Ohio

Harper and I are spending a few days at my parents' house in Northeastern Ohio. I grew up here and I always love coming back. Every time I visit this place, I feel like my mind is going a million miles an hour trying to incorporate the old with the new. It's all good stuff, but it definitely takes me a couple days to wrap my brain around everything. 

I took this picture this morning. I grew up in that house. Now, my daughter sleeps in my old room and I get the guest room. A lot has changed since I left home. 

Mmmm...Donut

What powdered donut?

Pulling A Pippa

We went to a wedding last night. Harper LOVED it. She made a big splash at the reception.

Here she is with some of our friends.

Basically, the only time she left the dance floor was to get a cupcake (and make room for the bride and groom's first dance, albeit begrudgingly). The band members had a lot of fun with her. They asked me if I would consider renting her out so that they could take her to other gigs to break the ice on the dance floor for them. I took a cellphone video of some of her moves. It's terrible quality and she really didn't want me to video her. Every time I whipped out my phone, she stopped dancing. But whatever. Here's what I got.

Monster Cloud

This may have been the biggest cloud I've ever seen. The pictures definitely do not do it justice. 

A little after 8pm last night, I noticed a bright light coming from our back deck. At first, I thought Harper  turned the outside light on. However when I looked out the sliding glass door, I realized that the light was the setting sun reflecting off of this monster cloud. Very cool. 

Grocery Store Perspective

I used to hate grocery shopping. It was seriously one of my least favorite things to do. Now,  I rather enjoy it. 

I'm sure this change of heart has a lot to do with my shopping buddy. 

Harper and I have been tackling the grocery store together from more or less day one. When she was a baby, I would strap her into her Baby Bjorn and we would tag team the shopping list (and by tag team I mean that I would get what we needed and she would fall asleep).

Now, she's a little more participatory in the shopping experience. The store that we go to has one mini shopping cart that she loves to push around and put food into. ONE. Do you know how much pressure and anxiety I feel pulling into the parking lot knowing that if I do not procure the one mini cart in existence, Harper's world will end? Luckily, it was available last night. And despite the numerous times it was rammed into the back of my legs, we had a successful and fun shopping outing.

I think it's this kind of thing that I enjoy most about being a mom. Our day to day routine. The rhythm that we've developed. She's only three and I'm already keenly aware that our rhythm has an expiration date. One day, she'll be too busy to come to the store with me. She'll have friends to hang out with or studying to do (lots and lots of studying to do). Until then, I'm going to relish these moments and enjoy our trips to the store.

Repost: My Dad Got It Right

Originally posted on March 23, 2010. 

Last night, my small group talked about fathers (which was good timing because yesterday was my dad's birthday). We talked about how a father's relationship with his daughter influences every aspect of her life including things like everyday decisions, career choices, relationships with other men, how she views herself, and how she ultimately views God.

I have a dad who got it right. He spoke blessings and affirmations into me. He protected me. He understood the power he had to point me in the right direction. He gave me a good example of how a husband should treat a wife which ultimately helped me pick out a good husband for myself.

We built snow forts together. And we went on canoe trips. And he taught me how to drive. And we went fishing on the Flagler pier. And we picked on my mom together. But most importantly, he told me that he loved me and that he was proud of me. 

If you have a dad who got it right, tell him. If you have a husband who is getting it right with your kids, tell him. It's a big deal.

I really lucked out in this department. I have a good dad and I have a husband who's getting it right with Harper.

Biohazard Bags and Diapers

Sometimes I forget that my workplace is not what you would call normal. These drawers are accurately labeled. I use both daily.

Although, the diapers are not conventional baby diapers. They are disposable bed pads. I don't know why we call them diapers. We use them when we think we are going to make a mess and/or don't want to get mouse guts on our benches.