Good Morning

The sun was glorious this weekend. It felt so good after so much rain. We soaked up the sun, ate ice cream, visited gardens and had gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free chocolate chip cookie numminess to celebrate my birthday. Kalea sang Happy Birthday to me nearly 100 times complete with "you live in a zoo... you look like a monkey... and you smell like one too... HEY!"

I feel blessed.

It's Monday

On Saturday morning the girls awoke as normal at 7am. I had only gone to bed 4-5 hours earlier after working late and was exhausted. I gave the girls permission to raid the pantry in search of food and watch their new movie.

They left me in peace FOR TWO HOURS.

Amazing. I was so thankful for the sleep.

At 9am Naomi came in and climbed in bed next to me. She stroked my hair and said, "Mommy, it's almost time to wake up." Kalea joined us in bed snuggling up, first on top of my feet, and then on top of my head.

It was time to get up.

Monday

Busy week ahead. Here weeee gooooooo!

my loves

Father's Day

Dear Daddy, Grandpa, Grandpa, G-Grandpa, Kevin & Ardy,



Thank you for blessing our lives so richly.
These were taken in your honor...




We love you - to the moon and back! Happy Father's Day!

lovin' summer days

Introductions

Naomi and I took a last minute flight to Utah to attend "Family Camp". We weren't going to go because Mark couldn't leave and plane tickets were in the $1200-1400 range. But I felt such an urgent and pressing need to be there. Tuesday night we found a flight for $600 and Wednesday we flew out. It was wild and I'd really rather not fly alone with a baby again... but we made it and the introductions made and friendships strengthened were worth it.

I needed to introduce Naomi to her great-grandma Ross, one of my great heroines. I couldn't miss the opportunity. I also needed to introduce her to our family - so that she could become more than just a photo on the internet, but a real and delightful member of the family. And I needed my sisters and cousins. For nine years I've been the one with a career while they've been moms... and now I finally get to fully join that circle. Mothering Naomi comes so naturally to me... but oddly, being a mom doesn't. It is a huge lifestyle change. (Not bad, just very different). I've always had a career and now I'm learning how to balance being a mother and wife with a small career so that all three of us thrive. It is tricky. I haven't found my groove yet and I needed to watch and be with my sisters and cousins - who are among the greatest moms out there, to see how it's done.

It was exciting to introduce Naomi to her grandpas, and she gave both of them delightful smiles when they played with her.

Naomi met cousin Kaison and uncle Mike, Uncle Brock and auntie Kitty, Tyler and Kami, Jeff, Lisa, Elle and Zoey, Uncle Brent and auntie Cryssi, aunties Missy and Rachel (and TJ growing inside her), and lots and lots of aunties, uncles and cousins! We love and miss you all!

For more photos from Family camp:
http://www.cannonfamily.us/gallery/v/marknstacey/familycamp/
(password hint: grandma's first name)


Great-grandma Ross, Stacey & Naomi


My family (missing Mark)


Cousins!


Auntie Missy


Auntie Rachel and TJ (en route)


Grandma


Grandma & Brock


Aunties Lisa and Kitty


Stacey and Marci (with our babes)


Grandma
(Naomi's wearing her cute 12 month swim suit! She's only 2.5 months old!)


Uncle Mike


Auntie Kami


Grandpa


"But I want my pants pulled up like Kaison's!"