Life.........

How is one supposed to live in -20 degree weather? The dog and I had icicles on our eyelids last night at the end of our walk. I spent half of the time she was chasing the Frisbee hiding behind a tree to block the wind. I'm certainly not sending my pregnant wife out in that. She definitely needs to be soaking in a warm tub soothing her aching back. Life is so fair...........

On another note we have been so busy this week. Last week we were grumbling about not having anything to do (besides housework and projects) that we moped around all weekend feeling sorry for ourselves. By Monday we had plans nearly every night and felt like we couldn't get a minute to catch our breath. Life is so interesting........

Furthermore, I am amazed at the physical changes (and no I don't have any belly shots to share of her) that S has gone through in the last 4 weeks. At Christmas time I was thinking she was looking pregnant now there is no denying it. I feel Tot kick just about once a day and S is now waking up due to a good ole one two from our tough little son! Life is so amazing............

Finally, S is truly a rockstar. Not just due to creating a life within her body but for her resilience. She hasn't really had the best week at work but also sees that is isn't the worst. On Tuesday the work felt crushing to her, on Wednesday she was talking about the positives regarding the situation, and now she is charging away to be the best at what she is doing. It really doesn't surprise me one bit that she is determined to make the best of it and come out on top. She is definitely driven and when it comes to work, if she is the best she doesn't feel like she is giving enough. This isn't to say that she works 80 hours a week, that is not S. She works more than required but makes family a priority. The things she does though that most of us struggle to figure out how to do, is to work hard, fast, and with accuracy saving herself loads of time! Just don't make small talk with her while she is working! ;) S makes all the things I mentioned above worthwile, possible, and true!

Life..............

Mac-N-Cheese-N-Beer

I'm heading to Grand Rapids today! I'm really excited to go see S. As I mentioned in an earlier blog single life is just not for me. Schedules are a wonderful thing. Although not waking early just to take a temperature sounds good it is really a tiny trade off in the scheme of things. (I will say a few days away from S while she is on progesterone are certainly a safe way to go!) S is the one that gets me to go to bed earlier than I would on my own, eat healthy foods, and genuinely puts the life in my living.

Here is a typical day without S for me:

Wake up.
Take care of the dog.
Go to work.
Eat unhealthy lunch after walking the dog.
Go back to work.
Play with the dog.
Clean up the house a bit.
Make Mac-N-Cheese
Drink beer
Watch TV
Go to bed too late.
Start all over.

Granted, the things I normally contribute to our schedule and peace are often amiss for S when I’m gone. She is not a big fan of sleeping without me and has trouble getting to sleep. Although, she is the one to get us to bed at a decent time when we are together she often goes to sleep much later than normal when we are apart. I guess we are just better off together.

I’m excited to meet Rachel and see Leah, Betsy, and Paul. I believe I will also get a chance to see the rest of S’s family while we are there. On Sunday we will head over to see my dad, brother, sister-in-law, and niece Maureen. Maureen and her parents just got back from Disney World so I’m sure she will have tons to tell me about meeting all the princesses, Mickey, Tiger, and the Dis crew!

Hopefully the snow that is falling continues to only be scarce flurries and G and I make good time through Chicago!

Happy St. Pat’s!

Single Life Sucks

S left yesterday to go to GR to help out B and P with the newborn and other daughter who is almost 2. I am left here in Madison with the dog. Admittadly, I was looking forward to having some time home alone. I think I have only ever been in the house alone for a day or two in about 15 months. Well, one day later and I'm ready for life to get back to normal. I was looking forward to doing a huge list of tasks while S was gone. After a half day of running around like a crazy woman and I ready for my support to get back.

I miss you baby! I'm looking forward to seeing you and the fam in a couple of days.

My Valentine

S,

775 days ago I stood before family, friends, and God and said these words as I dedicated all I am to you.

I am grateful to you for all that you are.
Before you, I was content to live life
With you, I am inspired to experience all of God’s creation
I cherish the qualities you bring to our relationship.
You are my friend.
You are my most intimate companion.
Thank you for your love, your support and your strength
Thank you for your tears and your laughter

Today, I give you my heart
I promise to honor you in life.
I will remain faithful for all time.
I will nurture our relationship
I will support your growth spiritually and personally
I promise to listen to you.
I will encourage you.
I promise to endure good times and bad
To spend my life, forever, with you.
I love you.

These words grow more true with every experience, conversation, disagreement, and day I spend with you. You have helped me grow, you have shone me love, and you have remained my most intimate companion. I promise to stay true to these vows, work to improve on the things I lack, and to love you every day of my life.

Thank you for all that you are. You are my life. Happy Valentine's Day!

All my love,

Erin