Crazybananas

Taken by Erin, right after the Rutgers graduation ceremony. In our defense, I was calling Trent’s mom, who’d been separated from the group, and he was trying to text her. But it just looks like we’re total bonehead, hipster parents. Which, eh? We can be sometimes.

And Lulu is gifting me dandelions. Which is just so, so her. Love it.

I know it’s crazy to some, but to me, this is the place at the end of the rabbit hole. Less than 24 hours until I’m back there again. I could not be more excited.

It makes me so happy that my lovely friends from my hometown are finally moving to my home away from home. I’ve lived in Kansas City now longer than anywhere else, except that town where I grew up, and at times I find it hard to believe that I’ve been here over six years. Insanity, I tell you. Complete craziness.

The best part about said friends moving here is now I can meet them at KC haunts that I love to share, like First Fridays in the Crossroads District. At First Fridays all the galleries are open for viewing, and it’s one of those times I’m really proud to be a Kansas Citian. Lots of culture and music and dancing in the streets. Rare for our city, but it’s there, you just have to look for it.

Or, if you’re like us, you wait in line with three kids for snowcones and then shiver while eating them in the 50 degree weather.

Still, totally worth it.

(Photo of H and Lu taken by Nicole with my iPhone, the only camera I’m carrying these days.)

1. Take time every day to cuddle.
2. When your kid wakes up in the morning, don’t forget to ask what they dreamed about.
3. Dress babies in plain onesies, because trust me, those stains are not coming out and you’re just gonna end up throwing them away.
4. There is no “right” way to be a parent.
5. Putting your baby or child in daycare will not scar them for life.
6. Don’t use the super-strong hair tyes in your kid’s hair if she twirls it. She’ll just yank them out, along with huge chunks of hair.
7. Try to cook dinner most nights, but pizza is okay too.
8. When your kid won’t eat veggies, try avacado and cream cheese sandwiches.
9. The best incentive to work out is if your kid loves going to the gym daycare.
10. Movie nights are a must.
11. Don’t buy Barbie DVD’s unless you are willing to watch them 487,025 times.
12. No matter how much you discourage it, your girl will probably love princesses.
13. If your kid says she wants to be a princess when she grows up, say that will be fine. But make sure to tell her princess-doctors are even better.
14. You will screw up.
15. Swaddling really does work.
16. Making time for your partner is a goal you won’t always achieve, but you can’t stop trying.
17. Take a mental picture every time your kid compliments your outfit. That won’t last forever.
18. Teach your kid to say “please” “thank you” yes ma’am” and “no sir” at a young age.
19. Have dance parties in the kitchen.
20. Hold hands whenever they let you.

Yeah, I’m gonna need one of these.