Happy Birthday Uncle Levi

This is a "shout out" to Jesse's favorite uncle, "Uncle Vie". Hmm, am I even cool enough to use the phrase "shout out"? Well, it's going to stay since this is for the much cooler... younger... birthday boy. Happy Birthday, Levi!

Jesse just adores his uncle Levi; he LOVES uncle Levi's motorcycle(s), his fish, going to Uncle Vie's house, his fiance (Lynzzzie), terrorizing his Mustang(s), and playing guitar with him.

Levi has always been a great friend to Chris and they have shared many fun adventures (and misadventures - an unplanned overnighter on snowmobilies), toys (way too many to list) and laughs.

Levi is one of my favorite people; he is genuine, caring, and friendly. He was my shoulder to cry on when Chris was stranded in Mexico and he is (and always has been) a favorite traveling companion (numerous back-packing trips, annual treks to Yellowstone, skateboarding w/ Chris in NYC while I'm "working", snorkeling in Mexico, reef shark hunting in Key West, and wake boarding in Lake Powell).

I am so looking forward to his wedding this summer; he deserves all the happiness in the world.

My first day back

"This is the first day of the rest of your life".
"What is to be is up to me".

These are two quotes that I grew up. They were cross-stitchings that hung in my room and at my grandma's house. And I feel that they both describe my first day back to work perfectly.

My life from here on out is as a mother of two who will try every day to successfully balance being a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a full time+ employee.

Jorja - 2 months old

Unbelievably Jorja's 2 month birthday is today although it's obvious by how much she has grown. She is doing so well. She sleeps 5 to 6 hours most nights, she smiles, she snores, she enjoys the lights on her fish rocker, and she loves the burrito wrap. She doesn't like getting her clothes changed and she doesn't like to be left alone for too long. Yes, she is spoiled but it couldn't be prevented; she just has so many people that love her!!!!

For Jorja's (2 month) birthday, she had a photo shoot at Grandma Pat's and got to spend her last night in mom & dad's room. My birthday wish for Jorja is that she will have a strong sense of self (confidence) and that she will be resilient in her resolve to accomplish any & all of her hopes & dreams. But I also wish her the opportunity and aspiration for adventure. It's important to take time for fun. (Chris had a really fun day today with Levi snowmobiling (extreme sledding). I'm quite jealous of their little adventures).

Well, along with the anxiety I'm feeling to go back to work full time, the frustration for not getting as much accomplished as I'd planned, and the overwhelming guilt/worry/concern that has settled in for leaving my babies home; I'm also grateful for the opportunity to stay home a week and a half longer than originally planned.

Big brother Jesse is also doing really well. He has had a great time lately swimming with Chris, scaring his little sister, tickling my feet, falling a sleep in our bed only to be put in his own bed and then returning to ours, giving Pa Jesse a band-aid (an impossible task on a hairy ape) :), visiting Uncle Vi and Aunt Lynsszzzie, stomping in Pa Don's "precious" dirt :), running around with Wessst & Jusst, playing at Abby's house, bowling with Uncle Steve & Assshley, and playing at Kristin's house.