thinking back

Amy, me and Jenny at New Belgium brewery tasting beers while holding babies. Yes, we got some looks. But, it was really fun!
Vann, Amy and Charlie. Charlie is pretty interested in whatever Amy is drinking.
Jenny, Adelaide and Ken sampling the beer.
My wonderful husband!
Chris and Rebecca, celebrating Rachael's birthday.
The birthday girl and my bro- enjoying brunch.
GPS with Coranelle
Not a charming shot of Coranelle, but a great one of Gammadele.
Food face!

I was just out for a little run and my mind went into its re-play mode. The low clouds and fog reminded me of my time in England at Capernwray. The fact that I didn't have a stroller or a baby with me, let my mind wander back to my year abroad 7 years ago. It is crazy how much life changes- and so quickly! I was remembering how ridiculous I was in that I had a total fear of food and ate practically nothing. I was in England for almost a full school year and never tasted fish and chips! I recall being totally hung up on a boy whom I'd had feelings for- for the past 4 years. I think of that now, and smile, knowing how he just wasn't the one for me. I so did not understand that then, but I sit here, watching my lovely hubby take a nap, and it is SO vividly clear that God had someone else who was completely perfect for me. I remember meeting some of the best girlfriends of my life there and cherishing the deep connections we had, despite being raised in different countries with hugely different pasts. (Hugs to you Heidi- you came along when having a girlfriend was such a huge blessing!) As I was running today, I got excited when "love lockdown" by Kayne West came on and then got another boost of power when a song by Pink came on. When I was at school in England, there were not any songs like that on my playlist- nope- they were all praise songs. It's nice to now feel the freedom to listen to anything that has a good beat, and know that there is nothing wrong with working out to some punk rock or rap.

How crazy to think, that here I sit, almost 7 years later, in our cozy home with my darling daughter sleeping upstairs. I don't think I could have ever foreseen this future, but I am so pleased with what the Lord has laid out for me. I feel like such a lucky mom, daughter, wife and friend!

If you had asked me yesterday at noon if I felt lucky, I would have not felt the same, but today is a new day. Yesterday, after our morning walk, I could not get Coranelle down for a nap and she was screaming bloody murder. Meanwhile, Ryan was throwing up and I had a final portfolio to submit for my class that was far to big to attach and send. I couldn't compress my file and I couldn't do anything to help my husband's stomach bug or my daughter's teething and fussiness. But, Coranelle finally went down and Ryan spent an hour working on compressing my power point project so I could submit it and sigh with relief that my class is nearly done.

I am not sure what Ryan has, but it seems to be a 48 hour flu. I went with some friends and their babies to a brewery in Ft. Collins last night. Ryan was supposed to come, but didn't feel well enough to join us and didn't want to get anyone sick. I thought if Coranelle and I went, he would have the house to himself to relax and sleep. But, instead he put together the new crib that we got to replace the recalled parts of our old one. What a sweetheart! He got some reading and relaxing in and is feeling a bit better, but was trying to take care of us, even while he was sick! I am a lucky wife for sure!

Meanwhile, Jenny, Ken, Vann and Amy invited me to be the 5th wheel and took good care of Coranelle and me and it was fun to get out, taste some beers and enjoy their company.

Tomorrow, Coranelle had her 9 month appointment. It's a little late, but we'll see what the pediatrician says about her weight gain. We've got more shots, so I am not really looking forward to that. But, we'll get through it.