"Keeping it together" part 1

I'm still a little busy as I am gathering my ideas and techniques that work for me on how to "KIT," Keep It Together on a day to day basis. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE organizing and planning. If you know me well, you know about my little "brain." Otherwise knows as the color coded day planner that goes everywhere with me. Recently, Kday has been struggling to KIT himself and has been awfully forgetful. So, my remedy is this.....

The new and improved "Family Brain." We TRY to sit down each Sunday and scan ahead the next few weeks over our individual "brains." Mine is usually a little more full of actual appointments and items to complete, while his is full of cute sketches and blank space where he forgot to write appointments in :) (this is why kday and I work so well together) But we piece together what our week is going to look like and post it on the side of the refrigerator for quick reference. It's been working nicely.

I prefer a weekly calendar vs a monthly because I need a lot of writing space. But it's absolutely personal preference and here is where I purchased this.

NICE WEATHER

I know I've been promising a few "exciting" posts to come (really... not very exciting!) but todays weather is a delicious fall warmth so Im going to take advantage. I'm going to take this guy for a hike and enjoy the fresh air.

Little Lady is coming too in her baby bjor*n because a little vitamin D is good for all of us. We're shutting the computer until the sun goes down today! Why don't you do the same? :)

2.5 miles

Finally, I willed by ever-growing back side out of bed this am at six, and went for a short run. I'm so out of shape! But I'm back in the swing of things and ready to continue my new routine. Post coming soon on my new family organization calendar and "to do" lists! So exciting isn't it?

17 weeks

Layla was born 17 weeks ago today. Unbelievable how far we've all come.

The day before we finally got to bring her home from the hospital

Just a few days old.... She looks so much like her birth mom then

How can such a big change happen in just 17 weeks? The Lords work.
What a lovely sight. I love to daydream back to the very first days that I was her mother and I didn't even realize it. California is all such a blur, yet when I'm driving lately it always seems to replay in my mind. I try to process the overwhelming events that occurred and the beginning moments of motherhood. I think it's sort of like the equivalent of someone reminiscing about their labor and delivery. It was different for me, but just as beautiful and miraculous. I try not to forget any details, even the smallest ones. Like the smell of the hospital and the feeling I had when the nurse placed the wrist band on mine and Kday's hands like they would on any other parents. I remember every parking spot that we used when driving to and from the hospital every 3 hours to feed Lady. I remember how small I felt when I walked into the hospital for the very first time to meet with Layla's birthmother and how the nurses looked at us and whispered hushed word that made me feel like we didn't belong there. The exact moment I first saw my daughter and wondering how to hold back my emotions because I was so sad for Layla's birth family yet I was so full of pure joy. The memories are still there, I don't ever want to forget them. I guess that's why I replay every moment I can again in my mind, because Layla is my life now. I can't help but to remember the day my life started. 17 weeks ago.
7.06.09

AFTERMATH

Busy cleaning the aftermath destruction that our Halloween Extravaganza took on my poor home. I literally can't see the floor or couches in my front room and the piles of dog fur are a-float in the air. The house smells like.... something sour and Layla is in dire need of a nap in her very own quiet room and cozy crib. So, while she's down for a nap... I've got to get busy scrubbing and organizing and planning a Family Home Evening activity. Mean while... have I told you lately how much I am in LOVE with my little baby! She is the most wonderful thing in our lives. We spent this morning laying in the mess on the couch, in our pj's, and just giggling and talking to each other. She is breath of my soul.

p.s pics of the HE 2009 to follow soon.... once the mess is picked up :)

PREVIEW OF "THE SHOW"

SDAY CARVING EARLY IN THE EVENING

LAYLA AND A FEW OF HER COUSINS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE PUMPKIN DISPLAYTHE MUSHROOM FIELD ON THE PORCH

PUMPKIN VERSION OF THE DAY FAMILY GOING FOR A DRIVE

THE SMILE THAT LAYLA BRINGS TO OUR FACES

THE TEARS OF JOY WE SHED WITH THE PUMPKIN CARVING IS COMPLETED!

ALL THE DAY FAMILY GRANDKIDS

Still at it

Just a few more pumpkins to go... then our heads will be heavy on our pillows until little Lady wakes us up around 7am. Kday is on Layla duty tomorrow while I finish sewing our costumes. It couldn't be more perfect. Just as I imagined motherhood on halloween would be. Filled with good times and a "little ghoul." So happy to share our Halloween traditions with our daughter... finally:)