My birthdays, like wine, seem to get better with age. I try to do something different with each passing year so to jump start the last of my twenties, I enjoyed an exclusive painting lesson with some of my favorite gals in Austin. We treated ourselves to snacks, wine, champagne, my favorite-Pimp My Cupcake Bar, and since we were painting an Austin scene I thought we should keep the party favor in line with an Austin Bath Salt Bar. The day was complete after dinner with the family and a mini-happy hour in between.

I happen to be looking forward to 29–last year of my twenties. Work momentum is up, three fun trips on the calendar, motherhood is merely getting easier and that I will soon be pump-free (2 weeks and counting) almost moves me to call on the girls for a post-birthday celebration.

A side, but noteworthy mention, my husband picked out some very nice shoes and his brother thought about getting me a Clarisonic until my sister told him I already had the system. I was so impressed, who would’ve thought I was surrounded by such savvy men. I would ask my daughter what she has done with her Daddy and Uncle but I am the least bit concerned so as long as she keeps them away.

Many thanks to Marta, host extra-extraordinaire, and my amazing husband for his relentless efforts with the cupcakes. Thanks, also, to everyone who helped me celebrate and for all the warm wishes. I felt the love. What a day.

Kids-If you eat your veggies you will grow to be this tall, just like me!

Several days before Tulsi’s first big fall {and in case you haven’t heard resulted in a big boo boo for her and no Mother of the Year Award for me} I found the perfect back drop for a modern vintage themed birthday shoot. As I patiently waited for the boo boo to naturally heal literally the most suitable vintage prop jumped off an Etsy storefront and rocked on over to Austin in time for the big shoot, a shoot big enough to warrant a test session in the stifling heat Monday. I returned bright and early Tuesday morning ready with my suitable prop and willing model, and Internet would you believe it– there were guys tearing down the last few bits of the set. I was a little sad but thanks to my photo motivators, J & A, we improvised at a different location on South Congress.

I am an advocate of alleviating the Hump Day Slump or The Sads with caffeine. Consider this the written equivalent of your favorite expresso… double shot.

Test session on Monday.

Impromptu session on Tuesday

Today I celebrated my first Mother’s Day. Today I also celebrate the women who inspire me or have helped me become the Mom I am today. Most of these are moms, one is an expectant mother, a few look forward to being a mom someday soon, one is raising a child alone after the loss of a partner, one is a foster parent, and a handful with no desire to become a mother. These are: my amazing mother, who I appreciate more than ever now that I am a mom; my beautiful sisters, for loving me and my little family unconditionally; my sweet grandmothers for rearing my parents; my wonderful aunts and cousins, another form of Mom and Sister; my girl friends, old and new, rare gems I truly adore; and my nephew’s mom, the one who raises my late brother’s only son alone. You ladies help me to grow as a person every day. Tulsi and I appreciate you. Thank you all for the overwhelming warm wishes and messages. I’m sorry I couldn’t get back to everyone but know that they were well received and I wish you the best in return.

And to my dear hubby and darling daughter, thank you for allowing me to experience the new dimension in emotion and for making my first year of motherhood such a joy.

Can hear the angels playing trumpets on that one? *Sappy* Happy Mother’s Day! xo

Brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin

Side note: This week Tulsi had her first visit to the Westlake ER
and she started walking. Never a dull moment in the Malkani home!!