Our Darling Daughter

To my darling baby on her six month birthday,

On this day six months ago, I awoke knowing that the day I had in store would be the most life-changing, blessed, and wonderous day... possibly of my entire life. 

And I wasn't wrong.  I will never forget how it felt to hear your sweet cry for the first time, or to see your beautiful, bright pink face.  Or the look on your daddy's face when he locked eyes with you as you came out.  I will never forget the way I laid in that hospital bed with sunshine streaming in the windows and a view of the mountains that I never really saw because my eyes were too busy tracing your face and counting your tiny fingers again and again. 

Six months later, though, I have to admit that I am even more smitten with you than I was that very first day.  It has been the most amazing journey, this thing called motherhood.  You have altered me to the very core of my being, and I am infinitely better as a result.

I can't believe how fast these past six months have flown by!  Nor can I believe how much you have changed in six short months.  From that tiny, helpless baby we met just yesterday - or so it seems - you have grown into the most incredible little girl.  A little girl whose sense of humor delights us, whose strength amazes us, whose tenacity humbles us, and whose very presence brings us to our knees with gratitude. 

I cherish every day, and I love you, love you, love you, my sweet little girl.
Mommy

P.S. - I know you don't remember it, but we made a deal that you would stay little forever.  So far, you're not holding up your end of the bargain very well.  Work on that, okay?

Things I miss

It's not that I don't enjoy my job, nor that I want to complain about something that's in all reality soooo good, and such a blessing to me personally and my family.

But, being home on a random Monday does make me appreciate what I miss at home while I'm at work.  It could be a long list, because I so enjoy being home... but a sample would be these things:

- Watching The Wiggles -

- My snuggley, pajama-clad baby -

- Her beautiful, sleepy grin when she wakes up in the morning -

- Watching her play on her belly while I make coffee -

- Getting to hear the wide array of noises she makes, which are increasing by the day -

- Changing table fun -

- Watching her learn new things practically by the minute -

- Going for walks with Leah in the stroller or Moby -

- Baby hugs and kisses -

I get a great many things in trade.  I get security for my family and a future that allows us to focus on our priorities.  And, I do love my coworkers, my students, my school and my job.  I'd be lying if I said it wasn't in some ways easier - and even more (or at least different) fun in certain ways - than staying home.   

But leaving all this behind... there's the rub!

If at first you don't succeed

Let me tell you: Carrots for breakfast?  Totally different story than carrots for dinner!

Although they were still a little foreign...

and many a revolted face was made...

Leah seemed to really enjoy her carrots!

Cook-a-thon

I had intended to spend most of the day today preparing baby food.  I kinda forgot to factor in my husband's job.  Add to that the fact that he was originally supposed to be gone about 6-8 hours today, and so far he's been gone 13 and it's fair to say I didn't get as much done as I had intended.

Nonetheless, I have to admit that I'm pretty pleased with my progress. 

I used this book:

So far, the recipes are about as uncomplicated as they come...

Step 1: Boil carrots about 20 minutes to soften

Step 2: Blend carrots using a little of the boiling water

Step 3:  There is no step three!

Doesn't that look appetizing?!

My next endeavor was apples, and it was as easy as 1, 2. 

I found the idea for freezing baby food in small portions ingenious, and so obviously simple I can't believe I didn't think of it.

Voila!  Perfectly portioned baby food. 

Here's what Leah thought of her Mommy's work:

Stunning!

Somethin' to be Proud of

Daddy,

Thank you for all the hard work you do for our family!  Today, Mommy and I are proud of you because of this:

your company is broadcasting the pre, post and halftime shows for the CU/CSU game!

Although I'm sad you're not here to see me in my Buffs gear for the first time , I am so proud to know that when Mommy and I watch the game, we're watching your hard work pay off. 

Help the Buffs win, and come home as soon as you can.  There's a big, slobbery kiss waiting for you!

We love you,

Leah and Mommy 

Welcome, Fall!

Welcome, welcome, my favorite season!

I know it seems silly, but I have literally been waiting for this time of year since last fall!

Usually, I love the fall.  Last year, though, we just had too much going on.  We found out the gender of our baby the day before Halloween, and of course that eclipsed the holiday far and away.  I spent Halloween day last year buying girls' clothes and creating a wishlist of baby gear... somehow, I just couldn't get into the spirit.  Last year, I dreamt of what it would be like to spend my favorite time of year with our daughter.

And now...

That time has finally come!!!  This year is Leah's first year to experience all of our wonderful fall traditions, and the magic that is the season between now and New Years.     

To celebrate, I had to kick off the season with another of my favorites: a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks.

That was the official start of the many traditions we so enjoy during this wonderful, joyful time of year. 

On the docket for tomorrow: the CU v. CSU game.  I don't know if I could be any more excited!

Welcome, Fall!

Spoils

Our sweet little girl is just one week shy of her six month birthday.  Nearly half a year has elapsed, which means...

It's time to go shopping!

Leah's life is about to get a little more flavor.  Today, we bought carrots, apples, pears, broccoli and a butternut squash, because this weekend is Mommy's first baby food-making fest. 

We decided a long time ago that we wanted to make Leah's food.  I can't express how good I feel about this decision; it just seems like such an easy way to help give our baby the best possible start in life.  I get an immense amount of satisfaction from knowing that her food is all natural, without additives or preservatives, but organic fruits and vegetables.  Hooray!

This weekend is all about cooking.  I'm thinking we'll try carrots first.  Everything else will get frozen and we'll add it in piece by piece.  I love to cook, but I have to admit, I haven't been this excited to get in the kitchen in a while! 

Wish me luck!