Birthday Picture Blog

Well I'm back from the Golden State and have loads of pics. Some I won't post as not to incriminate certain family members LOL. It was good to be "home" but it was even better to return home to my hubby and 3 babies - cuz baby #4 was with me since I'm still nursing and cuz her lil azz fly free. *chuckle*

Of course my family made my pre-birthday fun and lively. I see some things don't change and for that I am great full. And hubby, poor thing, was really planning on what to get me as a present and is doing his part in learning to celebrate birthday's and for that I am also great full - even tho I was mad at his azz for some of my birthday. Yes I'ma trip (don't tell nobody).

So here are some pics of my lovely family from my mini Cali vacation. Enjoy!
- Lady Richardson


WholeFoods buying my cake. My parents love this store too!

Breakfast at the FOUR ACES on MacArthur Blvd with Mom and Sis

Don't forget baby, who yummed smushed cantolope and pear

What happens when you tell old folks to POSE!

In need of food after driving ALL day and shopping

Me and my niece


We we had dinner at Nelli's Restaurant off Jack London Square. Probably more like deep West Oakland down by the docks. I wanted some soul food cuz that sh*t is hard to find in Washington. Nelli's used to be a part of Boson's Locker in North Oakland but has since ventured off. Besides I think the Locker is closed now due to too much fightin, stabbin, shootin - you know the rest.

My club pose. LOL

Dad and Mom

Sis and Niece

Bro and Sis-in-law

Aly and Ali the namesakes

The Chief and baby girl

The Matriarch and me

Me again

These pictures are on my actual birthday once I got back to Washington. Most of the time the babies were fussy. So you know my azz was mad and had an attitude. *chuckle* I said next year my azz going to Las Vegas.









From the hubby

Biting Babies and Party Planning

I was reading a post on a mommy forum that I'm a member of, called Cafe Mom. And on this particular forum one of the mothers expressed concern because her small toddler was bitten by another small toddler at the day care. She said she was only given info stating that her child was bitten but was refused other info, such as who the child was, what happened etc. Well as I was reading the comments, many of the women stated that was a common practice among day care providers, in that no info about the offending child is ever given out. Many of the women went on to say how common biting was among small children and gave stories of how their own children were bitten and so on and so fourth. Of course I put my two cents in about how I was amused that children biting each other is considered common.

So then that got me to thinking. Is biting among small children really such a common thing that it is now considered "the norm"? Because actually I was concerned that a behavior I personally deemed "aggressive" is viewed as "common" and that "it just happens" and that's that. Then I really started thinking is biting considered the "norm" among small toddlers who are in a day care setting all day, with other small children? Is the commonality the same among same aged small toddlers who are cared for in their own homes by one or two parents or a nanny?

I suppose what I was really wondering if this biting each other was really just a natural part of childhood development, like growing teeth, as much as these women stated it was. Or if it's really more prevalent among children who are at day care vs. children who remain at home.

And for my next trick . . . . . My birthday! *clappin* Since I'm full of questions at this moment in time, is it in bad taste that I'm siting here picking out food items I want catered from my favorite spot, WholeFoods and actually planning my own "tea party" or is it just sad? Yall know I ain't got nothing better to do than make a detailed list of all the things I want for the party I'm planning for myself. And yes I'm writing out how many balloons I want AND the color. *chuckle* And then I'ma leave the list with the hubby and STRESS how much I really want a party. *thinking* Ain't no body coming, so I don't know why I'm tripping. Is that bad? Planning ya own sh*t? *shakin head* I think I may be in need of an intervention. LOL.

Anyway, stay tuned to see if my "party" was a success. *shakin head* I keep saying I like parties, but I don't think nobody hear me tho. What they say? "whenever 2 or more are gathered together in my name . . . " Yeah, I'll drink to that. *clink*

*Hugs* - Lady A

And Now it Begins

The countdown for my 37th birthday has now begun. (you know I just had to ask my hubby how old I'm gonna be - I swear I keep telling folks I'm 35) LOL. Dayum I had to kinda think about that one for a minute. I don't know WHY my azz keeps thinking I'm younger than I am. *chuckle* Okay, now that's outta the way. The count down is official.

I remember I used to do this all the time when I was in my mid twenties. But that's when I was still working for the University of California. And when I used to club. . . . . *thinking* why am I'm doing a birthday count down now? Sh*t ain't like my azz gone get any presents. I may get a birthday card, if I'm lucky. Ain't gone be no birthday's Mrs. Diva Vegas Style. Maybe I'll get some food. My hunny is good for feeding me. (yes that's why I'm fat).

Well, I will be in Cali for part of my birthday. Not for fun purposes but to handle some business. *shakin head* I suppose after not having to venture into the DMV for 5 year stints for 15 years will require one to have to show their face. But other than that, I don't have any major plans, or even any small ones. I did make a list of some make-up that I want. I gave it to my Hubby and he looked at it like I'd written it in madarin chinese. I told him "this is some make-up I want for my birthday," and he said "okay" and then put the list down. (I immediately asked for it back so it wouldn't be lost). ahhh married life. *shakin head* . . . . *thinking* are you suppose to tell folks what you want for your birthday? I've always done that. Made plans and detailed lists. I figured who better knew what I wanted than me. And yes, I did get what I wanted. It was usually directed at my parents and siblings. And they didn't care. But that don't work with my hubby. Why? Cuz he forgets and then runs out last second to try and comply. *shrug* So after awhile of "no big deal" celebrations, I figured birthdays ain't all what I thought they were cracked up to be. Or is that what happens when you get older? (oh gosh I hope not).

Okay, now that this had turned into a lamenting post about birthdays bygone in the days of yore-with-out-babies LOL, I suppose I'll take my almost 37 year old azz to bed. (besides the fact that baby #4 is whining cuz she wants to nurse). So on that note good town folks, I'm done.

*smoochies* - Lady A

Happy Birthday AlyCat