These Little Moments...

Grace Ashlyn, I think it’s safe to say that, in addition to being your birthday, today also marks the 4 th anniversary of the most defining and soul-changing day of my life. I walked into that hospital on May 27, 2008 full of hope and anticipation, so anxious to finally have you in my arms. When we were released just a couple days later, I cradled a brand new and precious bundle close to my heart. What I soon discovered was that with your birth came a sort of re-birth for me. Within those first moments with you, an undeniable shift was taking place. I couldn’t grasp it at the time; the emotions were overwhelming. I could recognize that wave of relief, you arrived safely and you were healthy. I remember the happy tears, the laughter, and the beaming smiles of those around me. I remember how your daddy grew quiet while he stood next to you and gently touched you for the first time. I asked him to talk to you. I wanted you to hear his voice and feel some comfort ...

My little girl celebrated her last day of her first year of preschool this afternoon. We crowded together in the hallway, those of us waiting to watch our little ones walk out of that classroom door for the last time. Mrs. B tentatively opened the door, an expression of hesitation on her face, tears already in her eyes. This ending is bittersweet, for me certainly, but perhaps even more so for her. I have watched her love these children with hugs, smiles, and good morning songs. My heart has been warmed at the sight of a child spontaneously throwing their tiny arms around her, and while watching her kneel down to gently talk to her students eye to eye. Summer breaks are wonderful, full of big plans, vacations, and lazy days, but goodbyes are hard and even I will miss seeing this group of children together. Gracie and her friend, Reagan. I knew that preschool was right for Gracie and, in Mrs. B’s care, she has grown in so many ways over these past months. She's learned so m...

I never knew I could love a boy this much. He has completely stolen my heart. Ethan is 11 months old today. I have woken up on the 16th of each month since the day he was born anxious to cuddle and kiss this growing boy. I like to tell him how he's another month older, and then I silently celebrate what this simple number means to me. This morning, I was torn. I will always celebrate my boy, but did these 11 months really have to go so quickly? Next month is it. The next time we cross the 16th off on our calendars, I will have a one year old. Ethan, you continue to amaze me day after day as you learn and grow right before my eyes. Your first tooth finally popped through on Mother's Day! Your baby babbling is precious; I love how you try to mimic the things you hear us say. You now clearly say "dada", "quack quack", and "uh oh". You are also getting more steady on your feet and can stand alone, but only for a few seconds at a time. N...

Gracie's birthday isn't actually until May 27th, but because I knew she would love a party with her preschool friends, we started celebrating on Friday! School lets out for the summer right before her birthday, and her teachers have been scheduling in party dates for all of their summer birthdays. I arrived at school around their usual snack time with mini-cupcakes, a snack mix, and juice for the kids. Since Gracie has requested a Hello Kitty party while we are at the beach on her actual birthday, I grabbed Hello Kitty napkins, purple plates, and dressed her in her Hello Kitty shirt on party day. ;) I have lots of fun with this kind of thing! Gracie also happened to be the "Star of the Day" on Friday, which meant she claimed the coveted line-leader spot and had the opportunity to stand and sing a song or nursery rhyme of her choice. She stood in front of the class and sang Mary Had a Little Lamb, which was precious and made me so proud. After her "...

This has been a truly lovely weekend, and one I've been looking forward to for a while now. I am extremely grateful to be a mother, to have a mother and grandmothers still with me on Earth, and to get the opportunity to watch my little sister experience the beauty that is motherhood. I also like any excuse to celebrate, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy a little extra attention and spoiling every now and then. Sean and the kids did a wonderful job of making sure I felt appreciated this weekend, and I in turn really appreciated that. Gracie and Sean surprised me with a dozen roses on Friday afternoon, I was able to squeeze in a little "me" time when I had my hair cut Saturday, and we wrapped it all up this afternoon with a picnic at the park. Here are a few pictures from my phone from the weekend. One of these days I'll get around to adding some of the ones I've taken with my real camera! Ethan is so darn sweet! This was my first Mother's Day...