A Jolly Holiday

I started off Christmas Break by quitting my job.

I had very mixed emotions walking out of Midvale Middle School for the last time. So happy to get to stay home with Graham, and also so heartbroken to leave, not knowing when and if I will ever return to public education. I have had a wonderful experience. I learned a lot, made some great teacher friends, and also enjoyed the kids immensely.

The best part of having our families live so close is getting to spend quality time with both over the holiday season.

Graham met his cousin James for the first time. I loved seeing them together.

The highlight of Christmas Day was caroling at a care center, and then playing indoor soccer at the church- Russell's gift to my sister Emma.

Russell got to spend quality time with his best friend Gabe.

Graham has no bedtime (bad parents) and was wide awake to ring in 2013 with us.

2012 was a pretty good year- we went to Las Vegas and Phoenix, celebrated our fourth anniversary, and moved to Millcreek. Russ ran a marathon and I finished my second year of teaching. Best of all, we welcomed our sweet son into our lives and he has already made us happier than we could have ever imagined.

We are excited for 2013 and the adventures that lie ahead. One of my resolutions is to blog more frequently. We'll see if I can keep it and blog again before February. Ha.

And He Smiles

I can't handle it. Can't.

Thanksgiving = Delightful

Pie night.

Fun with both families.

Baby in a hilarious sweater vest.

A delicious meal.

Kickball.

Thanksgiving Pudding.

Cozy new lumberjack pajamas.

Family pictures.

Cosmic bowling.

Getting out our tiny Christmas tree.

              Mmmm, good stuff.              

On Motherhood

On Recovery
I am feeling good.
A week after Graham was born, I went to the Emergency Room with a fever of 104 and was told I had endometritis - an infection along the uterine wall. I went on antibiotics and the infection went away.
For a few weeks, one of my favorite things was a little inflatable donut chair that I got from the hospital. I carried it around everywhere I sat. It popped.
I haven't been back to the gym. I wonder if Gold's can reimburse me for the month of October because I had a baby? Fat chance.

On Maternity Leave
I thought staying home all day would be suffocating, but it is surprising how busy I am with feeding, changing, bathing (him, not me), cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and showering (me, not him).
I do, however, get stir crazy and enjoy going on walks with Graham - at first outside, but now around the mall or Ikea.
I have started cooking on a semi-regular basis.
I cry whenever I think about going back to work next week.

On Diapers
For one so small, I can't believe how much poop Graham emits.
Sometimes it does amazing shooting tricks, like the fountains at Gateway.
I almost have my gag reflex under control.
Whoever says infant dirty diapers don't stink is delusional.

On Breastfeeding
It hurts.
I am amazed that it burns so many calories.
I love being the one that he absolutely can't live without. I love how calm and quiet he becomes when he nurses and how when he pulls away, his sleepy face is smeared with milk and sometimes he'll afford me a gooey little smile before slipping into Dreamland.

On Laundry
I do a lot of it. I keep a Spray 'n' Wash stain stick on my nightstand now for quick access.

On My Social Life
I have next to none. I only get out of my fluffy bathrobe to put on regular clothes about every three days.

On Days and Nights
Graham has them mixed up.
He sleeps the day away, and by the time Russ comes home, Graham is ready to party. He loves when we dance him around the living room to David Bowie, Robyn, and the Killers.
His most awake period is from 1:00 to 4:00 a.m.

On Love
Graham came and filled an enormous hole in my life that I didn't even know was there.
I only met him a short while ago, but I would do absolutely anything for him.
Every time I look at him, I feel like my heart is going to burst.
Each grunt, coo, sigh, and whimper is a total miracle.
The sleep deprivation and poop-stained curtains are definitely worth it.