Oh! I am a terrible, terrible wife. Vann’s birthday was Thursday, the 1st, and I can’t believe I neglected to mention it until now. Poor Vann, separated from his family unit for a month and alone in Chitown for Father’s Day and his birthday, a one-two punch. I can’t say that I would have handled it as gracefully as he has.

So, here’s the thing about my hubby. He strongly dislikes large crowds of people, can’t stand small talk, and pretty much detests anything that calls attention to himself. This happens to work out well for us because as you all know, pour moi, the more attention, the better. We rarely have power struggles if I want a night out with the girls – in fact, he encourages it – it gives him some peace and quiet.

When I married Vann he was a little more, shall we say…uptight about things. Funny how years of cleaning up baby poo and an education into the physical wonderment of the female body (said sarcastically) can change a man.

Today, Vann is a Northwestern-educated, immensely talented, and incredibly smart father of two little girls who adore him. I know this because one little girl in particular can’t stop talking about him and selfishly, I’m about ready to hand her off for a little bit. I probably don’t say it enough, but God has blessed me with an amazing man and I can’t imagine my life without him.

This next Thursday, July 8th, Vann will be leaving Chicago for good. We will finally have the opportunity (and a whole day to ourselves!) to furniture shop and process through this transition…together. And, he might be taking me to a certain vampire movie (of course he’s seen the other two, why do you ask?). I can’t wait. A huge thank you to his wonderful colleagues – and you know who you are – for housing him, feeding him, and generally entertaining him and caring for him as he’s been away from us.

So, Happy Belated my dear, and here’s to popping that champagne as we walk through the door of our first real and bonified home. I love you!

Ugh. It has dawned on me that I am starting from scratch when it comes to “Mander Maintenance”, aka:

highlightswaxingmassageandallthingsthatmakemefeellikemyselfandnotjustamom.

Try saying that five times fast!

My esthetician Emily told me that when I meet a gal with great brows I need to ask her where she gets them done. I think this is a good plan. Now I just have to meet this well-browed girl.

Thankfully, my dear sweet friends Casey and Marla have proven invaluable in all of there advice and recommendations thus far. I know I am lucky. But I’m a little afraid of finding a new colorist.

I’ve been getting my hair highlighted for forever. My hair has been platinum, honey-colored, strawberry blonde, you name it. Vann would say I have a love/hate relationship with my hair: I get bored easily and make hasty decisions and then a week later am sorry I did. First it was to cut 6 inches off. Then it was to get bangs. Now I’m annoyed at myself for both choices, as it’s hotter than all get out here and all I want to do is put it up anyway. My favorite style has always been a messy bun right up on the top of my head. My sweet friend Lauren has this style down pat and I’m getting jealous just thinking about you sister!

I’ve been wanting to dye my hair brown for as long as I can remember, seriously, since Reese Witherspoon did “Walk the Line”…so that may be my next hasty decision. Just don’t rub it in my face when I come crawling back crying about it, mkay?

SO, if any of you Texas gals know of a great colorist, let me know. I will soon be desperate for a little time in the salon chair. Oh, and well-browed girl, will you be my friend?

Someone very dear to me shared some personal struggles with me yesterday. A mom of two little ones, she told me that the fighting between her kids has reached such a peak that she’s been breaking out in hives. The kiddos are at an age where it’s probably time to let them sort things out on their own…but the stress of hearing it has just about sent her over the edge. She also admitted and owned her selfishness and told me that even after all these years she still “wants to do what she wants to do” and sometimes wishes she could put herself first.

Here’s what I love about her confession: She was real and vulnerable, and it made me feel like I’m not alone in my daily thoughts and feelings about being a mom.

I’m not going to lie and say I’ve enjoyed parenting without Vann. Like I’ve said before, my parents have been wonderful: my mom has been breaking her back helping me care for the girls and my dad has become my housing guru…but I’ve about reached the end of my rope. I’ve caught myself screaming at Charlie quite a bit lately. My fuse is very short. And as I’m trying to organize and filter through all of the many facets of home-buying and starting over in a new city, I am starting to feel like I’m alone in the wilderness.

Life is messy. Please don’t tell me that you have it all together and never, ever feel this way. I won’t believe you.

P.S. We close on our house July 9th. In just over a week we will be signing on the dotted line!