Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Days Are Long But The Years Are Short

I thought I should explain the title of our blog. I came across this quote in reference to being a stay at home mom, and although I am not technically a SAHM, I completely understood and related to it. My job is flexible enough to allow me to stay home with Everett most of the time, which has been wonderful. But I'm not going to lie: trying to keep a very busy toddler occupied and happy all day long is exhausting, particularly since I am often trying to get work done at the same time. I often find myself watching the clock starting around 3 in the afternoon, counting down until I know Omar will be home. Those last few hours can seem to ssssstretttttchhhhh out; hence, "the days are long."

And yet, it seems like the weeks and months have absolutely flown by. It feels like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital, and now somehow she is a true toddler, running and climbing and chatting up a storm. Having opinions (and expressing them!) and making us laugh constantly. How did we get here so quickly? Thus, "the years are short."

And as frustrated, overwhelmed, or exhausted I sometimes find myself at the end of the day when my house is a mess, the laundry is backed up, and the mail is sitting unopened in huge piles on the counter: every smile, every giggle, every running hug makes it worth it. And while sometimes I am counting down the seconds, wishing Omar would get home already so I can get a break and pour a glass of wine - what I really want is for her to stop growing up so fast, to slow it all down and savor every moment. Because time really does fly, and I can never get these moments back.

But don't misunderstand: nap time is great. =)

So Stylish Already


Out of all the great gifts EJ recieved for Christmas, I have to say that my favorites are her shoes. I mean, can you really go wrong with baby cowgirl boots and pink Chucks??? Thanks to her awesome aunts Najwa and Stephanie for making her so stylish.

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was a lot of fun this year! We woke up bright and early to open our stockings & gifts as a family before heading up to Omar's folks, where we spent a wonderful day full of tons of presents, amazing food (as usual) and some fierce Just Dance-off battles.

Everett got bubbles in her stocking, which both her and Miss Beyla seemed to enjoy.

EJ had no trouble figuring out how to open her presents. =)

Her "big" gift was this motorized train, which she loves and cruises around the house at the warp speed of .5 miles per hour.

Even Beyla got into it and had fun opening her own stocking to find a new squeeky toy!

Christmas Eve



For Christmas Eve, Gran came to our house and we cooked a delicious dinner (I learned how to make a standing rib-roast - go me!) and opened some presents. My favorite gift EJ got from her Gran was these adorable duck boots. For those of you who didn't grow up in a barn, you may be unfamiliar with these awesome and versatile waterproof boots. Thank goodness my toddler has a pair!

Thanks Gran!

Holiday Photo Shoot


I couldn't pass up a great opportunity for a photoshoot, so I set up some cute decorations in the family room and went to town. As usual, she was a consummate professional.


EJ really enjoyed her first candy cane. =)


EJ meets her BFF.


Kristen & Pete came into town over Thanksgiving and we finally got to meet their newest addition, sweet baby Peyton (aka EJ's future BFF). Everett also got to spend some quality time with her future husband, Brayden.

The betrothed.




Thankschristmukkah



We had a great time over the holidays spending some good QT with family. The festivities began way back in November, when we trucked over to Charleston for Thanksgiving. We spent several days relaxing with Pop E, Mama J, and EJ's aunts & uncles over a little family holiday we like to call Thankschristmukkah. As usual, there was great food, lovely walks, and some fierce board game playing.

Christmas girl!

We spent a lovely day at the local park.

Luckily daddy was there to give a ride home after an exhausting day sliding & swinging.

Aunt Merrill and EJ in front of the tree.

Mama J and EJ get silly.

The two Everetts.