Sunday Lessons

Most important thing that I've learned while Jer has been gone - I do, in fact, as Jer has been trying to tell me for 5 1/2 years, steal the covers. I never believed him. Not once. But since he has not been here to tug and pull all night, I wake up in the morning with every last inch of our giant and heavy comforter transported someone onto my side of the bed. Who knew? Well, besides Jer, of course.

Second most important thing I've learned - I stink at keeping in touch with people. Okay, lie, I already knew that I stunk at it. If you call, don't expect me to answer. Just leave a message. And if you do, still don't expect me to call you back. Because I probably won't. I guess Jer is my conscience when it comes to phone etiquette. He leaves, and my ability to return phone calls leaves with him. So I apologize Stacey and Clark and Natalia and Sara and anyone else who has called who I have ignored. I just stink.

Most annoying thing right now - since I am currently teaching a grammar/punctuation unit, I find myself evaluating every single comma that I put in my writing. You see, the comma in the previous sentence is correct because it separates a dependent clause from an independent clause. There is a fragment earlier in this post, though, that is driving me insane. Those commas are correct, fyi. That one, too. And that one. See the problem?

Hardest thing to think about - my baby is almost one. Yeah . . . um . . . let's just hold that conversation another day. I am not emotionally ready for it yet!

Best news of the day - only one more week till I can smoother my hubby in kisses :)

Dad's gone and my feet smell

Daddy is in Australia, which means:

• Kaiah seems to stay in her jammies much longer than normal.
• I'm on a tivo freeze - not allowed to watch any of our shows until Jer gets home, so . .
  
• I've started watching some great new shows (Cake Wars, My Life as Liz)
• Kaiah and I spend our Saturday night at the high school making copies
• My computer screen has slobbery Kaiah kisses all over it from her kissing daddy over Skype.

It has actually been easier than I thought it would, thanks almost entirely to Kamie. I never feel lonely because my bestest friend lives just upstairs. One week down, two to go.

On another note - Spring! :) What a beautiful day.

Oh, and I really need some new shoes. Mine stink. Literally. Jer always tells me to wear socks with my flats - but socks with my flats? I just can't. My toes like to be free. So, yeah. My shoes smell bad and I need new ones. Wear do you shop for shoes?

My sister's mud

My sister is . . . I wish I was her. She just posted her thoughts on everything happening in my family, and, of course, it is much more optimistic and beautiful than what I could muster in my last post. So, if you want to read what I wish I could say about our trials, go here.

P.S. Thanks Kamie for being the best big little sister ever.

Sad x 2

#1:

It happened. My hubby is officially gone. Baby and I sent him off to Australia today. Three weeks. Three weeks without him to chase Kaiah around and wear her out before bed time. Three weeks without him taking out the garbage. Three weeks without him snoring in my ear. What will I ever do without him?

#2:

Stephen (mom's hubby) has lymphoma and started chemo this week. Non-curable, but treatable. 69% survival rate for 5 years. He's 47. Mom shaved his head today.

I know I should be saying that everything will be okay and things are good and we are so blessed, but I just don't feel like it.

11 months

You, at 11 months:

• Not only walking everywhere, but also trying to run!
• Can say "daddy" and "bubba" (Ari).
• Love playing "E.T." - we touch pointer fingers and say "ouch"!
• Still love bath time and anything with water!
• Learned how to not only take things out, but put them back in! This has been fantastic for when you "help" mom with the laundry.
• Are becoming a little pickier with the eating, but still love cheese and yogurt.
• Just learned how to wave "bye bye"
• Love to dance to any deep, soulful music! This can be really embarrassing if we go to any restaurant with a blues track (think Fuddruckers or Happy Sumo). The waitresses love to laugh at you rocking out in your high chair!
  
• Are happiest when you have something in your hand and free reign to walk anywhere you please. You are happy to spend hours holding your plastic egg and walking all around the front room, to you bedroom, and back.
• Give the best, slobbery kisses ever.

We love you more than we can even begin to explain. You are our life. And yes, we are still learning how to be the parents you deserve. Here's the proof:



Happy 11 months, baby!