust your gut.

  8. At minimum, have a signature meal you can whip up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  9. Always keep a special beverage on hand for celebrations.

  10. Carry a reusable water bottle around with you.

Keep reading for the rest of the list.

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