Now you are three

Dear Adeleigh,

I can't quite believe it. I remember the day you were born as vividly as I remember two minutes ago. And look at you. Now you are three.
We carry on simple and thoughtful conversations. We give lots of hugs and kisses. We teach each other everyday about love, about being vulnerable, about facing our fears. You can tell me that you love me without me saying it first. You amaze me everyday with your compassion and genuine concern for others. With your knowledge and comprehension of the world surrounding you. Like this evening, when you explained to me that we needed to get a screwdriver out of Daddy's toolbox so that we could put batteries in your toy. I assumed Daddy had said that to you just minutes prior, but he hadn't.
You make your Daddy and me laugh everyday and one of our favorite things is hearing your giggle. We also really love your freckles. We love that you say Mommy and Daddy are your best friends, because you are ours too.
We may not always show it, but we love that you face our fears. Like yesterday, when we were having family photos taken and you decided to start climbing a tree.

Photo by Jessica Loucks

HeartStrong Photography

We didn't even know you could climb trees. We love your confidence and your artistry in everything you do. Even if you fall down and roll across the room doing it, you are not afraid to get up and try it again. You are a strong independent little girl. But we love that you still need us. We need you too.
Adeleigh, you have taught your Daddy and me what family is all about. We didn't comprehend the magnitude of its meaning until you.
Happy Birthday, Little One.

Be sure to drink your Ovaltine

This evening, I made a phone call to DISH network to adjust our service programming. I went into it fully expecting to hear sales pitch after sales pitch as to why I should justify spending entirely too much money for hundreds of channels that we never watch. Here is a small glimpse into the conversation with my new friend from DISH:

Me - "Hi there. Our 3-month promotional period is about to end, so I would like to change our plan to the basics before we get charged regular price. We'll take whatever is cheapest."
My friend - "Okay, Ma'am. I understand you would like to get rid of over 160 channels. Can I ask why?"
Me - "Yes, we are trying to cut back on our finances as much as possible since we're about to have a baby."
My friend - "Oh how exciting. Congratulations. I remember that feeling of excitement and anxiety, all at the same time. We have a son that keeps us up at night. We are very tired. Is this your first?"
Me - "It's our second, so fortunately we have been through the sleepless nights and know what to expect."
My friend - "Oh yes. There will be many nights where you are up with the baby. Wouldn't it be nice to have so many channels to choose from late at night? Or to have the cartoons for your other child to watch while you tend to the baby?"
Me - "Oh no. We're good. We won't miss all of those channels. We hardly watched many of them."
My friend - "Okay, well we have a Baby TV channel for only $5/month."
Me - "Baby TV? What's that?"
My friend - "It's the number one program for babies and toddlers. Even your new baby could watch it. Are you considering making this purchase?"
Me - "No thanks. We need to cut back and only want the basics."
My friend - " Okay, well if you are sure. Then I will go ahead and issue that change for you."
Me - "Thank you."
My friend - "Sure, Ma'am. Congratulations again on your baby. And please don't forget to take your vitamins. Have a great night."

I hung up the phone and laughed. I told Phaeton that my new friend just reminded me to take my vitamins.

Phaeton - "That's good advice. Did you take your vitamins?"

Come to think of it, I forgot to take my prenatal vitamin this evening.
Thanks, DISH friend!

Rody & Adeleigh

For every year of Adeleigh's life, we have taken a memorable photo of Adeleigh with her good friend, Rody. Rody lives inside Dandelion Toys in Old Town and oftentimes we find him resting towards the back of the store.

Here is the first time they met.

Love at first sight is an understatement.



Here she is on her 2nd Birthday, riding Rody off into the sunset (after kicking Abe off, of course) -

This evening, we found our good friend resting under a table and were excited for their reunion.

We're not sure if Adeleigh underestimated the strength of her own bounce, or if Rody just needed some alone time. But while trying to re-capture the moment of their first meeting, this was what happened -

Not just once, but 3 times -

For whatever reason, their chemistry was a little off this evening. But, Adeleigh is tough. There were no tears. So, we just moved on and walked across the street for something that never disappoints - ice cream.

:)

6 years

Six years ago today, I married a guy who I met in a bookstore café.

He’s the guy who sat frozen in a 60 degree hospital room for over 40 hours while I was in labor. He never left my side. And he never once complained about it.

He’s the guy who caught our daughter with his bare hands and will forever mark that as the proudest moment of his life.

He’s the guy who every night, night after night, is there to brush Adeleigh’s teeth, read stories with her and help tuck her into bed.

He’s the guy who allows her to crawl in between us in bed each night because he knows how much I love having her there. And when he repeatedly gets kicked in the head and throat, he silently steps out and sleeps in the other room.

He’s the guy who sits with his hand resting on my belly every night, so he can feel our son moving too.

He’s the guy who tells me and shows me every day how much he loves our family.

He’s the guy who loves to remind me that I am his soul mate.

Six years ago today, I married mine.