May brings the Best blessings.

This is not really a blog per say, but I felt I need to record that this month has definitely been a month to celebrate life and my blessings. I am forcing myself to take a minute and decompress from my schedule and make some confirmations & acknowledgements. Firstly, my Godson Jahfari Campbell turned 13 yrs old on May 13,2010. I cannot believe how fast time has gone by. I remember flying to Canada for his christening and holding him in my arms, thinking I am in line or part of this village to to take care of this precious boy. Now he is a young man and so happy he is getting along well. Happy Be-lated Birthday.

Secondly, I am thankful for my Aunt Rhyllis. She is spending 4 weeks with us in Los Angeles, CA to help watch Marley(my bundle of joy), while we or working on a freelance project. I had so much anxiety, thinking about child care. But now I am so at ease, to know Marley is in good hands. He is having such a great time with his Great great Aunt. In addition to that, she is managing to spoil Ahmed and I. I think I am going to destroy her return ticket and keep her! She has been our life saver. Ahhhh..... I really does take a village.

Last, but not least. Our family just recieved a new addition to the family. My niece, my brothers first born, London Olivia Horsford. She was born 10:10pm on May 17th, 2010. She is healthy, gorgeous and doing very well. They are surround by family and getting lots of love. I really cannot wait to meet her. I am so proud to have her as my niece!! And so happy for Delvin & Tiffany. God Bless you all. I am so thankful!

The Vowel Song ~ inspired by Marley Best

My talented Mother in-law wrote a song for Marley called the "Vowel Song". On our last visit to New Jersey; Marley kept chanting the word that sounded like "UPpedee". He would say it over and over again as if he was making a statement. One by one he called us "uppidy", "UPpidee","uppiDuu"...etc. with different inflections. Marley was so confident in his newfound word, Ahmed jokingly turned to him and asked "What you call me?"

Only until we returned back to California, it then turned into DubaDEE, DubaUUU.......W! That's what he was trying to tell us! Simply "W". Today he ripped off one of his letters from the soft floor foam squares. He came running into the room towards me with a green letter and said "W". I gave him the biggest hug and I said "Yes baby, DubaUUUU!" and he laughed.

Thank you Mahmondylla and Babu. We love the song!

Marley & Raquel

How can I share this song on my blog? anyone?

The Love Regime!!!

This past weekend Ahmed and I attended the 3rd wedding, in 3 consecutive weeks! Luckily, this beautiful wedding was coviently in town and child friendly. We had a really lovely time, we caught up with old friends and enjoyed dancing under the stars. The wedding was perfect and the couple Nick and Katey were just lovely!

The babies were so well behaved, It was almost as if they new what was happening! Marley even cheered in a timely fashion during their vows. Married the same year (2006) and closely bonded by becoming part of the new parent club ....the same year (2009) , The Laybourne's, Deleforce's and Bests' in no time, occupied our assigned table (CandyLand) with strollers, baby food, blankets and slings. The couples tagged teamed on eating dinner and sneaking a couple of dances on the dance floor. Marley even had some reserved energy to do a little head nodding and hip shaking on the dance floor. Nainoa was sporting his sharp threads and Skender was flashing his knock em' dead smile. I just wanted to eat them all up!

Alas! At the end the little ones tired themselves out as they slept nuzzled in our arms, as we share baby war stories! lol Ohh what amazing dreams we have for our future Love Regime!

Aquarium at the Bay -Pier 39

This Past weekend on our way from the wedding we stopped for some family time in San Fransisco. This was Marleys first time at an Aquarium. He stared in amazment at the various different sea creatures. Jelly fish, star fish, sting rays, sharks, sardines.......the list went on and on. The colors, the shapes, the motion........ Watching him take in all of this information was so interesting. I was thinking, I don't know half of these animal, what they are, what they eat, how they live. So, I could only imagine what Marls was thinking. He was probably thinking which way to the pool, because he Loves water. He kept on looking at the tank, like which way is in? And after awhile he was like OK lets ditch this place. If I cant get in...... lets Go!

Skywalker Ranch

Skywalker Ranch in San Rapheal, CA. Yet, Another perfect location for a wedding. Wedding #2, pictures were prohibited, but I can say I got teary eyed. Just Heartfelt!

Brooklyn Botanicle Gardens

April 24, 2010 Ahmed and I attended a friends wedding at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. It was absolutely beautiful. It was held in the Shakespeare grounds on Shakespeare's Birthday. Words could not describe how simply romantic it was........... This is wedding #1 of our 9 invites. Apparently, 2010 is the year of Matrimony.

FELA- Tony Nominated

On our short trip to NYC, Ahmed and I had the opportunity to have a date nite and see the Broadway Show FELA. Based on the life of Fela Kuti. It was amazing, especially for fans of his music. This show really brought Afro-Beat to the mainstream showcasing an amazing cast. Go See it! My friend Jeffrey Page is in it and I couldn't be more proud.

Home Sweet Home

A couple of weeks ago I went back to New Jersey to attend a friends wedding. Luckily, I was able to see my mom, brother and sister inlaw, who are expecting! I am so excited to be an Auntie. We also spent a lovely time with my in-laws whom we haven't seen since last year. Marley met his Great Grandma -Nana Kenney and our new neice Asha for the first time. We even squeezed in a short vist with his Great Grandpa Cannonier, Auntie Irene & Uncle Riley. We were only back for a week and really had no time to do any major visiting, but me and my best friend Kim manage to get together for a family dinner. She is my oldest friend. I've know her since......I think the second grade, and no matter how long we are apart .....we continue are conversations as if it were yesterday. It's surreal to share the experience of motherhood with a childhood friend, but that's life moving on I suppose. I cannot believe it's been 10 years since I moved to California. But some things really make Jersey(East Coast) feel like home. It's true what they say "its where the heart is". I really am thankful and grateful for my family and friends.