Reflections

This morning I got up, and for the first time in a long time (way too long), I went for a run. It felt amazing! I had my running mix on the ipod, the sun was shining, and everyone seemed to be out enjoying the day. As I was running, feeling totally charged, I couldn't help but appreciate my body. A body that has changed and created another perfect body. A body that just 6 months earlier was carrying little Benjamin inside. I smiled ear to ear as I ran and told myself this would only be the first of many Saturday runs to come.

When I got home, I called my mom to say "good morning." As we were talking, she told me about a woman she knew, her age, who had been going about life as usual and went in for a routine eye exam. At the visit, her doctor found something and told her to go to the hospital immediately. What they found was a brain tumor. They operated to try to remove the tumor, but there was bleeding in her brain. She went brain dead, and a few days later, she died. I cried when I heard this story. I don't know this woman, but it just re-enforces was a gift life is. I look at Ben and Mike and think how every moment is precious. I know it seems a bit corny, but in the blink of an eye, it could all be gone.

Then I started to think, when my time is up, how will I be remembered? What stories will Ben tell his children about me? What will the students and teachers I have worked with say? What stories will my friends remember? What would Mike say about me? It makes me think about every action I take, how I talk to people, treat people, judgments I may make before I actually know someone. I'm glad I'm feeling reflective today. Sometimes it's nice to take a step back and look around.

How will people remember you?

Coffee Talk

After the doctor, we headed to the market for some household staples (milk, oj, and a tub of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter light) and decided an afternoon coffee was a great idea! We went next door to Peet's and indulged in an iced half-caf, non-fat, sugar-free vanilla latte and a strawberry scone (for mom, of-course). We sat outside and people watched, and Ben had a lot to talk about!

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Dr. G.

I had an appointment today with my doctor and was hoping for a picture of her and Ben (since she was the one who delivered him). Unfortnately Ben was sleeping, but Dr. G. was a good sport and posed with him anyway.

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Buttons and Cole-On the Move!

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Playdate with Cole and Lisa

Today we met up with Lisa and Cole for lunch in their nieghborhood. Cole is one day older than Ben, and both Lisa and I were in the hospital at the same time. We met in prenatal yoga and joked about delivering at the same time. We spent many early days meeting up with these two, and Lisa and I are constantly checking in and comparing notes. It's fun to watch them grow and change!

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Ben Sits Up

6 months and one day, Ben is now sitting on his own. So exciting!

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Buttons first Christmas in Charlotte, NC

Me, Mike, Buttons, Uncle Chad, Aunt Deedee, Cousin Caleb

Buttons, Uncle Chad, Aunt Deedee
Mops and Buttons
Buttons and Me
Daddy's good friend, Lina
Buttons and Sophie, la giraffe
Cousin Caitlin, Uncle Peter, Aunt Becca, and Cousin Max
Cloudy and Aunt Mary
It was a busy two weeks in Charlotte full of friends, family, food, fun...and some fevers (luckily Buttons didn't get sick...yay for booby milk!).