It's hard to believe I haven't blogged in OVER a month. But, looking back (and forward), it makes sense. So much has been happening...

Most importantly, DILLEN TURNED SEVEN on March 12th. Though she always comes across as a 20-something-year-old stuck in a child's body, it is still mind blowing to think that it has been seven years since I gave birth to her. I remember holding her in upright on my chest when she was just weeks old and the way she would lift her head up to take a deep breath in, holding her little hands out to the side and turning her chin up to the ceiling. I would just stare at her, mesmerized by her tiny but powerful features... and I remember the tremendous responsibility I felt for the first time in my life. Looking back, I am still amazed by how she showed us early on what an "old soul" she is. Her intelligence only surpassed by her compassion. Her speaking full sentences, holding adult-like conversations and finishing 24 piece puzzles in under 5 minutes all before the age of 2. She has proved to be incredibly loving and that was especially true when she became a sister for the first time. Her love and care for Roxy was something Sean and I never expected. And when Piper came along, it was as though she couldn't resist wanting to step in the role of second-mommy. And here we are... now she's 7. SEVEN. She is still so incredibly smart and loving.

On her birthday, all she wanted to do was celebrate by sewing with her Grandma Susan. We dropped her off and after three hours picked her up. My dad and Susan could not say enough about her concentration and dedication to spending each and every minute learning how to use the sewing machine. She created a beautiful hanging quilt with a picture of all five of us in the middle. This is a memory and gift that will last a lifetime. That night, we met her Grandpa Dave and Grandma Susan, Uncle Scott, Aunt Julie and cousins Liz and Sam at Farrell's for dinner and dessert. She was wiped out tired by the end but the fun had by all was awesome.

The day after her birthday, the MUCH anticipated movie date with Cole (my best friend Kristina's son) was scheduled. Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp was her choice and, though she didn't want a big party this year, when she arrived home, most of her grandparents were here hiding in different places around the house -- each yelling "surprise!" when she found them. I stuck with the Alice in Wonderland theme for the party and we had a Mad Hatter Tea Party in the backyard (with tea sets and hats for all) and I made a two tier, three flavor Topsy Turvy cake that looked like it could fall over at any minute. This was a new technique for me but I think it came out cute and it tasted great. :)

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DILLEN! You are going to shine as a 7 year old...

As for changes to our family unit: We have put our Dana Point home on the market and are hoping for a quick sale so we can return to Solana Beach as soon as possible. With Sean's new business based in San Diego, it only makes sense to move there and what better place then where the girls have all their friends. And, honestly, they still consider it "home." Sean and I will plug right back in, as well. We will rent for a while and buy when the time is right. It will be a bitter-sweet return for me, but I am determined to move back with a fresh outlook and hope for positive new beginnings. It is a beautiful place to live and a wonderful place to raise children.

Between celebrations, homeschooling, selling a home, raising a puppy (at 4 months Elfie is HUGE now, btw - the size of a full grown golden retriever) and Sean learning the ins and outs of his new business, life has been insanely busy. But it's all good... No, it's great. I do realize how very lucky I am. I could not ask for a better life/family. Not in a million years. And though the next few months will prove to be yet another challenge, I am getting used to challenges. Bring it on.