tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73519887128603986852024-03-13T19:35:50.692-04:00That's What She Said.Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.comBlogger339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-33572118606133199232015-05-28T22:34:00.001-04:002015-05-28T22:34:54.237-04:00Life TenantsOn May 26, I celebrated my 30th birthday. In a lot of respects, I'm the happiest and healthiest I've ever been. And because of that fact, I think I welcome this decade change with open arms. I see it as good. The marking of a new and beautiful season, only beginning to come to fruition. <div><br></div><div>Now, I'm not into the cliche lists of "30 things to do before 30" or anything like that. But I have picked up a few pieces of wisdom that have proved to be tenants that I base much of my life around at this stage, and in large part have gotten me to this place of wholeness. </div><div><br></div><div>1. Change is good. It's healthy. Embrace it. It means you're growing and being challenged. It means you don't live in fear of life's next turn or hiccup. It means you have an abundance mentality rather than a scarcity mentality. Change makes us better. Forces us into new places and lessons we might not have chosen on our own. It makes us flexible and honest. It keeps us from being stagnant. It keeps relationships alive and thriving. Some change can hurt at first, but your attitude about it makes all the difference. Stephen Covey would say that you carry your own weather, and nothing could be more true in my opinion. So let's get excited about change and new opportunities together. </div><div><br></div><div>2. Travel is essential. It gets us out of the small world that we've constructed for ourselves and forces us to see things from a new perspective. Some of my biggest life lessons and most humbling experiences have been when I've traveled. And some of my most genuine relationships are ones that were forged through rigorous travel schedules, hard-to-eat food, no electricity, holes in the ground for bathrooms, throwing up in foreign toilets. We don't naturally see from someone else's perspective. That's something we have to work on and cultivate in ourselves. Travel gently forces that on us and makes us better people. Better humans. </div><div><br></div><div>3. If you find a way to compliment someone or make a connection with them, they will most likely do anything for you. My grandmother Annie and I drove to the beach together one summer. We stopped at McDonalds for a quick lunch and the first thing Annie did was compliment the woman taking our order's eyes. When we sat down to eat, my burger was cold. And Annie said that because we found a way to make a connection with the woman behind the counter, and tell her she was special, she would probably be more than happy to give us a new burger or warm ours up. And she was right. The woman was apologetic and gracious, and happily replaced our meal. </div><div><br></div><div>If the priority is always connection, we are able to be open and honest, truly asking for what we need. </div><div><br></div><div>4. We must build a life around our true selves. Not the one we think the world wants, but the one that we truly are. And that comes with a risk of knowing that we won't be close with everyone. But the people we will be close with will be friends for life, through thick and thin. It's ok to let your guard down, stop pretending, and own who we are. The world needs us to fully be us and to be fully alive in who <i>we </i>are. If you want to learn more about authentic relationships and how to cultivate that, check out Scary Close by Donald Miller. It was a game-changer for me. </div><div><br></div><div>5. Write lots of cards and letters. I can't tell you how many beautifully written cards and notes I have beside my bed, in my car, stuffed in all my books. When I'm having a bad day, I know and can read that there are people who love me and believe in me. Having those tangible expressions of love are invaluable. They call me back to who I am deep down. </div><div><br></div><div>And last but not least, 6. Therapy is always a good idea. Whether it's been a few years or you've never gone, you never realize how much YOU are holding yourself back. You never realize how much past hurts truly impact every decision and relationship. I used to hate the phrase "hurting people hurt people" because I always felt like I was hurting in some way, all for reasons out of my control. But my unhealthy responses to hurt and my lack of ability to healthily process the pain, truly hurt every. Single. Relationship. Because I was never happy. There was deep hurt that I kept hoping would magically go away or I'd meet someone remarkable that would take it all away. Or maybe if that one event was celebrated in this way, or I got that one job or one dress or that one gift. And that's just not realistic. We need to bring our whole and healthy selves into relationships. And 95% of the time, you're probably not seeing yourself in a way that is healthy or correct. We need outside perspective. Outside encouragement and support. And I'm the biggest fan of getting out there and getting it so that you can really live your life. Don't waste it thinking you can manage. You don't have to get by "just managing." You can THRIVE. You can be full of love and life and healthy relationships. You don't have to settle, so don't! Go after what you need for you, and everything else will come into better perspective. And you'll learn to trust that you really do carry your own weather. </div><div><br></div><div>So cheers to the past 30 years. Some I'd live over a million times and some I never want spoken of again. But on this day, each of those trillion moments made me who I am and has brought me to this place of gratitude, love, acceptance and life. </div><div><br></div><div>Please join me in my next 30. I'll save you a seat at the bar. But you have to bring the real you. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-60337093610290836262015-05-15T14:22:00.002-04:002015-05-15T14:31:29.517-04:00Happy Mother's Day to Both of Us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Rowan,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm writing you this today because today is perfectly positioned between Mother's Day, your first birthday party, and your actual first birthday. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My precious girl, I would not be a mother if it weren't for you. Finding out that I would be having a baby was one of the most exciting and terrifying moments of my life. It didn't feel real. Even after ultrasounds and listening to your baby heartbeat at appointment after appointment, reality still hadn't set in. But when I found out that you were going to be a <i>girl</i>, everything seemed to click. Seeing your little body on the screen and watching your heart pound and your fingers curl, and knowing that you would be my daughter was the most overwhelmingly happy I had ever felt. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is, until you were born.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day you were born was chaotic and full of painkillers and nausea. But you came into our world the most sweet and content little baby. Your daddy loved you so well as I recovered from the surgery. The nurses would come in and tell me that I could send you to the nursery for a few hours if I wanted to get some sleep, but you were so fresh and new to me that I wanted to keep looking at you, and reaching over to touch you. We always had to wake you up to eat, so we never heard you cry. I was so consumed with love for you that I took videos of you sleeping. You were 7 lb. 11 oz of pure love. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nursing was one of the biggest surprises to me, but I loved knowing that not only was I able to grow everything from organs and fingernails to muscles and bones, but I could also sustain you outside my belly. It was something that set us apart from the world. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You let us be neurotic about your sleep schedule, and we're so grateful for that. You sleep well, love bedtime, and always have great energy when you're awake. That's probably more a product of your FOMO than anything else, but I'll take it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rowan, you've taught me how to love more unconditionally than ever before. You've taught me how to speak life, fight for the words that are spoken to you and over you, and given me hope in the next generation to come. Your heart is so sweet and pure. You embrace the world with open arms, and you dance at the drop of a hat. When we're in the car you laugh and make faces to yourself and kick your feet. You give loves to your stuffed animals, and grin if you see me looking at you. You eat everything we give you, and sometimes even the things we don't give you (like lip gloss and m&ms). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are the most beautiful and vibrant thing in our lives, and we love you so completely and dearly. This year with you has been the most humbling and perfect year yet, and I'm excited to cheers to a lifetime more of memories with you. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big love to you,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-il8W8wFpkpY/VVY3LB-Q3fI/AAAAAAAAIw4/xXdzJHVXAxM/s1600/1451574_10102664985299940_740099510_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-il8W8wFpkpY/VVY3LB-Q3fI/AAAAAAAAIw4/xXdzJHVXAxM/s640/1451574_10102664985299940_740099510_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA2pP3YBAYg/VVY3Rjz_cRI/AAAAAAAAIxI/EvQP2V7admU/s1600/10441451_10103314307458130_4459367071935226146_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zA2pP3YBAYg/VVY3Rjz_cRI/AAAAAAAAIxI/EvQP2V7admU/s640/10441451_10103314307458130_4459367071935226146_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IzL3d0AqXE/VVY2BR8naaI/AAAAAAAAIv0/XCqHnO3MHQg/s1600/IMG_9452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4IzL3d0AqXE/VVY2BR8naaI/AAAAAAAAIv0/XCqHnO3MHQg/s640/IMG_9452.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79iOgr6AL3A/VVY67INB7ZI/AAAAAAAAIxs/zhtrml64GtM/s1600/10388131_10103268688947990_2145812461659283413_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79iOgr6AL3A/VVY67INB7ZI/AAAAAAAAIxs/zhtrml64GtM/s640/10388131_10103268688947990_2145812461659283413_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95jn1B18_84/VVY3NuG2p2I/AAAAAAAAIxA/v90OsgcWsU8/s1600/10325236_10103351330957740_3752719867988336752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95jn1B18_84/VVY3NuG2p2I/AAAAAAAAIxA/v90OsgcWsU8/s640/10325236_10103351330957740_3752719867988336752_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZb5r2G5h3Y/VVY2EH0WR2I/AAAAAAAAIwE/IRE8B3LhwjA/s1600/IMG_9620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zZb5r2G5h3Y/VVY2EH0WR2I/AAAAAAAAIwE/IRE8B3LhwjA/s640/IMG_9620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-7V0SG6B0A/VVY3X5ER5FI/AAAAAAAAIxg/2ViwdXtjK8U/s1600/10392461_10103316912372860_3914839434712029147_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-7V0SG6B0A/VVY3X5ER5FI/AAAAAAAAIxg/2ViwdXtjK8U/s640/10392461_10103316912372860_3914839434712029147_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ6G7KSsNpE/VVY7Gg-FsYI/AAAAAAAAIx0/vR9AEINElEc/s1600/10509637_10103450165796930_5297616598726829349_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ6G7KSsNpE/VVY7Gg-FsYI/AAAAAAAAIx0/vR9AEINElEc/s640/10509637_10103450165796930_5297616598726829349_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FMiqDxUR5o/VVY7GvnN3OI/AAAAAAAAIx4/gmSInVQC8Js/s1600/10552569_10103501788933750_3842205062461289671_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FMiqDxUR5o/VVY7GvnN3OI/AAAAAAAAIx4/gmSInVQC8Js/s640/10552569_10103501788933750_3842205062461289671_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PFzY4dvUvc/VVY7G3kjPkI/AAAAAAAAIx8/Jkjf-wRmSmE/s1600/10599525_10103510099539230_1248595188163715673_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PFzY4dvUvc/VVY7G3kjPkI/AAAAAAAAIx8/Jkjf-wRmSmE/s640/10599525_10103510099539230_1248595188163715673_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wvnslKvX9f0/VVY2CBUKWHI/AAAAAAAAIv8/w_x0lwim000/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wvnslKvX9f0/VVY2CBUKWHI/AAAAAAAAIv8/w_x0lwim000/s640/IMG_9559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxMZBQ7NCrw/VVY2PHM-4sI/AAAAAAAAIws/MrQO9UbhDdc/s1600/IMG_9729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oxMZBQ7NCrw/VVY2PHM-4sI/AAAAAAAAIws/MrQO9UbhDdc/s640/IMG_9729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhGx_3aYP0M/VVY2G6NPHjI/AAAAAAAAIwM/9_HlQoz8PKU/s1600/IMG_9327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhGx_3aYP0M/VVY2G6NPHjI/AAAAAAAAIwM/9_HlQoz8PKU/s640/IMG_9327.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1phS0EfNKFo/VVY2LC7dqnI/AAAAAAAAIwc/pglEMYYgjdk/s1600/IMG_9678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1phS0EfNKFo/VVY2LC7dqnI/AAAAAAAAIwc/pglEMYYgjdk/s640/IMG_9678.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3wTmFRJm-k/VVY2MRDXspI/AAAAAAAAIwk/SpVb7zzGHGk/s1600/IMG_9823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3wTmFRJm-k/VVY2MRDXspI/AAAAAAAAIwk/SpVb7zzGHGk/s640/IMG_9823.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6nawnvMRmU/VVY3UmnaQII/AAAAAAAAIxU/rc_PhnrtcdI/s1600/11146239_10104363088118280_7219058759256325650_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E6nawnvMRmU/VVY3UmnaQII/AAAAAAAAIxU/rc_PhnrtcdI/s640/11146239_10104363088118280_7219058759256325650_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDKrmINgbOQ/VVY3UQhIt6I/AAAAAAAAIxQ/9XbQWugBRUk/s1600/11173385_10104363091237030_6564244144285781454_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDKrmINgbOQ/VVY3UQhIt6I/AAAAAAAAIxQ/9XbQWugBRUk/s640/11173385_10104363091237030_6564244144285781454_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbtL6ZHr8nc/VVY2J7Q6bpI/AAAAAAAAIwU/bejykx6evG0/s1600/IMG_9590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbtL6ZHr8nc/VVY2J7Q6bpI/AAAAAAAAIwU/bejykx6evG0/s640/IMG_9590.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-34607051397927497622015-03-16T20:55:00.001-04:002015-03-16T20:58:44.362-04:00I would blog more if I didn't have to make up titles.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would venture to say that the first rule of blogging is to never talk about how crappy you are at blogging. Also never commit to posting more than you actually will, because really, no one likes liars. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now is the moment where I wrestle with whether or not to tell you something true or something witty. So let's do both.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First things first, I've read a few books. The weirdest (and longest) being </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But luckily I've recovered, taken a bunch of pictures, tried Blue Moon's new peach ale, and fearlessly made it through an ob/gyn appointment (without tears. Please, send me all the awards). I watched every episode of the Bachelor season 23048203498, taught Rowan how to clap, and hired a house-cleaner. Patrick was about to slay me over the state of our house, and who can blame him. It was horrendous. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started a new role at work that I am completely in love with. Moreso because it allows for better friendships with my team, AND MY TEAM IS THE BOMB. But seriously, you should work at Pardot. We had cupcakes today. And Jimmy John's. And breakfast catered from somewhere fabulous. You can play video games, write on the walls, have a beer, and talk to people about marketing. Or coding. But I talk about marketing, because HTML, woof.</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KLFf2ROM4UI/VQd48SQLkbI/AAAAAAAAH8A/vEl6hJoNdNM/s1600/ROWEandME.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KLFf2ROM4UI/VQd48SQLkbI/AAAAAAAAH8A/vEl6hJoNdNM/s1600/ROWEandME.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a more </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">serious</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> note, I've recently become impressed with the fact that people have both a <b>true</b> self and a <b>false</b> self. The true self is who you actually are deep down. Your gut-level honest self. But your false self is the one that is interpreting what people want you to be or how they expect you to act, and then catering your behavior to that. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We get into trouble with these concepts when we live so heavily as our false self, that we either A) don't know who our true self is any longer, or B) we've built an entire life and relationships around someone that we actually aren't. The hard thing about option B) is that to get back to your true self, it means undoing some unhealthy relationships, re-orienting your job or certain responsibilities, changing the hobbies you invest in, altering the way you talk or think about things or people, etc. And a lot of people can get hurt in that process because they've fallen in love with your false self, not your true one, and when you start to let your real colors shine through, those relationships can't look the same any longer. Not because you don't like the other person, but because the entire connection was based upon things that weren't real.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in the South we easily get caught up in the "southern hospitality" mindset, and gradually compromise those things that we really think/believe for the sake of niceness. So I think we probably fall most victim to this struggle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my challenge to you is this: <b><span style="font-size: large;">be the true you</span></b>. Don't say what you think people want to hear, don't agree to something you don't want to do or don't feel right about. The more honest you are, the more authentic your relationships can be and the deeper they can go. If you won't face how you really feel, you can't actually get the help or attention you need most. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz2Exr0XEIM/VQd6OP1711I/AAAAAAAAH8M/9VKuRQ05XVE/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz2Exr0XEIM/VQd6OP1711I/AAAAAAAAH8M/9VKuRQ05XVE/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(5).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ilM8MLnWm4/VQd6TjIBN1I/AAAAAAAAH8U/F6t_n58iH84/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ilM8MLnWm4/VQd6TjIBN1I/AAAAAAAAH8U/F6t_n58iH84/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(3).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-69778179772366760492015-01-23T21:08:00.000-05:002015-01-23T21:15:33.544-05:00I've Made No Resolutions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hm.<br />
<br />
Well everyone, it looks like my last post was on Korea. Whoops.<br />
<br />
And to be honest, it has taken about that long to recover.<br />
<br />
Oh, and we still have a baby. <i>I know, right?</i><br />
<br />
So we press on.<br />
<br />
But since then, we've done some grand things. I went to San Francisco. We had a wonderful first Christmas with Rowan. Harim came to visit the day after Christmas. We celebrated New Year's with him. <i>And for any of our childless friends, babies get up at exactly the same time regardless of whether or not it is a holiday, so theres that</i>. We went to Charleston and then to Vail. And are now up to our ears in laundry and mail, because it turns out we can be a little bit disorganized from time to time.<br />
<br />
In other news, Rowan is now 8 months old. I made no resolutions for 2015. I still love my job. Lucy throws up every 3-5 days on our white carpet in the den. <i>Also, who the hell let me have a white carpet? </i>I have a love for gel nails and barre3. And also for Jenny Lawson, thanks to Patrick Murphy. I periodically leave trash on the kitchen counter, and I have a dentist appointment next week.<br />
<br />
Other than that, life is trudging along. I made that sound a bit pessimistic, but its not. Maybe if I add a ! to the end it'll feel better. <i>Other than that, life is trudging along!</i> Better, right? Ok, good.<br />
<br />
In all fairness, we are living our lives more than we have in the past. Rowan is happy as a lark. Our pets get fed, although rarely walked. (Again, the baby.) I do wear clean clothes, bathe (almost) every day, enjoy going out with friends, and I've also gotten into white wine. All that to say, I'd like to receive all the awards. But really just for the dentist appointment. Thats commitment to health.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49fss3In9kY/VML_9zZHcuI/AAAAAAAAE6E/NOKc-RDIZ3U/s1600/IMG_4639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49fss3In9kY/VML_9zZHcuI/AAAAAAAAE6E/NOKc-RDIZ3U/s1600/IMG_4639.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1cDgyLjFCY/VMMACdrTN2I/AAAAAAAAE6M/OyYg7UYTeOs/s1600/IMG_4680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1cDgyLjFCY/VMMACdrTN2I/AAAAAAAAE6M/OyYg7UYTeOs/s1600/IMG_4680.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYWXch2hbaQ/VMMACuc8cXI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/uQeo9guTyHo/s1600/IMG_4686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vYWXch2hbaQ/VMMACuc8cXI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/uQeo9guTyHo/s1600/IMG_4686.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GDf39u18cg/VMMACdnCnoI/AAAAAAAAE6c/JQ1Uq1grT3Q/s1600/IMG_4754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GDf39u18cg/VMMACdnCnoI/AAAAAAAAE6c/JQ1Uq1grT3Q/s1600/IMG_4754.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-t_RiW46OE/VMMAGO9uP7I/AAAAAAAAE6k/e5twk-wRmN4/s1600/IMG_6859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-t_RiW46OE/VMMAGO9uP7I/AAAAAAAAE6k/e5twk-wRmN4/s1600/IMG_6859.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjXNtoQvmNo/VML7KN-49NI/AAAAAAAAE30/fi6-hezMAGU/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjXNtoQvmNo/VML7KN-49NI/AAAAAAAAE30/fi6-hezMAGU/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG" height="640" width="588" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woyzlzaplTg/VML7KDzjUCI/AAAAAAAAE3w/HV1RLOT1fsk/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woyzlzaplTg/VML7KDzjUCI/AAAAAAAAE3w/HV1RLOT1fsk/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYar6f3vLQ8/VML7KLDad3I/AAAAAAAAE3s/5LAqDuqsga0/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYar6f3vLQ8/VML7KLDad3I/AAAAAAAAE3s/5LAqDuqsga0/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rC71oLz7U6s/VML7KjWVZ1I/AAAAAAAAE4A/3b_wZww8PJY/s1600/IMG_4650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rC71oLz7U6s/VML7KjWVZ1I/AAAAAAAAE4A/3b_wZww8PJY/s1600/IMG_4650.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9p9u8xqEZE/VML7K9XBITI/AAAAAAAAE4I/OAhbvzF8Buc/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9p9u8xqEZE/VML7K9XBITI/AAAAAAAAE4I/OAhbvzF8Buc/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KPFiijTcgh4/VML7LHuRl1I/AAAAAAAAE4E/ayBGCK_ShxE/s1600/IMG_6907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KPFiijTcgh4/VML7LHuRl1I/AAAAAAAAE4E/ayBGCK_ShxE/s1600/IMG_6907.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBZvaJTXHJI/VML7LrpVrAI/AAAAAAAAE4M/l9dYfQLhUAo/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBZvaJTXHJI/VML7LrpVrAI/AAAAAAAAE4M/l9dYfQLhUAo/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v598QviAc2c/VML8uyYzHeI/AAAAAAAAE4s/aOnX2VhBheA/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v598QviAc2c/VML8uyYzHeI/AAAAAAAAE4s/aOnX2VhBheA/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(3).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTA2nlf379Y/VML83VyUXcI/AAAAAAAAE48/zHECMfE10xc/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTA2nlf379Y/VML83VyUXcI/AAAAAAAAE48/zHECMfE10xc/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8_lp2zRYw0/VML816-4imI/AAAAAAAAE40/Y-PAH9sfzFE/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8_lp2zRYw0/VML816-4imI/AAAAAAAAE40/Y-PAH9sfzFE/s1600/photo%2B4.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaGW_D2-MzI/VML8-HNuYsI/AAAAAAAAE5E/pge46TuIJVU/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaGW_D2-MzI/VML8-HNuYsI/AAAAAAAAE5E/pge46TuIJVU/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(1).JPG" height="242" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muZlAQnoVpU/VML9Wqenj6I/AAAAAAAAE5M/hh0lVCnnASs/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muZlAQnoVpU/VML9Wqenj6I/AAAAAAAAE5M/hh0lVCnnASs/s1600/photo%2B1%2B(4).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XyQ7FmvnHBQ/VML9bw_iBPI/AAAAAAAAE5U/TBa3XHnnTgg/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XyQ7FmvnHBQ/VML9bw_iBPI/AAAAAAAAE5U/TBa3XHnnTgg/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(2).JPG" height="640" width="528" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_vjm5nmN_U/VML9gQDNHWI/AAAAAAAAE5c/UWLGRwGQsqY/s1600/photo%2B3%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_vjm5nmN_U/VML9gQDNHWI/AAAAAAAAE5c/UWLGRwGQsqY/s1600/photo%2B3%2B(1).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPGUj6viB7w/VML9nyQSN3I/AAAAAAAAE5w/U9mgnVGdL_k/s1600/photo%2B4%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPGUj6viB7w/VML9nyQSN3I/AAAAAAAAE5w/U9mgnVGdL_k/s1600/photo%2B4%2B(1).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhKyVBRnOyc/VML9nzzv5sI/AAAAAAAAE5s/YrXm0lJB_6Y/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhKyVBRnOyc/VML9nzzv5sI/AAAAAAAAE5s/YrXm0lJB_6Y/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTyyzmZ33rA/VML-uNLAFXI/AAAAAAAAE58/KXTdcl6-MS4/s1600/rowe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTyyzmZ33rA/VML-uNLAFXI/AAAAAAAAE58/KXTdcl6-MS4/s1600/rowe.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-2524252858255995302014-10-26T11:46:00.001-04:002014-10-26T11:54:13.572-04:00Adventures in Korea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last few weeks have been quite the whirlwind. We spent 9 days in South Korea, came home for 6, then I headed out to San Francisco for 7. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you guys, I am DEAD. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But first thing's first, Korea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the minute we landed in Incheon until we set foot back on American soil, we were whisked away and treated like kings. Harim's family was amazingly generous, and showed us every square inch of South Korea. It is a stunning country. However, I am certain that I have never hit the ground running this hard in my life, and with a baby, that did not come without a price. But everything we saw was beautiful, and we were so grateful for the experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were also relieved to find a Burger King in the mall on our last day. So there's that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLyDg3WFhmM/VE0JOddMvQI/AAAAAAAAEF0/pZ_jVET8gCA/s1600/1555520_10103694763082010_5108237263751853447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLyDg3WFhmM/VE0JOddMvQI/AAAAAAAAEF0/pZ_jVET8gCA/s1600/1555520_10103694763082010_5108237263751853447_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying street food everywhere we went</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkcnc7iZrx0/VE0JOzae4fI/AAAAAAAAEGA/iKuAsmQwlR4/s1600/1796489_10103694863825120_3182806062472650334_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkcnc7iZrx0/VE0JOzae4fI/AAAAAAAAEGA/iKuAsmQwlR4/s1600/1796489_10103694863825120_3182806062472650334_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seoul Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nqg2wUXHOM/VE0JPJmBn2I/AAAAAAAAEGI/v_MoT2gYGeg/s1600/1926914_10103694864738290_4232445513917729113_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8nqg2wUXHOM/VE0JPJmBn2I/AAAAAAAAEGI/v_MoT2gYGeg/s1600/1926914_10103694864738290_4232445513917729113_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cable car ride to the top of Seoul Tower :: This day Michael rented us a car and driver for the day to take us around Seoul</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X65Rck9NMDs/VE0JL6CpmXI/AAAAAAAAEFM/rfBp8UXRHQs/s1600/10154054_10103694804873260_2572359512791934817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X65Rck9NMDs/VE0JL6CpmXI/AAAAAAAAEFM/rfBp8UXRHQs/s1600/10154054_10103694804873260_2572359512791934817_n.jpg" height="260" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XO6MD7U1EjU/VE0JL0LQZ9I/AAAAAAAAEFQ/xLilONscU-Q/s1600/10155969_10103694862827120_7181905105331968225_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XO6MD7U1EjU/VE0JL0LQZ9I/AAAAAAAAEFQ/xLilONscU-Q/s1600/10155969_10103694862827120_7181905105331968225_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Asian Games were in Incheon while we were there, and Michael got us passes to a handball game. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8lJSfNYAX2Y/VE0JMKbLyqI/AAAAAAAAEFU/9OJH_dHB0f4/s1600/10258215_10103694863705360_652956660612263729_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8lJSfNYAX2Y/VE0JMKbLyqI/AAAAAAAAEFU/9OJH_dHB0f4/s1600/10258215_10103694863705360_652956660612263729_n.jpg" height="640" width="544" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb43ytygAps/VE0JMczxSGI/AAAAAAAAEFY/-pdy5J-YBGA/s1600/10290192_10103694866529700_7674460171415133800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb43ytygAps/VE0JMczxSGI/AAAAAAAAEFY/-pdy5J-YBGA/s1600/10290192_10103694866529700_7674460171415133800_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I wish the entire trip consisted of: listening to Harim play the piano for hours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-uOGm7kVSQ/VE0JMj-LrOI/AAAAAAAAEFc/OIiJ9-81urw/s1600/10426892_10103694808515960_1307220269459384168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-uOGm7kVSQ/VE0JMj-LrOI/AAAAAAAAEFc/OIiJ9-81urw/s1600/10426892_10103694808515960_1307220269459384168_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seorak Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuqUi6EEVvI/VE0JND1G5LI/AAAAAAAAEGU/4KXG7zoU1CU/s1600/10444553_10103694764129910_8642025682366246381_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuqUi6EEVvI/VE0JND1G5LI/AAAAAAAAEGU/4KXG7zoU1CU/s1600/10444553_10103694764129910_8642025682366246381_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gyeongbokgung Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7C6PT_U0ROk/VE0JNLNiAAI/AAAAAAAAEFk/CFLnOEFJWXs/s1600/10645337_10103694868924900_6155821062935159070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7C6PT_U0ROk/VE0JNLNiAAI/AAAAAAAAEFk/CFLnOEFJWXs/s1600/10645337_10103694868924900_6155821062935159070_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pet Cafe with Harim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2E9zJcpyI-Y/VE0JNqMOTJI/AAAAAAAAEFo/6WQQAA-RaIg/s1600/10665279_10103694865481800_4468904387961669501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2E9zJcpyI-Y/VE0JNqMOTJI/AAAAAAAAEFo/6WQQAA-RaIg/s1600/10665279_10103694865481800_4468904387961669501_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silkworm larva is a delicacy in South Korea, woof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcPou5-W2pk/VE0JOMCFEiI/AAAAAAAAEFs/OKxHe6LP8Kk/s1600/10710530_10103694802532950_1333800306492989904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcPou5-W2pk/VE0JOMCFEiI/AAAAAAAAEFs/OKxHe6LP8Kk/s1600/10710530_10103694802532950_1333800306492989904_n.jpg" height="234" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A temple in Gangwon Province</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So down to business...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How was the flight?</b> Actually, better than expected. We had heard that 4 months was the only window to travel internationally with a baby, and we agree. 15 hours is long no matter what, but I will be a lot less anxious about flying with Rowan from now on. She did great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What was my favorite thing about the trip?</b> Seeing Harim and all the places he talked about while he lived with us. I'm also glad we saw both urban and rural places, so I felt like we got a good feel for the landscape of Korea as a whole.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What was my least favorite thing?</b> The schedule was really tough while we were both jet lagged, and then added a jet lagged infant just for fun. I think we could manage ourselves, but convincing a baby to swap her days and nights was just as terrible as you'd imagine. Which left us with not a lot of energy for the daily rigor of South Korea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What was the weirdest food option?</b> Red beans in ice cream, slices of raw fish at the table as a side dish, silkworm larva, dried fish, fermented octopus, the list goes on. I still have anxiety. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, I brought 18 Cliff Bars, and by day 3 I was having to ration. Poor Patrick forgot to bring his own snacks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Biggest surprise?</b> Babies come with a lot of stuff, from strollers to diaper bags to toys. And wherever we went, each family member took something off of our backs to carry. So one person would push the stroller, one would carry Rowan's diaper bag, one would carry our camera, etc. It made it so much easier on us every day to have everyone pitch in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, DID YOU SEE GANGNAM?</span> YES. And you guys, Gangnam is the coolest place in Korea. The streets all cross in unique directions, the architecture is crazy unique, and it is just beautiful and vibrant. We ate dinner at the Ritz in Gangnam, and I felt every bit as upscale as you can imagine. I borrowed a few Gangnam pictures from Google, since mine were terrible:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt91nuRp2MI/VE0SYYqafwI/AAAAAAAAEG0/V2Qby0Rl480/s1600/Gangnam%2C_Seoul%2C_Korea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt91nuRp2MI/VE0SYYqafwI/AAAAAAAAEG0/V2Qby0Rl480/s1600/Gangnam%2C_Seoul%2C_Korea.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmM36POaMd8/VE0Sfn_jWFI/AAAAAAAAEG8/Apdp7m24q4Q/s1600/The-Gangnam-district-of-S-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmM36POaMd8/VE0Sfn_jWFI/AAAAAAAAEG8/Apdp7m24q4Q/s1600/The-Gangnam-district-of-S-008.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8oJvwvWdbE/VE0SnQ2p0MI/AAAAAAAAEHE/FgBC_wh0QIo/s1600/Untitled-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8oJvwvWdbE/VE0SnQ2p0MI/AAAAAAAAEHE/FgBC_wh0QIo/s1600/Untitled-51.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cis4xPN2QEE/VE0Ss6iof5I/AAAAAAAAEHM/lmjPYMAdpn8/s1600/viewed-from-the-sky-at-night-gangnam-resembles-nyc-or-tokyo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cis4xPN2QEE/VE0Ss6iof5I/AAAAAAAAEHM/lmjPYMAdpn8/s1600/viewed-from-the-sky-at-night-gangnam-resembles-nyc-or-tokyo.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Huge thanks to Michael and Sook for being gracious hosts, Harim for still being every bit as perfect as we remember, and for Rowan hopefully forgiving us for dragging her across the world to see and experience something new. We've kept thorough notes for her counselor when this experience comes up later in therapy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-50012571168463931392014-09-21T10:46:00.001-04:002014-09-21T10:55:49.623-04:00Oopa Gangnam Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Most of you guys know about our adopted Korean child, HaRim. But if you don't, here's a quick re-cap: HaRim and his family moved to America for 2 years, as his dad was a diplomat. We got to know them fairly well, and tutored HaRim for about a year in school. When his dad got re-assigned back to Korea, HaRim came to stay with us for 4 months. He was legally ours for all of those 4 months. He spent Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years in our home, and we took our parenting assignment very seriously. And by seriously, I mean we constantly tried to talk him out of studying so that he could come hang out and watch movies with us. I'll go on and subtract one star for that. But we did do our best to make his time in America as fun as it could be. We took him apple-picking in the mountains, took him to the Varsity, to new restaurants, to pick out a Christmas tree, to our small group, etc. Basically anything that we did, he did. So we all just laughed A LOT. He fit in so seamlessly, and our lives will never be the same without that experience.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And to really round out our Korean experience, we'll be taking to the skies on Thursday to visit HaRim and his family. My only request is to visit Gangnam. And oh, did I mention we're bringing a 4 month old to South Korea?! Woof. FIFTEEN HOUR FLIGHT, Y'ALL. So we'll be pleading for prayers that we make said 15 hour flight, but also that the 13 hour time difference does not do us in. I have a feeling we'll be reverting back to the sleepless nights of newborn babies. Big tears, guys. But I know it'll be worth it, and we can't wait to see our wonderful friends in their element. Enjoy a few pictures from their stay in America!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BumegP4ev8w/VB7fCbq-EXI/AAAAAAAAED4/PyoL_uJ2fIw/s1600/sookmallowCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BumegP4ev8w/VB7fCbq-EXI/AAAAAAAAED4/PyoL_uJ2fIw/s1600/sookmallowCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hc1WUSxl3AU/VB7fCgSengI/AAAAAAAAED8/3Xm1Ay_LArM/s1600/smoresCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hc1WUSxl3AU/VB7fCgSengI/AAAAAAAAED8/3Xm1Ay_LArM/s1600/smoresCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The origination of Camp West</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3ZceBLNamc/VB7e-S0l4mI/AAAAAAAAEDo/6DIkasJtqWE/s1600/pumpkinCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3ZceBLNamc/VB7e-S0l4mI/AAAAAAAAEDo/6DIkasJtqWE/s1600/pumpkinCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrw5BZQcYV4/VB7em-kywFI/AAAAAAAAECc/bMStdI8CODw/s1600/appleswithoutus3Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrw5BZQcYV4/VB7em-kywFI/AAAAAAAAECc/bMStdI8CODw/s1600/appleswithoutus3Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQKKAl6kufA/VB7em86j5TI/AAAAAAAAECY/shA16vi5OFI/s1600/armxmastreepushCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQKKAl6kufA/VB7em86j5TI/AAAAAAAAECY/shA16vi5OFI/s1600/armxmastreepushCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFdwHyRimxw/VB7essW9SpI/AAAAAAAAECo/eWrdA2Kglss/s1600/familytwilightCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NFdwHyRimxw/VB7essW9SpI/AAAAAAAAECo/eWrdA2Kglss/s1600/familytwilightCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMo7QpcKXS8/VB7exVXkFGI/AAAAAAAAEC0/DGOdSHwtj9U/s1600/funnyCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMo7QpcKXS8/VB7exVXkFGI/AAAAAAAAEC0/DGOdSHwtj9U/s1600/funnyCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSb_AOi7fBg/VB7exTyIbWI/AAAAAAAAECw/P3ZLFDMcEwU/s1600/gangnamjac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hSb_AOi7fBg/VB7exTyIbWI/AAAAAAAAECw/P3ZLFDMcEwU/s1600/gangnamjac.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUgfuSNRGsY/VB7exbmhrZI/AAAAAAAAEC4/WxVZMsL8k_g/s1600/gangnamxmasCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUgfuSNRGsY/VB7exbmhrZI/AAAAAAAAEC4/WxVZMsL8k_g/s1600/gangnamxmasCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoR8QwLyzn0/VB7e4FefoGI/AAAAAAAAEDM/uSkGvtrIxEw/s1600/kittenfamCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoR8QwLyzn0/VB7e4FefoGI/AAAAAAAAEDM/uSkGvtrIxEw/s1600/kittenfamCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0W68uzcjhr8/VB7e34r3O3I/AAAAAAAAEDQ/wdfyzlG5AR4/s1600/lgcoffexmasCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0W68uzcjhr8/VB7e34r3O3I/AAAAAAAAEDQ/wdfyzlG5AR4/s1600/lgcoffexmasCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig-HdJnTszw/VB7e3tZw2KI/AAAAAAAAEDI/ALUcvhU1YAI/s1600/lizstevieCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig-HdJnTszw/VB7e3tZw2KI/AAAAAAAAEDI/ALUcvhU1YAI/s1600/lizstevieCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOyAM8UIOL0/VB7e5q5RfWI/AAAAAAAAEDg/YsUxee-13vE/s1600/lovedCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOyAM8UIOL0/VB7e5q5RfWI/AAAAAAAAEDg/YsUxee-13vE/s1600/lovedCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-na_fzpinWX8/VB7e-x24-5I/AAAAAAAAEDs/JXSg87Vs8XY/s1600/pizzavarsitydinnerggCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-na_fzpinWX8/VB7e-x24-5I/AAAAAAAAEDs/JXSg87Vs8XY/s1600/pizzavarsitydinnerggCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-57259092927935738772014-09-05T16:43:00.001-04:002014-09-05T16:43:34.450-04:00Pictures Upon Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First off, this is your warning. This post is 100% baby pictures. In the earlier days I might have felt ashamed to be posting SO MANY of these. But alas, this is my life now. And I love this little cherub. However, I <i>have</i> started back to work, so life is slowly starting to take some sort of shape again. And I promise there will be more "life" pictures and stories to come, because I know you're dying to see our office field day pictures, hear about our upcoming trip to Korea, and my work trip out to San Francisco in October. I promise I'll get to those. But for now, let's enjoy baby Rowan and all her sweet smiles. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tC7H3Y5AMoo/VAoZqsyXgWI/AAAAAAAAD9w/H0ZAjHEO2Ug/s1600/2bathlizdanceCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tC7H3Y5AMoo/VAoZqsyXgWI/AAAAAAAAD9w/H0ZAjHEO2Ug/s1600/2bathlizdanceCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XC62MQUhQZY/VAoZuvdftkI/AAAAAAAAD-A/m52wePOZIzs/s1600/babiesCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XC62MQUhQZY/VAoZuvdftkI/AAAAAAAAD-A/m52wePOZIzs/s1600/babiesCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig893XdqvYE/VAoZuQTR28I/AAAAAAAAD94/eb-8y6Bm8qc/s1600/bwmeanniesuneyeCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ig893XdqvYE/VAoZuQTR28I/AAAAAAAAD94/eb-8y6Bm8qc/s1600/bwmeanniesuneyeCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHXPM-UAHqo/VAoZusaId5I/AAAAAAAAD98/874g4SiP9fA/s1600/cuteCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHXPM-UAHqo/VAoZusaId5I/AAAAAAAAD98/874g4SiP9fA/s1600/cuteCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTdfDEkndQs/VAoZwO17mFI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/zD_vZe3snxI/s1600/lastCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTdfDEkndQs/VAoZwO17mFI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/zD_vZe3snxI/s1600/lastCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGbzqz28j18/VAoZ2tFoviI/AAAAAAAAD-g/XVq-CHJ8GJ0/s1600/pinkCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGbzqz28j18/VAoZ2tFoviI/AAAAAAAAD-g/XVq-CHJ8GJ0/s1600/pinkCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTpqcpHASpk/VAoZ2QIyJbI/AAAAAAAAD-c/ZSFwqDHEOOo/s1600/plaidgreensleepkoreaCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTpqcpHASpk/VAoZ2QIyJbI/AAAAAAAAD-c/ZSFwqDHEOOo/s1600/plaidgreensleepkoreaCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfK-xVanHa8/VAoZ2Q7WbMI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/v_2pIgadxVE/s1600/sweetCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfK-xVanHa8/VAoZ2Q7WbMI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/v_2pIgadxVE/s1600/sweetCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-86679820061191131822014-08-11T22:09:00.001-04:002014-08-11T22:09:20.586-04:00A letter to Rowan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
To my precious Rowan,<br />
<br />
These last 11 weeks with you have been the most exhilarating weeks of my life. I was naively unprepared for what life would look like with a newborn, however God was so kind when He gave us you. Despite how tired your dad and I have felt each day, you have remained the joy in our lives. We take such pride in taking care of you. We love brushing your hair when you get out of the bath, wrapping you in blankets, listening to your baby sneezes, playing music to calm you down, and reading books to you each night. We sneak into your room time after time each night just to look at you. We can't believe that you're ours.<br />
<br />
Watching you start to smile in the middle of the night when we'd get up with you was one of my favorite moments. And those middle-of-the-night smiles turned into every morning smiles, and now they've become a constant part of your day. They are radiant and pure, and we feel like we get glimpses of heaven every time we see them.<br />
<br />
We've loved getting to show you the world. Taking you to the beach and mountains, out to dinner, through long walks in the park, and all sorts of gatherings. We love telling you about the people you'll meet and the experiences you're going to have. Introducing you to our amazing friends who have also prayed for you has been so special. It has taken a village to get us to this point, and we'll continue to need that village for the years to come. You are loved dearly by so many.<br />
<br />
Every day I am faced with the fact that I am building your foundation, and shaping the way you see the world. I want to not take that for granted. I want to invest in you in as many ways as I can, especially when you're little and I have the opportunity. Gradually you'll start to embark on your own grand adventure in the world, and my prayer is that you will always feel rooted in love. We loved you long before we met you, and that love only grows with each passing minute.<br />
<br />
At this age, you are awake and alert for most of the day. Your eyes watch everything in the room, and you love listening to music. Sitting outside or taking a bath can calm the most violent of your tears. You grin constantly, and love to raise one eyebrow at a time. You hate having a wet diaper, and we're banking on that making potty training super easy. You have started sleeping through the night, and taking really great naps (although you tend to flail your arms and legs so much that it takes you awhile to actually fall asleep). But you sleep soundly and we're so thankful for that.<br />
<br />
We love you to pieces and are so excited to see who you become.<br />
<br />
Thanks for being part of our family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AQFaKZy6ug/U-l3JEeswdI/AAAAAAAAD7w/YM4eASZ0es8/s1600/blog1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AQFaKZy6ug/U-l3JEeswdI/AAAAAAAAD7w/YM4eASZ0es8/s1600/blog1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRoY1OkvWq4/U-l3JGwX2ZI/AAAAAAAAD70/8QP7k-drqYw/s1600/blog2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRoY1OkvWq4/U-l3JGwX2ZI/AAAAAAAAD70/8QP7k-drqYw/s1600/blog2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Liz1Im7K-RE/U-l3H7ktoqI/AAAAAAAAD7s/UBs3-eBs7x0/s1600/blog3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Liz1Im7K-RE/U-l3H7ktoqI/AAAAAAAAD7s/UBs3-eBs7x0/s1600/blog3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EgoJe3BPTRg/U-l3LDyzqdI/AAAAAAAAD8E/Av4TWoDGXGg/s1600/blog4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EgoJe3BPTRg/U-l3LDyzqdI/AAAAAAAAD8E/Av4TWoDGXGg/s1600/blog4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-3380845894269261402014-08-04T20:55:00.003-04:002014-08-04T20:56:40.099-04:00Keep the Faith :: Anthony Skinner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ziGxrln8aVI" width="560"></iframe> </div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
theres another cloudy day</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe we should go outside anyway</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
you never know what you could find</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
what's the chance my hand you'll take</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe we should go and walk in the rain</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
and let your troubles just fall away</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
you gotta trust me darling when i say</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
you've made it once before</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
you've made it thru that storm</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
so come on baby keep the faith</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
everything'll be okay</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
it aint over til its done</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I swear we're gonna see the sun</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
whats wrong with getting caught in the rain</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
tomorrow is another day</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
so come on baby keep the faith</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
and everybody's life's rains fall</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
looking for the door but all you can find are walls</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
people can be hard when you hit the ground</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
don't let the heavy people bring you down down down</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
'cause I've made it once before</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've made it thru that storm</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
so come on baby keep the faith</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
everything'll be okay</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
it aint over til its done</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I swear we're gonna see the sun</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
whats wrong with getting caught in the rain</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
tomorrow is another day</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
so come on baby keep the faith</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
when the walls are closing in</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
troubled water is the world you swim in</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
when theres nothing left to lose</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
baby theres one thing you can choose</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
let me take you by the hand</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
baby give me your hand</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
together we'll find a way</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know we're gonna find a way</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
ain't over til its done</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
keep walking til you see the sun</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
until the race is run</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
until the Kingdom comes</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
until we hear 'well done'</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
come on come on come on</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
we gotta keep the faith</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
come on come on come on</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
til we feel it rain</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
come on come on come on</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
we gotta keep the faith</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
come on come on come on</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
til we feel it rain</div>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
we made it once before</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
we made it thru that storm</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
so come on baby keep the faith</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
everything will be ok</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
it aint over til its done</div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I swear were gonna see the sun</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
whats wrong with getting caught in the rain?</div>
</div>
</div>Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-83415947385625938692014-08-01T21:39:00.006-04:002014-08-01T21:39:56.839-04:00Perhaps This is the Moment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if today was meant to be the most significant day of your life? What if you're meant to contribute something more powerful to the world today, than you were yesterday? What if you are more significant and influential than you ever realized?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would you change? How would you invest in today? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My current stage of life is hard. It is beautiful and messy and precious, but at the end of the day, it is still hard. And my biggest challenge to myself to get through the hard days is to invest in myself in some small way each day. Anne Lamott would call this '<a href="http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/anne-lamott-life-black-belt-codependent/page/0/2" target="_blank">radical self-care</a>.' This means that I will intentionally take care of myself in a way that makes me feel human. Makes me feel significant. And some days that just means that I take an extra long walk, or spend 15 more minutes with the book I've been admiring on my bedside table. But other days 'radical self-care' means Starbucks, dinner out with a group of friends, or a weekend away. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I'm convinced that if I don't care for myself in the small ways each day, I'll get wrapped up in the hard. And I'll miss the beautiful and the significant. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I might even miss that one moment that would change the course of my life story, or even yours. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to be ready for life's sacred moments. Not wishing that it was still yesterday or wishing that it was tomorrow. I want to soak in <i>today's</i> moments, and not only be present for them, but come at them with a full heart and an eagerness to play a part in their significance. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let's all take care of ourselves so that we don't miss an opportunity to impact the world. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt-Nuv3fOxk/U9wyj7OuhmI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/LXo01klj748/s1600/beallthere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt-Nuv3fOxk/U9wyj7OuhmI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/LXo01klj748/s1600/beallthere.jpg" height="110" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-54496645882765210862014-07-30T21:15:00.002-04:002014-07-30T21:20:39.318-04:00Showing Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The last few days have left me with the sense that I am FINALLY coming out of the fog.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Transitioning into motherhood was one thing I had hoped to do gracefully. Maybe even easily. But somewhere along the lines I missed the fact that it would be H A R D. That the sleep deprivation wouldn't be that bad. That I would still have time to go on long walks, dry my hair, cook gourmet meals, and keep my toenails freshly painted. That I could still do laundry, read books, grind wheat <span style="border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</span> keep up with the Kardashians.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
But I can promise you that no book, friend, parent, pediatrician, counselor, street vendor or store clerk told me that it would be like this. They didn't tell me that there would be nights of endless crying when I've exhausted all options of getting Rowan back to sleep. They didn't tell me that I would feel inadequate, exhausted, and overwhelmed. They didn't tell me that there would be hours/days where I'd want to see no one, and just sit in utter silence. Nor did they tell me that my emotions would be forced into high gear almost instantaneously with her arrival, and that that would get very, very ugly. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Just kidding.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I was told all of those things. And yet they <span style="border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">still </span>surprised me. But, why? Why did I not listen? Why did I imagine myself to be the one woman who could take all of these new feelings and tasks and emotions in stride, and lovingly tend to a baby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with constant, overflowing love and acceptance in my heart? And while I was lovingly tending to my little one without stress, I would be cooking, baking, crafting, walking, visiting friends, reading books, and spending copious amounts of time <span style="border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">resting</span> in this newfound role as a mother? Psh. This should have all been so easy!</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
But alas, I was lied to. And by the worst person: myself.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Rats.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
So honestly, my goal at this point is to just show up each day. With my whole self. To communicate more openly and candidly with those around me with what I need. With what I'm feeling, or how I'm struggling. There isn't room for manipulation, passive aggression, or a false sense of control. There isn't the time or space for lip service when it isn't real and gets us nowhere. I want my relationships to be authentic and deep, honest from the start. I own who I am and how I respond, and I want to do a good job. But I have to show up. I have to be me. And I have to communicate me or else no one else will really know who I am or how they can help.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I have to show up to love my daughter. I have to show up so that she can see that being honest and true is normal and good. That we can love each other deeply and without hindrance. And that its okay to have hard days, and even acknowledge their hardness openly. Pleasing others gets us further away from who we really are, so we have to show up with ourselves, ready to fully be <span style="border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">us</span> and all that entails. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Despite my unfortunate shortcomings in terms of all things domestic, my only hope for these days is to just show up. And I know I can do that. And so I will. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I hope you'll show up with me.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-family: 'open sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCv5FyVZcWc/U9mZt1eZm7I/AAAAAAAAD60/uMgYpEm_KzE/s1600/happy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCv5FyVZcWc/U9mZt1eZm7I/AAAAAAAAD60/uMgYpEm_KzE/s1600/happy.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-72935133588033690972014-06-25T12:25:00.000-04:002014-06-25T14:22:18.746-04:00Rowan's Birth Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On May 21, our family of 2 became a family of 3. We welcomed sweet Rowan into the world at 8:49am, and have been smitten ever since. She is perfect in every way and our days are spent just staring at her, wondering how we got to be so lucky with such a beautiful baby girl. </span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rowan's Birth Story</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> May 16, Rowan's due date, came and went without much fanfare. We had made no plans for the week in hopes that she'd make her grand debut somewhere close to her due date. But that day passed, and we headed into the weekend. I'd had Braxton Hicks contractions for weeks, and I kept hoping that they'd start coming with more regularity. However, they did not. When we had gone to the doctor for my 39 week appointment, my OB said that I didn't meet enough of the qualifications yet to be induced, so we set up an appointment for May 20 to check her size, weight and position. He also wanted to see if I had dilated at all. Then they'd be able to make some decisions about getting her out (thank God).</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Our ultrasound showed nothing unusual, but they were concerned that she was almost 9 pounds. That was just an estimate based on measuring her head, torso, arms, legs, etc. so we knew that that could be off. But it was still something worth noting. Luckily I had dilated to 2cm, which was our golden ticket to begin the induction process. When our doctor said that we could be induced, I started crying with relief. I had been so incredibly uncomfortable for weeks and would have given anything to get her out. The doctor assumed I was nervous, but I assured him that I was ecstatic, and couldn't have hoped for a better response. So finally, after 10 months, the end was in sight!</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Our doc told us to go home, pack our stuff, and they'd call us and tell us the plan. So we went out to lunch, Patrick went back to work to wrap up a few things, and I went home to tie up some loose ends for myself with work and get our bags together. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We went to the hospital around 8pm, and it took several hours to get me into my (glamorous) hospital gown, get monitors hooked up to my stomach, take my medical history, start IVs, and give me the rundown of how everything would work. Starting at 11pm, the labor and delivery nurses would give me Cervadil, a cervix softening gel that helps get your cervix ready for delivery. I would have that until 7am the following morning, and at 8am they would break my water and start Pitocin to get labor going. I was deathly afraid of Pitocin because of how intense your contractions are from the start (rather than letting your body work up to that level), but I was so ready to not be pregnant I would have given myself the IV to get it going. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Once the Cervadil was inserted (it is like a really small tampon that gradually releases the drug over several hours), Patrick and I each settled in to get some rest for the night. The nurses told me that I had a couple of pain management options, as the Cervadil can cause some crampiness. They assured me I probably wouldn't feel much, but to call them if I wanted something. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I tried to rest for a little bit, but after about 2 hours, I was really uncomfortable. I could watch my contractions and the baby's heart rate on my monitor, and I could see that I was starting to have some pretty regular contractions. I would watch them rise and fall every 2-3 minutes, so I knew that my body was making some progress. I had had a friend who had recently had a baby, and Cervadil was used on her (as Pitocin is not used in Germany where she lives) to induce labor. So I knew going in that Cervadil could be really helpful, and as I was watching (and feeling) my progress, I hoped that my body was further along than it started. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> At about that 2-3 hour mark, I was starting to have trouble breathing, and couldn't really focus on anything but getting through each contraction. I was still assuming this was the "crampiness" so I didn't say anything to Patrick and let him rest. I did call the nurse and ask if I could have some type of shot or narcotic to help with the pain, so she gave me (an incredibly painful) shot in my left hip. Several minutes after the nurse had gone, I heard a pop and felt water gushing out of me. I didn't say anything right away because I didn't know what the point would be, as my water breaking was just a sign that things were still moving in the right direction. But I was curious if I had dilated any further, so after several minutes I called the nurse and told her my water had broken, and would she mind checking me again. I didn't wake Patrick up, but he heard my call to the nurse and got up and came over to the bed with me. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The nurse confirmed that my water did break and that I was at 4cm. 4 CENTIMETERS!!! This was probably close to 3-4am, so I asked if I could have an epidural (for my sake and everyone else's). I know that nurses try to make you wait until 4cm to give you one, so hearing that I was there was such a relief. The contractions were fairly intense, and if you've been pregnant before, you know that sleeping in the last month is virtually non-existent. So I was exhausted and uncomfortable, struggling to breathe as my contractions were getting closer together, so the nurse went ahead and called the anesthesiologist. He came within minutes, although I had been warned that it usually takes 30 minutes to an hour for them to get there, and then putting it in is about a 15-20 minute process. Seeing his face was <span style="border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">wonderful.</span> The nurses and Patrick propped me up in bed, and the anesthesiologist numbed my back first (which hurt worse than the epidural itself), then inserted the IV into my spine. He did it between contractions so that I would be as still as possible, and he was incredibly quick. The medicine took effect almost immediately. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I laid back down to rest, and around 5:30 or 6 the nurses told me I was at 9 1/2 cm! Once I got to 10, the doctor came in to help me start pushing. We had noticed that the baby's heart rate would drop every few contractions, and the doctor said that she wanted me to push so she could watch how the baby would do with the pressure. After 3 pushes (in very strange positions), the doctor told me that pushing was causing too much strain for the baby. She explained that labor is just as much a workout for the baby and their little hearts as it is for us, and that her heart was getting tired and not pumping well enough to her body. So she said that they were going to prep me for a c-section to go on and get the baby out. I wept uncontrollably for several minutes upon hearing that news, because I felt like all of that effort getting up to the 10 centimeters was wasted. I knew I was proud of myself for getting to that point and seeing that I <span style="border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">could</span> do it, but I was still sad that I wouldn't be able to have a vaginal delivery. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have a dear friend that is a NICU doctor at the hospital who came to my delivery room just as they told me about the surgery. She hugged me, and asked if I'd like her to come with me to the OR. Of course having a familiar face was so welcome, and I'm even more grateful for her now than I was then. They took me to the OR, and took Patrick somewhere else to get suited up while they got me and the room prepped for surgery. Wendy, our friend, stayed with us through the whole operation, and once the baby had been pulled out of my stomach, she stayed with Patrick and the baby to help explain what was going on and to just keep an eye on everything. They showed Rowan to me, but I was so bleary from all the anesthesia that it hardly registered to me that she was mine. I wanted to have this huge monumental moment with her, but I didn't. And to be honest, she didn't look anything like me or what I expected, and she didn't yet feel connected to me. I knew that she had grown in my stomach for months and months, but the pieces weren't all connecting for me emotionally yet. But I knew she was healthy and safe, and in that moment that was all that mattered.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Rowan's heartrate was the reason we needed to have a c-section. We learned later that her umbilical cord was wrapped around her chest, and that was preventing her heart from pumping blood effectively through her body...hence her low heartrate with each contraction. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Once she was out, they took the baby and Patrick to the recovery room to wait on me to be stitched up, and then they wheeled me down to the recovery room too. I watched the nurses give Rowan a bath and teach Patrick how to swaddle her, and I was so grateful that he was with her for every second since I couldn't be. I knew that the next few days would be a very tough recovery for me, so getting to watch Patrick change her diaper, swaddle her, put socks on her feet and mittens on her hands, and bring her to me whenever it was time to eat...my heart just melted over and over. Getting to watch him become a dad was the most beautiful thing of the whole experience. </span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #7d727d; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 99.9000015258789%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The next few days were really hard on me recovery wise. I couldn't sit up on my own or do any walking, and my sweet Patrick had to help me do everything. It was such a humbling experience to not be able to bend over or sit down or turn over in the hospital bed, or even pick up my new daughter. I couldn't shower alone, go to the bathroom alone, or get dressed. And I didn't have time or energy to be weird or awkward about it because I had no choice. I needed help. Every second. And Patrick didn't bat an eyelash when I needed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and he had only slept for 30 minutes. Nor did he get frustrated when the baby cried, or when nurses were in around the clock taking my blood pressure, checking my incision and levels of bleeding, or taking my temperature and handing me my medication. I thought he was going to break in the first 2-3 days at some point, but he was just so attentive and patient, taking pictures of the baby for us, watching her sleep, adjusting her blankets, and making sure I had no need in the world. There were times that he'd just sit and hold her, tears streaming down his face, and talk about how beautiful she was. For a mom who couldn't do much, these moments were priceless and precious. I feel like God was showing me these depths in Patrick's heart that I had never seen before. I also feel like watching him love her helped me connect with her too. Being so distant the first few days kept me from feeling truly connected to her and the experience, but Patrick was what brought all the pieces together for me. I seriously couldn't be more grateful for him throughout this whole process. </span></span></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-62542949444168728032014-06-01T14:43:00.001-04:002014-06-01T14:43:31.253-04:00Rowan's First Days in Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--x_qG_kdUv8/U4qBFXUXd0I/AAAAAAAAD3A/6zscBN0tZkw/s1600/name.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--x_qG_kdUv8/U4qBFXUXd0I/AAAAAAAAD3A/6zscBN0tZkw/s1600/name.png" height="260" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxRT2bTKG4o/U4qA_VFGNSI/AAAAAAAAD24/RVn_Ze8K2GI/s1600/photo12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxRT2bTKG4o/U4qA_VFGNSI/AAAAAAAAD24/RVn_Ze8K2GI/s1600/photo12.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v87l8RofUDM/U4qBS-ivRFI/AAAAAAAAD3o/749-P1cGk4U/s1600/mepatrickfirstcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v87l8RofUDM/U4qBS-ivRFI/AAAAAAAAD3o/749-P1cGk4U/s1600/mepatrickfirstcollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDov9KHMe3c/U4qBPUkeEfI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/oGiVm_iNLJA/s1600/Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yDov9KHMe3c/U4qBPUkeEfI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/oGiVm_iNLJA/s1600/Collage2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLY3axbpTiE/U4qBQ-yq4DI/AAAAAAAAD3c/BiFtdp_Wuw0/s1600/jillduckswendyCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLY3axbpTiE/U4qBQ-yq4DI/AAAAAAAAD3c/BiFtdp_Wuw0/s1600/jillduckswendyCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dycTnOEEwFM/U4qBPZLjk_I/AAAAAAAAD3U/g92hhkP1qW4/s1600/famdogWsmithCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dycTnOEEwFM/U4qBPZLjk_I/AAAAAAAAD3U/g92hhkP1qW4/s1600/famdogWsmithCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQO96ME5HBA/U4qBOgZ9VfI/AAAAAAAAD3I/YLFp-g5l3wk/s1600/LGmeCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQO96ME5HBA/U4qBOgZ9VfI/AAAAAAAAD3I/YLFp-g5l3wk/s1600/LGmeCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpqWKs2WRck/U4qBZyiTywI/AAAAAAAAD34/ogfWc5cH8kc/s1600/patrickCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MpqWKs2WRck/U4qBZyiTywI/AAAAAAAAD34/ogfWc5cH8kc/s1600/patrickCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9d39t5-woc/U4qBS0anduI/AAAAAAAAD3s/BuyMHMbgvck/s1600/leavingCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9d39t5-woc/U4qBS0anduI/AAAAAAAAD3s/BuyMHMbgvck/s1600/leavingCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV-z7HZpRCI/U4qBhI890dI/AAAAAAAAD4A/uu0Gpra69ZU/s1600/tummyCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV-z7HZpRCI/U4qBhI890dI/AAAAAAAAD4A/uu0Gpra69ZU/s1600/tummyCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3JMHUB3sMM/U4qBheZVDBI/AAAAAAAAD4I/UJ67KkXAhxw/s1600/yellowmekisssleepCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3JMHUB3sMM/U4qBheZVDBI/AAAAAAAAD4I/UJ67KkXAhxw/s1600/yellowmekisssleepCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBg3l16JMTE/U4qB994n5gI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/NEgFLhQB030/s1600/lapazdadCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SBg3l16JMTE/U4qB994n5gI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/NEgFLhQB030/s1600/lapazdadCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-BWz3R5wkY/U4qCcBIWXSI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/D6r3lCpG2EU/s1600/beautyCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-BWz3R5wkY/U4qCcBIWXSI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/D6r3lCpG2EU/s1600/beautyCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNTfnyGrwac/U4qC02e1a7I/AAAAAAAAD4g/4lIF57u0rrc/s1600/baileyCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNTfnyGrwac/U4qC02e1a7I/AAAAAAAAD4g/4lIF57u0rrc/s1600/baileyCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilWFPqWABlQ/U4qDxb4ayUI/AAAAAAAAD4w/9NfL8_YnGc4/s1600/41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilWFPqWABlQ/U4qDxb4ayUI/AAAAAAAAD4w/9NfL8_YnGc4/s1600/41.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPN8Kw7FCts/U4qDfBiDJdI/AAAAAAAAD4o/jIwIOc4ineA/s1600/40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPN8Kw7FCts/U4qDfBiDJdI/AAAAAAAAD4o/jIwIOc4ineA/s1600/40.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6EBDOJKPtJE/U4tzkLLqZDI/AAAAAAAAD5I/8Or7zZP5No8/s1600/42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6EBDOJKPtJE/U4tzkLLqZDI/AAAAAAAAD5I/8Or7zZP5No8/s1600/42.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ-DeYsCnfg/U4tziV3sSyI/AAAAAAAAD5A/WL1NuAC-vKo/s1600/43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ-DeYsCnfg/U4tziV3sSyI/AAAAAAAAD5A/WL1NuAC-vKo/s1600/43.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-22514813123608545532014-05-10T09:04:00.002-04:002014-05-10T09:06:38.207-04:00Passing on Moments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in what you would call a season of resting and waiting. At 39 weeks, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our beautiful baby. While conversations used to consist of weekend plans, drama at work, trips we wanted to take and who to meet up with for dinner, they've shifted almost completely to this precious one being knitted together within me. What features of ours will she have? Will she love pets and books and traveling and meeting new faces? Will she be brave and confident and kind and generous? Will she be eager and open-minded and full of grace?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then all of these questions lead us then to the even bigger questions. Have we created this type of atmosphere between <i>us</i>? Have we created a safe place for her to grow and ask questions and make mistakes? Do we demonstrate kindness and character and forgiveness and grace in ourselves? Do we love unconditionally? Are we slow to anger?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the end of the day, you don't start working on the atmosphere your children will be raised in when they set foot on this earth. That atmosphere starts being cultivated in your family, and through the relationships that you choose to build over the years. And then continues on in the first days of dating, your engagement, then on through the first weeks and months of marriage. This cultivation is a task that takes years of practice, and at this point I can only hope that we've forged through tough enough waters, having come out stronger and more loving on the other side. That we've forgiven and shown grace so many times that that has become our default. That our words are more kind and less harsh, more sincere, less annoyed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this period of waiting, I find myself revisiting big life lessons that I've learned over the years. Taking inventory of the memories etched in my mind, the hard moments, the nights where I felt full of life and joy, the days spent traveling and being challenged to think bigger than myself. How can I hold those precious life moments that, when accumulated, make up everything that I am? And not only treasure those moments for myself, but share those intimate places with my children and spur them on to seek and to live out their own moments?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know the answer to any of these questions, and it will be years before I do, if ever. But I do know that this precious daughter of ours will be fearlessly loved, sacrificed for, carried through hard moments, inspired to dream bigger, and be woven into a family tapestry that is more vibrant and colorful than she can imagine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweet baby, we are <i>so</i> ready to meet you. Come join us soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-53308086125755910502014-05-01T15:52:00.002-04:002014-05-01T15:52:42.021-04:00Creative Expressions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've found that I'm developing a mild obsession with all things handwritten and colorful. But with custom work at every turn on the internet, how can you not want more unique, hand-crafted touches in your life? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/silvertreeart/about?ref=l2-more-about" target="_blank">etsy</a> shop was featured on <a href="http://younghouselove.com/" target="_blank">Young House Love</a> over a year ago, and I have been admiring all of silvertreeart's work since that day. With a new babe on the way, I finally splurged and picked a couple of fun prints for the nursery/bathroom. I'm semi-obsessed. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vo_a9M4UZ6E/U2KhxCZXwxI/AAAAAAAAD0M/pEcDZib2kYI/s1600/il_570xN.341257051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vo_a9M4UZ6E/U2KhxCZXwxI/AAAAAAAAD0M/pEcDZib2kYI/s1600/il_570xN.341257051.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izb6FTjwCVE/U2KhxMopPAI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/lFmErmcUVg8/s1600/il_570xN.412962565_76g1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izb6FTjwCVE/U2KhxMopPAI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/lFmErmcUVg8/s1600/il_570xN.412962565_76g1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnl_RABQU5A/U2KhxBPLjCI/AAAAAAAAD0U/ahYH8pFEvtQ/s1600/il_570xN.412964991_cnos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnl_RABQU5A/U2KhxBPLjCI/AAAAAAAAD0U/ahYH8pFEvtQ/s1600/il_570xN.412964991_cnos.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xu2ZRZhbYDg/U2KhxsWa-6I/AAAAAAAAD0o/WVeghdTApGM/s1600/il_570xN.444306482_sag0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xu2ZRZhbYDg/U2KhxsWa-6I/AAAAAAAAD0o/WVeghdTApGM/s1600/il_570xN.444306482_sag0.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wwyU3GshRUg/U2Khx7PPeYI/AAAAAAAAD0k/TKfRrO8dcZY/s1600/il_570xN.457299217_opio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wwyU3GshRUg/U2Khx7PPeYI/AAAAAAAAD0k/TKfRrO8dcZY/s1600/il_570xN.457299217_opio.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to make matters worse, this <a href="http://www.ashleybuzzy.com/" target="_blank">girl</a> just posted some amazing stationary that is to die for. It is a little bit outside my price range, but man, it is stunning. If I could order it all, I would. Or if I could just write like her, or make custom cards like her...or just be crazy cool like her, then I'd like all that too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ3hUU0wo4M/U2KkRLKoOvI/AAAAAAAAD04/Juif7by6w40/s1600/bestfriend.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ3hUU0wo4M/U2KkRLKoOvI/AAAAAAAAD04/Juif7by6w40/s1600/bestfriend.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_vjvVAz1e_Q/U2KkdjNttMI/AAAAAAAAD1A/fAf3LndqvY4/s1600/feelings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_vjvVAz1e_Q/U2KkdjNttMI/AAAAAAAAD1A/fAf3LndqvY4/s1600/feelings.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-72QMRi65EUA/U2KkfQmCzXI/AAAAAAAAD1I/8ho-KyJx2hc/s1600/godown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-72QMRi65EUA/U2KkfQmCzXI/AAAAAAAAD1I/8ho-KyJx2hc/s1600/godown.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDK2BJJ5Fgc/U2KkiWkYU7I/AAAAAAAAD1Q/6MBFnyIRTNg/s1600/hellogroup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDK2BJJ5Fgc/U2KkiWkYU7I/AAAAAAAAD1Q/6MBFnyIRTNg/s1600/hellogroup.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQ_hugqr30s/U2KkirDDxLI/AAAAAAAAD1U/9cVAsFOXRho/s1600/honeycustomstationery.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQ_hugqr30s/U2KkirDDxLI/AAAAAAAAD1U/9cVAsFOXRho/s1600/honeycustomstationery.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSrGS7Qy6Kg/U2Kkpp1nd6I/AAAAAAAAD1g/fx9Gf4nLPBU/s1600/conversationpack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSrGS7Qy6Kg/U2Kkpp1nd6I/AAAAAAAAD1g/fx9Gf4nLPBU/s1600/conversationpack.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's all just make a pact to write more hand-written notes so that we can hoard some of these beautiful stationary pieces for ourselves. Deal?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deal.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-25781442418080332282014-04-16T13:51:00.000-04:002014-04-16T13:51:17.886-04:00April Showers Bring May Babies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month has been full of baby celebrations, and I have loved every minute. I think until we started to get gifts here and there, I didn't feel like any of this was real. With my stomach being the size that it is, I'm not sure when I expected that 'realness' to kick in, but alas, it did. I don't know that I've ever felt so loved and humbled with how gracious and supportive everyone has been for us. No thank you note, text, hug, or gift seems adequate enough to express my gratitude. I love you all tremendously.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This first picture is from a shower hosted by some of my best girlfriends. I hate that I didn't snag more pictures throughout the day, but I loved that I was so fully present and just soaked it all in. Sometimes that is way better. ;) The food was amazing, the decor was beautiful, and being encouraged and loved on by so many women who have been significant in my life over the last few years was priceless. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekOAWk81S-s/U06v6a8R5wI/AAAAAAAADyw/kz4m7nyJvTA/s1600/friendshowerCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ekOAWk81S-s/U06v6a8R5wI/AAAAAAAADyw/kz4m7nyJvTA/s1600/friendshowerCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of you will remember that back in September, I went to Kenya for a medical mission trip with these beauties:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCxXX5cYw4M/U068MSg4vII/AAAAAAAADzw/pZfGywJKmhQ/s1600/1234787_10202156530259310_311596033_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCxXX5cYw4M/U068MSg4vII/AAAAAAAADzw/pZfGywJKmhQ/s1600/1234787_10202156530259310_311596033_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This trip was so incredibly significant for me, as I felt like I finally saw the fruit of all the counseling I'd been going through, and more fully stepped into who I was created to be. And what was so powerful was that I was actually pregnant on this trip, and had no idea. But it seemed significant that I feel truly free and full before transitioning into those next 9 months. Months that would require lots of resolve, courage, selflessness, and humility. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend, our group gathered together to enjoy each other in the mountains, and to take a little bit of time to celebrate Baby West. It was nothing short of amazing, and I left being filled up in hundreds of ways that I'd never expect.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUPM-fdObNk/U06xG1GTaNI/AAAAAAAADzY/1DQQ1nOglgE/s1600/leneejessiepinkCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mUPM-fdObNk/U06xG1GTaNI/AAAAAAAADzY/1DQQ1nOglgE/s1600/leneejessiepinkCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lchrb1HNLyg/U06v3DGzOsI/AAAAAAAADyo/ov9zDyXPPQ0/s1600/flowerfireplacepitkristenCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lchrb1HNLyg/U06v3DGzOsI/AAAAAAAADyo/ov9zDyXPPQ0/s1600/flowerfireplacepitkristenCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxRKiOUCeXY/U06v_6SMsAI/AAAAAAAADy4/FLyICpfG-9k/s1600/kitchentableCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxRKiOUCeXY/U06v_6SMsAI/AAAAAAAADy4/FLyICpfG-9k/s1600/kitchentableCollage.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ms_4e0AdFfE/U06rQI4nmDI/AAAAAAAADyE/4ZIhQOnE8T0/s1600/photo-103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ms_4e0AdFfE/U06rQI4nmDI/AAAAAAAADyE/4ZIhQOnE8T0/s1600/photo-103.JPG" height="166" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the night of the baby shower, everything was centered around the concept of a '<a href="http://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/blessingway-what-is-a-blessingway#.U07CnGRDvJM" target="_blank">Blessingway'</a> which is an old Navajo ceremony which celebrates a woman's passage into motherhood. The focus is on loving and nurturing the mother, and 'filling her cup' so that she has more love to pour out. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing that happened was the girls made me a crown of flowers, and had me walk through this tunnel. Each had been praying for a specific word to speak over me as I walked through this next transition in my life. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPL9cKtS2Pg/U06w8cnMwqI/AAAAAAAADzI/LoqU0R6-rvk/s1600/tunnel1Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPL9cKtS2Pg/U06w8cnMwqI/AAAAAAAADzI/LoqU0R6-rvk/s1600/tunnel1Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7IG1oa0WZ8/U06xASJwnjI/AAAAAAAADzQ/dOBlP_shyME/s1600/tunnel2Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7IG1oa0WZ8/U06xASJwnjI/AAAAAAAADzQ/dOBlP_shyME/s1600/tunnel2Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another thing that they did was they each wrote out specific words or prayers or encouragement for me on these pieces of paper, creating a banner that could be hung in the baby's room. Each of them went around and shared what they wrote, and why they wanted to encourage me in that specific way. The picture below is what the finished product looked like. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stR49nK3Z14/U06vuPXgnrI/AAAAAAAADyY/pueG55ZGvog/s1600/bannerCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stR49nK3Z14/U06vuPXgnrI/AAAAAAAADyY/pueG55ZGvog/s1600/bannerCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another thing they did was they each gave me a bead, symbolizing what they were praying for me throughout this next season. The hope was that I'd have this strand of unique beads to keep with me as a reminder of their love of me, and all the prayers they are praying for our precious daughter. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GteJQanK2VU/U06vxxSVCUI/AAAAAAAADyg/HQSFInqsv2E/s1600/beadsCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GteJQanK2VU/U06vxxSVCUI/AAAAAAAADyg/HQSFInqsv2E/s1600/beadsCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morning sunrise and coffee overlooking the mountains. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wR8NRKgfElE/U06w4Vi0eHI/AAAAAAAADzA/RvBU9QoW94Q/s1600/sunrisecoffeeCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wR8NRKgfElE/U06w4Vi0eHI/AAAAAAAADzA/RvBU9QoW94Q/s1600/sunrisecoffeeCollage.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVVS9Rz6hr8/U06xTZEJT4I/AAAAAAAADzg/uQBdGdfPMSQ/s1600/photo-108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVVS9Rz6hr8/U06xTZEJT4I/AAAAAAAADzg/uQBdGdfPMSQ/s1600/photo-108.JPG" height="176" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have been a part of any of these celebrations in any way, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. They've all been so encouraging and powerful to me, and I truly can't thank you enough. No flower, note, card, gift, or bead has gone unnoticed, and these keepsakes will be with us for many years to come. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-86369951767793383732014-04-05T11:10:00.000-04:002014-04-05T11:10:23.178-04:00Nursery Inspiration + This Week's Recipes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nurseries can be tough to design and decorate because (in theory), you might use it for more than one child. My hope for ours was that the walls and furniture be mostly neutral, but the art, pictures, shelves and bedding be fun and feminine. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This room was my inspiration:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUusLIOwa0I/U0AIKARDqtI/AAAAAAAADv8/T-4Edcv9220/s1600/2eb4148a1098c50d139a28cf7920df0c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUusLIOwa0I/U0AIKARDqtI/AAAAAAAADv8/T-4Edcv9220/s1600/2eb4148a1098c50d139a28cf7920df0c.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mainly because I liked the neutrality of it, but it was still bright and fun, but also soothing. We also have a dark crib and white shelves, so it is hard to feel like everything is cohesive. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we painted the walls dark grey, and got the furniture in its final-ish destination, I added these three prints above the crib:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvVjvuMxXfs/U0AFn9icJ0I/AAAAAAAADvw/Bj8sHV4MrJM/s1600/babyroomcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvVjvuMxXfs/U0AFn9icJ0I/AAAAAAAADvw/Bj8sHV4MrJM/s1600/babyroomcollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is pre-bedding (with terrible lighting), but you get the gist. ;)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_K_RA6gZn0/U0AJAUPNGII/AAAAAAAADwE/9MrBu7t2vig/s1600/nurserywithprints.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_K_RA6gZn0/U0AJAUPNGII/AAAAAAAADwE/9MrBu7t2vig/s1600/nurserywithprints.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two prints for another wall that I've ordered:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEEhGD6O_9E/U0ANIsHGebI/AAAAAAAADwQ/IpxXrm9odlY/s1600/wallartCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JEEhGD6O_9E/U0ANIsHGebI/AAAAAAAADwQ/IpxXrm9odlY/s1600/wallartCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two candles I bought for decoration, a wooden letter, and drawer pulls for a little turquoise side table</span>:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdnwmmYX43I/U0AQYDoXLOI/AAAAAAAADwc/Pm1vjPargw8/s1600/miscCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AdnwmmYX43I/U0AQYDoXLOI/AAAAAAAADwc/Pm1vjPargw8/s1600/miscCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll show pictures once everything is completed, but this is a start for now!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now for my anti-nesting hobby: cooking. Most people clean and organize, I have been cooking instead. Probably because cleaning and organizing is A. Not fun and B. I don't want to do it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.simplyscratch.com/2013/07/caprese-pasta-salad.html" target="_blank">Caprese Salad</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNwXpg27vLg/U0AYw1IajII/AAAAAAAADw0/qZloCDc4GZE/s1600/caprese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNwXpg27vLg/U0AYw1IajII/AAAAAAAADw0/qZloCDc4GZE/s1600/caprese.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tzatziki Sauce:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cucumber chopped in the food processor (then dried with a paper towel)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup full fat Greek yogurt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice of half a lemon</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Swirl of olive oil</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp white wine vinegar</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt, pepper, garlic and dill to taste</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix with a fork or whisk. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzphadvouGM/U0AZLoAJRaI/AAAAAAAADw4/ZN03HfrYhJQ/s1600/tzatziki.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzphadvouGM/U0AZLoAJRaI/AAAAAAAADw4/ZN03HfrYhJQ/s1600/tzatziki.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2013/07/grilled-chili-lime-fish-tacos-with-sour-cream-cabbage-slaw-mango-avocado/" target="_blank">Grilled Chili-Lime Fish Tacos with Mango Avocado Slaw</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erCmrWGpv9w/U0AaH6-XuQI/AAAAAAAADxE/ZVHR94S1muY/s1600/tacos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erCmrWGpv9w/U0AaH6-XuQI/AAAAAAAADxE/ZVHR94S1muY/s1600/tacos.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watermelon Lime Slushy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inspired by <a href="http://www.krystaslifeinfood.com/2012/05/watermelon-lime-frosty-or-margarita-and.html" target="_blank">this</a> recipe, but here is what I did:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups of watermelon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup ginger beer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Handful of ice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice from 2 limes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 scoop mango sorbet</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blend!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBBvQ7QzZ5U/U0AbC0yYabI/AAAAAAAADxM/R0RM4fqnrF0/s1600/watermelon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBBvQ7QzZ5U/U0AbC0yYabI/AAAAAAAADxM/R0RM4fqnrF0/s1600/watermelon.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://dinnerwithjulie.com/2011/07/05/little-strawberry-rhubarb-pies/" target="_blank">Strawberry Tarts</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*I used strawberrys and blueberry bourbon jam (because I don't actually know what rhubarb is or how to use it)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFl61t6aRf0/U0Ab79-6NQI/AAAAAAAADxc/-4xMaWBiECQ/s1600/strawberry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFl61t6aRf0/U0Ab79-6NQI/AAAAAAAADxc/-4xMaWBiECQ/s1600/strawberry.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://sweetannieskitchenblog.wordpress.com/2013/04/23/dark-chocolate-sea-salted-toffee/" target="_blank">Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Toffee</a>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSAM4rZZPrY/U0AbTTBzHjI/AAAAAAAADxU/YdQB9pExceY/s1600/toffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OSAM4rZZPrY/U0AbTTBzHjI/AAAAAAAADxU/YdQB9pExceY/s1600/toffee.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://shaunaniequist.com/bread-wine-blueberry-crisp/" target="_blank">Blueberry Crisp</a> (not pictured because it got eaten too quickly)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*This is sugar free and FABULOUS. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
* * * * *</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you have it, a week of recipes and glimpses into Baby West's nursery. Or maybe you could call this a week full of distractions, which is a tad more accurate. Happy cooking! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-66134410191584859322014-03-31T15:15:00.000-04:002014-03-31T15:15:47.773-04:00Our First Baby Shower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I promised <i>most</i> subsequent blog posts would be more positive, this is my first attempt. You're welcome. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two weeks ago, my mom and Patrick's mom threw us a beautiful baby shower. We got <u>incredible</u> gifts, and I'm continually reminded of how many amazing friends we have. This babe is one lucky girl! Can't wait to introduce her to everyone. I can already tell you'll love her.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FcCB2kpIxT0/UzmxddHm9TI/AAAAAAAADug/YWvvGXYvZpQ/s1600/foodCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FcCB2kpIxT0/UzmxddHm9TI/AAAAAAAADug/YWvvGXYvZpQ/s1600/foodCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNkKAxlJ9fE/UzmyJ4STGCI/AAAAAAAADuo/safL7-Ds9xo/s1600/babydecorgiftsCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNkKAxlJ9fE/UzmyJ4STGCI/AAAAAAAADuo/safL7-Ds9xo/s1600/babydecorgiftsCollage.jpg" height="640" width="526" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiFzLJdhRSM/UzmzCG9GkOI/AAAAAAAADuw/DkQSIgVKu_4/s1600/groupshowerCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiFzLJdhRSM/UzmzCG9GkOI/AAAAAAAADuw/DkQSIgVKu_4/s1600/groupshowerCollage.jpg" height="640" width="572" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCmgstu_S1c/UzmzsZhOMHI/AAAAAAAADu4/Cj57h0_VrY8/s1600/workmomlizCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCmgstu_S1c/UzmzsZhOMHI/AAAAAAAADu4/Cj57h0_VrY8/s1600/workmomlizCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9u0T3dqAf8/Uzm0_xT9bHI/AAAAAAAADvE/d-gQg-WIt0E/s1600/floweronesieCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9u0T3dqAf8/Uzm0_xT9bHI/AAAAAAAADvE/d-gQg-WIt0E/s1600/floweronesieCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bnp0MB5w--c/Uzm1Gz3T9PI/AAAAAAAADvM/3WBOwfK6GcE/s1600/410barbfamCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bnp0MB5w--c/Uzm1Gz3T9PI/AAAAAAAADvM/3WBOwfK6GcE/s1600/410barbfamCollage.jpg" height="640" width="326" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaTaF-CWG2g/Uzm2YfvSRZI/AAAAAAAADvY/owAeWCsMgK4/s1600/groupshowerCollagefam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HaTaF-CWG2g/Uzm2YfvSRZI/AAAAAAAADvY/owAeWCsMgK4/s1600/groupshowerCollagefam.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZnj6Z2KxKE/Uzmv7tV_0YI/AAAAAAAADuM/CMKX0flfkNQ/s1600/lizreneecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZnj6Z2KxKE/Uzmv7tV_0YI/AAAAAAAADuM/CMKX0flfkNQ/s1600/lizreneecollage.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4N8PWdefA8/UzmwdRBnyfI/AAAAAAAADuU/gsb_wwmATss/s1600/elizabethcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4N8PWdefA8/UzmwdRBnyfI/AAAAAAAADuU/gsb_wwmATss/s1600/elizabethcollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This last picture on the bottom right is of some headbands Jacquelyn sent us. They are as cute as can be, and I definitely recommend you check out this creative gal's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/turbansfortots" target="_blank">shop</a>!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All other photos (except for the obviously iPhoned ones) are courtesy of my talented brother, Walter Hall. Check out his other work <a href="http://www.aetherialimaging.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big love from the Wests!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-69132408887113288202014-03-29T14:54:00.000-04:002014-03-29T14:54:16.093-04:00Griping + Rejoicing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is one of those posts where I wish we were sitting across from each other at a coffee shop, or maybe on one of our couches. In fact, a bar might even be the better choice, as the loud noise would ensure that you wouldn't catch all that I'm saying. Thus reigning in your judgement a hair more than if you could hear me loud and clear. That might make this feel a little less dramatic, and maybe a little bit more endearing. Okay, well, that might be a stretch. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good news is that I'm hangin' in there. And by 'hangin' in there' I mean I am compulsively online shopping, switching out yoga for pj pants, and then going back to yoga pants. I have bought more doughnuts and Nutella in the last few weeks than in all of the years of my life combined. Patrick has had several long out-of-town work trips, which has left me to be the sole support for our dog and cat. Read: feeding and pottying in the early mornings and late nights, and offering general emotional stability for them while one of our pack is gone. Sidenote: pregnancy is not a time to be counted on to be emotionally supportive, not even for your pets. <i>Hoping I pull it together in this area for the sake of child #2.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I went to TJ Maxx, and found myself scowling at those who walked by. Normally I'd smile, say hello, and maybe even an 'Excuse me.' But I'm too <strike>cranky</strike> tired, and the other shoppers were moving so slowly that my 'quick' errand was turning into an endless excursion of weaving around retired women and waiting for them to make room for me on the aisle. So much so that I had to sit down on a couch halfway through my trip to rest. Mind you, I was only looking for a lamp. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, I attempted to paint my toenails last week, which was a mild success. But now the polish is chipping and I can't reach my toes to touch it up. Sorry, mom. (This is a cardinal sin in my family). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this week I thought it'd be a good idea to do some arm weights. But then I got out of breath cutting up a cucumber, so there went that idea. Points for good intentions? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in all fairness, I have had some <i>incredible</i> support around me for the last 8 months (yes, I'm in the <b><u>EIGHTH</u></b> month). My mother-in-law has gone above and beyond and handled a few returns, washed baby clothes and blankets, and helped me organize them in the nursery. Patrick has graciously helped clean the house, or given me time to sit down mid-walk, or sent me to take a nap while we're in the middle of a project. My co-workers are dreamy, and are consistently checking in on me, encouraging me, and cheering me on towards the finish line. I'm in a group text with two friends and they've helped keep me sane and outwardly positive in the last few weeks. (Inward positivity at this point is a lot to ask). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I am also getting more excited as the day to meet this precious little one draws closer. I don't know that I've felt truly <i>excited</i> until this week. Maybe because we had a shower and I could start putting her room together. Hanging pictures on the wall, organizing books, folding her clothes, etc. Those little projects have helped me move from 'scared shitless' into genuinely thrilled and anxious to meet her. To see her face, hold her hands, tell her how much we love her and talk about her. Tell her about all the friends that have prayed for her for so long, and that to us she is such a sweet miracle. To show her the place we created for her in our home, to introduce her to Bailey and Lucy and tell her how well they'll help take care of her. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All these little things have starting compounding in my heart over the last few days, and although I am getting more physically uncomfortable by the minute, I already feel like my heart is starting to 'get it.' And in some ways, there is something beautiful in the fact that women do the growing, laboring, delivery, nursing, etc. I can't forget about her, she's strapped to my stomach. She's with me everywhere and is already such a big part of me. Physically and emotionally and spiritually. Despite my griping, I've been entrusted with this grand task of bringing this child into the world. And that's big. And I'm so blessed to co-labor with heaven on this one. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So thanks for listening to my complaining and negativity, if you even made it this far. If you did, plus one Thin Mint. I promise to make subsequent posts more positive and engaging. And show you pictures of the nursery, and some of my favorite gifts that have been given to us and Baby West. You guys are awesome, and have made this whole process hilarious and honest, yet joyful and grand. And I love you dearly for that. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-31490636558237548062014-03-14T17:57:00.000-04:002014-03-14T17:58:00.609-04:00Pregnancy and Life Snapshots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsS0DdTINMc/UyHFN54LkyI/AAAAAAAADsU/vI_UtPtsDkg/s1600/hand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nsS0DdTINMc/UyHFN54LkyI/AAAAAAAADsU/vI_UtPtsDkg/s1600/hand.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffbbee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffbbee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">{and all thats in between}</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffbbee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Week 16, 18, and 20</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7V4OYx74Tg/UxktI-4wS9I/AAAAAAAADp4/nJkr5rsZdw0/s1600/3babiesCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7V4OYx74Tg/UxktI-4wS9I/AAAAAAAADp4/nJkr5rsZdw0/s1600/3babiesCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffbbee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Week 25, 27, and 29</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9uz2gX_uSU/UxktOqGpn8I/AAAAAAAADqA/u2UGbEzw5dM/s1600/456babiesCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9uz2gX_uSU/UxktOqGpn8I/AAAAAAAADqA/u2UGbEzw5dM/s1600/456babiesCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffbbee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our first baby shower invitation</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHT3ldtMFQw/UxktbjgUc4I/AAAAAAAADqI/6geeAacbnOE/s1600/photo+(87).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHT3ldtMFQw/UxktbjgUc4I/AAAAAAAADqI/6geeAacbnOE/s1600/photo+(87).JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Girls, let's be honest. Maternity clothes are incredibly unattractive. I have desperately tried to save my budget for summery post-baby things, and to make my outfits work with what is in my closet. Obviously, this can only go on for so long as you start to realize you're stretching out all your favorite shirts, so I've had to humbly give in a little bit in that department. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a small glimpse into the types of things I've been wearing day-to-day - hopefully maintaining a little bit of 'me' despite my ever-expanding everything else. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6PMAQrMRn0/UxktvuqTSCI/AAAAAAAADqw/fmNPDjXFXd4/s1600/outfitsCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6PMAQrMRn0/UxktvuqTSCI/AAAAAAAADqw/fmNPDjXFXd4/s1600/outfitsCollage.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And now for the</span> </span><span style="color: #ffbbee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">{and all thats in between}</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pregnancy is something that I wanted to wear proudly and happily. I wanted it to feel right and perfect. I wanted to glow. And we had tried for so long that I thought I would be overwhelmingly ecstatic about the whole experience. And I am incredibly happy, and thrilled to be growing our little family. But I wasn't prepared for the onslaught of emotion I would feel once that dream became a reality, or how insecure I would feel with each passing week.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And in all fairness, I think I've had it pretty easy. I've been tired, uncomfortable sleeping, and have become less agile with each day. But those are all normal pregnancy effects, and to be honest, they're all fairly easily managed (despite my uncontrollable anxiety and continual tears). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the things I haven't been prepared for: knowing that my life will forever be tied to this precious child. Obviously that is a beautiful and great thing, but so incredibly scary. For the last 28 years, I've gotten to do what I've wanted to do. Chase the dreams that I've had for myself, choose the people I spend my time around, and go where I've wanted to go. And I know that I will still be me on the other side, but I know that I'll be releasing a lot of my freedom and control with this baby. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm also overwhelmed by the fact that I alone can bring this baby into the world. Pregnancy, labor, delivery, and nursing are all things that only I can take on. But I'm being entrusted with a precious heart that grows so close to mine that I can sense her every move. And despite my insecurity (and unwillingness to admit how awkward and scared I feel), God will bring her into this world, perfect and whole. Loved from before she was even conceived. Perfectly planned and appointed for her to join Patrick and I in this world for the rest of our lives. I'm trusting those around me when they say that this exchange of freedom and body image and control are <i>more than worth it</i> once we meet our sweet little one in May. But until then, I'm just dying for a glass of wine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ffbbee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{the other pieces of my life}</span> </span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cJH2E4tmUs/UxktqponUxI/AAAAAAAADqc/5JlZ8gZTb5I/s1600/karaokeparksunsetCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cJH2E4tmUs/UxktqponUxI/AAAAAAAADqc/5JlZ8gZTb5I/s1600/karaokeparksunsetCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1ReN9XsDKc/UxktsLHSEQI/AAAAAAAADqk/VKF9MDHiBDk/s1600/mpflowerCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1ReN9XsDKc/UxktsLHSEQI/AAAAAAAADqk/VKF9MDHiBDk/s1600/mpflowerCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mic0OS-V_dg/UxkuCMaXjuI/AAAAAAAADrQ/V6qZsZ-Wga4/s1600/photo+(92).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mic0OS-V_dg/UxkuCMaXjuI/AAAAAAAADrQ/V6qZsZ-Wga4/s1600/photo+(92).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmkLRa8swR8/Uxkt1nRf3DI/AAAAAAAADrA/YNVDLAQoC7M/s1600/waltonpinkflowersskyCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jmkLRa8swR8/Uxkt1nRf3DI/AAAAAAAADrA/YNVDLAQoC7M/s1600/waltonpinkflowersskyCollage.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_eCDjSan_c/Uxkt9mtXK2I/AAAAAAAADrI/P0h2L-53rWI/s1600/photo+(86).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_eCDjSan_c/Uxkt9mtXK2I/AAAAAAAADrI/P0h2L-53rWI/s1600/photo+(86).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEf7WsOGsgA/UyN5NtS54FI/AAAAAAAADs8/KyzABEojzEg/s1600/flowerslakeCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEf7WsOGsgA/UyN5NtS54FI/AAAAAAAADs8/KyzABEojzEg/s1600/flowerslakeCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNnKs3_jNeg/UyN5d3UT1qI/AAAAAAAADtE/3qCGmM2afmI/s1600/sunsetglasseschattCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wNnKs3_jNeg/UyN5d3UT1qI/AAAAAAAADtE/3qCGmM2afmI/s1600/sunsetglasseschattCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ue0DoH7KGU/UyN5oaAk32I/AAAAAAAADtM/WRSkuSaO58c/s1600/lattereadingCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ue0DoH7KGU/UyN5oaAk32I/AAAAAAAADtM/WRSkuSaO58c/s1600/lattereadingCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffbbee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">{and because <strike>you</strike> I need to laugh}</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qX3oyzJH7UM/UxkuGuGrqLI/AAAAAAAADrY/JvyqPhXPZL4/s1600/photo+(2).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qX3oyzJH7UM/UxkuGuGrqLI/AAAAAAAADrY/JvyqPhXPZL4/s1600/photo+(2).PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuM7dMsmbnA/UxkuJrrko1I/AAAAAAAADrg/Duzr2d5K7Fc/s1600/photo+(3).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FuM7dMsmbnA/UxkuJrrko1I/AAAAAAAADrg/Duzr2d5K7Fc/s1600/photo+(3).PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3Ds4IBMfq4/UxkuNBuxdcI/AAAAAAAADro/dgXKZLnFkbI/s1600/photo+(4).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3Ds4IBMfq4/UxkuNBuxdcI/AAAAAAAADro/dgXKZLnFkbI/s1600/photo+(4).PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNPO6EiSGlY/UxkuSUJNxWI/AAAAAAAADr4/BaeXfzGZE3c/s1600/photo+(6).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNPO6EiSGlY/UxkuSUJNxWI/AAAAAAAADr4/BaeXfzGZE3c/s1600/photo+(6).PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4GNxNslHIY/UxkuUt_lb-I/AAAAAAAADsA/vtWaEtWcch8/s1600/photo+(7).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4GNxNslHIY/UxkuUt_lb-I/AAAAAAAADsA/vtWaEtWcch8/s1600/photo+(7).PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-18755213173523483972014-01-29T18:43:00.000-05:002014-01-29T18:55:01.839-05:00Winter Wonderland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past few weeks have been filled with visiting friends, a trip to Colorado, the gender reveal of our sweet baby, and the terrible 'Snowpocalypse' of Atlanta. All have been grand adventures that left us feeling full and loved on from coast to coast.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Lucy is particularly excited about her little <i>sister</i>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5B82FcE2S4U/Uul2Xf1m50I/AAAAAAAADl0/BEpHbUS1Q6Q/s1600/babyCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5B82FcE2S4U/Uul2Xf1m50I/AAAAAAAADl0/BEpHbUS1Q6Q/s1600/babyCollage.jpg" height="536" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ONLY nursery planning I've done - decided on prints for the wall. And for some reason this is way more fun and interesting to me than registering for a mound of supplies that I've never heard of. So I'll continue to decorate with the help of Cam and Katie, who have selflessly devoted time on Pinterest on my behalf (while I lament the difficulty of putting on socks and keeping a slim figure). Bless them. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8H_zrtFNHc/Uul2XI1bQXI/AAAAAAAADlw/7a3R5OtZKvg/s1600/babyroomcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8H_zrtFNHc/Uul2XI1bQXI/AAAAAAAADlw/7a3R5OtZKvg/s1600/babyroomcollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75oszzXYUpU/Uul2ogk5xEI/AAAAAAAADmw/Np7UpC8FESs/s1600/sparkkristenCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-75oszzXYUpU/Uul2ogk5xEI/AAAAAAAADmw/Np7UpC8FESs/s1600/sparkkristenCollage.jpg" height="290" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EI5UgWph-Q/Uul2YBFJ1GI/AAAAAAAADmA/JxzuCwhodcE/s1600/cheshiredanielCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EI5UgWph-Q/Uul2YBFJ1GI/AAAAAAAADmA/JxzuCwhodcE/s1600/cheshiredanielCollage.jpg" height="274" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was an event hosted by a lovely co-worker on the impact technology was having on her life. She devoted months to being more intentional <i>off</i>line, and put this fabulous event together to showcase her work. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HMMfI6ZyN0/Uul3GsH-hBI/AAAAAAAADnQ/23zOAgw16x0/s1600/photo+(44).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HMMfI6ZyN0/Uul3GsH-hBI/AAAAAAAADnQ/23zOAgw16x0/s1600/photo+(44).JPG" height="186" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UAkLvmA7T4/Uul2iH2zrgI/AAAAAAAADmc/4deaJi-7I2Y/s1600/mondaynightCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UAkLvmA7T4/Uul2iH2zrgI/AAAAAAAADmc/4deaJi-7I2Y/s1600/mondaynightCollage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby West on the left, surely being bright-eyed as usual.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xfj0g8a34M/Uul2hZiRhYI/AAAAAAAADmY/Npl1Mi3b9KY/s1600/nyeCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5xfj0g8a34M/Uul2hZiRhYI/AAAAAAAADmY/Npl1Mi3b9KY/s1600/nyeCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE BEAUTIFUL VAIL, COLORADO</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">full of lattes, family, friends, snow, hot tubs, and massages</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A-HsiI1bbk/Uul2ZMcVDmI/AAAAAAAADmE/Ym1pwa5mIKo/s1600/crosslattebridgeCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A-HsiI1bbk/Uul2ZMcVDmI/AAAAAAAADmE/Ym1pwa5mIKo/s1600/crosslattebridgeCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6jU6m5a2TA/UumIa_PP1iI/AAAAAAAADnw/BVmJMKZIX5M/s1600/photo+(64).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6jU6m5a2TA/UumIa_PP1iI/AAAAAAAADnw/BVmJMKZIX5M/s1600/photo+(64).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApB3CNPvuY4/Uul2kg8nMII/AAAAAAAADmo/qp4GJsueRHY/s1600/roomcamCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApB3CNPvuY4/Uul2kg8nMII/AAAAAAAADmo/qp4GJsueRHY/s1600/roomcamCollage.jpg" height="198" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXkd5xhm20w/Uul2pMmrtxI/AAAAAAAADm0/Ebz9RwD-zW8/s1600/spafacesiceskatelionsCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXkd5xhm20w/Uul2pMmrtxI/AAAAAAAADm0/Ebz9RwD-zW8/s1600/spafacesiceskatelionsCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0a0Tc2hkNc8/Uul2rvZ6jLI/AAAAAAAADnA/0Ta0i6L_VOo/s1600/streetmeplionsCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0a0Tc2hkNc8/Uul2rvZ6jLI/AAAAAAAADnA/0Ta0i6L_VOo/s1600/streetmeplionsCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoAGRvU6gmY/Uul5Aq2N_AI/AAAAAAAADng/L1OCoiP46KI/s1600/photo+(71).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoAGRvU6gmY/Uul5Aq2N_AI/AAAAAAAADng/L1OCoiP46KI/s1600/photo+(71).JPG" height="178" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>#SNOWPOCALYPSE</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night, after <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/atlanta-traffic-jam-pictures-2014-1" target="_blank">5+ hours in the car</a>, one minor accident, LOTS of Facebooking, over-flowing tears, and only increasing traffic and ice, I made the brave decision to go to Susan's house. Susan lives 1/4 of a mile from my office if that is any indication of how far I made it in said 5+ hours. #epicfail Susan was SO gracious to open up her home to me, and she made me a wonderful dinner and let me rant to the moon and back about my afternoon. Poor Susan always catches me after these traumatic vehicular episodes. I owe her...BIG.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To spend the night, both Liz and I ended up at our friend's Jonathan and Abbey's and it was actually <i>really</i> fun. They cooked us a grand breakfast, made lots of coffee, supplied us with anything from socks and toothbrushes to sweatshirts and deodorant. We listened to music, watched the news, caught up on life events, and compared afternoon horror stories. You guys, we have the best friends. Seriously.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I would say that adult sleepovers don't happen often enough, but I'm pretty sure the last one I had was on <i>Sunday.</i> Sooooo scratch that. ;)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mT9rJ9Kpkrk/Uul34lIjy4I/AAAAAAAADnY/nHU7dKZxMOw/s1600/photo+(60).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mT9rJ9Kpkrk/Uul34lIjy4I/AAAAAAAADnY/nHU7dKZxMOw/s1600/photo+(60).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EGbHSDmdsQ/Uul2cIYMD7I/AAAAAAAADmQ/KlYw1MdcWh0/s1600/iceCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EGbHSDmdsQ/Uul2cIYMD7I/AAAAAAAADmQ/KlYw1MdcWh0/s1600/iceCollage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-47779289390248069992014-01-18T13:37:00.000-05:002014-01-18T13:37:58.797-05:00You are powerful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a daily basis I find myself surrounded by two kinds of people: power<i>ful</i> and power<i>less. </i>And until I started reading 'Keep Your Love On' by Danny Silk, I had no idea how these two tendencies wove themselves into my daily life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: medium; line-height: 19.09090805053711px; text-align: left;">powerful: /ˈpou(-ə)rfəl</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: medium; line-height: 19.09090805053711px; text-align: left;">/</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Power<i>ful</i> people consciously and deliberately create an environment around them in which they want to live. They don't try to get people to respect them; they create a respectful environment by showing respect. They take responsibility for their choices. They choose who they want to be with, what they are going to pursue, and how they are going to go after it. The only people that can get close to them are those who know how to show respect, be responsible, and love well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: medium; line-height: 19.09090805053711px; text-align: left;">powerless: /'pou(-ə)rləs</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: medium; line-height: 19.09090805053711px; text-align: left;">/</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A power<i>less</i> person is someone who blames their messes on someone else. The reason their life is the way that it is has nothing to do with them. They need other people to protect them, make them happy, and take responsibility for their lives. At the end of the day, they are a victim to the world around them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read the details of each of these types of people, and can clearly point to times in my life where I've been one or the other. Where I've depended on other people for my happiness, or where I've only felt included and significant in a relationship if <i>I</i> was in control. A lot of that powerlessness was rooted in deep unhappiness, but it was unhappiness that I did not want to take responsibility for. I didn't want to face it or figure out why I was unhappy. I just was. And it wasn't my fault. So those around me just needed to understand and find ways to keep me happy. Looking back, I know that me feeling powerless created a strong anxiety-filled and controlling environment around me. <i>Not </i>an environment that people were drawn into and wanted to be a part of. In fact, in my attempts to enlist other's support around me, I was actually creating the opposite effect and pushing people away. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But as I've gotten healthier over the last year or two, I've started seeing that only <i>we</i> can change our own lives. If we are unhappy, <i>we don't actually have to stay unhappy</i>. We can make changes. We can adjust our surroundings, our hobbies, the books we read, the people we spend time with. You are never stuck. If someone confronts you with something, why not take a step back and really think about it before assuming that they don't know what they're talking about. Me getting healthier stemmed from more than one person bringing things to my attention that hurt my feelings or made me feel inadequate. But those were things that pushed me to want to start trying and to make an effort to do better. Because until we know we are actively doing something about it, we will refuse to take responsibility, and assume that our insecurity and inadequacy is someone else's fault. Which perpetuates the cycle of powerlessness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being intentional with ourselves and our confidence actually invites people in. And it invites people in for the right reasons, and for the right type of relationship. Not one that has an element of control or manipulation or fear, but one that is strong because two powerful people who know who they are are coming together to be vulnerable, honest about their feelings, steadfast in their love, and loyal to the other. Those are the types of relationships that are the most authentic and satisfying, and also life-changing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhSqxIWTv2I/UtrJZHQwaaI/AAAAAAAADjo/iUR7fWzxlNY/s1600/a13d187b2b478ce2af7e65773a0dc425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhSqxIWTv2I/UtrJZHQwaaI/AAAAAAAADjo/iUR7fWzxlNY/s1600/a13d187b2b478ce2af7e65773a0dc425.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-35821443862030778772013-12-16T16:40:00.001-05:002013-12-16T16:57:23.898-05:00Pardot Love + Christmas #ftw<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Days like these lead to...<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Nights like this lead to<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Love like ours.<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />You light the spark in my bonfire heart.<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />People like us—we don’t<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Need that much, just some-<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />One that starts,<br style="border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Starts the spark in our bonfire hearts</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James Blunt - <a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/2kvyMNHyxQt2UJ5EKvxaOC" target="_blank">Bonfire Heart</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ol_KOyTwX8c/Uq3QFOd4LiI/AAAAAAAADfs/x8-a8dgQzwU/s1600/ahkevladyimpgpCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ol_KOyTwX8c/Uq3QFOd4LiI/AAAAAAAADfs/x8-a8dgQzwU/s640/ahkevladyimpgpCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G48LsXS5fTc/Uq3QEzWguwI/AAAAAAAADfo/YI-fjtHFAtU/s1600/annetreemelaCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G48LsXS5fTc/Uq3QEzWguwI/AAAAAAAADfo/YI-fjtHFAtU/s640/annetreemelaCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hidZvcgJeAM/Uq3QG1pPghI/AAAAAAAADf0/KyCl1j5wYIc/s1600/boystreeCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hidZvcgJeAM/Uq3QG1pPghI/AAAAAAAADf0/KyCl1j5wYIc/s640/boystreeCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pefoDD1onBQ/Uq3QIhWX50I/AAAAAAAADgA/a4l30xTvJbo/s1600/kevsuspamCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pefoDD1onBQ/Uq3QIhWX50I/AAAAAAAADgA/a4l30xTvJbo/s640/kevsuspamCollage.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OU1WDxwBanY/Uq3QJAG-nXI/AAAAAAAADgE/4anXbllhTrc/s1600/melaxmaspartythomasCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OU1WDxwBanY/Uq3QJAG-nXI/AAAAAAAADgE/4anXbllhTrc/s640/melaxmaspartythomasCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OoSOjYvRJY/Uq3QMj-T_UI/AAAAAAAADgU/_t_IYIzB84Y/s1600/seedcraftsmirrorpxmasCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OoSOjYvRJY/Uq3QMj-T_UI/AAAAAAAADgU/_t_IYIzB84Y/s640/seedcraftsmirrorpxmasCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ivn9Q-zPTA4/Uq3QK9k3KRI/AAAAAAAADgM/-j4ivdWefMw/s1600/snowflakemegpbotCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ivn9Q-zPTA4/Uq3QK9k3KRI/AAAAAAAADgM/-j4ivdWefMw/s640/snowflakemegpbotCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8KVVoKkv2A/Uq3QMqZS5JI/AAAAAAAADgY/dIO1YkmPuLE/s1600/tjlightsjeffCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8KVVoKkv2A/Uq3QMqZS5JI/AAAAAAAADgY/dIO1YkmPuLE/s640/tjlightsjeffCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bzjuo_uPCIY/Uq3QUfFquZI/AAAAAAAADgo/OqBmwMubl8Q/s1600/photo-90.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bzjuo_uPCIY/Uq3QUfFquZI/AAAAAAAADgo/OqBmwMubl8Q/s640/photo-90.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8ml1QW3vak/Uq3QXh64eYI/AAAAAAAADgw/WAWAJ7ikLCI/s1600/photo-94.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8ml1QW3vak/Uq3QXh64eYI/AAAAAAAADgw/WAWAJ7ikLCI/s640/photo-94.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfkiXK0M_Rs/Uq9yP7JZJdI/AAAAAAAADhE/PJiBkLxVsvE/s1600/arvindsusan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfkiXK0M_Rs/Uq9yP7JZJdI/AAAAAAAADhE/PJiBkLxVsvE/s640/arvindsusan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-82490126817157849472013-12-01T11:07:00.003-05:002013-12-01T11:07:43.486-05:00Let's be intentional.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. Maria Robinson</b></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15.454545021057129px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15.454545021057129px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15.454545021057129px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone always starts the new year with such zeal to do things better. To be kinder or make healthier choices. And its probably important that we re-visit those intentions <i>before</i> the year's end. Rather than waiting to re-evaluate when we can do nothing about it. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15.454545021057129px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 15.454545021057129px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in all honesty, I don't actually make any New Year's resolutions. I have things that I want to be mindful of or more intentional about, but rarely do I write down some hard and fast action items. Which <strike>Patrick</strike> some would argue that I would never actually <i>do </i>the things that aren't 'actionable', but that's not true for me. And you have Marcy to thank for that. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.454545021057129px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My one original "intention" for this past year has been this:</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><b>What you allow is what will continue.</b> If you allow someone to talk to you in a way that hurts you, that's your fault. You have the capacity to stand up for yourself and dictate what atmosphere you allow to exist around you. Does that mean that those conversations with others are always received warmly? Of course not. They most often times aren't. BUT, its in the standing up for yourself that you put a separation between what you value and what you don't. You're putting a stake in the ground and declaring to the world who <i>you </i>are and will be. <i>This is hard. </i>But it also removes any opportunity for you to see yourself as a victim to your surroundings, and that, my friends, is powerful. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.453125px;">This </span><a href="http://www.bspcn.com/2012/02/03/30-things-to-stop-doing-to-yourself/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.453125px;" target="_blank">article</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.453125px;"> also has proved to be a killer motivator for me. However, it's moreso a list of things to </span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.453125px;">stop</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.453125px;"> doing. But my favorites are (with commentary from the author):</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><b>Stop putting your own needs on the back burner</b>. - The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now. </span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><b>Stop blaming others for your troubles.</b> - The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you're going through, you deny responsibility - you give others power over that part of your life. </span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><b>Stop running from your problems.</b> - Face them head on. No, that won't be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren't supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That's not how we're made. In fact, we're made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that's the whole purpose of living - to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become. </span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><b>Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness</b>. - If you're not happy with who you are on the inside, you won't be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. </span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;">So let's be more intentional with ourselves this year. Do hard things if they're good for you, and know that we are powerful and wonderful people. Be blessed my friends. Much love to you.</span></span></div>
</span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.453125px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7351988712860398685.post-6770073085203865662013-11-23T14:05:00.000-05:002013-11-23T14:05:10.309-05:00My love waits there in San Francisco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week was spent in the <b>stunning</b> city of San Francisco (thanks to Marc Benioff). Getting to explore San Francisco with some of your best friends is one of the greatest privileges I could ever ask for. I'd bore you with the details, but the pictures are going to be better than any writing could ever express. Enjoy!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ7jgb7Vkec/UpD1myA49lI/AAAAAAAADdA/rkZULaOkcLs/s1600/photo+(14).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ7jgb7Vkec/UpD1myA49lI/AAAAAAAADdA/rkZULaOkcLs/s640/photo+(14).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9QMrx7maIo/UpD1ojKSjcI/AAAAAAAADdI/axK6iw041fA/s1600/ahbridgeCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9QMrx7maIo/UpD1ojKSjcI/AAAAAAAADdI/axK6iw041fA/s640/ahbridgeCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJSCX-CS7Pw/UpD1p0dsTwI/AAAAAAAADdM/Zl4fzjD74Ao/s1600/alcatrazsausalitoCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJSCX-CS7Pw/UpD1p0dsTwI/AAAAAAAADdM/Zl4fzjD74Ao/s640/alcatrazsausalitoCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0TBg_Ou7zIc/UpD1v2VtfnI/AAAAAAAADdY/pDMUhTMYtjM/s1600/bridgebaysealCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0TBg_Ou7zIc/UpD1v2VtfnI/AAAAAAAADdY/pDMUhTMYtjM/s640/bridgebaysealCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abhRC0fdlDw/UpD1xhbSLSI/AAAAAAAADdg/ulHRMvUXZi4/s1600/dominicmegpsauspaintedCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abhRC0fdlDw/UpD1xhbSLSI/AAAAAAAADdg/ulHRMvUXZi4/s640/dominicmegpsauspaintedCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEiFHjquDA0/UpD2hs7XpvI/AAAAAAAADdw/QjxhGNiqt6c/s1600/farmersmarketCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEiFHjquDA0/UpD2hs7XpvI/AAAAAAAADdw/QjxhGNiqt6c/s640/farmersmarketCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAS1zaB2_Ik/UpD2TWpQhtI/AAAAAAAADdo/l3VF_v8FPek/s1600/fullhousebluebottleCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAS1zaB2_Ik/UpD2TWpQhtI/AAAAAAAADdo/l3VF_v8FPek/s640/fullhousebluebottleCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvZiBNwtM9g/UpD2hqXD0XI/AAAAAAAADd0/TXuWwwhv6-s/s1600/jumpingCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvZiBNwtM9g/UpD2hqXD0XI/AAAAAAAADd0/TXuWwwhv6-s/s640/jumpingCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZOxpDzy-6w/UpD24f0zb0I/AAAAAAAADeA/NU1jWL5UCtQ/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZOxpDzy-6w/UpD24f0zb0I/AAAAAAAADeA/NU1jWL5UCtQ/s640/photo+(6).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgtbuunxiO8/UpD3U1tYGiI/AAAAAAAADeQ/crTcVABZslE/s1600/photo+(11).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgtbuunxiO8/UpD3U1tYGiI/AAAAAAAADeQ/crTcVABZslE/s640/photo+(11).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLuIKNn3Ujk/UpD3cYf-OlI/AAAAAAAADes/iiuJEJuf4ns/s1600/photo+%252833%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLuIKNn3Ujk/UpD3cYf-OlI/AAAAAAAADes/iiuJEJuf4ns/s640/photo+%252833%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Uj9YcZsuUY/UpD4eC4_JpI/AAAAAAAADe4/4s6VlfuBmsU/s1600/sunglassleaveprejumpsusanCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Uj9YcZsuUY/UpD4eC4_JpI/AAAAAAAADe4/4s6VlfuBmsU/s640/sunglassleaveprejumpsusanCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/hawk-hill.html" target="_blank">Hawk Hill</a> // <a href="http://goldengatebridge.org/" target="_blank">Golden Gate Bridge</a> // <a href="http://www.parksconservancy.org/programs/crissy-field-center/" target="_blank">Crissy Field</a> // <a href="http://www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/" target="_blank">Sausalito</a> // </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes/mint-plaza" target="_blank">Blue Bottle Coffee</a> // <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_House" target="_blank">Full House house</a> // <a href="http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/" target="_blank">Ferry Building farmer's market</a> // <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_ladies" target="_blank">Painted Ladies</a> // <a href="http://www.pier39.com/" target="_blank">Pier 39</a> // <a href="http://sfrecpark.org/destination/mission-dolores-park/" target="_blank">Dolores Park</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I left my heart in San Francisco</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">High on a hill, it calls to me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care</span></div>
<br />
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My love waits there in San Francisco</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Above the blue and windy sea</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I come home to you, San Francisco</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your golden sun will shine for me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Tony Bennett</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div>
</div>
Maryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960385235617060978noreply@blogger.com1