Christmas fail

Santa was great - but Clara and Jack weren't so convinced.

I know I titled this post, "Christmas fail," which sounds rather harsh.  Especially since this was, perhaps, my most favorite Christmas yet.  But I have to share what happened in the few days leading up to the holiday..

1.  I had written about 50% of my Christmas cards the weekend of Thanksgiving...and I had kept a detailed list...and mailed the notes as I wrote them.  Well.  I lost the remaining 50% of the cards AND the list early in December.  I searched high and low.  HIGH AND LOW.  I figured they would just "show up" somewhere.  They didn't.  So I just didn't send the rest of the cards.  *Sigh*  Ughhh.  Fail.

2. I had made one monster purchase of Christmas gifts from one particular catalog.  Everyone...EVERYONE was to get the same gift from me.  Take my word for it, this gift was so insanely rad and perfect and bridged genders, ages, design taste, AND were personalized.  I was seriously patting myself on the back for being so dang clever and getting all of my Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop.  I didn't have to battle shopping crowds, I didn't have to rush about, I didn't have to scan the internet for the one perfect item for every person on my list.  I was golden and so stress free :)  But then, the package never came.  After calling and inquiring about it a few days before Christmas, it turns out the package was documented as delivered three days after placing the order.  It was stolen.  All of my Christmas gifts were delivered to my front door and stolen by some jerkface.  I was crushed.  And pissed.  Fail.

3.  There were four or five people on my list who I wanted to get a special loose leaf tea that is made locally and is scrumptious (and happens to be my favorite thing on the planet).  The restaurant is across town, and is only open four hours per day so I am not able to get there easily with my work schedule.  Fortunately, I had a lunch date there a couple of days before Christmas and anticipated purchasing the tea at that time.  When I went to buy it, they said that they were sold out.  SOLD OUT.  Nooooooo.  Fail.

on Christmas day...under our tree...being sweet to each other... so heart warming.

After that, I just decided to let it all go.  I didn't burden myself with any of the "stuff" that usually distracts me with the holidays (like shopping the deals, decorating like a boss, baking like a mad woman, attending parties and having pretty holiday outfits, and keeping a mental list of who I need to buy presents for).  Instead, I sang songs with my kids...read Christmas stories, decorated gingerbread houses, went to the Nutcracker ballet with my 2 year old, took lots of walks to look at lights with my kids, watched cheesy Christmas movies, ate my mom's Christmas cookies, dressed by daughter in lots of red, and was jolly all of the place!  This year it wasn't about the Christmas cards or gifts under the tree.  Unless my kids are sitting under the tree... they are, undoubtedly, my most glorious gifts of all.

I hope your holiday was beautiful and quirky and full of cheer and love.

just like before

Here's my handsome lil stud muffin...Jack...mmmmmmmm....I love him.

I can't believe that Thanksgiving came and went.  I can't believe 2014 is right around the corner.  I can't believe I started blogging again only to leave my page silent for 2 weeks.  So basically, the problem is just like it was before...every intention to blog...never a spare second for me to dedicate to doing so. 

There are so many items I want to talk about...how we selected a preschool for Clara, a daycare for Jack...how I am trying to finally survive in the crazy unstable world of healthcare as a newbie doctor....how we are living with my parents...how I cook several meals on the weekend to freeze and eat throughout the week....how I've gained a lot of unwelcome weight...how I'm in awe at how spectacular motherhood is...how I sometimes wonder if it really will slow down again....how there are days that go by where my husband and I are like two ships passing in the night.... how I don't sit down and watch TV during the week ... how I want more children...or that I realize I'm so deeply in love with my life in this small moment that I could cry and scream and laugh at the same time. 

So not perfect...but so perfectly mine. 

couldn't stay away - back to blogging!

Oh bloggy universe how I have MISSED you.  So so so so much.  I missed reaching out into your plentiful universe of knowledge, guidance, and friendship.  Since last we spoke, I have been kinda busy.  We moved from New York to Arizona, I started my own podiatry practice, my husband is now a teacher, basketball coach, journalism/school newspaper instructor, and yearbook instructor, our daughter is in preschool and (nearly!) potty trained, and our 9 month old baby Jack is the apple of my eye and the comfort of my soul.

Now, my sister is engaged!  And where I was the slightly crunchy granola girl about our outdoor wedding soiree, she is the glittery glamour of everything elegant and sparkly.  I'm so excited for her and her adoring life partner...I will start sending her little, "Dear Leslie" posts with pictures and ideas that I find that remind me of her.  I'm excited to be back in the wedding scene again!

Lots to say.  I wonder if any of you are still there to hear?  I do hope so!!

one week from today

our little firecrackers on the 4th of July!

Wow.  I have one more week of residency.  ONE MORE WEEK.  Seven more days in New York.  Five more work days.  Than we are gone...living in a different state...on the other side of the continent.  After we move out of our apartment, we will be going to visit with family in Rhode Island for a week...than we fly to Arizona! We are having one car shipped, and are selling the other...we hired movers to haul all of our stuff out west.  The idea of driving across the country with two little ones and a truck full of stuff sounded like a nightmare...and we are so happy to not have the stress of that on our shoulders right now!

In so many ways it feels like a blinked and three years zoomed by.  There is still so much to learn...so much to know.  But I am ready.  I'm ready to move on to the next adventure of ours.

Here is the scoop...we are relocating BACK to Arizona.  I will be taking over the practice of a retiring practitioner...so I am now an official small business owner!  My husband has a teaching gig all lined up!  And we will be living with family for a couple of months until we decide what area we want to settle in.  There is still a lot to figure out and a lot to organize.  But we are pumped for this next chapter in our lives!

I'm looking forward to our week in Rhode Island.  A little relaxation before the next whirlwind of activity.  I want to take the kiddos to the beach a couple times...eat lots of Iggys...drink lots of Del's...and play in grandma's pretty flower garden.  Sounds like a perfect summer vacay to me!

See you on the other side!!

life rocks

me and jack (I'm in scrubs in 90% of the pictures with my children...ha!)

So as soon as I was done with my surgical boards last Tuesday, I started studying for my medical boards that are slated for next Friday.  And next Friday night is the residency graduation ceremony.  Big day...in many ways.  It's hard to believe that residency is just about over (I actually have to stay a couple months past graduation because I had my babies and I have to make up the time I used to be home with them...but I will still "graduate" next Friday.)  Three years have never flow by so fast.  I feel like my first day was yesterday....when I was trembling in my Danskos...nervous if school prepared me for taking care of people...and then realizing the whole journey is part of that preparation.

This past Thursday we had our Podiatry graduation dinner, with our attendings and co-residents, and our SPOUSES.  It was so nice to spend one last evening all in one group together.  And it was so amazing to have Tommy by my side at that dinner.  Our spouses sacrifice so much for our success in this field.  I'm not sure that any of us realized what would be given up in order to pursue this career that we chose...and I'm not sure that all of us would have chosen it again - and I'm certain that most of our spouses would not have chosen it for us again.  Despite all of the challenges and frustrations of residency, tt's amazing how much we have grown and learned together.  Not to mention all of the LIFE that we experienced in our personal lives...there were engagements, marriages and babies...new cars...new jobs...new houses....more babies...and lots of dreams coming true. 

I'm waxing nostalgic right now, but what I need to do is to keep hitting the books hard until next Friday.  And then I'm not going to crack a book for a while (I promised my husband.)

Speaking of my husband...tomorrow is our three year anniversary!  Three years.  Three years and two kids!  We've been busy.  He is my stud muffin and I adore him more deeply than ever (which I didn't think was possible...but it is.)  I type this through misty eyes when I say that my husbands love and unfaltering support keeps me standing tall.  He is the epitome of wonderful.   While I study in the evening, he is SuperDad...and my kids are the luckiest.  Jack and Clara continue to be the sunshine in our home.  And the moonglow.  And the stars that twinkle.  

Disappearing act

Dearest bloggy friends -

I am currently locked away in the basement of our hospital library...studying and praying for my upcoming surgical and medical boards. I'm actually sitting for three separate boards in the next 30ish days...which means I am a big fat ball of nerves.

I will be back blogging once these crazy boards are over and calmness washes over my life again.

By the way - my babies are doing beautifully...and my husband (and mother law!) are deserving of some special award for awesomeness!

See you soon! (Wish me luck!!)
:-)
Jes

i deleted the "news"

I feel a lot lighter...in spirit...these days.  Three weeks ago I deleted all of the major "news" apps from my iPhone (except for NPR).  It was second nature for me to read the news between patients, surgeries, in line in the cafeteria...whenever.

Except...I couldn't deal with it anymore.  The stories started to make me sick...physically...emotionally.  The horrific accounts of violence against children, women, mankind...political incompetence by our government...terror constantly in the middle east...hate hate hate from every direction of our globe...ugh.  I can't take it.  Maybe it's the hormones?  I don't know. 

Oh, and I quit watching the news at home too.

And you know the saying, "ignorance is bliss" - for me, it is true. 

my Missoni score at the Goodwill

The Missoni pillow is the one on the right. 

Do you remember when Missoni did that amazing collection for Target? And I nearly had a meltdown because everything sold out in a matter of minutes (on line) and hours (in stores.)  There were a couple delightful items I did manage to get my paws on - thankfully.  But I probably could have stocked my house with the pretty patterns and colors that their collection highlighted. 

Tommy and I went to the new Goodwill in a neighboring town this weekend - dropped off some baby books, clothes and shoes.  I was actually really excited that there is a Goodwill here now - I always had pretty good luck with them in Arizona (one time scoring a classic leather Coach bag and a leather Dooney & Burke briefcase!) But it will make buying baby clothes so much easier on our wallet.

Clara was clearly captivated with Max & Ruby on the iPad and wouldn't throw me a smile to save my life. Oh living baby props...so tricky.

Well...I hit the decorative pillow jackpot friends.  Two BRAND NEW WITH TAGS Missoni decorative pillows.  $12 each - which is steep for a Goodwill pillow...but I thought it was a fair price.  I did a lil check on eBay and found the exact pillows for crazy high prices (as high as $87.50 for ONE and $135 for a PAIR.).  Who are these crazy people that spend that kind of money on Target pillows? 

Tommy was bummed I cut the Missoni tags off our new pillows instead of selling them on eBay.  

13 wishes

I used to set out to change my body, attitude, and life every New Years.  I would set lofty goals of "perfecting" myself.  Inevitably, I would fail...I wouldn't exercise, or I would botch my diet, I'd crumble and throw in the towel and think of myself as pretty worthless (which is so silly.)

Fortunately, in recent years, I have developed a softer approach to the whole "New Years Resolution" scene.  My wish list for this year isn't strict or setting myself up for failure, but I do hope to grow as a person.

1. Be gentle with myself - appreciate my own strengths and contributions
2. Be gentle with my family - I love them most.
3. Seek out the good in people - it can be so easy to have a hardened heart sometimes
4. Protect the time I have with my children
5. Don't overextend myself with obligations I am not passionate about
6. Rediscover the interests that I have put on hold...when I am ready
7. Be present
8. Pray more - maybe go to church again...maybe not
9. Slow down - it's not a race.
10. Live simply
11. Embrace my emotions - I will not regret tears, sadness or disappointment..they are part of life, just as happiness, joy and excitement
12. Be mindful of how I nourish my body, and my family's bodies
13. Do my best. 

I think I can live up to many of those ideas.  I hope 2013 brings you ooodles of happiness and joy.  I am confident that the adventures awaiting my family and I will be a beautiful ride!  We have so much to look forward to.  New baby boy!  New jobs!  New state!  New home! New beginning!

31 years 30 weeks

Yesterday was my 31st birthday.

I used to looooove birthdays.  And would celebrate them all week long!  Now, however, it kind of came and went and though we celebrated with fun foods and outings and presents (yay!) it was a single day of celebration and now it is over and I'm 31.  I spent the night before refusing to fall asleep...trying to savor those last few moments of 30.  I'm such a freaking weirdo. 

OH - and now I'm 30 weeks pregnant...which means our little boy will be here in around 10 weeks - that seems like no time flat.  Wow.  Two kiddos under two!  We are excited for him to be here...but I'm nervous for the unknown...and I am already starting to miss my one on one time with Clara.  I wonder what it will be like to have to nurse and care for this small baby, with  my 2 year old nearby in need of a dance partner or a story reader...  that's my job too.  Maybe we spaced them too close?  Maybe I just have jitters.  I'll figure it out.

all is calm + our fall family pictures!

Hard to believe that autumn is whizzing right by.  My husband and I are FINALLY enjoying a weekend to ourselves...where we are both home...no plans...no excursions...no entertaining....just relaxing and catching up (ummm...and cleaning up).  Believe it or not, the last weekend we had like this was back in August.  Time flies.

To update you all on the hurricane situation - we ended up being fine.  My hero of a husband drove straight through the night from Rhode Island to be home with us when it was suppose to really hit.  I managed to prepare for the worst by stocking the house with loads of provisions that would keep us comfortable for a couple of weeks if we lost water and power again.  And then - fortunately for us - the storm didn't destroy our area like the predictions alluded to.  Nothing like the devastation seen in areas of New Jersey or NYC.  We were lucky, and humbled by the whole thing.  Mother nature is a powerful force.

 

We had these pictures taken a few days before Sandy hit the northeast.  Upstate New York is just so stunning in the fall.  I'm glad we snapped them when we did...there isn't a single leaf left on a tree in town. It looks like winter...low grey skies, bare trees, and frost on the windows. I shiver just looking out the window.  And am thinking about decorating for Christmas any minute now.  (I know, I know.)

I love having our family picture taken...especially with Clara so little...we will look so different in a few short years and capturing these precious moments is important to me.   It's hard to imagine that the next time we have our family picture taken there will be another one in it - our little baby boy!  I'm six months pregnant in these shots...that belly is just bursting now!

Our pictures were taken by the ever so talented, Amanda Bills.

preparing for the storm + clara pics

It was the nicest day out...I can't believe it is all about to change with this upcoming storm.  I've heard rumors that this storm is suppose to be WORSE than the one we had last year.  The one that left us without electricity or water for close to 7 solid days.  We evacuated once the roads were clear. 

So today, I was a doomsday prepper...in between bouts of playing outside and crunching leaves with Clara.    (Isn't she growing so fast!?  She is only 1 1/2 but she is such a little lady!)

 

I have already come to terms that if a zombie apocalypse occurs (ie: natural/man made disaster throw down), I will be one of the first to go.  I don't own a gun...and if I happen to come across one, I won't know how to use it.  I can't make a fire out of anything but a lighter and lots and lots of fuel.  I can't cook things without directions...or electricity.  My girl scout training in survivial skills revolved around my bandana and how many ways I could tie it to brace a broken arm or sprained ankle if out hiking. Oh.  And how to change a tire.  Which I've also never had to do in real life.  I don't even know how to REALLY around town without my GPS.  So, have I established the fact that in these extreme situations I get nervous because I am worthless at protecting myself and my family?  That was long winded.

 

I spent a small fortune buying diapers and wipes and squeezable baby foods at Babies R Us.  Also hit up the store for a couple cases of water, some soups, a loaf of bread, ice, a pack of batteries for our flashlights and put gas in my car.  I am going back tomorrow for paper plates, freezer bags, and emergency candles...if anything is left...oh and I need to get cash out of an ATM...something I don't think I have done in years! (I heard via Facebook that stores in town are already out of bread, water and milk!  Yikes!)

To complicate the whole arrangement, I am a single mama this weekend!  Tommy is out of the state attending a friend's wedding.  I really wish he was here!  This is stressful!

the city

here comes the sun.

 I love going to New York City....have been many times...and am always dazzled by the energy and the lights.  As I said earlier this week, my best friend (as in...we've been friends since kindergarden!) came to visit us in upstate New York and the two of us made a quick jaunt into the City. 

Left our place at 3am on Saturday...stayed a night in Times Square...and returned the following day at midnight.  We were exhausted...but managed to be super tourists and saw loads of the major sites.  We did the double decker tour bus thing...so worth the money...such a great way to see it all in a short amount of time. 

I like being a tourist and doing touristy things.  And I also appreciate doing what the locals do.  When I used to go into NYC I'd stay with friends or family in their adorable little upper east side apartments...and go to their fave restaurants and bars...and blend in.  Super fun way to go.

I have come to realize that I regret not making New York City my home for a spell.   Has there been a place you've always wanted to live in?

The 9/11 Memorial.  I wept.  The whole time. 

a warm treat in central park

the Carnegie Deli's famous pickles...photographing food is kinda fun.

central park is such a special treasure.

jewels of the city

lights and action in Times Square

I love my picture of the Brooklyn Bridge!  (I went across it for the first time this trip...found it terrifying.)

the Met is probably one of my favorite places on Earth.

Disappearing act

Outside the hotel conference center.

bone saw workshop - inside the hotel conference center.

I have been somewhat of an invisible presence on this blog these past few weeks.  I haven't just been away from the blog, but I've been away from home to boot!  It has been non stop go go go - living out of suitcases - kissing my loves good bye and eating lots of restaurant food.

toured a pretty plantation in Georgia

watched my belly expand while I was working at the lab those two weeks! (this is 21 weeks!)

Spent a week in Florida on the gulf coast at a surgical conference - the the next weekend I moved to Atlanta for a couple weeks for a training fellowship opportunity - then four days after my return from that my childhood BFF flew to NY and the two of us spent the weekend adventuring in NYC! Now I am exhausted and ready to be a homebody for a while. Fortunately the fun came to us this weekend - as my aunt and uncle from Seattle came to visit for the weekend - and it was so delightful! (pictures from our glorious fall to follow...I promise!)

I love the City.  I just love it.

at Carnegie Deli.  (a little too intense for me...but it was a fun experience none the less!)

All this travel reminded me how fun it was to be free to do whatever. I did a lot of exploring and traveling and adventuring as a single gal...it was a blast! And god bless my husband for giving me the opportunity to do these wonderful things recently - what a champ!  No matter how much fun I have on these trips there is never anything so blissful as walking into the arms of my husband and daughter upon my arrival back home. It is the best part of my every work day too. That sigh of relief to know that we are all together... Blessed.

on our road trip...just outside of Ashville...so beautiful.

*On a side note - I made a pumpkin pie milkshake tonight. I wanted to bathe in it is was so good! Tommy thought it was disgusting - hahaha - pumpkin can do no wrong in my book this time of year!

coca cola tears

I toured the World of Coca Cola in Atlanta this afternoon.  Coca-Cola is my favorite soda.  Even when I hear stories that a can of coke can erode the lining of my stomach...take the rust off of a penny...and turn a nail into mush...I still drink the stuff occasionally (and love it when I do!)

But get this...

I got all misty eyed walking into the museum.  A museum about soda.  A beverage.  As I was wiping tears away I kept thinking:  "what the #&$@ is wrong with you?!  THIS IS A SODA!  Pull it together!"  I continued to have little "moments" throughout the museum...haha...at the viewing of international commercials exhibit...in the vault gallery talking about the history of the product...randomly amidst the beautiful displays of historic memorabilia.  Geez....talk about pregnancy hormones turning me into an emotional nut job!

the tasting selection from AFRICA!

my FAVORITE of all of the flavors...and yes I tried all 60...this one was from Peru!

The museum has a tasting room which was amazing.  Over 60 different beverages from around the world!  BRILLIANT!   (FYI, my favorite soda flavor was from Peru, called Inca Kola...it was amazing! And the nastiest sickest most disgusting soda I've ever tasted was from Italy, called Beverly.)

The whole thing was such a treat.  Totally recommend the experience.  And I would bet $100 that you don't cry!

 (I also went to the Georgia Aquarium next door...it's the largest aquarium in the world...and extremely awesome - and extremely crazy crowded!  I got emotional there too...during the dolphin show.  But that's not unusual for me...I've never seen a dolphin or whale show that didn't get me choked up.  What a sap.)

fish from the Amazon...so beautiful!

 a sea dragon!

not quite living up

I write this with a freaking stack of papers that I HAVE to get through tonight...so this promises to be brief.  But I haven't had a heart-felt "hello" in a while.  It's time.

This past week I was in Florida at a surgical conference.  And I leave again Friday for a two week mini fellowship in Georgia for a dermatopathology rotation.  Life is insane.  Constantly.  It never lets up.  Ever.  Just when I think I can sink into the sofa for a chilled moment I get a page...or remember an article I have to read by tomorrow morning...or an attending calls my cell.  Ha. 

Sometimes I think about all the things I'm not doing.  I haven't had any pictures printed in about 4 months - which mean grandparents are not getting to enjoy Clara's cute mug (ummm...and I haven't posted any new pictures of her on Facebook in a couple months either.)  I haven't made a single item of clothing for her - and according to my Pinterest board, I have a wishlist about a mile long of things I'd love to create for her (mostly pillowcase dresses omg.)  We don't do "Mommy & Me" gym classes, or swim classes or music lessons (which I know are popular in many places, even with 18 month old babies.).  And I don't take her to the park every evening to watch for bunnies, swing and roll in the grass.  I don't make her homemade organic crackers....and she has been known to be fed a slice of pizza on occasion. 

It's easy for me to feel like I'm not quite living up to motherhood.  And I'm sure there are folks out there who will judge me for this or that...or secretly thank God that they aren't like me and aren't their kids lucky.  But I have to say - with all the juggling we do, my husband and I are having a blast...and our kid is the happiest little love I know.  And she is a riot.  And she adores me.  Sometimes I feel the pressure mounting and I get a little lost...like I am way behind in some sort of triathlon.  And then there are times, like tonight, when I refuse to believe that I am lacking...and I know that I truly am a superwoman...and my husband is my hero, a real life Superman.

the babyfood bomber?

Arizona bound!  FINALLY! 

I don't think I ever even mentioned that we did indeed end up getting flights to Arizona to attend my cousins wedding, after our initial flights were cancelled thanks to shady weather! 

It was a frazzled flight out to Arizona...Clara was a doll...but we ran into one TSA jerkface who attempted to confiscate ALL OF OUR BABYFOOD.  I thought the rule was 4oz and under...but I stand corrected...UNDER 4 oz only.  I brought sealed babyfoods in little 4 oz pouches.  I made somewhat of a mad crazy scene...like...we need to feed her at least three meals during this insanely long day of travel...and snacks!  and during plane assent and descent!  and any time she starts to freak or cry I'd like to shove one in her mouth to keep the peace on the plane!  I wanted to scream at the lady, "what the hell do you want me to feed my baby if you take all of our food you crazy b****!"  But I didn't.  Though I probably said it with my eyes.   

FAMILY!

They ended up taking half of our sealed babyfood pouches as they thought it was too much.  OK.  So TSA got to decide the quantity we were to feed Clara that day...  I was livid.  LIVID.  And felt so hopeless.  At the small airport we were at, there wasn't even a single item at their food stand I could feed Clara....no fresh fruit...no yogurt...nothing but pastries and bagels and coffee.  Anyway.  The rest of the day was fine...we go to Arizona...we made due with what I packed (apple slices, bananas, teething biscuits, peanut butter sandwiches for Tommy and me that we shared with Clara.)

goofy grandpa!

The TSA security people in Phoenix were much more friendly and understanding on our flight back to New York.  They tested our babyfood...but they didn't take it away.  I wanted to kiss them!  I have to note that Clara slept for 2 hours on one of the plane rides...it was bliss...she was nestled so peacefully in my arms...I just soaked it up.  Best flight ever.

And Arizona?  It was perfection.  Flagstaff....*sigh* is Heaven on Earth.  The family was so fun to see.  Clara got lots of kisses from her grandparents!  Tommy and I drove up to our wedding site...basically our favorite Flagstaff destination.  Had some of our fave local fare...doesn't get better than a Mike & Rhonda's breakfast.

snowbowl!

I will share some fun wedding tidbits later...with pics!

first family camp out

oh...can you beat that?  it's Heaven.  All of these photos were taken by my talented father in law.

There is nothing like a beautiful weekend in Vermont...add a tent, some s'mores and fine family campfire company and you've got the recipe for a perfect camp out.

 It was the first time Tommy and I have really been able to bust out our camping gear since getting married - intern year and then having an itty bitty baby kept getting in the way!  It was AMAZING to get out of the clutches of my TV (which I had become addicted to thanks to the Olympics), and cell phone service...and breath in the freshest air...stare at the landscape created by God...and just be.

she apparently outgrew this...her feet LITERALLY busted out of the seems at the feet!!

It was a family reunion style camp experience...complete with Tommy's aunts and mother who go above and beyond the hotdogs and foil dinners that I am used to.    There were multiple camp stoves going at once, and crazy good gourmet meals just like a festive Saturday supper at their home would be.  It was insane...and amazing. 

We scored the perfect mix of camping and exploring charming Vermont.  The tiny villages surrounding the campgrounds were full of picturesque store fronts and quaint little restaurants.  (It reminded me a lot of Stars Hallow....if you know that reference.)  I was enchanted.  And wanted to move there immediately. 

Though you will remember that I am easily enchanted and find myself wanting to move anywhere that I find particularly charming and greeeeeeen.

at Harpoon Brewery...she and I didn't sample any of their brews...but I found their New England Clam Chowder yummy!

watching the sheep...Clara was enamored.

Clara did so well....she had so much fun splashing in the mud, digging in the dirt, running after bugs and playing with the dog, Olive.  She was SUCH a trooper!  I loved watching her explore in this setting...and it made me want to move immediately out of the concrete appartment box we live in so she can grow up with the trees and the bugs and flowers.  Eh, maybe not the bugs.

We fell in love with camping as a family.  This will be a staple in our lives together.  We will seek out the forest whenever we can!

at Calvin Coolidge Memorial Site (all historic and fascinating...WITH an artisan cheese factory!)

Couple things of note:  being a pregnant woman isn't easy for me.  I am not particularly graceful at it.  I'm queasy a lot...and have to pee a lot...which is annoying when all I want to do is run around and play, or canoe, or hike and yet all I had energy to do is sit in a fold out chair and watch all the action...and get exhausted.  I had to get up in the black of night multiple times to go to the bathroom...which pretty much sucks...and I was worthless when it came to driving as the roads make me want to wretch.  Other than that I was a real peach :-)