The Good Old Days (Say My Rose Colored Glasses)

Way Back Whens-Day

I have decided to use a video for Way Back Wednesday.

Dateline: January 2007
Twins' Age: Approximately 26 weeks (inside my 41 week belly)
Sofia's Age: Approximately 20 months.

You can see Sofia's obvious disinterest and lack of understanding surrounding the whole "babies in the belly coming to turn your world upside down" thing.

I now think back on these early days, when it was just Sofia and get a little wistful. Things seemed so much simpler. They weren't. My father had just passed away unexpectedly and I was juggling that grieving process, overwhelming nausea that required daily doses of Zofran to take the edge off and tending to an active toddler. It just *seems* that things were easier in retrospect. One thing is for sure. Just looking at this video validates the feeling that despite it's square footage handicap, I was much happier in our old, tiny house.

Way Back Whensday - Cabo 2003

Dateline: February, 2003.

Place: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Context: I had surprised Steve with a Valentine's Day trip to Cabo that Christmas of 2002. He surprised me, right after Christmas, with an engagement. This was on our Valentine's Day Cabo trip, taken on the balcony of the wonderful hotel we stayed at. We had such an amazing time. It floors me to think of how different our lives were when. Back then, it was all about the cats and planning the big wedding which would take place later that fall.

The signed wall photo was taken at the Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico.

Way Back When-esday -- Dr. Phil & Patches

Dateline: May 2007 - the boys were 8 weeks old

I remember this was when we were starting to come out of the awfulness. I was beginning to see a glimmer of hope in the sea of despair that had been the twins' first month or so. I was beginning to have fun and enjoy my boys. With the exception of a few moments, it just got better after that and continues to do so.

William was sporting a serious Dr. Phil hairline and David (left) had major excema on his face. That is what I remember most. The scaly patches and trying to get rid of them. Poor little fella. He definitely inherited my Celtic sensitivities. You can see it on his forehead, if you look really close. I remember the only thing really working to eliminate it was Aquaphor.

Way Back Wednesday -- When Mommy was Skinny

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Dateline: December 1998
Place: Office Christmas party at a local restaurant


In light of my apparent complete non interest in Weight Watchers the last few weeks, I thought it was time to bust out with some pics to inspire me, motivate me. Hence, the skinny, twentysomething, single Melissa shot.

I thought I was so bad ass here, with my black tights, black mini, festive cardigan and (out of shot) Kate Spade bag. Good times.

Way Back When-sday - Spanky

Dateline: June 2005.
Sofia's Age: Approximately 3 months old. Ahhhh, the good old days.

This is one of my favorite photos of Sofia.

I will age myself on this one, but I like to call it her "Spanky" look.

Way Back When-sday - Grandpa Dave & Sofia

For this Way Back When-sday, I have decided to share a video.

This is a video of my father and Sofia at my nephew's birthday party. May 20, 2006.

It was the last time I saw my father alive. He died very unexpectedly about a month later (on Father's Day.) Sofia was a little over one year old and within 2 more months, I'd be pregnant with twins.

There aren't even words as to what this video conjures up for me, but I am so glad I have it.

Way Back When-sday - Hallmark Moment

I took this photo when Sofia was approximately 12 months old. It is probably my favorite Sofia/Daddy photo out of thousands I have taken. I think it captures the moment so beautifully, that is, if you squint and don't catch my husband's near bitten to the quick fingernails!! I had the photo made into a card and gave it to my husband on Father's Day. I just never tire of looking at it....

Way Back When-sday - First Night Out

This was our first night out to dinner after having Sofia. She was approximately 10 weeks old. Good god, she was an easy baby. Just a delight. This was one of the happiest times of my life. I miss this house, these times, my hair and even that shirt. *sigh*

Way Back Wednesday - Seamus & Dr. Phil

Ah, William has come a long way since his garden gnome/Dr. Phil days. I love this picture!! The boys were about 8 weeks old and I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It only got better after that!

Way Back Wednesday - Distant Memories

I believe the boys are around 3 months old in this photo, Sofia just over 2. I barely remember this time as I think I've blocked most of it from my mind. I do recall it being the first time I felt well enough to take some pics and was so happy to see the boys smiling. Things were just starting to improve at this time - the boys were sleeping longer, I was feeling better, things were looking up. I will always love the light of our bedroom in the old house, it was perfect for taking photos.

Way-Back Wednesday: Why I Will Always Look Pregnant

So, my daughter's current fascination with my tummy has been the inspiration for this week's Way Back Wednesday.

For the past 2 days, my 3.5 yr old little princess has found it necessary to inform me repeatedly that my tummy "looks like there is a baby in there..." I'm not sure if I'm particularly bloated this week, or if it's my choice of clothing that is driving this obsession.

My first instinct is to snap back with "That's what happens when you have 3 babies in 2 years," but I somehow resist.

Honestly, in my current SSRI weaning state, one would think this would bring me to tears, but for some reason, it amuses me. I know I look like I'm pregnant, I am aware of it and celebrate it. (What else can I do, really?) But Sofia is like a dog with a bone, not letting it go.

"It's impolite to comment on people's bodies," I explain, bending down to her eye level (made all the more difficult due to my excessive belly fat), holding her hands for emphasis on this very important lesson.

Long pause. "Ok. Can I have a piece of candy?"

I think this picture sort of explains why I will always look like I'm 20 weeks pregnant, barring any reconstructive surgery in the future. (Extreme Makeover, are you listening?) This is me, the day before I delivered the boys...37 weeks pregnant, measuring 52 weeks, carrying 13 lbs of baby. Oh yeah!! This twinskin isn't going anywhere!