A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - birthday breakfast with Nany



 

The Big Easy

At the end of April, Jeff, June and I joined Doc, Mimi, Dawn and Bob on a trip to New Orleans.  For Doc and Jeff the trip was mostly business, but the rest of us were able to enjoy four days strolling the lively streets of the French Quarter, soaking up the sun, sounds, and tantalizing smells of New Orleans.  The littlest proved to be the Belle of the Ball as she attended four cocktail parties, socialized with Plastic Surgeons from around the country and sported various fashionable looks.  I have to say that she handled the trip very well, and acted as if she knew full well she was on vacation.  Opting for the occasional cat nap, she took advantage of having our undivided attention and seemed quite pleased to participate in the weekend's various activities, which included dinners out at a few of New Orleans finest restaurants, a trip to Cafe Du Monde for beignets (delish!), sampling the best fried chicken I've eaten to date (talkin' finger lickin' good), and visiting the neighborhoods Doc lived in as a young boy.  It was a sweet time away, but as always...there's no place like home (even when home is a rental property.)

 

Busy traveler

 

The Sights of Nola

Hotel life

 

Precious time with Daddy

Cocktail receptions one, two, three and FOUR

 

Napping on the go

 

And, while we were away the little lady and man had a smashing time at Nany and Papa's. 

 

 

It's hard to say if we were even missed. 

 



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Cover of a Rolling Stone



Family "Portraits"

 

Every now and then while driving our mini van around town I'll glance in my rear view mirror and suddenly am startled by the realization that we are a family of five.  Startled in the sense that I am awakened to the significance of having three children.  So often in the hustle and bustle of life, as we transition from stage to stage, measuring milestones and awaiting the next, I lose sight of the fact that I'm living out my childhood dreams.  I am a wife and mother. 

On a recent trip to the grocery store with the little lady, she announced that she wanted to be a Mommy when she was grown up, but "would need to find a husband first." (Thank the good Lord for that.) I was blessed by her enthusiasm for motherhood, and was overcome with gratitude that she, even at the tender age of five, recognizes the beauty of holding such a significant title, Mother. 

Today, I pause in gratitude for dreams coming true. 

 



seven years



 

Today's weather was beautiful.  The air felt warm and the sun shown brightly, after months of grey skies, rain, and snow.  It was the type of day that entices you outdoors, awakens your senses, encouraging you to slow down to appreciate the beauty of clouds parting and birds chirping. Today I was thankful for the sun's comfort on a day that continues to hold sadness and great loss for our family.  Today I remember my beloved brother-in-law, Brad.  Today I recall special memories, remember his warm and handsome face, and cherish the time I had to know him, learn from him, and laugh with him. 

 

Tonight as we gathered as a family, our sweet little man offered up a simple prayer before dinner.  In his awkward phrasing, he remembered his Uncle Brad.  Oh, how I wish his knowledge of Brad was more than a picture and the stories we share, but I cling to the hope and promise of our reunion in Heaven when our little ones with know in full the beauty of their uncle.

 

Remembering.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - walking with three

 



Month Five

There are many things in life that define a person.  For the littlest, it appears her plump physique is among the first things people notice about her.  It's hard to deny her round, kissable cheeks; however, her rolling thighs are gaining quite a reputation.  Each milky white roll is a reminder of her healthy appetite and middle of the night snack that she continues to indulge in (typically after six-seven hours of sleep, and falling sometime between 2-4am).  Month five is confirming my suspicions that our third born is quite the social butterfly.  She loves to engage in playful conversation, chatters loudly, and greets each stranger who is curious enough to peer into her car seat with a warm and genuine smile.  She squirms with delight when people stop to admire her, playfully responding to their pokes and inevitable cheek-pinching.  When on-the-go, she is becoming more alert and interested in the world around her, forsaking naps in favor of observing the action.  She is affectionate, reaching for hands and holding them tight.  She loves to be held close, but continues to appreciate time on the floor to stretch her roly-poly limbs or to stand upright in the exersaucer grasping for objects.  She is observant, and spends her days carefully watching her older siblings, who are so willing to entertain her.  Watching their close bond fills me with deep joy and gratitude. 

 

This month, the littlest has enjoyed the tastes of baby cereal, apples, prunes, sweet potatoes, and bananas.  She favors apples and prunes, and was frankly dubious when fed the others.  She also experienced her first real stroll in the baby jogger through our neighborhood.  Having found her feet, she daily demonstrates her flexibility and pleasure in reaching for her toes.  And, while she successfully rolled from her tummy to her back, she chooses not to do so on a regular basis.  She is our delight!