Colorado

Bryan and I took a much needed vacation to Colorado a couple weeks ago. The kids stayed at Grandma and Grandpa Ardy's and did very well (or at least that's what they tell us!) Yes, I did leave my 5 month old baby for 5 days to spend some quality time with my husband! One thing I learned from my parents is you have to make your marriage a priority, even after you have kids. The kids will be outta the house in a mere 18 years, and hopefully Bryan will still be around and we will still know and love each other!

We managed to get Bryan's work to cover most of the expenses of the trip - the time share condo belongs to his company, and he won it in a drawing, the airline tickets were paid for with frequent flier miles from Bryan traveling on business, and we also stayed in a Marriot in downtown Denver with reward points from Bryan's business trips. So, all that was left was renting a car, food, and entertainment.

The getting there and returning was uneventful. I had not flown since the last time Bryan had racked up his miles, and that was before parenthood. I found myself a bit more nervous than usual on plane, realizing there was now a lot more to be lost.

We stayed our first night in Denver and went to Coors Stadium for a Colorado Rockies game. The stadium was so nice! But it was very cold and we were unprepared. We ended up leaving early. I know true fans of the game will suffer through cold and heat in an outdoor stadium, but I think all stadiums should have a retractable roof.

The next day we traveled up to the condo, going through Winter Park. When we have gone in the winter, this town has been packed with skiers, but it was REALLY dead. We had trouble just finding a place that was open for lunch!

On Sunday, we planned to go driving and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, but when we woke up to snow, we decided to just hang out at the condo most of the day. We did go to a hot sulfur springs spa, and that was very relaxing.

Monday we went to RMNP and did some hiking. Much of the park was still closed because of snowy roads, so our exploring was limited. We spent the afternoon shopping in a tourist trap sort of town right outside the park. Again, we were basically the only ones there, but many of the stores were open, and we were told it is a very busy place in the summer. So apparently we traveled during the "offest" season - between winter sports and summer sports! But it was nice to not have to deal with crowds or wait for service at restaurants.

Speaking of restaurants, Bryan was excited about trying some interesting new foods. One of the places we had planned to eat at wasn't open, but we did get to try "Rocky Mountain Oysters", I ate elk for the first time, and I think Bryan had wild bore sausage.

eye update

Brett did very well at his doctor's appointment on Friday. Having to wrestled my son in my arms while they gassed him off to Lala Land was not one of my most joyful experiences of motherhood, but who ever said parenthood was always pleasant?

Brett's doctor confirmed that he does in fact have cataracts in both eyes. The good news is that it is a small amount at this time, and also that it is not metabolic, which would have been an indicator of other problems. We were advised that, while the cataracts is not going to go away, and will likely get worse over time, the risks of surgery out weigh the benefits, as he sees quite sufficiently. Our next step will just be to keep a close watch and continue frequent visits to the eye doctor (oh joy!). Brett is also near-sighted. So, looks like neither one of our kids have a very good chance of being free of corrective lenses!

Interestingly, cataracts in infants is very uncommon. Brett's doctor said there are probably 100 cases in the state of Minnesota. When he does have surgery, we will likely take him to the University, because they are more versed in the procedure.

the very last piece of paper

747 days after we started Brett's adoption, we finally received the very last piece of paper in the mail - Brett's Social Security Card! We've had Lydia's since she was a couple weeks old! So, now we can finally take Brett's piggy bank to the bank and open up a saving account.

In other news, Brett is going in to the surgery center tomorrow morning to be sedated for an eye exam. I'll update the blog when we learn something...

being mom

An Incomplete List of Things I Love about Being Mom


Kissing little toes.

Having an excuse to sing silly songs with actions.

Rediscovering the world through the eyes of my child - do you know how fascinating it is to look at things upside down?

When Brett crawls up in my lap with a book.
Pushing my kid on a swing for a half hour on a warm Tuesday afternoon, and not caring about the pile of laundry at home.
Nursing.
Snuggling in bed with Lydia as I enjoy just one more hour of sleep.
Bedtime stories, songs, prayers, and cuddles.
Bedtime.
Going for walks.

Parties and cakes.
Continuing holiday traditions and creating some new ones.
Cute outfits.

Being concerned about the "footprint" I'm leaving behind because I want my children to have a healthy earth to raise their children.
Bathtime.
Having the joy of sharing Jesus' love with them.

Playing in the sandbox.
The perplexed looks I get when pushing my two Beauties in the stroller together anywhere in public...

Rocking Lydia to sleep whenever I get the chance.
Sharing parenting with an amazing Dad.

First steps, first words, first rollovers and other milestones.

Having a "distraction" in social situations where I would otherwise have to be mingling!
Finally appreciating the value of vegetables.

The zoo, the library, and other outings.
Brett's laughter and Lydia's gleaming smile.
Nervously watching Brett dive head first down the big slide.
Playing with legos.
Going to "work" in my slippers.

"My mother was the making of me. She was so true, so sure of me, and I felt like I had someone to live for..."

-Thomas Edison

Happy Mother's Day!