The Parade

Little One - yesterday we took you to your first Santa Parade.  It was a last minute decision - not knowing what you would think of it - but a reminder to push ourselves and get out there because you loved it!   You saw "Front Loaders!" and "Little Front Loaders!"  and dump trucks and fire engines and ambulances and of course, Santa.

It was such a special day.  I will never forget your joy.

and then you were 3

I'm not quite sure how it happened.  But Baby J, you managed to turn 3 over the weekend.  How is it possible you've been with us for 3 years, 1000+ days, since 11.22.2012.   My boy, you've been making us laugh and filling our heart with so much love and goodness since the first day you arrived.

I was so scared - terrified - when I woke up in the hospital room and you weren't there.  After a very complicated c-section, the nurses were just getting you cleaned up but I didn't know why you weren't there with me - but they put you in my arms and my life changed forever.  To hold you and know that you made it was to understand peace.

And since that exhale in the hospital post-op room, you have been the light of my life.  I have sang songs 1000's of times just because you request it.   We have read stories and flipped thru books that we both know by heart.   I have held you and chased after you and lifted you and wiped away tears.  You, my son, have done the same for me.   On my darkest days, you have been there to lift my spirit, to make me smile, to remind me of my greatest joy in this life --- being your mama.

So, now you are 3.   We began the year with a family outing to Chuck E Cheese.  You loved it. And we loved watching your excitement while you ran from ride to ride.  It wasn't the biggest of birthday celebrations, but it was perfect.  We love being with you and sharing your spirit.  We hope the love we have for you fills your heart forever, just as you have done for us.  Happy birthday my little angel.  Happy Birthday Joseph.

This is 40

It's so much harder to write here than it used to be.  It's not due to lack or inspiration or activity, in fact, maybe just the opposite.  Life these days is so jam packed, I just don't have the time I used to for reflection.  But life is packed with goodness --- we've had events at the gym, surprise birthday visitors, and are hosting a decent sized 40th birthday party at the house.  October - November - December is without a doubt our family's busiest time.

We had some of our closest friends over on Tuesday night for a small birthday gathering.  There was guitar-playing (and J on the Triangle!), toddlers up too late, visitors who flew in and dogs running around... it was joy.  It was life.   Our life - the life  we carve with intention and create for ourselves.  Grateful for it all.

"Set your life on fire and seek those who fan your flames." - Rumi 

Madewell High Riser Skinny

These jeans are so comfortable and so flattering!  I wish they had a hair less stretch - but all in all, say hello to my new workhorse!    My new office is decidedly more casual so I'm trying to incorporate some more casual pieces...

Friday Tradition

I've started popping into Formaggio on Fridays for an Iggy's baguette, some jamon, and cheese, olives and a bottle of wine.  We pull up the bar stools in the kitchen - let the baby zone out on Barney (it's his Friday too!) and pretend we're far away.   The reality of it -- there's no place more perfect than right there.

Have a great weekend, friends.

1989

Really enjoying Ryan Adam's rendition of Taylor Swift's 1989 album.  If you're needing something new.  

Delivery Parable - Wayne Dyer

In a mother’s womb were two babies.One asked the other: “Do you believe in life after delivery?”The other replied, “Why, of course. There has to be something after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.”

“Nonsense” said the first. “There is no life after delivery. What kind of life would that be?”

The second said, “I don’t know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths. Maybe we will have other senses that we can’t understand now.”

The first replied, “That is absurd. Walking is impossible. And eating with our mouths? Ridiculous! The umbilical cord supplies nutrition and everything we need. But the umbilical cord is so short. Life after delivery is to be logically excluded.”

The second insisted, “Well I think there is something and maybe it’s different than it is here. Maybe we won’t need this physical cord anymore.”

The first replied, “Nonsense. And moreover if there is life, then why has no one has ever come back from there? Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery there is nothing but darkness and silence and oblivion. It takes us nowhere.”

“Well, I don’t know,” said the second, “but certainly we will meet Mother and she will take care of us.”

The first replied “Mother? You actually believe in Mother? That’s laughable. If Mother exists then where is She now?”

The second said, “She is all around us. We are surrounded by her. We are of Her. It is in Her that we live. Without Her this world would not and could not exist.”

Said the first: “Well I don’t see Her, so it is only logical that She doesn’t exist.”

To which the second replied, “Sometimes, when you’re in silence and you focus and you really listen, you can perceive Her presence, and you can hear Her loving voice, calling down from above.”

Day 1

"We love what we love. Reason does not enter into it. In many ways, unwise love is the truest love. Anyone can love a thing because. That’s as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.”

Unsure of the author, but will try to find out and update.  

National Blog Post Month

Came across this and seems like the challenge I need to get back on the horse here.  30 days, a post a day.  A post a day for 30 days --- ready, go!