Cherish These Moments

I know that this may sound a tad morbid, but I've accepted that my Dad will not be around forever. We just celebrated his 75th birthday this past November. I was an early birthday gift just before he turned 48.

My Dad hasn't always been perfect, but he's always been my Dad. He has a young child in his 50's. A teenage girl in his 60's. A daughter, who became a mother in his 70's.

Since my son was born, we've been "going for coffee" the last couple of weeks. We sit at the restaurant for at least an hour, sometimes two. We chat about the kids or whatever. I ask him how to fix something or if he's got a cordless drill I can borrow. He shows off his newest grandson, then brags up his granddaughter, who is at preschool.

However, it dawned on me the other day, watching my Dad hold my son, that these moments are coming to a close. I have to head back to work here soon. Even though my Dad and I aren't the hugging type, and I can't remember the last time he's actually told me that he loves me, I know he does.

I'm saddened to see these special mornings end, but gratful for the time.

Two Thumbs Ranch Annual Cookout

We went to the annual Two Thumbs Ranch cookout, like we have for the past 6 years.



I thought dinner was at 5. It was at 6. I was a very hungry, pregnant lady. Did I mention that we didn't eat before we came because I knew there was gonna be a ton of food? But, I thought we were eating at 5, not 6. Torture!



Tres, the youngest human that lives at Two Thumbs.



There was a cow milking contest/demonstration set up that Lily absolutely loved. Several times, she would go over there to see if she could get any milk out of the cow. Minus the teet that was blocked, she didn't do bad for a 3-year-old.



We really looked forward to the hayride. The last couple of years, they haven't been able to have one. I think this may have been Lily's first one at the Ranch.



Cows! They came up to the fence expecting food, but all they got were people with cameras. Poor cows. Hopefully, Lily will get to pet one next time we go.



Lone, leafless tree in the middle of a hay field. Just a lovely evening for a hayride.



The only thing that would have made this bonfire better...S'MORES.

Lily's Vacation & Preschool

Lily spent 3 days with her Aunt Melody and cousins (Aleesha & Skylar). That's the longest I've been away from Lily her whole life. It would rough, but with the doctor having me on a weight and activity restriction, it was much needed.

Lily spent her days playing in the pool, going to the "beach" at my sister's father-in-law's house, jumping on the trampoline, going to the park, and playing in the sand. Not to mention, she came home with a silvery manicure and pedicure!

She had a great time, and I've heard all about Aleesa, Aunt Mel, and Skylar.

And then, there's the matter of school...

I originally signed Lily up for New Haven United Methodist. I'd heard so many great things about the program. Then, it's $70/month. She would go 2 days a week, for 3 hours, I believe.

Then, I heard about St. Mark's Preschool. They are pretty much the same hour wise, but only $40/month. Not to mention, I have a friend whose daughter is going to the same school. The only problem, their one class is full. We got wait-listed. If they get a couple more kids in the next week, they will open another class.

Fingers crossed!