Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mommies!
"Of all rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." -- Lin YutangMother's Day the family went to the Oakland Marriott and ate brunch. The restaurant was on the 21st floor overlooking downtown Oakland - it such was a beautiful sight. Brunch was really delicious, especially the deserts. Yum!
Jules being a snuggle bunny.
He was more interested in the chocolate covered strawberry than posing.
"Here's to yummy 'chocwit bawberries'!"
View from the elevator lobby.
Just because it's Mother's Day doesn't mean a toddler can't have a tantrum.
After brunch we walked around downtown Oakland for a few hours and then headed to Berkeley for a little shopping and a lovely walk down Telegraph Ave.
Jules picked a beautiful flower for me.
Another huge tantrum on Telegraph Ave. outside of Buffalo Exchange.
Once Julian was done having a melt down we went to eat lunch at Steve's Korean BBQ located in what Daddy calls "the student food ghetto". Whatever you want to call it, I call it scrumptious!
Highlight while eating: Mommy getting pooped on by a pigeon.
Then we walked over to the Uni so Julian could see where Daddy went to college.
University of California - Berkeley, Sather Gate 
Julian's future school? Maybe so.... He sure does fit in.
Inside Moe's Bookstore reading a comic book.
3,349 comic books later we were quite exhausted and decided to walk back to the car -- but not before stopping to eat yogurt. (Yeah, we do eat a lot)
Julian's future school? Maybe so.... He sure does fit in.
Inside Moe's Bookstore reading a comic book.
3,349 comic books later we were quite exhausted and decided to walk back to the car -- but not before stopping to eat yogurt. (Yeah, we do eat a lot)
What I've learned since becoming a mother:
- The true meaning of unconditional love
- The pains of childbirth are easily forgotten; the feeling of transforming from single woman into powerful woman for pushing your child out of your body and into this world is one that I will never forget.
- My kisses can fix most anything
- You can cry harder than your child and feel such pain when they are hurt. (I'm pretty sure I cried more than Ju did when he got his first shots.)
- Sleep deprivation is a real thing. It can make you wake up from a nap and not know your name or why there is a strange baby sleeping next to you.
- Everyone, including random strangers, will always have some form of advice to give to you that you usually only take 10% of the time. If you listen to your child's needs your own motherly instincts will kick in and tell you what is best for your child.
- The 10% of the time when you need help/advice, it is OK to ask for it.
- Never listen to people who tell you your child is too old to (Insert random comment here). I understand Ju has to grow up, but I will not force him into growing up so fast that he'll be able to balance a checkbook by the time he's 4. Soon he'll be 14 -- thinking his parents are such dorks and not wanting to hang out with us. I want to take in his being a baby. I can never get this time back, so we're going to enjoy it.
- Your partner letting you get an extra hour or two of sleep while they take care of the baby can be the greatest gift in the world.
- Just when you think you're going to die of exhaustion, your baby will finally do a solid 4-5 hour stretch of sleep. What a great milestone that is!
- Pediatricians are not always right; listen to your child when you think something is wrong.
- Napping while your baby does is a must.
- A spotless house with everything perfectly placed does not make for a happy home or child, but neither does a chaotic, dirty home.
- Cartoon theme songs quickly replace cool music in your head.
- Baby vomit becomes the new black and food becomes a new hair accessory.
- When taking video of your child's first, try to remain silent. Why? Because you'll watch the video (Click 'video') later and realize you sound like a crazed soccer mom who is about to hyperventilate from sheer excitement. Also, never bait your child with food like they are a puppy in order to get them to walk. It's really quite embarrassing.
- It's OK to discipline your child. It shows them you care.
- Always be on the same page as your partner. Remember: Strength in numbers.
- Reading to your child is such a relaxing experience.
- Finger painting with your child makes you feel like a kid again and opens up your imagination.
- There is nothing better in this world than one of Julian's deep belly laughs. Nothing.
- Always remember to kiss, hug, laugh with your child, tell them how happy they make you and how proud you are of them at least once every single day.
- A kiss or silly act/saying from Ju can make a bad day turn good.
- You really can love someone so much that your heart feels like it's going to burst.
- Julian really is the smartest and most beautiful baby on this earth. I know every mother says this, and I'm not just saying this because it's my opinion as his mom -- I say this because it's fact. Plus, other people have told me too.
Thank you to everyone in my life who has been my "village" throughout my journey in motherhood. Without each and every one of you I could not be the mother I am today. I love you all.
And a big thank you to my boys for such a wonderful day and for being my heart and world.
Love,
April Marie/Mommy
