Friday Faves.... Ainsley Style!

I tossed and turned all night, knowing it was just a case of the jitters.  Deep breaths.  I'd only been with my daughter for just over 24 hours but my body ached for hers.  She was so uncomfortable, stretched significantly beyond the space of her small frame.  I took note of how incredible the human body is - completely adaptable to change.

We should be that skilled.  You know, us humans.

I couldn't help but wince at each contraction.  She was so brave.  Always has been, actually.  She is strength for her family.  It's one of the million things that I love about that girl.  She can talk through any situation until she has surfaced a logical path.

As I entered the kitchen, Bubba was quiet.  Not particularly unusual as he typically isn't a chatty Cathy in the morning.  But this morning, he was somberly quiet.  

I'd seen it a thousand times, that face.  He was being strong.  Batting down his fears.  Being the brave one.  Keeping the faith.  It's one of the million things I love about him.

They were us - Hubs and I.  Quiet and strong, confident problem solver.  Their similarities to us always make me smile. I let out a little giggle as I reached around to grab my camera.

"Smile you two!  It's the BABY day!"

My son's glare could have cut my body in two.

"Mom.  It's 5:30 in the morning.  Do NOT take our picture."

I snapped it anyway.  I've learned to ignore his irrational morning words many years ago.

As the kids pulled out of the driveway, the house sat eerily quiet.  Nugget was still sound asleep.  Even Hank had fallen back to sleep on the couch.

I was alone to wait.  Wait for the news of our littlest one's arrival.  And I must admit, I was a bit scared.  I tried to busy myself.  I couldn't keep focus reading.  Facebook wasn't buzzing yet with my friends so no fun updates.  Instagram was silent.  Even twitter had few new feeds (that I cared about, anyway).

I think it may have been the longest 4 1/2 hours of my life.  And then, just like that, she was here.

She is amazing.  She has the sweetest little squeaky cry.  She is so soft and vulnerable.  And she is so incredibly loved.

In honor of our sweetest thing, below are my faves for the week!

Welcome to this big world, Ainsley Isla!

Wowzers!  8 lbs, 5 oz, 20 1/2 inches long!

Sleeping is her fave thing to do right now.

Obviously...

Meet Eli, your big brother and Master Protector!

"I hold the Baby?"  But of course!

"I love the Baby!"  Yes buddy, we do too!

So awesome to see him look at her...

My beautiful family.  So incredibly proud!

Yep.  Even I did it.  The big bow.  Girls ROCK!

My cup runneth over.

Have a fantastic weekend, friends!

Jen

Moment of Truth

I've had the best 6 days EVER.  My west coast kids were home, I've run two races, the weather was perfect and I am in bliss.

Except for my stupid allergies.  Those can just go to hell.

The kids did a beautiful job in navigating the visit.  I don't envy them... it's not an easy task to do.  All of their family loves them so much and wants to spend time with them, so dividing up the short time they had home was a bit challenging.

I have to admit it was hard for me as well.  Of course my selfish side wants all of their time and attention.  It's  only human nature.  I would have preferred to lock them in my house the whole visit and not let them out.

But of course that didn't happen.  I shared just like I learned in elementary school, much to my chagrin.  I am the spoiled baby of the family used to getting my way though.  Bubba, being the responsible first born, navigated it all very well.  And of course he married a first born, equally responsible.  Well... maybe a smidge more than Bubba....

It has been a humbling experience sharing my son with others, although you would think I would be used to it by now since his father and I divorced when he was 3.  I just always try to keep in mind that sharing is good because he is so loved and supported by others.

But I'm only human.  Seriously.... who could resist this face?

I'm so grateful for every moment we had together.  We laughed, had great talks and loved all over each other.  This visit most definitely has made the separation much more bearable.

Of course, ask me that tomorrow.  Oh, and little guy cried when he left for school today.  It's hard being away from someone you love so much.

By the way - isn't this exactly the way you should eat apple sauce?

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend filled with love, family and friends.  We definitely did!

Jen

Pure Excitement

It's almost TIME!  Tomorrow I will be boarding a plane and heading out west.  I am so totally psyched.

And from the 80's, obviously.

I so need this trip.  I need to see the kids.  I desperately need to squeeze nugget super tight.  Heck, I even need to snuggle with Hank.

It seems like an eternity since I've seen the kids.  2 1/2 months is a LONG time to wait for something you want.

Of course I'm not so excited about this:

I'm seriously hoping that is wrong.  It's that warm HERE!  I want WARM!!

Oh well.  I don't care.  We will still go to the park.  We will still play outside.  We will still go for walks.  And love every single moment.

Enjoy your weekend, friends.  I know I will!

Jen