Happy Birthday, Tara!

We're not just getting older and wiser, we get better as the years go by. And the same goes for our friendship. I am so fortunate to have had a friend like you through three whole decades (and then some.) I'm looking forward to hearing more about how you are settling into all the recent and exciting changes in your life. You should stay put and enjoy yourself for a while! Miss you.

Making History

This has nothing to do with the hot button issues of this election or my own political views. Those are definitely not things I have ever wished to discuss on this blog. I personally do not feel equipped with the knowledge to properly do so, and I recognize that many of my friends and family members who read it have very strong and conflicting views. So I will just say this: Whatever your affiliation, you can not deny that yesterday was a monumental day in American history. And I am SO excited that Willa was here to see it. While she is obviously too young to understand or remember, she will certainly witness the significant role this election will play in our future. As my friend, (and fellow new mom) pointed out to me, our children will grow up in a changed America, in which race and gender are irrelevant even in the most esteemed office of the President of the United States. And that makes me VERY happy.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

I hope your day is just as special as you are to us. I'm counting on you to be a significant influence in Willa's life, with your inspiring kindness and genuine nature. So we need to start seeing more of you!

Cash Leo Penick

Jordan and Derrek, along with Ashley and Blake, welcomed their newest teammate today. Cash Leo Penick was born at 6:31 pm, weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19 inches in length. I didn't think that family could get any more beautiful, but it just did.

Ouch!

Willa had an accident today. She tumbled off the edge of the carport and planted her sweet face into the dirt driveway. I was at work and Sean was keeping her at home. The two of them were having fun outside, until Sean turned his back for two seconds and she took a wrong turn in her (hazardous, I know) walker. It had to have hurt and I'm sure it scared her. But I think Sean felt worse. He text messaged me right away to let me know that it had happened and that she was okay. He had managed to get the "tough little monkey" cleaned up and calmed down using some goldfish as a "peace offering." By the time I got home, Rebekah, Brooklyn, and Camden had come over with a pizza. Needless to say, Willa had long forgotten about her fall and was having a grand old time playing hostess to her friends. She had her first pizza roll and LOVED it. Then it was time for her bath. Camden felt left out, so we let her join in the fun, and it was GREAT! They were sharing toys and kisses. And it just took a bigger kid to show Willa how to really splash! Once she figured it out, she was cracking herself up and belly-laughing so hard she almost fell over. It was hilarious and SOOO cute.

Happy Birthday, Seana!

I know it's a good day because you are spending it with your favorite friend, Madeline. I wish I could be there, too, but we'll make up for it with a belated birthday celebration when you come to town in a couple of weeks. I want to tell you on this special day, that you have accomplished a lot in this past year. I am so happy for all of the blessings in your life, and also so very proud to call you my friend.

Love This!

In an attempt to provide some new stimulation for my ever developing little brainiac, I searched the web this afternoon for toys and came across this really cool wooden walker. Unfortunately, we have no need for it, since somehow we have managed to accumulate 4 different types of plastic walkers, all of which even combined, are no where near as neat as this one. The beauty and sustainability of the wood are great and all, but I really just love the idea of the woodpeckers clickity- clacking as they go along. I hope someone out there will snatch this up for their own pre-walker. Otherwise, if anybody has a need to borrow a plastic one, you know who to call.