I know. I know. I know. I have not abandoned you. I'm still here. It's just that I have had so many thoughts running through my head, I have not been able to organize them and put them to a post. I'm currently working on a few new posts, with topics that span New Year's Resolutions, a play date and brand new girlfriend for Willa, and a major change at work, so please stay tuned...
Friday, January 9, 2009
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Looking Back
I came across this photo and wanted to share. She's about 5 days old here. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed and how much she has changed! (And how much she has changed everything.)Willa Turns 1
Willa's birthday, being only two days after Christmas, presents a challenge. The weather is unpredictable, schedules are full, budgets are tight, and everybody has had their fill of celebrating. So we decided on an unconventional plan to hold a small get-together on December 27th, and throw a big half-birthday party on June 27th each year. We kicked off this tradition Saturday, by hosting an intimate dinner at our house followed by birthday cake.The birthday girl donned an adorable white tutu dress with puppies on it, a pink and white striped cardigan with babylegs and her gold tennies.
And even though it was so unnecessary, Willa received some very special gifts. They include two amazing block prints by Chris, a set of Russian Nesting Dolls, several great books, including one I wrote just for her, a set of alpaca finger puppets, a German-engineered pseudo-scooter, a keepsake bracelet and ring that were mine as a baby, and a huge box of hand-me-down comic book characters from Ira.
She stayed up well past her bedtime, playing with her new toys, and practicing walking (she's almost there.)
I get pretty emotional when I think about the past year. It's hard for me to accept that an entire year has gone by, in what seems like the blink of an eye. Learning to be Willa's mom and adjusting to the role have taken both a physical and emotional toll on me that I wasn't quite prepared for. But the love and fulfillment my daughter has brought to my life are beyond my wildest dreams. I am not the same person that I was a year ago. I have realized more about life, love, family, friendships, my own priorities, strengths, and weaknesses, than I ever realized was possible. These lessons have changed my perspective, my attitude, and, well, me.
So here I am, Mom to a toddler! The new-mom-excuse has officially expired. I guess I'm going to have to start acting like I know what I'm doing, and doing like the mother I strive to be. Whoa, the pressure!
Her First Christmas
Every year, on Christmas Eve, to Grandmother's house we go...Sandy makes chili and tamales and a whole bunch of cookies, and all of the Heeps gather for dinner and a gift exchange. The house overflows with Sean's brothers and sisters and their kids and dogs, and throughout the evening extended relatives and friends drop by. If you are familiar with the family, it's needless for me to say that there is never a dull moment. Willa ate half of a Christmas cookie, got a sugar buzz, and became the center of attention. (Imagine that!) And for Christmas, her Grandma gave her some miniature board books, a retro Fisher-Price Corn Popper, and doll, a sweet little white rocking chair.
Christmas morning came early, as Willa was eager to get up to see what Santa had delivered. Sean and I were only mildly reluctant to roll out of bed at 5:30 and start the festivities. Willa's eyes lit up when she spotted the tree and all of the colorful presents, and she headed straight for the refurbished baby bed, which was thoughtfully passed down from her cousin Alli. In it was her very own Madame Alexander doll, much like my dear old Suzy. After she gave her baby some attention, she delved into the rest of her gifts. She rolled around on her big green donut pillow and devoted minutes (at least) of concentrated play to her wooden stacking blocks and sorting block set. And with my help, she gave her Sit and Spin a whirl. I know she was enjoying herself, even though she never cracked a smile. It was an awful lot for such a little girl to take in. And she is so busy and determined, there just wasn't time for the nonsense of interacting with us. We had pancakes for breakfast and then a good, long nap, while Sean went hunting.
Lunch was spent at Chris's and Wanda's house, where Willa played with her cousin (actually her cousin's cousin,) Gage, who is just a few months older. I forgot to take my camera along, but there were some precious moments shared between the two of them. Willa got MORE presents...some books and puzzles and one of those cute ride-on inch worms.
Finally, we headed to my mom's, where we gorged ourselves with more good food (chicken spaghetti) and opened a ridiculous amount of Christmas presents. Willa's loot included a bunch of fun little items from Dooley's, like noise-making batons, horses, and a Santa light saber of sorts. She also got a barnyard set, a couple of outfits and pajama sets, a little push along car, a melamine feeding set, activity books, and twin African American baby dolls. Once again, she was overwhelmed, overstimulated, and overjoyed with the family and fun.
It was a wonderful first Christmas for Willa. She is so loved by so many. And times like these, spent with family and good friends, always remind me of that. It sure does make a mama proud.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
This Epitomizes Me
If anyone was wondering why they haven't received a Christmas card from the Heep family, well it's not because I'm a deadbeat mom. In fact, I worked on designing one for hours, but I never could get it just right, with the perfect photos, text, layout, etc. This kind of thing happens to me a lot. I work long and hard on creating something, often over-thinking it and even losing some sleep, but it still never quite reaches my own "standards." And then before I know it, the moment has passed, and I've missed my opportunity to get them in the mail by the holiday. My inability to make a simple decision like this is clearly a problem, and I'm working on it. In the meantime, enjoy not one, but two digital cards from us...a Disco version and a Charleston version. I just couldn't decide...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)