What A Joy!!!

I spoke with one of my friends from high school yesterday. She is now able to do what every fully pregnant woman can't wait to do...count the days on her fingers! It is always wonderful news when a friend tells you she is expecting, but it is even greater knowing that the arrival of the highly anticipated bundle of love is right around the corner! Speaking with her about the last couple weeks and the weeks to come brought back memories of my numbered days of being "side-kickless". My life, then, was good but only a fraction of how great it is now. I am thrilled that her life will be blessed and enriched in so many new ways. I am excited that her journey as a woman will continue and she will grow from the experience to come. I cant wait to hear about how much joy little C brings to their lives. To you, Brittany and David, early congratulations! I am so excited for you!

The Luckiest Girls In Town

I always wondered what it would be like to celebrate Father's Day with the man I was going to spend my life with and our sweet little child[ren]. I often wondered if it would be the relaxing day where I would wait on him hand and foot, preparing his favorite meals, watching movies, and snuggling. Our day was that and more! The weather was absolutely wonderful. It was breezy and warm, and the sunshine felt so good on our skin. We spent the day relaxing and enjoying each other. I am continually recognizing how fortunate I am. I am blessed to be with a man who sees me for who I am, all flaws aside, who has an unconditional love for his girls. He is the most caring and fun person I have ever known. I wish that I could put into words how truly wonderful Pieter has been to me and how amazing he is with Lola. I never imagined loving him more than I did...until Lola came along. She brings out a side in him that I have never seen before. She has brought back that passionate little twinkle that drew me to him years ago! I appreciate him more and more everyday, and only wish that I were able to express it to him in more ways than just my attempted words. Happy Father's Day, Babe! I love you!

Summer Todo List

I've been inspired lately by this blog, and by that I mean, it's my favorite blog do date. Pieter introduced me to it a couple months ago and I, since then, have been hooked! I love this little family of four and only wish that my post could be as captivating as hers!

So, getting inspiration from one of her previous posts, I decided that now is the time to make my first summer todo list.

I want to read more books...and by that I mean, actually finish a book.
I want to blow more bubbles with Lola.
I want to pull out my big bucket of sidewalk chalk and spend all afternoon outside drawling pictures with Lola.
I want to spend (at least) a day in San Fran!
I want to go swimming.
I want to fly kites.
I want to bake something sugary-sweet and delicious once a week.
...as a result...
I hope I'll want to WANT to go running.
I want to continue doing my art.
I want to register for one class.

I want this summer to be something special for our little family.

Day 392: A New Tooth and A New Stage

We have been working hard to get Lola to sleep through the night. Those of you close to us know that this has been nothing more than a constant struggle for the three of us, partly because Lola hadn't really been put on a bedtime schedule and some of us, I will name no names but you know who you are, are still enjoying the co-sleeping phase that we should have been past a long time ago! Sure enough we managed to step foot into the realm of sweet dreams and groggy-free mornings! YAY FOR US!!!!  It pleases me to report that Lola now, for the most part, sleeps through the night and mommy and daddy are especially happy!

We had one night in the last week that was completely horrible. Sure enough I noticed that she now has a new top tooth to add to her collection! YEAH LOLA!!! Unfortunately, they aren't her two front teeth. They are the ones that are sandwiched between the front teeth and the canines. I imagine she will resemble a little vampire for the next couple months, and if her teeth take as long as they have been, I have a pretty good idea of what she will be for Halloween this year. I'm not at all sad about her lack of teeth. She is already a year and only has four pearly whites. I've been really lucky because I think she may have only attempted to bite a couple times. I have a sense of when she will "attack" because she gets really still, her mouth open, and her big brown eyes spanning from side to side like she's either debating with herself whether or not to do it or when would be the perfect time to chomp down.

The newest addition to Lola's personality has been her enthusiasm towards independence. I'm going to be honest, I miss taking Lola for walks in the stroller without her having a melt down and wanting to walk, by herslelf. I'm not kidding about the walking by herslef part either! It is close to impossible to distract her long enough to grab ahold of her hand. I guess this is just another phase. She also HATES having her diaper changed. Every diaper change seems to turn into a battle of the strong-willed, her buns clenched so tight and her body completely arched like she's been practicing her yoga backbends. She is one tough cookie, but I always win! I have a feeling it's going to be a long road and many years of steering my wild child in the right direction, both figuratively and literally, but it will really be a fun journey. She has also really been into singing and dancing. She babbles along to songs and shakes her little hips and gives the occasional foot stomp. What a cutie! I've got her used to brushing her teeth in the morning with me. It's pretty cute seeing her ready for the day with her little toothbrush in her mouth.

Being Lola's mom has taught me a lot about myself. I never thought I could love someone to the point of tears. She is such a sweet little bird. I love the funny sounds she mumbles in her sleep, her crazy little pointer finger, the insanely styled bedhead she wakes up with, even the consistent string of drool that's been hanging from her mouth. She has taught me to be patient, or better yet is teaching me to be more patient, and has taught me to laugh at the gobs of food highlights in her hair. I'm convinced that it's the hardest job on the planet, and it's a 24 hour job for the rest of my life. Like the deep and honest relationship I have with my mom that continues to evolve, I know and look forward to having the same with my daughter! But for now, I'll enjoy the present!