I have many fun Thompson family updates that I am working on and I will hopefully have them live on my blog soon. But first, I have to rant a bit as there is something I need to get off my chest. This rant is not based on personal experience as I feel very blessed to have the support and love of many family and friends who are also mothers. It is a general societal rant based on my observations lately.

Start of Rant
There is a lot of judgement going on in this world right now about different ways of parenting. With the new TIME magazine article (if you haven't heard about it, Google it), I am seeing many daggers being thrown from one mother to another. Why? Why do we feel like our way is so much better than anyone else's way? Daycare vs. Staying at home? Breastfeeding vs. Formula? Wearing vs. Stroller? Why can't we just respect the diversity out there and support one another in their choices?

The more I read about different styles of parenting, the more judgement I hear and the more I want to just scream "ENOUGH ALREADY!" Drop all those judgmental thoughts. Give that woman a hug. After all, she is a fellow mom trying her best for the sake of her child - like we all are! And, like it isn't hard enough already without us making it harder on one another.
End of Rant

So I think it is VERY important to say "Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!" I am learning each day that being a mom is hard work - physically, emotionally, mentally - it takes a lot out of us each and every day but our cup is quickly refilled by the bright smiles and giggles of children. So I want to applaud all of you for stepping up to the challenge of motherhood, loving your child through-and-through and guiding them through life. Enjoy the day that celebrates the wonderful work you do! And a very special Happy Mother's Day to my mom...I love you for all you have done for me and continue to do for me, I am one lucky daughter!

Little of this, little of that

Things have been busy with lots going on in the Thompson household so I will keep it brief. Here are some photos to keep you up to speed on our happenings...

The Easter Bunny came!

"Mom! The Peeps packaging is AWESOME!"

Alex can sit up all by himself and he loves to sit and play.

Alex and Aunt Kristin in matching jackets strolling around Mississippi Ave.

Daddy is SOOOO funny!

Leila is Alex's bestie. She likes to hold him, give him kisses, and sing Happy Birthday to him.

D and I have had some wonderful date nights lately. Our time together reminds me what a wonderful partner and best friend David is. He always grounds me and makes me smile.

We are headed to Seattle and then to Tucson in the next couple weeks so stay tuned for more fun adventures!

Jetsetter

I got a wonderful opportunity through work to travel to Disneyland and learn more about The Disney Institute's Customer Service skills. And the perk of it all, I got to travel to LA on the team plane and go see the Trail Blazers play the Clippers at Staples center. It was an amazing opportunity that taught me so much about Customer Service and also opened my eyes to other NBA team experiences. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Here is my journey in photos (sorry there are no Disney photos, I was behind the scenes so couldn't use my camera):

Ready to jump on the team plane

Late night dinner. There was no shortage of food available on the plane and at the hotel. It was delicious!

My travel buddies - Alisa, Chris and Kim. There was time before tip-off to go bowling at LA Live. My boss, Chris, rocked it with 6 strikes in a row!!

The Clippers game was fun...that crowd sure likes to dance.

Coach Kaleb's post-game conference

And of course, probably the highlight of the trip, I got to spend some time with my wonderful brother and Norbert. It was so great to see these guys.

6 Months

6 Months ago today Alexander joined our world and taught me a new kind of love, the love of a mother. An unconditional, all-consuming, incredibly terrifying yet exhilirating kind of love. I am a better person for having him in my life and it is crazy to think of how such a small thing, in such a small period of time can already have such a large impact on this world.
I love you, bug...Happy Half Birthday!

What's new:

• I love to roll and sometimes if I kick my feet fast enough I can scoot around the floor on my belly
• My parents call me Superman because I like to lay on my stomach and lift my arms back like my favorite super hero
• Giggling is so much fun, but even more fun than giggling is squealing
• Sometimes I think things are so funny that I scrunch my nose when I smile
• My hair is still red...and I have a mohawk
• I hate pants and being naked is the best!
• Duncan's kisses feel funny on my face
• I am getting pretty good at sitting up all by myself

HumbleBrag

I am not sure how many of you watched the Oscars and saw Meryl Streep's acceptance speech....it has started a new movement called the HumbleBrag. And boy, was it ever!

But I recently read an article about how sometimes it is OK to brag about yourself and give yourself some credit. And that is exactly what I am going to do today.

In the last 15 hours I have accomplished the following:

• Had snuggle time with my baby before he went to bed
• Baked goodies for my department at work to celebrate a campaign launch (cake bites, they are delicious)
• Had a full night of sleep (and yes, I do consider this an accomplishment)
• Woke up happy
• Got myself ready for the day (I even did my hair and I am wearing a dress!)
• Got Alex ready for the day (He gets to wear sweatpants...lucky duck)
• With a slobbery kiss and hug around the neck I dropped Alex off at daycare
• Supported a friend by hosting a table at her breakfast event and even got in touch with my sensitive side a bit as the Make A Wish video never ceases to turn me into waterworks.
• Then I supported my husband at his Capstone Event for The Connector Project this morning (Great Job, Honey - I am so proud of you and excited to see how our community is changed by the wonderful work you are doing!)
• Made it to work only one hour late (10am)
• Got through all of my work emails and handed out my baked goodies
• Posted this blog (10:35am)

I know this may sound like normal daily activities to many of you but I want you all to know that in my life these days each and every one of these small tasks is a success. So to be able to pull them off in less than 15 hours is monumental! Consider this my HumbleBrag for the year.

February Shenanigans!

Thought I would do an update on our February Shenanigans!

This is my first year with 2 Valentines! Alex surprised me at work all dressed up and with beautiful tulips. And then D and I cooked dinner together that night. I am lucky to be loved by such wonderful guys.


Laundry...I feel like it is all we do now-a-days!

I guess we nap a lot too :) We have had colds traveling amongst the three of us so our main goal on the weekends is to stay healthy.

My mom and dad (Nona and Papa) and my brother and Norbert came into town. We didn't do anything all weekend...it was glorious!


Katie, Jesse and Ryder were in town today so I got us all tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters. The boys weren't all that interested but it was still a great family day.

Grandma and Grandpa watching the game with their boys (and their headphones)

D and Alex - my new favorite photo!

Alex Update!

Here is an Alex update. He has the most endearing, larger-than-life personality and you can tell he loves to just soak up the many wonders of the world. This was a big week with many new milestones and fun adventures. Alex rolled over, tried food, and made a painting at school. He is just so dang fun!

Enjoy these photos and videos.

My hair is still red!

I did my first painting at daycare, that stuff feels funny on my fingers!

I love to go on walks all bundled up in my stroller.


I can do this cool trick where I stick my lip out really far to make a pouty face. It makes people think I am going to cry but then I smile. Tricked ya!