I woke up this morning, and immediately searched for the photo that was taken of me and Stella the day she was born. I spent a while looking at it, and my brain started to wander. So much has changed in these past two years. OK. So the obvious. Stella is bigger. I am smaller (and well, not 5 1/2 months pregnant). I have a baby of my own.
Then I started thinking about Stella. About the life that our family shares with hers. About the beautiful extended family that I feel so grateful for. About her love, her warmth, her laugh. Of all the things she has taught Isaac. About all the things she has taught me. About the many times that Shawn and Erin have turned to me and said... just wait... and then four months later... it hits. About swimming, and the beach, many many rounds of old mac donald. About singing in the back seat, tickling her toes, and just recently watching her go off to school.
Its about all the little slivers of time I get that cast a very rosy glow on this life. B... I love you. I am so proud of you. Watching you grow has been a privilege, and my true pleasure.
Here's to two. Cheers!
"Love is, above all, the gift of oneself."
Yesterday we headed to Anaheim to celebrate Miss. Bea's second. Traffic on the way there was a breeze and getting into the park equally as straightforward. Isaac came into the day with the sniffles, so i was a little concerned that he may not have the best time, but he was a joy. Despite not feeling well, he really seemed to have the best time, and I was so happy we chose to go.
Upon entering the park, we were immediately greeted by a couple lifesize chimpmunks that put Isaac into complete meltdown mode, and I immediately thought to myself... this is going to be a VERY LONG day. A train ride took us over the the kiddy area... "somethingland" where our little ones flew on dumbo, and enjoyed the carousel. One terrible lunch later and both Stella and Isaac actually napped (this was the key to a pretty wodnerful afternoon). While the kids napped the adults relived their preteen years with a ride on thunder mountain and space mountain. Then lots of ice cream for all followed by the parade. Isaac warmed up to the idea of lifesize animals dancing and singing and both kids clutched onto their minnie and mickey mouse treasures while watching the train go by in awe. We braved a few more rides, and decided to end the day on a high note around 6:00. Off for a quick dinner at Mimi's (no link requred here) where isaac was completely hysterical throwing water all over himself, and then to a very noisy car ride home (where isaac would not stop talking about every single thing he saw all day). In the end I ushered him into his crib, and he was out for the count... until 10am this morning when we woke him up.
I think all of us would say that the day was amazingly fun, and went incredibly smoothly given the fact we were traveling with a large group and two toddlers. Mom, Dad, and Rachel... thank you for all of your help and support. You're generosity and kindness is unparalleled.
AND MOSTLY... thank you Stella for the joy you bring to our lives. You are very much one of the great loves of my life, and I look forward to every chance I get to feel your warmth.
lucky duck. isaac got a very special visit from 'nanny' and 'bapa' this week. it was the first time that he was able to say their names (or his version of their names) and clearly seemed to remember who they were from his skype conversations with them. we spent the week around town at the bergamot station, the beach house, and katsu-ya... and they enjoyed a lot of downtime around the house.
thank you paul and barb for a wonderful visit. we hope our new house was more comfortable for you, and that you will be back soon.
I woke up this morning, and immediately searched for the photo that was taken of me and Stella the day she was born. I spent a while looking at it, and my brain started to wander. So much has changed in these past two years. OK. So the obvious. Stella is bigger. I am smaller (and well, not 5 1/2 months pregnant). I have a baby of my own.
