Yikes, I’ve definitely taken a long vacation from this little guy. Oops. Sorry folks. Back now!
It’s 7:25 AM, I’m sitting on my couch in our “morning room” drinking coffee. Emily is playing with her doll, “Lucy”. She has been up since some time in the 5 o’clocks, though I’m not sure of the exact minute because, like most other times, I zombie-walk into her room and try to get her back to sleep and if she doesn’t go back down again, I just bring her into my bed, snuggle with her, and try to coerce her into giving me just a few more minutes (or hours). Well, as I said, she has been up since some time in the 5 o’clocks, and I have not slept since.
But I’m sitting here, enjoying the quiet of the early morning, and I am – albeit a little grumpy – thankful to be up this early. Since not being a morning person like EVER in my life, sometimes I feel like I’ve been missing out all these years on the best time of the day. And now that Emily has literally awakened me to that, I am grateful. Just another reason why I love her.
It’s just one of those times when you begin to think, and with thinking, comes writing.
So here I am.
And no, I don’t really plan on regaling you with the great tales of the second half of my Michigan trip, or my Wisconsin trip (Wisconsin who, at one point, tried to claim they were the mitten? I mean, are they serious?). Just wanted to list a few of the things that have been happening lately in the house of Murray.
Firstly, the part deux of my Michigan trip: Kristin’s bachelorette party! Good times with good people. AND my first full night away from Emily. It was interesting, let me tell ya. My Medela made a few guest appearances and my alcohol tolerance was, not surprisingly, quite shy. But it was a really fun night, and nice to get away and have some “me” time, as opposed to mommy time. Shout out to Grandma and Grandpa for helping a motha out.
And another noteworthy occurrence in Michigan: Emily’s first swim, coupled with a classic Putnam pool party.
Same pool, probably about 22 years difference? Photo credit: Holly.
Nick also celebrated his first Father’s Day while he was out in El Centro, CA. It was sad to be apart from him, but you know, he was doing his thing, dropping bombs and stuff.
But just wanted to send a little belated love to all of the Daddy’s out there. Even though mama’s make the world go round, you all help out a little bit too. (wink wink)
And then, there’s Wisconsin. Nick’s mom’s side of the family has planted strong roots up in Door County, which is absolutely beautiful. I’ve always been a fan of Northern Michigan, but each time I go up to Northern Wisco, my opinion is swayed even further in that direction. I just love it there.
So Emily and I drove up there, and Nick flew up halfway through the week to celebrate Independence Day (does anyone really call it that? I mean, it’s a good name for it since it’s the day we gained independence and all, but to me it’s always the 4th of July). They also held a memorial for his Great Grandma Irene, who had passed away in December. All in all, great trip. We ate too much cheese, drank some tasty beer, played games, did puzzles, and even went go-karting. So, even though Wisconsin is not the true mitten, it does have it’s own charm.
And then we came, back to reality. In a good way. It was certainly a great trip. I got to see nearly all of my good friends and all of my family, and I had such a great time. But then, ahh. Home, sweet home. Living out of a suitcase gets old after a while.
So, we have finally adjusted back to life as usual. As I sit, here, in the morning room. Drinking coffee and watching Emily play (“Lucy” is now old news, but blocks and my glass of water are not). It’s hot here (like everywhere else in America), and the humidity hits you like a brick wall, and there are loud planes that fly around everywhere, but I love this place. I love it.
Since we’ve been home, I’ve gone to a Train concert, and my dear friend Lauren has paid us a visit, and we’ve celebrated two birthdays – a first, and a 25th.
Life has been good. It’s good to be back. And I have no complaints.
And now I realize how long this post is, and I apologize if I have just completely bored you to death. If you’re still reading, thanks for bearing with me. I’ll try to post a little more and thus not overload each post, going in a billion different directions.
Thanks for reading, and a special thanks to those who have kept me on my toes, reminding me of how long it’s been since I had last written. You guys are the best. Seriously.
TTFN from VA!
