Blogging...time....never!

Here it is, almost the end of January, and I'm just getting to blog for the first time since Christmas.  It is freezing cold in Roanoke, Virginia but we have welcomed winter with open arms.  This time a year ago we were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Elliott and beginning to put together her nursery.  I laugh thinking about how naive we were with eyes wide open.  In fact, it was almost exactly a year ago that we purchased her crib and dresser.  We would gaze into it's emptiness and think: "We'll have a little squirming, squealing baby in there soon!"  Oh, how life has changed.  Now Elliott starts out in the crib but usually ends up in our bed at about 2 or 3 am when Spence and I can't take anymore of the screaming.  

And yes, we are now "eating crow" for all those people that we nay-sayed about co-sleeping.  When you work as hard and as long hours as Spencer and I both do, you'll do anything for even another 20 minutes of sleep.  And quite honestly, I love having my little snuggling 9-month old right there between us.  After all, we waited so long for her, we want to enjoy every moment with her.  And that includes middle of the night meetings and spooning in our family bed.  Now will we regret this later when she's a full-blown toddler and refusing to sleep alone?  Maybe.  But who cares, you only live once and I don't mind having these extra little moments. 

I also laugh thinking about that empty crib as we endured the first "lowering of the crib" experience that will never be forgotten. Spencer and I have had some fights in the history of our relationship but let me just tell you, the lowering of the crib will truly test your marriage!  Poor frustrated Spencer tried so hard to lower the crib so our 9-month old who wants to stand and propel herself out won't hurt herself.  And to no avail.  The holes do not line up meaning that the mattress isn't steady and now the once easy one-arm-able lowering side is stuck in the down position.  So we can't even raise the crib back up for now and we can't get into the drawer beneath.  Thank God for factory warranties and the nice lady at Virginia Furniture Market who is sending out the technician tomorrow to fix our ailing crib.  (And remember, she's in the bed a lot now anyway!)

Here are Elliott, Peyton and Millie out at "In Recess" for a little R and R with their parents.  We had a blast that weekend as it poured down rain and we watched the wild rapids of the rising Jackson River wondering if we were going to be able to make it across the river to leave on Sunday!  What an adventure!