Going home

Last week, John had to go to Ohio State for work so we decided to turn it into a family thing and stretch it out for a whole week so we could see as many family and friends as possible. While it was a great to see everyone, the trip seemed like a comedy of errors - one thing going wrong after another. From the AC in our car breaking to three out of four of us getting some sort of 24 hr stomach flu... it was a trip to remember. A lot of good laughs though. We are very lucky to have such strong roots.



 

I always love watching my kids sleep on car trips, they look so peaceful and sweet. Right before they wake up and talk nonstop for 4 hours.



 

The day before we left, James wanted to shave his head like John. I took him to Sally's and we picked out the right size of razor and then we went home and I shaved John's head and then James'. Even though James asked for the haircut and he was excited about it, when he first looked in the mirror he completely freaked out. He is now asking me when will his hair grow back so he can be James again. Oops.



 

My Dad shows James magic tricks over Skype, and this was the first time that James was able to see them in person. It was a huge hit.



 

James and Madeleine were incredibly spoiled and loved on by everyone all week - and they deserved it. With all the traveling and long days they put in, they were fantastic. I know I have amazing kids, but when they really step up and just take everything in stride it shocks me how awesome they really are.



 

One of my good friends told us about "Touch a Truck" in Westerville where the kids were given plastic hard hats and got to go in all these trucks, emergency vehicles and buses. James loved every kind of vehicle that he was able to get in and pretend to drive... while Madeleine was much less thrilled.



 

Since we missed fireworks in Destin because of the rain, we went over to our family friend's house and watched while he shot off fireworks. It was the first time James really got to see any fireworks and there are not many things that are better than watching a kid watch fireworks. As a side note: sparklers and 3 yr olds make me very nervous. I don't want to repeat that experience any time soon.

 



Destin, Florida

We took our first real family vacation last week to Destin. We were stuffed into the CRV for ten hours listening to James talk about the beach. That's a lot of beach talk. I was almost tired of the beach by the time we got there... and when we did get there, we opened the door to the condo and watched as James promptly ran full force into the glass patio doors trying to get to the beach on the other side. It happened so fast that John was still wrestling all the luggage into the room. James came away with a bloody nose and a split lip - and was still talking about the beach. John's dad and brother Will met us down there for the week which was wonderful. It was great to see them and spend time with them. James and Madeleine were in heaven having his Papa and Uncle Will to play with all week.

 

James was all smiles on the way down.

 

 

Every morning James would run outside to the patio and look out - it was like he was making sure the beach was still there.



 

John, Will and Steve on the first day - the waves were great for body surfing.



 

When the tide was out, there was like a huge puddle left behind that was perfect for the kids to play in.



 

Madeleine and her Great Grandma Dolores.



 

James was trying to explain to Papa how to play his LeapPad.



 

 

Grandma Dolores brought lasagna for Madeleine's birthday dinner, but we also ordered a pizza since that is the Birthday Girl's favorite thing to eat.



 

The first night we were down there, we went to the local grocery store and ordered a quick simple birthday cake to pick up on Madeleine's birthday. They even made her a little smash cake. It was actually very good and worked out perfectly.



 

James helped blow out his sister's candle.



 

And he snuck in a taste :)





 

 

 

It was a long wonderful day and she was knocked out at the end.



 

It rained on July 4th, so we were not able to see any fireworks. Instead we went out to dinner with some family friends who were also down in Destin and the guys ate "all you can eat crab legs". It was impressive.



 

After three days of rain, the sun came back out and we were all able to get back to the beach.



 

James wanted to ride the waves like John so he would play in the surf and basically let the waves knock him down and then he would roll up the beach. He thought it was the best.



 

Our last dinner was at a place called The Back Porch. It was right on the beach and had fantastic seafood. It was a restaurant that John and his family went to whenever they went to Destin and so we had to carry on the tradition.



 

The ride home seemed even more painful then the ride there since there was no beach anticipation - but we promised James he could play with his friends once we got home and that seemed to mollify him. Madeleine was just her normal happy self most of the way, she really only was cranky when she was hungry - she takes after her Mama that way :)

 

It was a very successful vacation. Lots of laughs and wonderful memories. It seemed very daunting with two small kids, but now that we have done it and everyone came out with a smile - I can't wait until the next one! 

A letter to my daughter

My Beautiful Addy,

Today, we celebrate a year of you. Where has the time gone? When did you become a year old? There are moments I still feel you dancing in my belly or nuzzling your tiny face into the nape of neck as I rock you. You are and will always be my baby. I have loved every minute of our time together.

At 35 weeks, you wanted to burst into the world but the doctor thought you needed a little more time. I was in pre-term labor with you, in and out of the hospital for 2 weeks. Once we reached 37 weeks, you came with ease, quickly and gracefully. You danced your way out of me with your perfect little body and gorgeous face. Before I even saw your face, I already knew who you were. You have always listened to your needs and you are not afraid to make them known. I honor that about you.

You are a quiet, observant spirit. You watch. You are a calculated master at making your moves appear fluidly spontaneously. How do you do that? Your take your time and then you jump in, completely. Everything you do, you make look effortless because you took the time to learn, to watch and to know first. I've watched you grow this way, from eating to crawling to playing alongside your brother.  You have amazed us every single day since your tiny beginning by the rapidity with which you have grown and learned and developed.  

You love your Daddy, oh do you love your Daddy. He adores you and you adore him right back. I am thankful for that. I don't have to worry about men taking advantage of you because you will never let them. You have a man in your life that has set the bar high for all the rest. Don't settle for anyone less that the extraordinary example your father has set for you.

You absolutely idolize your brother. You think he is the best. You want to do everything he does, go everywhere he goes, play what he plays, sit where he sits. To say that you love him is definitely an understatement. Your face just lights up when you see him. It is so heartwarming to actually see the love between you two. Your love each other so much. I have never seen arguments escalate the way and you and his do, yet you make up faster than the fights first ignite. You were made for each other, a perfect balance, yin and yang. I hope you always stay this way. Fight and make up, always make up, please. I feel blessed to watch vicariously as you intertwine your lives as siblings, as friends. You have a partner, a witness to your life in each other. Take care of your relationship, your bond. Love each other and hold your differences as a gift not a disadvantage. Help one another through life.

The joy that you have brought to your Daddy and me is beyond measure. We love you more than we thought possible and feel truly blessed that we were choosen to be your parents. Thank you for being ours. 

Happy Birthday, my sweet baby girl. Always remember how loved you are.

Love, Mama