Slow down...

Kids grow up too fast. Every parent knows it, but it bears repeating.... kids grow up TOO fast.

As I was unpacking the other day, I came across an old photo album of pictures from Kiera's birth and first year. Aside from noticing how much younger Chris and I looked, I was amazed at how much Kiera has changed. And I was amazed at how fast the time has gone.

(Caitlin enjoyed the album, too. She kept pointing at Kiera's baby pictures and saying "ME!" Funny girl.)

I flipped through the album and watched her grow from a newborn infant to a curious toddler. I found another album and saw the toddler grow into a preschooler. And while preschool seems like only a short time ago, she has changed so much since then.

She lost her second tooth just a few days ago. She seems to get taller and leaner every day. She cares more about her clothes and hair than she used to.

And today she brought home a gift from Joseph. Joseph is her current crush, who I get to hear a lot about. He gave her a rubber bracelet. She was proud of it, though a little embarassed to talk to me about it. It was all kinds of adorable.

*sigh*

Ah, baby girl. You're growing so fast. Its okay to slow down a little. Mommy won't mind.

Happy Anniversary

Happy anniversary to my partner in crime of over 12 years and my official ball-and-chain of 11 years. LOL. I love you so much.

Twelve years of memories...

The day of our first date, you went canoeing with friends beforehand. You left your keys in the wrong vehicle (the vehicle at the starting point instead of the ending point). Your mom, who I had not yet met, called me to tell me what happened and that you would be there eventually. And you did show up, hours late. And we had a great time.

The night we got engaged, I will never know how you managed to surprise me. Everyone knew you were proposing. Looking back on it, I should have known. We got dressed up and went to a very nice and very expensive restaurant in downtown Columbia (SC). You even told the wait staff and they sat us away from everyone to give us privacy. It was sweet and romantic and perfect.

The day of our wedding was a beautiful warm fall day in Columbia (SC). Our wedding was small by many people's standards, but it was perfect. The family and friends that we loved most were all there. Some of them drove a very long way to share the day with us. I felt so loved and so special. I remember later at the reception, wiping tears from your eyes as we danced our first dance to "Grow Old With Me" by Mary Chapin Carpenter.

The years moved quickly. Like any couple, we've had many ups and downs. We've had good times and bad times. We've lived in four states together as a couple: SC, FL, OH and MO. We have endured many moves, and several long distance moves across many states. But it didn't really matter where we were or how many times we moved to get there. Home was always where you were.

I remember the moment I learned of each pregnancy... all three of them. I remember how happy and excited were were each time. Losing the first pregnancy was total heartfail. But we got through it. Kiera joined us a year later. The adjustment to parenthood was difficult but wonderful. We were a family of three for four years. And then enter little Caitlin. She has added so much joy and spirit to our lives. We are so blessed.

So happy anniversary, baby. Thank you for the love and support and all of the years of memories. Here's to many more years of memories to come.

October

Ha, I just realized that my last post was SV Homecoming two weeks ago. Today was PHS Homecoming. Kiera has had spirit week all week and the parade was this evening. Caitlin was really jazzed this time since she now knows what to expect. She was literally bouncing on the street. So there was more waving at police cars, fire trucks, alumni and students driving by and lots more candy. We saw Kiera's teacher again, though this time she was watching and not in the parade. I saw my old assistant band director leading the band. Kiera was looking for Joseph again but we didn't see him this time. I also realized that my 20 year high school reunion is in two years and immediately felt old.

We've been busy in recent weeks. We moved again. It was a short move this time, just down the street to the other end of the complex. We are loving it here. It is roomy and spacious. It is more private and quiet. Now I am just dealing with the maddening task of unpacking. I should be good at it by now, though.

Anyway, October is here. I love October. It just may be my favorite month. October has it all... beautiful weather, gorgeous colors, crisp air, the smell of burning leaves (I love that smell), parades, Octoberfest and Halloween.

I love when the weather gets cool and I can start to wear my sweaters and sweatshirts and jackets consistently. But the great thing about October is that we will still get a few random really warm days that are just gorgeous. Perfection.


And another great thing about October is that we actually appreciate these days more because we've had a taste of the cool weather. We know these beautiful days are numbered (as we head into winter) and we cherish them.

Today was one of those days... sunny and warm but without the strangling humidity of summer. I absolutely cherished it as I stood and watched my girls brimming with excitement at the parade. They giggled and smiled and jumped and scooped up candy like there was no tomorrow. No jackets and the little one even wore her summer sandals. Not a care in the world, just soaking up the sunshine.

So, welcome October. I am always glad to see you.