It's almost my new bedtime.

Just wanted to touch base, though. I've been reading Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions, and it's phenomenal, just like her other books (Bird by Bird being one of my favorites). It's about her son's first year; at age 34ish, she got pregnant by a man who left and so she raised her son alone. But not really *alone* but with her village. In an early chapter, she writes so vividly about the love a parent has for his or her child. I won't quote her directly but she writes about how she used to think that she could handle whatever life could throw at her-- sickness, death, disease-- and come out okay even if bruised on the other side. But there's one thing she could not survive and that is losing her child. This idea rang so true inside of me. I've been handed some fairly crappy cards in this life and I've gotten through just fine; while I wish some events hadn't happened or at least had happened differently, they shaped me and I like the person I've become. But if something were to ever happen to Ethan-- that's just not something I think I could ever get past.

Wow. That's a downer, huh? Her book isn't all gloom; it's really quite witty and entertaining and true. Anne Lamott writes the true things that we all think somewhere deep down and I appreciate her for it. She writes the way I wish I could.

Today was my third day at work and it's so bad. Being with Ethan and having such an extended break has been nice, but it's good to be back, too. I feel academic again. I feel creative. Plus, I can eat lunch with two hands and pee whenever I feel like it. :) It's easy to see how we take such things for granted, but I won't anymore!

Survived.

Today was my first day back at work; it went a lot better than I had anticipated. I didn't even cry (much to my own surprise). Of course, it helped that J. brought E. out for lunch and will do so for the rest of the week (except tomorrow). It is hard being away from him, but I feel fortunate to have been home for six months. I feel like this next step is one that we're both ready for.

Also, have you read Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions? So very good. My next post will be about the book.

Until then, sweet dreams. I'm going to bed before 11pm!

I'm Attempting

Okay, so this my latest attempt to upload and share pictures with the few of you who read this. These are all from August; some are just us hanging out around the house; there are a few from our trip to Richmond and then just some random ones. The last two are from today, my I-have-to-go-back-to-work haircut. I hope this worked out!

Lists

I'm too scatterbrained right now to think in complete sentences, so here are some lists.

Things Ethan Loves
His dad.
Bananas, carrots and surprisingly peas
The theme song to "Yes, Dear."
Dillon and Rosco (in general, dogs, but these are his favs)
Shoving anything and everything into his mouth.
Rides in the stroller
Naps with Mom.

Things Ethan Does NOT Love
His carseat.
Sweet potatoes (he may look like me, but this kid did not get my palate).
Baths (sometimes)
Not having something to put in his mouth.
Napping on his own.

Things I Love
My boys.
My new living room.
The hydrangeas my husband brought me yesterday.
My Jeep, even though Jason has been the one driving it and he does NOT love it.
Ebay, Amazon and online shopping in general.
Baking

Things I Do NOT Love
Knowing that I only have 13 days until I go back to work.
Our internet connection being weird.
My current jaw pain
Not being able to fall asleep until at least 10pm.

I have some great pictures to share; it's just a matter of finding the time to upload and transfer. Maybe tomorrow?

One Hand!

Lots of stuff going on at our house! We took a mini-vacay last week; made over the livingroom, baby is teething, celebrated 3 birthdays. I've got a lot of pictures to share but that will have to wait until later, when I have two hands. August 25th, the day I go back to work, is fast aaproaching and I'm very sad. Ethan will be in good hands, though.
And now I'm trying to get baby to nap on his own... wish me luck!