Whirlwind

I thought after last summer, this summer would seem relaxing. I guess in some ways it has been - the house isn't (actively) under construction, licensure exams are a thing of the past, baby prep has transitioned in to baby proof - but man is the time flying!

Two weeks ago, my parents zipped in to town for their own whirlwind visit. They got to our house Thursday evening, headed to Stillwater Friday evening, partied it up to celebrate their 31st anniversary, a new wedding, and a graduation, and spent Sunday night and Monday with us. Big bummer was I caught some sort of icky stomach bug - no, I am not pregnant - and wasn't much fun. Big bonus was two extra sets of hands to help out with Emmanator when I was feeling icky.

The next weekend we hopped in the car on Friday to head to Madison for a wedding. Car trips are iffy with Em and this one went reasonably well. Back to Mpls Saturday only to head to Hudson Sunday afternoon for the 4th. It was a great time and so much fun, but I think we were all grateful that Monday was a holiday so we could decompress a little before heading back to the grind.

Enter Wednesday and daddy got nailed with a (lesser) version of whatever hit me a week or so before. No bueno. So mama juggled Em to try helping him rest (and was pretty exhausted, grateful for my typically very helpful partner and even more exhausted thinking that I'll be solo for a week coming up before too long). And now our bags are packed again as we plan to head to La Crosse this weekend to celebrate the impending arrival of our newest nephew!

Life is good and we're grateful to have so many things to celebrate, but I'm looking forward to our next "boring" weekend at home!!

Let's hear it for the boy!

While Steve is doing what he does best - being an awesome dad - I'm going to steal a quick minute to let the world (or at least the handful of you who read this) know that I think he's doing a wonderful job in his new role.

The actual date of his hire can be debated - some may say this is his 2nd Father's Day, he's leaning towards this being his first. Before Emma was "Emma", he was an awesome dad, preparing the house, patiently nurturing his wife, and eagerly awaiting her arrival. But for his 1st Father's Day of a baby we know in a more intimate way than we did last year, he really rocks. He gets up early to play with her when mama needs some rest, he has dance parties, reads books, shows her off, plans her future sporting endeavors, and is as hands on as a dad can be.

So while last year he may have technically been a "father" in the biological sense if nothing more, this year he shines as a daddy and I know Emma's proud he's hers.

I'll get back to you. . .

I'm averaging 2-4 weeks to respond to emails, 1 week to respond to client messages, a day or two to respond to text, 1 day - 4 weeks to respond to FB posts (totally depends on if I notice it!), but about 30 seconds to the grinning little girl who consumes my life!

We're still here, busy and really good! 9 months is.so.much.FUN! Ask any parent and I think they'll agree. The ones I've spoken to sure do. Emma's bright personality is blooming each day and I am so grateful to bear witness to her precious life. She reminds us to slow down, connect, and most of all smile, laugh, and love.

She's standing with far more confidence and pride these days. She has yet to let go of objects around her to see if she can stand on her own - no doubt she will all too soon. She loves standing at __________ and banging on _______. It's hilarious. As are the dog and cats, especially when she leans back in your arms to look at them upside down. Man is that funny. And when Hank eats, holy cow, the most hilarious thing ever is seeing the dog eat a cheerio! (Or Trader Joe's Os as we frequent TJs and they don't carry cheerios ;o). )

Little girls are fun to befriend, Emma holds special smiles and waves for them. And people who tell her just how cute she is are especially popular with her. (Men with facial hair still leave her a little leery - much like the rest of the population as social psychologists will tell you.) Daddy is the funniest man alive and can put her at ease in a moment and momma's not to shabby either (or is it mama or mamma - I need to decide how to spell my name, but like a gf commented on facebook, what a beautiful dilema to have).

Bubbles are a bit perplexing, swings are full of smiles, walks are great, runs are amusing (seriously, have you seen her mama run!?), and new foods are an adventure. Oh, and did you know, if you drop things, people will repeatedly pick them up, smile, and hand them to you? Trust me, she's tried it. And if you drop food, the dog will gobble it up and sit by you closer with eager anticipation? Man is she powerful.

When people say that parenting is the hardest job you'll ever do, they don't lie. And my bias is that parenting with an attachment focus is even harder because our impulse is to go quickly, set ourselves aside to provide comfort, no matter the time of day or whether we think she "should" be sleeping. It is also true though that it is the most rewarding job you'll ever do. To be blessed with the task of arranging our lives to care for this beautiful girl - what did we ever do to deserve this?

So please forgive my delayed response, call, blog, text, picture, email, video, date. . . I think you'll agree I've got a great reason.

In honor of Mother's Day, a PSA from Mr. T

Yes, I said Mr. T. Word up.

Album Spring 2010 - baptism (141 photos), by katie murray

I'd like to share my Walgreens Photo Center photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Taking back the stone

When I first started this blog a year ago, I remember writing how much I enjoy reading blogs and would prefer that the blogs I read kept updated, oh, like daily. At first I did a great job, documenting the constantly growing belly & swollen toes, then the first amazing moments with Emma. There seems to be a correlation however with my child's mobility and my diminishing blogability. This correlation also holds true to my ability to promptly send thank you notes, respond to emails, read emails, check Facebook, post pictures, share videos, and pretty much anything that takes more than 5 minutes and two hands.

We have had some amazing experiences in the past month since I last updated. We were blessed by 3 weeks of Grandma Bonnie's loving care of Emma (and us), followed up by a wonderful visit with Grandpa Wilson (aka Oscar) who shared Emma with old friends and distant family - shared his roots and helped solidify hers, and finally 2 great weeks with Grammy who showed Emma her people, took her out and about with no fear, continued to share her amazing talent through handmade gifts and lots of laughs. It's been a whirlwind of grandparent visitors and we are all so thankful and blessed to have family that so freely gives of their time and resources to help us make the most of ours.

We also had a special visit with Auntie Lauren - my oldest friend who truly is a sister and was the absolute perfect choice to be Emma's Godmother. Aaron & Emerson shared her with us for a busy, but delightful weekend for Emma's baptism. What a beautiful blessing that day was, full of family, love, and the sharing of our faith with our daughter.

Steve and I celebrated our 4th anniversary and reflected on all we've been through in the 6 years since we met. Who knew!?

As my hands get free, I will share pictures and a bit more detail about the last while. It may take me some time though, Emma pulled herself up to standing today! Thanks for your patience (and prayers!).