Reflections

I'm gearing up for my 10-yr high school reunion this weekend. One... I feel so old! Two... I feel like I'm 17 again. You know what I mean. Worrying about what to wear, what everyone will be thinking about me, etc. Why is it that after 4 years of pretending to have tons of self confidence, another 4 years in college trying to claim that self confidence, that after an additional six years I feel exactly the same as I did when I was just pretending? I think it would be different if my closest friends were coming... but for various reasons, I seem to be doing this alone. And I'll admit it - I'm a little scared. The 3 women I've grown up with, the ones who won't judge me or the person I've become, the ones who will understand my "observations" and comments and will respond accordingly, will not be there. They won't even be close, each is 2,000 miles in a different direction. Yes, my husband will be there, but he didn't know me then. He met me after I had matured, quieted down (I was very loud in high school), after I had made the decision to be happy inside instead of career-successful, after I had found it sort of natural to smile - rather than fake it. And then there is the worrying over clothes... ugh. I actually returned the dress I had been planning to wear for months yesterday. Trying to dress more indiscriminately I guess. Ugh! Why is high school so threatening, even 10 years later? I can see why people stop going. But, I'll be there, sending reports back to my friends.

Gangsta Baby

Weston turned 7 weeks old today. It's amazing how fast the time really goes. And how you don't realize how big he is getting until you look at the pictures from the day he was born... He's so long now! West was initiated into his first Sorority dinner on Monday with my Chi Omega sisters - April, Jayme and Melissa. So, of course he had to sport an Owl onesie and beanie hat in honor of the sisters! (For those that don't know, the Owl is the symbol of our Sorority.) West was rockin' it old school... he looks so "Gangsta!" On a side note, he was the perfect baby, I don't think he cried once. And he just hung out while we ate, let everyone hold him, and even tried to have a conversation with April. It was a blast, and very relieving to know that he is such a social butterfly. Just like his Mama!!!

A Day in the life...

Who knew it could be so tiring just to be at home?

I love hanging out with West, but seriously, if I were a "stay at home" mom, I'd probably age at 4 times the normal rate... I'd be 40 in 2 years. Your life just flies by hour by hour. I mean... there are the reruns of "ER" while I feed West. There are the Soaps in the afternoons while I try to get in a load of laundry, and oh yeah - feed West. You also can't forget trying to plan dinners, because i feel like I should still be the Kitchen Goddess, since I am home after all, but then again, it's hard to coordinate anything while holding a squirmy baby.

But, I have to say... I really do think that we have the most brilliant baby in the world. He can almost control his head (he holds it up by himself almost all of the time, and he's only 6 weeks old!) He's been "talking" for a week straight, and today we had a conversation for almost an hour. I taught him to do the "Indian Yell," You know, when you sing/yell and tap your hand over your mouth. He opens his mouth, and about once or twice a day, will actually manage to make sound while I'm tapping, usually his timing is off. He smiles... he plays... he dreams... and my favorite part? He laughs! A full bodied laugh that begins just above his diaper and "rolls" up to his mouth, usually when he is asleep, but it's the best sound ever.

I'm adding more pictures... most are from the past weekend. We met my parents in Iowa City, just to hang out. And we saw our friend Beth, and her baby Sybella (Bella), at the Coralville Mall. It's odd to see your long-time friends with babies... and to have her holding yours. I mean, we talked about it for years... but it's still weird. I mean we've known each other since we were 11 or 12 years old. Whatever, I'm dealing with it. :)

West & I with Beth and Bella in Iowa City

West and I in Iowa City, posing for Grammy

Scott, West and I in Cherokee over Labor Day Weekend

West with Grammy and Grandpa in Iowa City

West in Auntie Shannon's laundry basket... he just wanted to help!

West posing in his Baptism outfit, so I could take pictures for the invitations!

Welcome to September!

ok... so i have been so bad about blogging. And it's not the baby's fault. i swear. Our computer is being ridiculous and so it takes days to upload photos and navigate the internet.

But, one month into Mommyhood, and everything is generally going well. Weston is a very good baby. He doesn't cry without reason, i.e. diapers, hungry. He's mastered the Power Nap, sleeping for 15 minutes, then is up and going for an hour. He is eating all the time. And i swear he has to weigh at least 10 pounds now. Here are some of the latest pictures from our day to day life.

1st bath! He's not very fond of bath time yet.

3 weeks old, watching the Cubs with Daddy!

My new Deacon's Bench, handpainted by our friend Eva Maria, who did this all free hand!

Enjoying my 1-month birthday with my Great-Uncle David!

Look, West can kick the ball!!!

It's been a crazy, busy month, but we love it. On a side note, I'm going to be an Aunt for the first time! My brother Nathan is expecting his first baby next year. It was a shock, but we're very excited!

The 10 yr reunion for the CHS class of '98 has been set for September 26th and 27th. Football game on Friday, and the big shindig at Buck's Barn on Saturday. It should be a blast. I already have a new dress (much smaller than the size i was wearing back in November when i got pregnant. Very exciting!!!!)

Well, West and I need to leave Shannon's and get home. I'll try to update more often.