And just 'cuz you guys love it, here's some adorableness:
Dear Eva (12 Years)
1 year ago
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Our home is full of laughter...
... from a beautiful little baby girl! Yes, you read that correctly. Our daughter is giggling. Not a whole lot, and not often, but she is giggling. I tried to get it on video but it was impossible. However, I did get some squealing, happy, about-to-get-a-bath baby girl:
And just 'cuz you guys love it, here's some adorableness:
And just 'cuz you guys love it, here's some adorableness:
Quick news
Quickly, before Bryan leaves and takes the computer to work...
1. I got an email from the firm yesterday. I finally know what practice group I'll be in!! And it's the one I wanted!! Yipee!!
2. I had a slight emotional breakdown yesterday. I changed my calendar to October and realized that in three weeks I'd be going to work and leaving my baby. I started bawling. After all my bravado about being OK with it, apparently I'm having a more difficult time that I would like to admit. I feel better now - I realized that I'm not feeling guilty, it's really just selfish desire to spend all my time with this amazing, beautiful little person. I have loved having nothing else to do but be her mommy. But she's going to be fine, and she and Daddy are going to have a great time, and that's the most important thing.
3. I'm thinking of taking the blog private. I'm not totally sure why, but I think it's connected to the fact that the blog isn't exactly anonymous, and I am about to start work... I don't know... Anyone have thoughts on this?
1. I got an email from the firm yesterday. I finally know what practice group I'll be in!! And it's the one I wanted!! Yipee!!
2. I had a slight emotional breakdown yesterday. I changed my calendar to October and realized that in three weeks I'd be going to work and leaving my baby. I started bawling. After all my bravado about being OK with it, apparently I'm having a more difficult time that I would like to admit. I feel better now - I realized that I'm not feeling guilty, it's really just selfish desire to spend all my time with this amazing, beautiful little person. I have loved having nothing else to do but be her mommy. But she's going to be fine, and she and Daddy are going to have a great time, and that's the most important thing.
3. I'm thinking of taking the blog private. I'm not totally sure why, but I think it's connected to the fact that the blog isn't exactly anonymous, and I am about to start work... I don't know... Anyone have thoughts on this?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Going to work
One of the "Moms in Legal Profession" blogs I read is by Lag Liv, who I've mentioned before. Anyway, she has some really comforting words about going back to work and I wanted to explain my view a bit too.
I love being home with Eden. I treasure every moment. Really. Even when she's stuffy and crying because she is sooo tired but can't sleep, I am glad I am here, experiencing it (though honestly I do sometimes wish I wasn't here, experiencing it, alone - just having Bryan here to take over walking and bouncing for a few minutes makes a world of difference...). But I think part of why I love it so much is that "All-Eden-All-The-Time" has an end date. I am going to be working soon, and so I am soaking up every sweet little moment I can. I honestly don't think I'd be happy doing this all day, every day, forever. Especially because I just spent 3 years and way too much money on a law degree that I know I will love using.
Like LL, I think I'll be a better mom for having my career. I thrive on the balancing act. I know it will get frustrating and I know there will be moments when I think it's all going to topple over, but I get a lot of satisfaction from living a very balanced life. That's how I did law school. It was a struggle to remind myself to stay balanced, but I think I did pretty well. I think (and I hope) that working will be much the same. I'll work hard, enjoy it, and then come home and be with my little family. I'm sure that I'll miss things, and I will be upset about that, but I know that overall I'll be happier when I'm doing what I love. And Eden's going to be great - she will hang out with Daddy all day, and they'll both love that. And once a week, when Daddy works at the office all day, she'll hang out with Angela (our friend and nanny!) who is really great too. And when I get home, she'll play with Mommy. And we'll make it work.
I love being home with Eden. I treasure every moment. Really. Even when she's stuffy and crying because she is sooo tired but can't sleep, I am glad I am here, experiencing it (though honestly I do sometimes wish I wasn't here, experiencing it, alone - just having Bryan here to take over walking and bouncing for a few minutes makes a world of difference...). But I think part of why I love it so much is that "All-Eden-All-The-Time" has an end date. I am going to be working soon, and so I am soaking up every sweet little moment I can. I honestly don't think I'd be happy doing this all day, every day, forever. Especially because I just spent 3 years and way too much money on a law degree that I know I will love using.
Like LL, I think I'll be a better mom for having my career. I thrive on the balancing act. I know it will get frustrating and I know there will be moments when I think it's all going to topple over, but I get a lot of satisfaction from living a very balanced life. That's how I did law school. It was a struggle to remind myself to stay balanced, but I think I did pretty well. I think (and I hope) that working will be much the same. I'll work hard, enjoy it, and then come home and be with my little family. I'm sure that I'll miss things, and I will be upset about that, but I know that overall I'll be happier when I'm doing what I love. And Eden's going to be great - she will hang out with Daddy all day, and they'll both love that. And once a week, when Daddy works at the office all day, she'll hang out with Angela (our friend and nanny!) who is really great too. And when I get home, she'll play with Mommy. And we'll make it work.
Monday, September 22, 2008
My husband, in stereo
Thought you might like to know Bryan was on the radio last night. He called in to talk about how much the Patriots suck. :)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
First cold
Eden's battling her first cold.
Bryan and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with her but it started a couple of days ago. All of a sudden she wouldn't go to sleep. She wouldn't even go horizontal without screaming. We resorted to putting her to sleep in the Bjorn, and then putting her in her crib. She was fussy during the daytime too. Then she started getting congested, and last night she was really congested. Rattling breathing and all. When I suctioned her nose (which she hates, by the way) I couldn't believe how much came out. But it helped her go to sleep (at 9:00!). Then this morning when she got up (at 7:45!) she was blocked again. But she was all smiles!! She slept through church today (thank goodness) in her carseat, and I had her all bundled up. She's napped like crazy today (though I am still putting her to sleep by walking around with her strapped to my chest). We took an almost two-hour nap together this afternoon! :) Hopefully we are on the back end. Poor thing. But knowing she's sick honestly makes it so much easier to deal with her fussiness. Instead of getting frustrated I just get sad. I can relate.
Bryan and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with her but it started a couple of days ago. All of a sudden she wouldn't go to sleep. She wouldn't even go horizontal without screaming. We resorted to putting her to sleep in the Bjorn, and then putting her in her crib. She was fussy during the daytime too. Then she started getting congested, and last night she was really congested. Rattling breathing and all. When I suctioned her nose (which she hates, by the way) I couldn't believe how much came out. But it helped her go to sleep (at 9:00!). Then this morning when she got up (at 7:45!) she was blocked again. But she was all smiles!! She slept through church today (thank goodness) in her carseat, and I had her all bundled up. She's napped like crazy today (though I am still putting her to sleep by walking around with her strapped to my chest). We took an almost two-hour nap together this afternoon! :) Hopefully we are on the back end. Poor thing. But knowing she's sick honestly makes it so much easier to deal with her fussiness. Instead of getting frustrated I just get sad. I can relate.
White Mountains
Last weekend was awesome. We got away from the city from Friday night to Sunday night, and rented a "cabin" in the mountains with some friends. The house itself was amazing. Fireplace, nice, new kitchen, and four bedrooms. There was easily space for at least 10-15 people to sleep. And it was just John and Kelli, their puppy Bella, and the Thomason Three. Check it out:
The rafters were too appealing for one of us:
Saturday we went on a longish (well, long for Eden) hike by the river. It was really beautiful. We stopped to pose for pictures at a waterfall at the beginning of the hike (can't remember the name of the falls... sorry!):
Once we kept going past the falls, the people disappeared and it felt much more like a hike in the woods. It was a beautiful day! We decided to eat some lunch once we found a dry spot:
The girls (except Eden, who rode on her Daddy's back the whole time...):
Here's Bryan and Eden, at one of the breathtaking stops on our journey. Check out the sunlight streaming through the trees! Isn't creation amazing??
Bella took a rest on a park bench on the way back. She's so cute! And she knows how to pose for cameras!
The boys (and Eden):
Eden woke up toward the end of the hike, so I decided to snap a picture of her all bundled up. How cute is that?? Her eyes look grey here, the same as her Daddy's shirt:
And, no exaggeration, I swear, less than a minute after I took that picture, here was Eden, fast asleep:
She was all smiles in the carseat. (This is awesome, because she used to hate her carseat):
Saturday night we ate dinner at a barbecue restaurant we'd heard was good. It was actually awesome, especially for New England! The best barbecue I've had since Stilly! Kelli really like the ribs!
Eden liked her bottle, and of course her pacifier!
On our way home Sunday we stopped at the outlet mall in North Conway (of course). Here's Bryan and Eden, sacked out in the dressing room at The Gap. (I found a ton of good deals BTW):
Great weekend, great friends. We're considering doing the same thing in the winter, so Bryan can snowboard (and I can hang out by the fire, reading a book, with Eden).
The rafters were too appealing for one of us:
Saturday we went on a longish (well, long for Eden) hike by the river. It was really beautiful. We stopped to pose for pictures at a waterfall at the beginning of the hike (can't remember the name of the falls... sorry!):
Once we kept going past the falls, the people disappeared and it felt much more like a hike in the woods. It was a beautiful day! We decided to eat some lunch once we found a dry spot:
The girls (except Eden, who rode on her Daddy's back the whole time...):
Here's Bryan and Eden, at one of the breathtaking stops on our journey. Check out the sunlight streaming through the trees! Isn't creation amazing??
Bella took a rest on a park bench on the way back. She's so cute! And she knows how to pose for cameras!
The boys (and Eden):
Eden woke up toward the end of the hike, so I decided to snap a picture of her all bundled up. How cute is that?? Her eyes look grey here, the same as her Daddy's shirt:
And, no exaggeration, I swear, less than a minute after I took that picture, here was Eden, fast asleep:
She was all smiles in the carseat. (This is awesome, because she used to hate her carseat):
Saturday night we ate dinner at a barbecue restaurant we'd heard was good. It was actually awesome, especially for New England! The best barbecue I've had since Stilly! Kelli really like the ribs!
Eden liked her bottle, and of course her pacifier!
On our way home Sunday we stopped at the outlet mall in North Conway (of course). Here's Bryan and Eden, sacked out in the dressing room at The Gap. (I found a ton of good deals BTW):
Great weekend, great friends. We're considering doing the same thing in the winter, so Bryan can snowboard (and I can hang out by the fire, reading a book, with Eden).
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Young Life
I don't know if I've ever mentioned this on the blog, but Bryan and I are on the adult committee (basically a local board of directors) for Young Life in Cambridge. Young Life is a non-denominational Christian organization that works with teenagers at the Cambridge public high school (there is only one. It's the size of a small city!).
Unsurprisingly, while the ministry of Young Life is going strong (our staffer just returned from camp with two girls from Cambridge, and a number from Dorchester), the financial support is sometimes harder to come by, especially in a city like Boston with few Christians (and many transplanted Christians, who don't have kids in the high school...). We are nearing the end of our fiscal year, and we're facing a deficit. It's sad because Young Life is such a great organization, meeting kids where they are, building relationships, and showing Christ to them by first and foremost being present. For every kid. Bryan and I believe very strongly in this ministry, and support it with our prayers, our time, and our funds.
It's really out of character for me to ask for things, and especially in such a forum as this. But I know that some of my regular readers might be interested in this opportunity, so I have to give it a shot. Please consider giving to Young Life this month. Even $20, $50, $100 will help us get toward our goal of balancing our budget. If you would like to hear more about the ministry feel free to call or email me. And if you like what you hear, or you feel so led, consider making your gift monthly.
You can give online here (we're area MA51), and you can even set it up as direct debit if you want to make it a regular gift! Please consider it. It's an amazing ministry. Countless kids have felt like they belong, like someone cares about them, as a result of the work Young Life leaders do investing in their lives. That is invaluable. And even more invaluable, several people we know personally (including one of Bryan's seminary professors) have come to know Christ as a result of it!!
Unsurprisingly, while the ministry of Young Life is going strong (our staffer just returned from camp with two girls from Cambridge, and a number from Dorchester), the financial support is sometimes harder to come by, especially in a city like Boston with few Christians (and many transplanted Christians, who don't have kids in the high school...). We are nearing the end of our fiscal year, and we're facing a deficit. It's sad because Young Life is such a great organization, meeting kids where they are, building relationships, and showing Christ to them by first and foremost being present. For every kid. Bryan and I believe very strongly in this ministry, and support it with our prayers, our time, and our funds.
It's really out of character for me to ask for things, and especially in such a forum as this. But I know that some of my regular readers might be interested in this opportunity, so I have to give it a shot. Please consider giving to Young Life this month. Even $20, $50, $100 will help us get toward our goal of balancing our budget. If you would like to hear more about the ministry feel free to call or email me. And if you like what you hear, or you feel so led, consider making your gift monthly.
You can give online here (we're area MA51), and you can even set it up as direct debit if you want to make it a regular gift! Please consider it. It's an amazing ministry. Countless kids have felt like they belong, like someone cares about them, as a result of the work Young Life leaders do investing in their lives. That is invaluable. And even more invaluable, several people we know personally (including one of Bryan's seminary professors) have come to know Christ as a result of it!!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Happy Birthday, Little one!
Dear Eden,
Monday was your three-month birthday. I can't believe that the time has passed so quickly, and at the same time I can't remember life without you. Your smile is the most exciting, most motivating thing I've ever seen. The way you sometimes look at me sideways, out of the corner of your eye, and smirk, makes me giggle (and reminds me of your Uncle Tyler, who used to do the exact same thing).
You've grown so much. You're sitting up, when I prop you with pillows. You prop yourself up in your exersaucer, and you play for half an hour at a time! You love to sit up and stand - you're not so much into being cradled like a newborn anymore. You have learned to grasp things, and you're already an expert at getting things into your mouth. Your favorite toys, though, are your hands. You watch them, you chew away on them, you suck on them. Right now you suck your index finger and thumb together. Odd choice, but it works for you!
You're sleeping through the night (usually) and you have been for a few weeks. When we got home from our whirlwind Oklahoma/Texas visit, you were ready, and you just did it, pretty much on your own. And you usually go to sleep pretty well. You do it on your own now. It's a rare occasion when I get that super-sleepy Eden in my arms. Sometimes when I feed you late at night right before I got to bed, you sleep through it, and when you're finished eating I just hold you a few extra minutes, and stare at your peaceful face. I treasure those times.
Youre also so much fun when you're awake! You've got such a personality. You talk to us, you have this great gasp-y laugh, and when you get really excited you open your mouth really wide and squat, fists clenched at your chest, eyes smiling. You found a new best friend. You were in your exersaucer and I had my back to you. I heard you squealing with delight and talking up a storm, and I turned around to see what was so enchanting - it was the mirror. You love that baby in the mirror. We visit the baby in the bathroom when you're cranky and you're instantly all smiles.
I'm so glad you're so big and strong, and I'm so amazed at the little person you're becoming. It still blows my mind that you're here. I am not at all exaggerating when I say I love you more every single day. And I never think it's possible that I could love you more than I do now, and then I wake up in the morning and it's happened. I love our time together right now. I know it is going to be incredibly hard for me to leave you with Daddy all day in one short month when I start working. I'm going to be so jealous of the time that you two get together. But I know you'll be in good hands. He's a great dad. I knew he'd be awesome, and he really is. The two of you are best buddies, and you're going to have a great time.
I love you baby girl. Keep growing strong. I'm hiding snapshots in my heart for now, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next stage brings.
Love,
Mommy
Little Rock Star.
P.S. When you're really tired, you snore!! (Turn up the volume to hear it).
Monday was your three-month birthday. I can't believe that the time has passed so quickly, and at the same time I can't remember life without you. Your smile is the most exciting, most motivating thing I've ever seen. The way you sometimes look at me sideways, out of the corner of your eye, and smirk, makes me giggle (and reminds me of your Uncle Tyler, who used to do the exact same thing).
You've grown so much. You're sitting up, when I prop you with pillows. You prop yourself up in your exersaucer, and you play for half an hour at a time! You love to sit up and stand - you're not so much into being cradled like a newborn anymore. You have learned to grasp things, and you're already an expert at getting things into your mouth. Your favorite toys, though, are your hands. You watch them, you chew away on them, you suck on them. Right now you suck your index finger and thumb together. Odd choice, but it works for you!
You're sleeping through the night (usually) and you have been for a few weeks. When we got home from our whirlwind Oklahoma/Texas visit, you were ready, and you just did it, pretty much on your own. And you usually go to sleep pretty well. You do it on your own now. It's a rare occasion when I get that super-sleepy Eden in my arms. Sometimes when I feed you late at night right before I got to bed, you sleep through it, and when you're finished eating I just hold you a few extra minutes, and stare at your peaceful face. I treasure those times.
Youre also so much fun when you're awake! You've got such a personality. You talk to us, you have this great gasp-y laugh, and when you get really excited you open your mouth really wide and squat, fists clenched at your chest, eyes smiling. You found a new best friend. You were in your exersaucer and I had my back to you. I heard you squealing with delight and talking up a storm, and I turned around to see what was so enchanting - it was the mirror. You love that baby in the mirror. We visit the baby in the bathroom when you're cranky and you're instantly all smiles.
I'm so glad you're so big and strong, and I'm so amazed at the little person you're becoming. It still blows my mind that you're here. I am not at all exaggerating when I say I love you more every single day. And I never think it's possible that I could love you more than I do now, and then I wake up in the morning and it's happened. I love our time together right now. I know it is going to be incredibly hard for me to leave you with Daddy all day in one short month when I start working. I'm going to be so jealous of the time that you two get together. But I know you'll be in good hands. He's a great dad. I knew he'd be awesome, and he really is. The two of you are best buddies, and you're going to have a great time.
I love you baby girl. Keep growing strong. I'm hiding snapshots in my heart for now, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next stage brings.
Love,
Mommy
Little Rock Star.
P.S. When you're really tired, you snore!! (Turn up the volume to hear it).
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
How 'bout some long overdue cutie pie?
Eden's been very busy the last few weeks. She's been having a lot of "firsts." Luckily her mom is always there with the camera, so we caught many of them!!
Watching her first OSU game with Daddy, in her first OSU onesie. GO POKES!
By the way, could these two be any more alike?
Eden also attended her very first "Back 2 School" festival. Bryan and I traded off holding her while we worked. She even had her very own volunteer nametag!!
Eden also learned how to grab things!! The first thing she really grabbed on her own was her cousin Mackenzie's hair. But now she can focus it (sorry the video's long, I couldn't find anything to take out... it's just all so cute!!):
And some other random cuteness, just for fun!
Wearing the onesie from Aunt Destiny:
Sleeping little angel. Oh by the way Eden has (knock on wood) started sleeping through the night, from around 8:30 or so till 7! (I feed her around 10:30 or 11, but she usually sleeps through it!):
Couldn't help it. How cute are those feet? Thank God she didn't get my feet. Seriously.
We had a bit of a black and white photo shoot yesterday. Just me and Eden. :) I actually let the camera take continuous pictures for a bit and we ended up with these little gems (and many more) as she started to lean forward:
Blowing bubbles!
Love that baby girl.
Watching her first OSU game with Daddy, in her first OSU onesie. GO POKES!
By the way, could these two be any more alike?
Eden also attended her very first "Back 2 School" festival. Bryan and I traded off holding her while we worked. She even had her very own volunteer nametag!!
Eden also learned how to grab things!! The first thing she really grabbed on her own was her cousin Mackenzie's hair. But now she can focus it (sorry the video's long, I couldn't find anything to take out... it's just all so cute!!):
And some other random cuteness, just for fun!
Wearing the onesie from Aunt Destiny:
Sleeping little angel. Oh by the way Eden has (knock on wood) started sleeping through the night, from around 8:30 or so till 7! (I feed her around 10:30 or 11, but she usually sleeps through it!):
Couldn't help it. How cute are those feet? Thank God she didn't get my feet. Seriously.
We had a bit of a black and white photo shoot yesterday. Just me and Eden. :) I actually let the camera take continuous pictures for a bit and we ended up with these little gems (and many more) as she started to lean forward:
Blowing bubbles!
Love that baby girl.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Update on Noah
Apparently Noah is doing much better. His mom and dad got to hold him for the first time yesterday, and mom got to give him his first bottle. His breathing has improved, and they think it was just a lung development issue (even though he was full term he had to learn to breathe, like a preemie).
No word yet on when he gets to come home, but this is excellent news!!
Update again, 9/2/08: My grandmother just posted more excellent news on our family message board:
No word yet on when he gets to come home, but this is excellent news!!
Update again, 9/2/08: My grandmother just posted more excellent news on our family message board:
Cassy just called again. Noah is off the oxygen!
She thinks the three of them will be moving into the Neonatal Village this evening or tomorrow. The Neonatal Village is the unit right next to ICU. When they get in there, Josh, Cassy, and Noah will all be in one room together day and night.
His jaundice is still improving also.
Update again, 9/5/08: Noah is out of the hospital!! Thank you for your prayers! He's doing great. They think it was just underdeveloped lungs.
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