30 days of gratitude #13

A couple of years ago I got onto an airplane in Boston. I was heading back to Denver with a barely one year old in tow (and no husband). As I was knocking into the poor aisle seated folks while trying to get me and my tot and OUR THINGS into my seat I locked eyes with a very kind woman who immediately took pity on me. (I did look rather pathetic). It was an interesting flight, and I wrote about it here. Anyway, the kind woman with the empathetic eyes and I started talking, over the heads of the people in between us. Seats got shuffled and we ended up sitting next to each other. We talked and talked and talked. Eventually we realized that we were NEIGHBORS. In real life! Anyway, fast forward two years later, tons of yoga classes, a triathalon, family get togethers, deep conversations, sicknesses, laughs etc etc and I now have a very good friend named Annie.

I chose to write about Annie in my 30 days of gratitude post for a few reasons. 1) She's awesome and I love her. 2) Courtesy of her I spent last evening walking the red carpet at the Denver Film Festival (ok ok, maybe not ON IT. But next to it!) We had a blast of a good time and it felt great to experience some of Denver's fine cultural scene. And 3) (this is my least favorite one) She is moving to Australia for a WHOLE YEAR in 5 measly weeks. I'm happy for her and sad for me. 

Anyway, she's not my oldest friend but she's a good one. Today I'm grateful for my friend Annie.

(You can read HER awesome blog here.)

Three little girls

A lot happens in a baby's year. A LOT. Growing bones, new teeth, new brain cells, coordination, confidence, hair! As a mom it's a bittersweet transformation: so much pride at your child's growth, and the subtle hint of sadness as you see those baby years fly by so darn fast. It's just another reminder to take each day as it comes. To enjoy each stage your child is in. To remember that even though your child is excessively clingy, one day she may not want to hug you at all. I could eat her up, honestly. You have no idea how many kisses she gets in a day (uncountable), how many "I love you's", how many "good job!", how many "you are such a good girl"'s. Because she is such a good girl. She is sweet and innocent and beautiful. Even when she does things I don't approve of, I want her to know amidst whatever "discipline" we are giving, that she is a good and loved girl.

Nature versus nurture. I can't help the nature, but I can do everything about the nurture.

I love being a mom.

Anyway, my very good friend Betsy lives one house over. Her girls, Jude and Zoe, are 2.5 months older than Ellie. They have been friends since birth, by default at first, but now they really love each other. I love watching these 3 play together. I hope they are friends for a long, long time

July 2009

July 2010

My guru

There are many things in this life of mine that I am blessed for. But one facet in particular are my friends with babies. I never knew this would become so important to me until I had little Ellie. As I've experienced my daily struggles and triumphs, it's so refreshing to have a support system of female mommies who actually care and contribute to this new language I'm talking in.

That said, there is one person in particular who is two steps ahead of me, plowing the road during a winter storm as I drive directly behind her. Said guru is actually my next door neighbor Betsy who has, count em, not one, but TWO infants to take care of. And that alone puts her in a respect bracket that I never knew existed. I soak up her wisdom like a sponge, I really do. Betsy's babies have 2 months on little Ellie, so I always feel like I'm getting a preview. I can't tell you the number of times I've said to Mike, "Betsy said...." and "Betsy does this....." And to think just a few months ago her and I were relishing in our pregnancy bliss sucking down Dairy Queen milkshakes and talking about all the things that were to come, both completely ignorant to How It Really Is.

(Zoe and Jude with Ellie)

Our close proximity has been awesome and I've spent many an afternoon over at this household watching Betsy perform her "circuit". Babies breastfeed (sometimes tandem), burp, change diapers, swing time, bumbo chair to play gym to tummy time to jumping station thingy to change diapers to breastfeeding to nap time. Holy crap! Before you know it literally hours have gone by and I realize I have beads of sweat and I was only spectating, holding my little sleeping baby . Add a little cholic to the situation, a little swine flu (yes, swine flu), make it out to the other side and you are officially.....


A Guru!


I know that Betsy often hears from people "I don't know how you do it". I don't think anybody "knows" how they do it, until its here, and they must. I think it's amazing the amount of strength that a person can muster up when the situation calls for it. Betsy and all you other mamas out there with multiple babies (like Kim), my hat goes off to you. I don't know how you do it.

My little social butterfly

Little Eleanor (and her mommy) are blessed to have so many babies around to play with...all born within months (and even days) of each other! So far the social playtime has included grunting, eating, some cooing, and lots and lots of naps.

I'd love to see a snapshot of one year from now...

Eleanor with Jude and Zoe

Claire and Eleanor

Eleanor and Cyril

Babies, bumps and bowling balls

Last night my good friend Jody gave me and Mike such a fun baby shower. The theme: bowling with a bump (yes beer bellies counted). What a riot to be with all of these faux bumps. It was awesome to not be the sore thumb sticking out in the crowd, and I sort of had to smile to myself when they were all complaining about how hard it was to put their bowling shoes on! Novices!!

In any case, we had such a BLAST. Thanks Jody if you ever read this.

Jody, pro bowler.... Notice Mike's new look. Kind of like MaGyver meets family guy.

Bumps can come in all shapes and sizes...

So much fun. Thanks guys!

Full of gratitude.

I am so thankful for so many wonderful family and friends who have really gone out of their way to show me their support throughout this pregnancy.

• My mom, for being my best friend, for always checking in, for always being there when I need to talk.
• My sister, whom I feel I have gotten a lot closer to during this pregnancy.
• Darci, for being such a great friend, giving great advice, and for throwing me my baby shower.
• Betsy, my next door neighbor turned great friend. I appreciate you so much. I can't wait to watch our little girls grow up together!
• My amazing grandmother, for her gifts, her check ins, her frequent calls when I was in the hospital. I just love being her granddaughter. And she's our little one's namesake!
• My Aunt Kay, Aunt Jo Ann, my cousins and my grandmother, for their care, and their "baby shower in a box" which just blew me away. That was so, incredibly thoughtful.
• My sister in law Darsey, for really reaching out...and for all of the nondisposable diapers!!
• And most importantly my husband, for putting up with all of my symptoms, all of my highs and lows, for enduring several nights of him forcing to watch my stomach to wait for the baby to kick, for reading the chapters in the books I put in front of him, for the excitement we get to share together as we start this amazing journey.

In all the love and support there have been gifts. Thank you everyone for the gifts you have offered. This is such new territory, and I really feel equipped and ready to go.
I just wanted to give a special shout out for the homemade gifts that I have received. These gifts, made with such love and care, have really touched my heart. Thank you so much!


beautful baby quilt made by my sister in law, Darsey

A bunny for the baby made by my Mom (or La La, as she likes to be called)

The cutest darn monkey I've ever seen! I love this so much!
Made by Aunt Kay.

What a fun little treat to get in the mail from my friend and
fellow blogger, Elizabeth. What a great butterfly mobile!

A diaper cake! Made by Aunt Kay. As I've started unraveling it
I can appreciate that this was no small project.


And such a sweet little quilt. I just love it Aunt Jo!



I am so blessed.

Too great not to share

Four hot mamas!

Being pregnant with other lovely ladies is such a great thing!