Easter

Caroline's first Easter was a huge success. She had a basket from the Easter bunny filled with books, a DVD, bath toys, and Cheerios (her newly discovered favorite snack). Last night we celebrated Easter and my sister's birthday at my parents house. This morning was Easter service at church, home for a nap, then Easter lunch at his family's house. We are so blessed to be surrounded by so much family. Even though it can make planning holidays complicated, we are very lucky to have so many people to spend time with. The holidays are so much more fun with a little one around!

Caroline is growing like a weed and eating everything in sight. She is eating a lot of table food now, which I think is a lot of fun. She eats most everything we eat with the exception of hard to chew things and possibly allergy inducers. She's loving life. Today for lunch she had peas and dumplings, rice, and mashed potatoes! Good thing she's so small for her age, she might turn into quite the porker! She also loves Mexican food...wonder where she gets that from....I let her try guacamole and she LOVED it. Crazy! Hopefully we have an adventurous eater on our hands!

On the Mend

I've been on the mend for the past week recovery from tonsil surgery. If you are blessed enough to still have yours, take this pearl of wisdom from someone who doesn't-KEEP THEM! I wholeheartedly say I would take another c section over this any day. It has been a hellacious week. Aside from the pain, the pills they prescribed me to manage it make me physically ill. Without sharing the lovely details I'll just say that's not too pleasant on healing throat. Hopefully though, this will prove to provide me with a healthier new year.

Even though this isn't how I would choose to have some time off work, it has been wonderful spending time with Caroline. I made me really think about what it would be like to be a stay at home mom. Part of me thinks I'm a better mom because of my job. I have a very hard time "staying at home" so work gives me the opportunity to get out, make a contribution to society, and come home and love on my little girl. Another part of me has been so RELAXED this week. I don't realize just how stressful my job is until I'm home and not having to worry about it. I've actually ENJOYED cleaning, planning a nice dinner, and being domestic. Doesn't really matter because my staying home isn't a financial option for us at this point. Who knows, maybe someday. I guess for now I need to appreciate the rest of my time off and be grateful that I have a job that allows me to spend the better part of the summer with my baby :-)

Fresh Week

Today I spent the day with my family, running errands and grocery shopping while Andy cut grass and did guy things. Tonight our evening church service at John Wesley. Such a great service! It's amazing how a good church service can fill you with peace and encouragement to start your week! I left feeling refreshed and so thankful for my wonderful family, husband and baby girl. Something about this time of year that really brings out feelings of giving thanks. It isn't until you hear about someone else trials and tribulations that you are humbly aware of all the good in your own life. Your problems seem bleak in comparison to burdens others are bearing. Here's to a refreshing attitude to get through another week!

I Brake For Brunettes

"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers 'tis near Halloween'". . .I absolutely love this time of year as I've said in previous posts. The crunching of the leaves, the crisp fall are, the magical-ness of Halloween and the anticipation of the coming holidays. My kids at school are all a twitter about their costumes and what kind of candy they hope to get. I can't to dress Caroline up in her Halloween costume (a chicken!!) and take lots of pictures.

On another note...I joined the ranks of the brunettes today! Quite the change for this always been blonde girl but I really like it! Sometimes all it takes is a change in hair color to pep up your spirit!

Rain

Something about dramatic weather that brings out the domestic side of me. I felt like one of the kids today when it was blowing and raining outside during school. I couldn't wait to get home, cook something warm and cozy and pile up with the baby, cat, dog, and husband. I'm a cozy person by nature so any excuse for sweatpants and a blanket is ok by me!

busy, busy!

I can't believe how busy I've been these past two weeks. Every year when school starts it seems to consume every part of my life for the first few weeks. I'm ready to get into a routine with the kids and get settled down. I saw the movie Julie and Julia last night with my mom. Such a good movie!! Just makes me want to whip up something fabulous for dinner. I guess that's all I have time for now. . .the bed is calling my name. . .

Girl Talk

Had the pleasure of spending the weekend in Baltimore at my soon to be sister in law's for her bachelorette party. Her sister threw it for her and hired a personal chef to make dinner for us girls on Jane's roof deck. It was a beautiful night with the Baltimore skyline in the background. We enjoyed good wine, sangria, and a FIVE course dinner! Being the foodie that I am I was so looking forward to it! The first course was heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a vinaigrette. The second course was seared scallops on a beet risotto with some Parmesan-Reggiano cheese on top. Third course was pan seared salmon with a spicy peach salsa and a green salad. Fourth course was a crusty french bread topped with brie and ox tail (which tastes a lot like roast beef) with some gravy drizzled over it all. Finally the fifth course was dessert which was a mini german chocolate cake and vanilla creme brulee. DELICIOUS! It was served at such a relaxed pace, too. We started eating at 6:30 and finished the last course around 9. What a perfect way to spend an evening. The rest of the night was spent enjoying wine and girl talk. It's amazing what time with girlfriends will do for your mood and spirit! I came home today feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated. Good thing since I start work tomorrow!