Happy Halloween and Happy 2 Year Blogiversary

Happy Halloween! Are you doing anything to celebrate? Eric and I are going to dress up at home and pass out (vegan) candy to the kids in the neighborhood. I think this will be the year that we get kids. Everywhere we have ever lived we've never had more than a few stop by.

Last night I decided to carve a pumpkin (see above). I went with a classic design and named my pumpkin Seymour. I think he's quite charming as far as pumpkins go. I also toasted some pumpkin seeds and they were scrumptious. I need to have pumpkin seeds more often, but I really only have them once a year.

A friend of our family gave us this scary looking pumpkin with Cordelia's name on it. She has this cool thing that she does each year, she scratches in names of the kids in her neighborhood and let's her pumpkins scar that way. When it's time to harvest them she surprises the kids with a pumpkin with their names. Isn't that such a fun idea?!

Also today is my blog's 2 year anniversary! I have been posting every day for the past two years, with only a couple of exceptions (like giving birth). Wahooo!!!!!!!!

Some More Winter

Looks like we are going to continue to do one week of winter and then one week of fall. Next week it's supposed to be warm again, but for now it is cold and frosty. My family has been holed up in our house. The cats are hanging out next to the heaters, Bumblebee is snuggling extra close and Eric seems to have the perpetual pot of coffee going.

This morning I ventured outside and the air felt extra cold with the Wyoming wind blowing it up and through the fibers of my clothes.

When I came back inside I was greeted with a blast of warm air and a very happy basset hound. I think much of it will melt away before the day is over, but I do love that feeling of coming in from the cold. Makes me extra thankful that I am not a homesteader, thank goodness for electricity!

Interview With the Coolest Musician in the World!!!

You may recall that my husband, who just so happens to be the coolest musician in the world, has just released his newest album, The Invisible Audience. Today I thought I would interview him about his new release.

Maria Rose: I guess I will refer to you as EK in this interview as that is your music name. Can you share the basic stats about your new album, The Invisible Audience?
EK: The record has 11 tracks that were all recorded within this past year (except one song). It was recorded in several states including Montana, Colorado and Wyoming as well as a couple of tracks in England. I have a couple of British vocalists, some Canadian rockers and you! I feel like Paul Simon doing some sort of global unity project. Okay, maybe that was stretching it, but I did have fun working with all the musicians on the record.

Maria Rose: Can you tell us a bit about your musical background?
EK: I joined elementary band as a percussionist in 5th grade and stuck with it all the way into college, so on one hand I'm a classically trained musician. On the other hand I've been in rock bands since I was 14. Punk, surf, indie, metal, electronic and even cover bands have been pretty steady in my life over the past 15 years. I guess the combination of all of that formed my sound on the solo records.

Maria Rose: Please tell us what the intention is behind this album and how it came to be.
EK: The term "The Invisible Audience" refers to the notion that artists can fall victim to creating something they think their audience will enjoy. The result is an attempt to please an audience that doesn't exist. That's never good because the product isn't sincere. My album is an attempt to not let outside opinions about my past records influence the sound and style on this album. The result is the most diverse group of songs on a single album that I think I've ever done.

Maria Rose: How does this album differ from other works you've released?
EK: Live drums! After nearly a decade it's my first ever non-electronic album. It's more of a traditional rock record. Bass, drums, vocals, guitar, keyboards and piano. In the past it was more programming, drum machines, samples, synths, etc. Also, like I said earlier, everything was recorded in the past year which is huge for me. I usually have albums that are more like compilations because the songs were written years apart and clumped into one collection. On my new album it's self-contained. The collaborations with other musicians is also a big first!

Maria Rose: What track is your favorite and why?
EK: Oh man. I just read a quote from David Lynch answering the same question about his movies. He said something like, "A good parent never favors one child over the other." On this album each song is almost a different genre so I can't really compare them. It depends on which mood I'm in. If I'm feeling down I'll like the depressing song or if I'm feeling happy I'll like the upbeat song. You get the idea.

Maria Rose: This album does have a lot of diversity. After listening to it I feel as though I've taken a little tour through your mind. The song A Well Traveled Ghost in particular is very different for you. How did you come to that style and was it difficult to let your hair down and do something out of your comfort zone?
EK: It felt like a trip back in time. When I released my first album back in 2001 it was over-the-top experimental. Since then I've refined my sound and I've been hesitant to take risks. Back to your last question, A Well Traveled Ghost would probably be one of my favorites because of that reason. I really wanted one more song written in 6/8 for the album so I picked up my bass guitar. I wrote it in about 15 minutes. It was the last song written for the album. It just came out of nowhere! Sometimes that happens and I just have to ride with it. It's rare, but always welcomed.

Maria Rose: As you mentioned you have three different guest singers on this album. Tell my readers how you found your collaborators and a bit about the process you used to work with people from as close as your own home to as far away as the other side of the globe.
EK: I was a big fan of these two British groups, The Electrilickers and Theoretical Girl. I had interviewed them both back when I used to interview people. I just went out on a limb and asked if they'd be up for lending their voice to a track. Amy from Theoretical Girl was just finishing up her debut record and getting ready to play Japan or something crazy like that so I was very surprised she said yes. I sent them the songs and the lyrics. I had them record their parts then send them back to me. We live in a great time! The other collaborations were Paul and Sarah from Two Year Touqe. That track was recorded all together back in Missoula, MT. The last collaboration was you! I just forced you to be involved on the record and you finally agreed to do it. In addition to your vocal part, the lyrics for track #3 are taken from a short story you wrote.

Maria Rose: I think the album artwork is really spectacular. How and why did you decide on this particular design? My readers might like to know that you did all of the design yourself.
EK: Thanks! This is definitely my favorite album layout so far. The cover is a photo of my grandfather from the 1950s. I didn't change anything which made it perfect for a cover! The back tray piece is a photo of my dad as a child jumping off a dock into a lake in New York. The inside artwork is a collage of my family from the 1950s as well as a portrait of me that you actually took a few years ago! The overall design is about the past and the connection between generations.

Maria Rose: You have total creative control of your album from start to finish. Do you enjoy the process or do you just do it out of necessity?
EK: Both. Sometimes I love letting other people do the hard work. Studios are expensive, but not always worth it. It depends on the sound I want. With bands I'm in I like studios, but for my solo stuff I like doing it myself. It's been that way for so long that I couldn't imagine recording a solo record in someone else's studio (although I'd like to have access to their equipment)!

Maria Rose: Why did you take such a long break in writing new material?
EK: I was burnt out, uninspired and was focusing more on my film and photography. I didn't want to force another album. I knew it would come eventually. I'm glad I waited because the end result feels right.

Maria Rose: Where can people buy this album?
EK: Ha ha! Well, thanks for asking! You can buy cds and downloads through CDbaby or you can do the itunes thing. It'll be available in a bunch of other places soon also.

Maria Rose: Anything else you want to share?
EK: I'm a dad! My baby is insanely cute and my wife is smokin' hot!

Maria Rose: How does it feel to be the coolest musician in the world?
EK: Very similar to being the coolest dad in the world.

Maria Rose: Thanks for the interview. I love you.
EK: Thanks dear. I love you too and if any of your readers actually made it to the end of this interview then you have very dedicated followers! You should do something special for them.

Tea Party

When I was but a wee little lass I loved to have pretend tea parties. Did you do that? I loved the tiny china sets that were just my size. I didn't really care if there was tea to be had, I'd make my own concoction. What might this concoction consist of you may be wondering. Well, I recall one time where I made "tea" out of water and toothpaste (also I made "gum" out of water and toothpaste, I was weird). I can't tell you if I actually drank it, but let's just pretend that I didn't. I am not sure who first introduced me to the tea party or when it became something that I was interested in, but there it was in my childhood. I had tea parties with different family members over the years. It became a way for me to get some one-on-one time with treasured family members like my Aunt Tina and my Grandma Carol.

When my grandmother was visiting this weekend she came up close and in a quiet voice she revealed that she had something to return to me. My aunt ran out to the car to retrieve whatever it may be. My mind raced, trying to think of what I could have accidentally left with her. When my aunt returned a moment later I looked to her hands and couldn't make out what she was carrying up the stairs. I didn't recognize it at first glance. A moment later she produced the child size tea set that you see above. I looked at the box and in the corner was a Christmas gift card that read To Grandma Carol Love Maria. I had given (through my parents of course) it to her and we would use it when I visited. She had returned it for Cordelia to use in the coming years. Hopefully Cordelia will enjoy tea parties with her family in the years to come.

Did you ever have tea parties as a child? If so did you drink tea or make "tea" out of toothpaste and water? What about "gum"?

Mom's Brown Suitcase

We were all sitting around the living room at my parent's house this weekend. Talking together with family we hadn't seen in a while. You know how it goes when family gets together. Stories are told, memories are shared. Often we have to relive a few favorite stories, laughing like it's the first time we've ever heard them. Sometimes a new story is thrown into the mix. This past weekend I heard a new story from my mom, about her childhood. I thought the story was so precious and so telling of the generous person my mom has always been. I wanted to share it with you...

When my mom was a little girl she kept her treasured dolls in a brown suitcase and slept with it, just in case there was a fire she'd be able to escape with her prized possessions. She moved a lot as a kid and I think maybe the suitcase was just a way of life for her.

One day she heard that her friend was ill. She now thinks that the girl had chicken pox, but at the time my mom thought her friend was on the brink of death. My mom, being the generous person she is, gave her treasured brown suitcase full of her beloved dolls to the sick girl. How sweet is that?!

She does admit that she was a little surprised when the girl made a full recovery, but she didn't ask for her dolls back. I love my mom.


***On a completely different note, Eric's album was released today! Wahooo. If you want to check it out (and I think you do) you can click right here. I will post an interview with my husband later this week.

Weekend Update

This weekend we had a bunch of family stop in to meet Cordelia. My Grandma Carol, cousin Erin, aunts and uncles were all here. We were so touched that family came from all over the country to meet our daughter and to just enjoy each other's company.

While we were all here we decided to go ahead and have Cordelia's baptism as well. You may already know this, but I am a PK (that's church slang for pastor's kid)---so my father actually preformed the baptism. The coolest part about the proceedings is that the baptismal dress is a family heirloom. You know how I love my family history. The dress itself was made by Cordelia's great-great-great grandmother in 1895! My entire family was baptized in it. You can see how amazingly well the dress has fared over the past century. I was sooo concerned that Cordelia would have a blowout, if you get my drift, but we managed to use the dress and bring it no harm.

The rest of the time was spent catching up with family and passing around Cordelia. Our family hasn't had a baby in 16 years, so everyone was really quite excited to be around such a sweet little lady. She also chose this week to start her first few smiles! Needless to say we have now been trying everything to induce more smiling, more often than not she will frown. I don't blame her, it makes me uncomfortable when people try too hard.

Quick Hello

Good morning, or whatever time of day it is when you are reading this. My father's side of the family has come from all over the country for a visit with Cordelia. Last night we all gathered at my parents' house and spent some time catching up. I will give you a full update on the goings on tomorrow. What are you up to today?

Godmother

My cousin Erin, Cordelia's godmother, came to town yesterday. This is the first opportunity she's had to meet her goddaughter.

She came bearing some wonderful gifts for Cordelia. She knows how much I love to make faces with my food. Click here to see a few of my food faces, or just look at the one below (that is vegan lunch "meat," fyi).

Anyway, Erin wanted to ensure that Cordelia gets a head start in this particular art form so she got her this...

I cannot promise that I won't break this in for Cordelia. How great is it? I want to get an entire set of these dishes!

Just in Time

Wow, I am pretty much back to normal. I am fever free and my cough is almost gone. Thank goodness we treated this right from the get go. Even more important this week as we have a ton of family coming to town to meet Miss Cordelia. She's got the baptism thing happening this weekend and I didn't really feel like wearing a face mask to the event. I am still wearing it for one more day, but mostly as an extra precaution, not out of necessity.

Photo has nothing to do with the post, it's just a cute picture of my dog, dad and daughter.

Today my cousin Erin (you'll remember her from the coolest night ever --click here to read) is flying in to town. She is Cordelia's godmother and I can't wait for her to meet my girl. Plus, Erin is just so much fun to be around. I am happy to be on the mend so quickly.

Tomorrow my grandmother and my aunts and uncles will be coming to town as well. I am very thankful that I have a family who is so excited to meet the newest member.

Needless to say I am giving my house a very thorough cleaning as I have been doing the bare minimum since bringing Cordelia home. I've got the robot vacuum going and I am off to put a basket full of clean laundry away. Happy day to you!

Update on the Flu

We are moving through this flu pretty quickly. I think our early recognition of what was happening is the reason that I am getting through it so quickly. While I am still under the weather I feel tremendously better. I continue to sanitize and wear a mask for Cordelia's sake, but my fever is under control and my energy level is quickly returning. Mostly I am just so thankful that I haven't spread it to anyone, so far. I should be contagion free fairly soon.

Eric has been wearing a mask too because he could be contagious before showing any symptoms. Since the swine flu is so dangerous for tiny babies we are just being extra careful.

That doesn't mean we aren't having a little fun with it. Eric went for a festive Halloween look with his vampire mask.

I went for the Marilyn mask, complete with a mole. Unfortunately I think I look extra creepy with the fake lipstick. I didn't want to frighten Cordelia so I returned back to the boring hospital blue mask pretty quickly.

Swine Flu

Well I caught the swine flu, a bit strange since I've hardly been out of the house since Cordelia was born, but I have it none the less. Thank goodness I spotted it early and we're taking tons-o-preventative measures to keep Eric and Cordelia flu free...at least thus far. Let me tell you it's no small accomplishment to nurse and try not to share germs. I have spent the last day and night wearing a mask. We are sanitizing everything like crazy people.

I was thankfully able to get my fever under control and I feel a lot more normal today. So, hopefully we will sail through this quickly.

Eric has been so amazing and helpful. I hit the jackpot with him

Little and Big

Here is a little picture of the tootsies of my hubby (my legs are not that hairy thank you very much) and Cordelia.

I also wanted to mention that my hubby found his first white hair. Yep he screamed past gray hair and went straight for the glory of white hair. He wrote about his new white hair, you can read it here.

Driving in the Eagle with Dad

My father is an amazing dad, but he is also one of my closest friends. I was wondering at what point did I start to become friends with my dad and I think maybe it really began when he gave me driving lessons.

When I was a young pre-teen gal my dad decided that it was time to start driving lessons. We would take the eagle, the older (more disposable) of the two family vehicles, and he would drive us out of town onto a gravel back road. We would talk with each other and I would ask the all important questions like, "Is it called a washboard or a shuffleboard, when the road has those bumps."

Eventually he would stop the car and turn it off and it would be my turn to drive. I would nervously get behind the wheel and turn the key in the ignition. My heart would pound as I nervously put my foot on the gas pedal, looking down to identify gas and brakes. Then my dad would roll down the window and break the tension with a long low "MOOOOOOOO," as he mooed at the cows in a nearby pasture. I would laugh because he has a really convincing moo...or at least I found it convincing, but the cows just glanced up with bored cow eyes.

Over time I became a bit more confident as we would drive on those lonely back roads. Sometimes another vehicle would come along and my dad would offer fatherly advice to just pull to the side, my palms sweating as I would stear the car to the very edge of the road, rolling along at just a few miles per hour. My dad was patient. I also remember just talking with him, kind of like an adult. I think that is when we really started to develop the relationship we now have.

Photo from here.

Short and Sweet Sunday

Hi. How are you today? What's on your mind?

Fall is Back

We had a little taste of winter last week, but now we are back to fall here in Wyoming. Here are a few pictures from our walk yesterday.

Eric and Cordelia

Fall leaves

Our daughter

Bumblebee enjoying a walk in the leaves.


Tree

Eric

Figuring it all out...kind of.

Eric and I have been figuring out our new normal. We're adjusting to our new roles with great happiness, but not the highest level of organization. I find that we are still pretty scattered as we move forward with Miss Cordelia.

How we have had to adjust

• We spent a good 20 minutes trying to figure out one of our carrying slings. The sling (which is actually quite simple) comes with an instructional booklet and DVD. Apparently we are not the first new parents to become overwhelmed with fabric as we try to ensure that Cordelia's head is turned to exactly the right position for optimum airflow. The booklet has a smug looking woman easily using the sling to cradle her baby in perfect serenity. After our first attempt we spent several minutes puzzling over the position of her head and the curve of her spine within the confines of the sling. Finally we had to abandon the sling altogether. The next day we figured it out and felt more than a little silly as it really takes like one minute to get everything in perfect order.
  
• I am happy if I am dressed by noon. It's not that I can't get dressed any sooner, but nearly every morning I find that I am sucked into a time warp of baby gazing. I will start looking at Cordelia and before I know it hours have passed and I am still in my pj's. Staring with a (I am certain) loony smile on my face.
• We've lost our punctuality, at least temporarily. When I say "we" I really mean Eric. I am only punctual because I don't want other people to wait on me, but Eric is punctual because it is part of his very soul...maybe that's a bit extreme--just go with it. We are not moving as quickly and efficiently as we did just a few weeks ago. On our first outing we completely forgot the diaper bag. Thankfully the trip lasted only a short while, but it reminded us that we have a whole new system of getting around. We're the classic new parents who are perpetually late. I think some of this goes back to my previous point about baby gazing; we lose track of time as we stare at our baby, or Bumblebee.
• We are in the diapering and feeding zone and trust me it can be intense and hilarious...for instance, Bumblebee actually notifies us when diapers need changing. She will come up and sniff at Cordelia's diaper and give us a look that says, "You gonna do something about that?"
  
• We've just been so happy to be at home in our new little bubble. Previously we were always the go-go-go types and I am sure we still are, but right now we are perfectly content with staying at home.

Family Tree Update

Phew, I am off to a late start today. I am here now and that's what matters. Anyway, I have been asked by a few readers to show the completed family tree that I made for Cordelia. Here is it...

I kept it fairly basic, but Eric and I are still busy at work with a very comprehensive family tree. I couldn't put that on canvas, unless I wanted to dedicate a wall to it and frankly I just don't have that kind of time.

I generally went for a 60s kind of style, sort of soft---like the cover to a singer songwriter album. It works really well with Cordelia's other stuff. We are quite pleased with it and hope that she enjoys it in the future. Currently she does not care.

First Bath

OK I admit it, Eric and I were afraid of the first bath. We envisioned screaming and crying---us, not Cordelia. Last night we moved beyond the sponge bath and decided to give Cordelia her first bathing experience. Of course we had to photograph it, because I think it's the law of new parents.

I gathered all of our bathing supplies and got the bath water to the perfect baby friendly temperature. We both checked it, just in case one of our wrists was unnaturally impervious to heat or maybe the bath toy that tells you it's too hot was defective.

* I must mention that Bumblebee thought the bath water was for her and she went running off to climb the furniture. You can read about Bum's bath experience here, it's pretty funny.*

Cordelia seemed perfectly content with her bath, not a tear was shed. She was in and out of her adorable whale shaped tub (thanks Jennifer J.) in a few short minutes.

We wrapped her up in a towel and the first bath was over. Now I feel like I am an expert at baby bathing.

Finally Eric and Cordelia settled in for a good gaze at each other.

Fast Forward to Winter

I mentioned earlier that our fall season was dramatically interrupted by winter last week. The news reported that our region has had about 10 inches of snow in the past several days. I guess we're supposed to get back to normal fall weather by this weekend with 70 degree weather.

Bumblebee will be a bit disappointed by the disappearing snow. She really loves a good romp in high snow. Here she is in our backyard playing with Eric. We learned that she really doesn't know when to quit. She played until she got sick. So we're going to have to set the play limits for her.

Eric has a fear that we will be stabbed by falling icicles, so he has been knocking them off the house. I am not convinced that he is actually afraid that we'll be impaled by ice--I think he just likes breaking the ice. Who can blame him?

October has been a strange and cold month so far. Has it been cold where you are?

Fast Education: Thirteen Days

Well I have officially been a mother for 13 days. This has been one fast education, but Eric, Cordelia and I are beginning to learn about each other. Here is what I know so far (in bullet points because they make me feel so happy):

• Her hobbies include: staring at faces and lights, nursing and filling her diapers.
• Eric is really good at being a father. I love watching him care for her.
  
• She is remarkably laid back. We were prepared (and still are) for a non-stop crier, but she is really pretty content to just observe the world. She seems happy.
• It never gets boring to stare and her.
• She makes some freaky faces in her sleep.
• She is really sweet to me and always saves her poops for when her dad is holding her. It's kind of amazing. He'll hold her for 10 seconds and it'll be time to change her.
• She has a much stronger neck than I expected.

I Had an Idea...

Two o'clock in the morning is a new awake time for me, just a short burst to make sure Cordelia is fed and, if necessary, freshly changed. Last night I was sitting there with Cordelia and I had a brilliant idea for a blog post, or at least I think it was a brilliant idea. I recall outlining my brilliant blog post in the wee morning hours. Quite happy with my fresh new blogging idea. Now, if only I could remember what it was.

I was thinking about the snow falling and steadily accumulating outside. Feeling thankful that I have a roof over my head and a heater in our home, but that's not what my super-amazing blog idea was about. Oh well, now you are getting a blog about a blog that will probably never happen. Let's just assume that it would have been spectacular.

Do you compose blogs in your head? If so, do you sometimes wake up in the night with blogging ideas?

He Makes Music Too!

I may have already mentioned this a few dozen times, but did you know that my husband is an amazing musician? Let me tell you, this guy has talent oozing out of every pore...well, that sounds kind of gross. Let's just say he is crazy good at about everything he does. So it goes without saying that his most recent album is also amazing.

He has managed to complete his album, The Invisible Audience, in the midst of all of the change that we are currently undergoing. He has three guest singers including: Amy Turnnidge (of Theoretical Girl), Stavrini Koumi (The Electrilickers), and me (of my house).

The official release date for his new album is on the 27th, but I thought I'd mention it now because we are just so excited about it. Yesterday it arrived in the mail and we had a great time listening to it last night as we sat around with our daughter.

If you haven't heard his music before you can go to this site and check out his past works. I will remind you all again on the 27th when his album is officially released!

More Snow and a Story About Mind Reading

Yesterday's dusting has become a bit more significant. We awoke to another layer of snow.

Bumblebee was thrilled as she loves the snow. The heater is blasting and it looks like full throttle winter outside.

Yesterday a few of you mentioned skiing. For some reason that sent me on a trip down memory lane. So, now you are going to reap the benefits of my little journey, in the form of a story about mind reading.

When I was around 12 years old I went cross country skiing with my dad. We were skiing through town when I became upset about something. I didn't tell my dad, but I was thinking angry thoughts. I am sure it was ridiculous and dramatic and I really wish I could remember what it was about. I do however recall that I was having a quiet angry thought about how unfair my father was. I am sure I was quietly skiing and sulking. I remember thinking "I'm glad dad can't read my mind." When all of a sudden my dad asked, "What are you thinking?" I remember having a fearful moment where I was sure that my dad was a mind reader. I tried to clear my mind of any incriminating thoughts...which of course leads one to every thought that they don't want to share, like how I had eaten some of Ben's Halloween candy (sorry Ben), or that I hadn't cleaned my room, or whatever else may have been bothering me at that time.

My dad is no mind reader, but for one brief moment as I skied through small town Montana I wasn't so certain of that fact.

Just a Dusting

Well, it looks like fall has moved on and we are now prepping for winter here in Wyoming. The weather has cooled dramatically in the past couple of weeks and now we have moved onto phase II, snow. Sure, there is barely any snow, but it's a hint of what's to come. Last night the snow was just lightly swirling around in the night sky, looking like sugar falling from some heavenly confection.

Now, this morning there is just a light dusting of snow on the ground. It's beautiful. I kind of want to make the tiniest snowman ever.

This summer when I was pregnant (oh it seems so long ago, but it was really only 9 days ago) I had a very real desire to go sledding. I think maybe it stemmed from being so rounded; I thought maybe it would be more fun to sled. Anyway, now that pregnancy is over and I am no longer the rounded lady I still want to go sledding. I am certain that this skiff of snow will not support a sled, but I can sense that sledding days are soon to come. When was the last time you went sledding?

I Can't Believe She is Ours

This is life right now. Eric, Cordelia and my family. I am so happy.

Nurse Bumblebee

A lot of people have been very concerned with just how Bumblebee would adjust to sharing the spotlight with Cordelia. Well, let me assure you that she has decided that Cordelia is not somebody who is stealing her thunder, rather she seems to feel very lovey and protective toward Cordelia. We have taken to calling her Nurse Bumblebee.



She is very attentive. Every little cry or baby sigh emitted by Cordelia is acknowledged by Bumblebee. She will come over wagging and alert us if we don't react in the way she deems appropriate. She desperately wants to sniff Cordelia with her big wet nose. So far we have allowed monitored sniffing.

Each night Bumblebee is by my side through feedings and diaper changes, seeming to ask, "How can I help?" I have never seen a more attentive pooch. So rest easy, Bumblebee is doing very well with all of the change. Plus, she is super happy that we've had so many family visitors lately.

Speaking of diaper changes...it's time...and I suspect a blowout.

Quiet Late at Night

Last night I was awake late. I guess that's bound to happen when you are feeding a little girl every couple of hours. I was listening to the rain falling outside. I was wrapped up with a warm blanket, holding Cordelia, it was kind of perfect. I was sure that the rain would soon turn into snow and I wanted to hear the moment that the rain turned soft and quietly fell as snow to the ground. The snow never came.

I awoke to a cool overcast morning, my favorite type of day. I like it all the more since we're in that phase where we've holed up in our house and are just busy learning how to be parents and busying ourselves with a new routine. I feel like a bear in hibernation and I am really enjoying it. I was afraid that I'd go a bit stir crazy, but I am instead finding this time to be so rewarding and absolutely priceless.

Now, I am going to have a cup of coffee prepared by my hubby.

The World Has Continued to Turn

Well, in the past week I have been quite reasonably distracted. I have been home bound; recovering and just staring at our daughter.

I have felt as though all time has stopped. My father, who fell asleep on the couch yesterday, can probably attest to that as well. When a new baby is around to distract you it seems as though the world has changed it's rotation, that there are no seasons, or at least that they have all stopped to gaze right along with you.

This morning I stepped outside of the house and it seems as though the whole world has shifted. It is fall here. The leaves are all in varying degrees of change, the air is cold, the Wyoming wind seems to have returned. I can't believe that on this day last week I was wearing a light summery dress and today it is time to break out the jackets. Maybe this week we'll take a little drive to see the fall colors emerging around town. I love fall.

Have you noticed the seasonal shift as well? Has it been sudden in your area?

Eric

We are the proud parents of an almost 4 day old beauty of a girl. People have been asking how we are adjusting, how she is doing and all of those general inquiries. We are doing remarkably well, but I would like to take a moment to talk about how wonderful my husband is.

The responsibilities of early parenthood often fall largely on the source of food, the mother, so I think many a new father feels helpless or like they aren't doing their fair share. I know Eric worries about this, but in truth I continue to feel as though I hit the husband jackpot. He has been just an amazing husband and father. So, thoughtful, bringing me beautiful flowers, trying to meet my every need (when I certainly don't expect him to). We worked as a team through those first nightmare diapers (you know what I'm talking about). He has just been so involved and attentive, as any new parent should be. I couldn't be more thankful to be on this new adventure with such an amazing man. Who knew I could love him even more?

A Little Bit More on Everything

Let's see. I guess I will blog a bit about Cordelia's birthday, but much of it was just too personal to accurately describe or share.

Monday night, after Eric had fallen asleep I started feeling like it was baby time. I spent the entire night at home, not waking Eric until I was absolutely sure (I'd been having contractions for nearly a week) that it was time to go to the hospital. We gathered ourselves together and went in at around 5:30. My Mom arrived a short while later, just as I was being admitted. We were all so relieved not to be sent home. Everything moved quickly after that and she was here before 10am.

Words cannot explain the feelings that surround such an event, but I will say that it was the best day of our lives.

Since then we have returned home and have been acting like typical new parents, just sitting around and staring at our daughter, getting to know all of the little bits and pieces. We are in the baby cloud.

We are tired, but it's that good kind of tired that comes from caring for an infant.

I am sure many of you are wondering how Bumblebee is handling the transition. She is doing remarkably well. When Cordelia cries Bumblebee likes to run over and alert me like a little nurse...either that or she is begging me to make it stop.

My parents are amazing Grandparents and they have already been so helpful. We have a fully stocked fridge and plenty of support.

In addition to my parents we have had so many people extend such kindness to us that we are completely overwhelmed with gratitude.

So, in conclusion, having Cordelia is amazing and even better than we imagined.

How are you doing?

Meet Cordelia

Introducing our beautiful daughter Cordelia.



Stats
Born:9/29/09
Weight: 7lbs even
Height: 20.5 inches

We are in love.


All is well.