There Is A Bright Side

Considering the recession, the past weekend went as expected. Black Friday didn't put us in the BLACK. We're making ourselves rather comfortable in the RED, actually, as I've resolved to the fact that its going to take a while to get out of this. Sales have been soft for several months now, and the effects of that have gradually added up. Credit cards and industry factors, which I use to buy merchandise, have imposed new limits on my accounts, so instantly I've become "maxed out" and cut-off. The burn is that I am contractually obligated to orders I placed months ago, so the goods are still being shipped, just as C.O.D's. And as I prepay for this excess merchandise, I in turn, render myself unable to pay down the credit card and factor debt. Its a perpetual downward cycle, and I could make myself sick worrying about it. BUT I'm not. And that's the good news, and the reason for this post. After a mediocre weekend at the shop, I decided to take Sunday off and spend it at home with Sean and Willa. I'm so glad I did because it put things into perspective and cured my bad attitude. Instead of tainting this season with financial woe, I will use my past 7 years of experience to ride the retail rollercoaster with a cool head, even though it is currently more frightening than fun. This week, I will assess the situation, and devise a plan to best salvage the remainder of 2008. I'll just keep doing the best I can. And I certainly won't let it spoil the holidays. Money will be tighter than expected, but luckily, Willa doesn't need much. This has given us a nudge toward the things that matter most, not presents under the tree, but family and holiday tradition. Don't get me wrong, there will be presents, but they will not be the focus. And it will be the best Christmas ever.

Happy Birthday, Jenifer!

We sure are looking forward to seeing you and Reyn next week and celebrating both of your birthdays. I hope today was special. Love and miss you!

Thanksgiving '08

It was a beautiful day. We started with lunch at the Hh Ranch. Then we checked out the herd. Willa wasn't all that impressed with the cows. She's more of a people-person, I guess.

Then we went to Omie and Opie Kaiser's for some dessert and a quick visit with the Klein's. (And sorry, I forgot my camera in the truck.) Later, we made our last holiday stop, at Uncle Johnny's. We ate a big, delicious dinner, went around the room announcing what we were most thankful for. Can you guess what I said? Cash mostly slept like a baby, and Willa, well, didn't.

Chris lent her his cell phone, so she could take a call, and she received some very shocking news. As my friend, Jordan, said (and these pictures convey,) Willa "owns a room." Just look at us, a captivated audience.

Let's Get Caught Up...

First of all, I am sorry for the week-long hiatus. And I hope I haven't lost any devoted readers because of it. Last week was so busy! Our friends from Chicago, Seana and Madeline Strawn, visited us for four fun-filled, baby-centric days. It was hopefully the first of many cross-country play-dates. The last time I saw Seana was in Chicago, in May, and she was pregnant. Meeting Madeline this first time was really special. Seana and I have been friends for almost 10 years. We have been though so much together, having first met as waitresses at The Plateau Cafe, stood up in each other's weddings, empathised as we each underwent grueling fertility treatments, hosted each other's baby showers, welcomed our bouncing baby girls only 6 months apart, and shared plenty of tears, laughs, wisdom, and inspiration along the way. We call each other "soul sisters" because whether we are near or far, we always seem to connect on life, from the latest cravings in home decor, to our philosophies on motherhood, and most everything in between. Madeline's temperament contrasts and balances her mother's personality quite like Willa's contrasts and balances mine. We get a lot of laughs and conversations out of that. It was a joy to spend this quality time with our dear friends and to get to know Seana's adorable, mellow, smiley baby girl, Madeline.

In addition to our visit from the Strawn's, we welcomed lots of unexpected guests throughout the week, including Jenifer and Reyn, Jordan and Cash, Shelly and Cassidy, Helen (sans baby Jack,) Tara, Harlie, and Gracie, Sarah and Sofia, and Anabelle and Mattie. Rebekah, Brooklyn, and Camden paid a neighborly visit, too. Thank goodness for Cheerios and the big shag rug that I recently put down in the shoe section. I've been enjoying this perk of self-employment and turning the back half of the shop into a romper room for Willa and her friends. (Of course, I welcome any opportunity to chat up and relate to fellow moms.)

Last Thursday, my mom, Willa, and I attended the Grand Opening of Minx in downtown Austin. This new boutique is co-owned by my cousins, Sarah and Kate Penick. It is a beautiful store, stocked with fantastic labels, like Meghan Fabulous, Chloe Dao, and LaROC. I bought some great chocolate brown riding pants, and an early Christmas present for my mom, a scarf emblazoned with peace signs (of course.) There, we met up with Jenifer and Reyn and followed them to Matt's El Rancho for a yummy Mexican dinner. Reyn is 2 years old and unbelievably precious! She and I did lots of baby sign language, which has re-ignited my determination to teach Willa to sign. Its a great tool, simple to learn and execute, and cuts down on fits of frustration from little ones that have no other way of communicating their wants and needs. As we waited for our table, I doled out cheese puffs to Willa and Reyn. Willa grunted loudly whenever she wanted another one, and Reyn sweetly signed "more" and "please." From what I have read, now is the ideal time for Willa to learn, so Sean and I are buckling down, and I encourage everyone around her to do the same. Just ask and I'll teach you the basics.

Business has definitely picked up at the shop. This is absolutely my favorite week of the year, not only because of sales, but because of the familiar faces that pass through. In the 7 years I have owned Root, I have made countless friends and acquaintances through the shop. Seeing them on their regular, annual shopping spree always reminds me how much I enjoy and appreciate my job. Its hard to believe that I've been at it for so long, but I am frequently reminded. Customers I first met as little girls, trying desperately to fit into the clothes, are now coming in as college graduates with real jobs and their own money to spend. The familiarity of loyal customers is especially welcomed this year, with all the stress and struggle the recession brings. My numbers have been noticeably effected, and the credit crunch is taking its toll, but we are hanging in there. I'm so grateful that I have 7 years behind me and am somewhat established as a retail destination.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and another big first for Willa. I'm reminded how thankful I am for the blessings in my life. There are so many, which include Willa, Chris's health, my business and the freedom it has granted me to focus on being a mom, my doting hubby and the amazing friends and family members (especially the Grandmother Trifecta) that have helped me adjust to the drastic changes motherhood has brought. And on that note, I better sign off and get my shower before the sweetest blessing wakes from her morning nap.

A Little Individual

Some of my friends have said Willa looks like a mixture of Sean and me, but I'm sure they're just being nice. I almost can't believe the resemblance in these first photos of Sean and Willa. Don't get me wrong, I think its fantastic that Willa looks so much like her dad. But I will continue to watch closely, wait patiently, and hope that someday I'll catch a glimpse of myself in her. Maybe she'll have my laugh, or my sense of style, or my mint aversion. I'll be happy with any obscure, insignificant similarity, just so that it gives a little reassurance that she is also a part of me. It still seems hard to believe that I am actually a mother, not just a babysitter to this precious child. That after all these years of effort and doubt, we have overcome infertility and we have Willa, a beautiful, wonderful, real person to love and to teach and to share our lives with. Somebody should really pinch me because it still seems like a dream!

I was reading on a parenting website that at this age, 10 months, you can start to predict your child's personality based on their temperament. I've been doing this all along. (Don't we all?) But having read an expert's take on it, my once-frivolous predictions seem to carry a bit more weight. So here is what I have observed so far: First of all, like her physical appearance, her personality has very little resemblance to mine. (Or Sean's, for that matter.) It is a strong one. She is extraordinarily decisive, determined, and confident. She knows what she wants, and she goes for it, without any reservations or fears. She is incredibly social and outgoing and revels in the steady flow of fresh faces that pass through the shop. Customers are often drawn to Willa, and they usually get back more than they have bargained for. After a quick introduction, Willa makes friends, and without any prompting, reaches out, and invites herself into their arms. Its cute, but also a little awkward. Mostly because I never know for sure when I'll get her back. She doesn't usually return to me nearly as freely as she leaves. Of course that's embarrassing and always makes me wonder what kind of unfit mother I must appear to be. I'm not, by the way. It is just evidence of another unexpected personality trait, her independence. Willa enjoys having her space and is very entertained by herself, playing, studying, and laughing at her own antics. She has recently developed this new smile that perfectly displays the lone tooth in her top gums. She crinkles her nose, squints her eyes, and holds the pose just long enough to get a hearty reaction from her audience. She is turning into a performer, a little clown, the life of the party.

I look forward to watching her personality take shape over the years to come. Sean and I expect to be endlessly entertained and challenged by this foreign, yet refreshing disposition. And if these first 10 months are any indication, I know we'll have so much fun!

Stuck on This!

I love everything about these Woodland Wall Decals from Blik. The scene is natural, but still so much fun! They stick to the wall for instant impact, but can be easily removed, re-stuck, or repositioned. They are whimsical without being cutesy, colorful without requiring a color commitment, and they make a statement without dominating the space. Speaking of space, I just might have something in mind for these...

Top 10 Reasons Why We Love Flitty

1. Chocolate Meringue Pie
2. Her infectious laugh
3. The way she takes care of Chris
4. Her admirable character, generosity, kindness, and unselfishness
5. The way she says "srimp" (shrimp)
6. Lemon Pie with Nilla Wafer Crust
7. The way she loves and treats babies, particularly Willa
8. Unexpected flowers and homemade dinners, delivered to our door
9. The thoughtful, hand-written cards she gives
10. The energy and efficiency which earned her the name, "Flitty"

{Thank you for the sweet note, the beautiful flowers and the delicious dinner! It was absolutely unnecessary, but you already knew that. We all love you!}