i haven't forgot about this blog i'm just out of town. i am doing some audit work this week in new york...so exciting! ;) i feel like i never quit working when i travel. but, then i come home to skype and i see what i'm missing. mark told me avery is getting a molar and she is saying the word cheese and grandma gaye is trying to teach her to say gobble gobble! luckily avery doesn't grow at lightening speed so i don't think i have to worry to much. i know she's having fun and i know grandma gaye is enjoying her time as well!

someone sent me this link and it was a list of things that change when you have a kid. if you want to read theirs here is the link. i thought i'd come up with my own list of things that have changed since having avery.

first what i learned this week...
- my idea of a break is coming to work for a week
- i have never appreciated eating dinner in front of the tv on my bed more
- i love skype
- it's healthy for couples and mothers to take "breaks"
- there are people who love my kid just as much as i do
- not everyone has a human for an alarm clock
- people go out after 8pm
- showering with your eyes closed is a luxury

and a little more general...
- the day before is never like the next day to come
- i do things and never expect anything in return, and i'm okay with that
- i find joy in things i would have never given a second thought too. recently, i love going to home depot because every time she is excited about the huge blow up Christmas decorations. yes, i bought one of those tacky inflatable things and will proudly put it in our yard.
- i read other people's stories and i'm touched. not just for that 5 minutes it took me to read but everyday. because of layla grace's story i am reminded that while i can't unload the dishes in 5 minutes or use the restroom without having someone pull all the toilet paper off the roll, this is the way it is suppose to be.
- when i look at pictures i look at her first
- when i think about getting my paycheck, i think about being able to put avery in gymnastics or do swimming lessons with her, not about the what i want for myself
- i will never pee or shower alone again
- i've become more comfortable in my appearance
- it doesn't matter what you wear to the store/mall/anywhere because no one is looking at you anymore
- i'll drive to the grocery store that's farther away because avery will get a balloon
- i remember when the only thing i had to schedule was when i was going to to workout. workout? when does that happen?
- it doesn't matter how big of a mess it's going to make you will do it anyway for someone else's happiness
- i can't remember the last time i bought a pair of jeans that weren't maternity
- will a week ever go by where i don't have to clean the floor?
- those who don't stay at home think it's the sweetest job in the world, and i never feel the need to defend staying home because it's enough for me
- i spent more time researching preschools and reading applications than i did for college
this list could go on, but i'm getting tired so one more...
- i can say with my whole heart that i would give everything and anything i had to protect her and keep her safe. i'd donate every organ in my body and give away all of our possessions to save her life. i'd give my own life if it would save hers.


a big thank you to grandma gaye who has spent the past 2 weeks loving my little girl like she's the only kid on the planet! mommy's coming home tomorrow! :)