Daddies and Daughters

      Congratulations Russel and Sara Thomas! We are so excited to have been included on their wedding day and could not be more excited for the life together they are beginning :) The wedding was absolutely beautiful and all three of us could not have had more fun on dance floor.

     While I have always been sappy about anything wedding, there is one thing in particular that now causes both Jameson and I to get teary eyed about without fail, the Father Daughter Dance. Having now been to two weddings since Lucy was born, I think it's an understatement to say this tradition takes us by storm every time. What exactly about this moment evokes so much? I don't think its possible to be described but I know at our own wedding I truly loved this particular dance with my dad. He had chosen a song without my input and had the DJ keep it a secret until the time came. Below are the words to Paul Simon's "Father and Daughter" lyrics...

If you leap awake in the mirror of a bad dream
And for a fraction of a second you can't remember where you are
Just open your window and follow your memory upstream
To the meadow in the mountain where we counted every falling star

I believe a light that shines on you will shine on you forever
And though I can't guarantee there's nothing scary hiding under your bed
I'm gonna stand guard like a postcard of a Golden Retriever
And never leave 'til I leave you with a sweet dream in your head

[Chorus:]
I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you

Trust your intuition
It's just like goin' fishin'
You cast your line and hope you get a bite
But you don't need to waste your time
Worryin' about the market place
Try to help the human race
Struggling to survive its harshest night

     In my opinion, daughters can never be given away. I still remain as much his daughter now as before. I still look to my dad for guidance, love, support. I also know my dad is continuing to be my Father by helping Jameson build the kind of relationship he wants with Lucy through his own example with me. Thank you Dad, for showing me the indescribable relationship between dads and daughters.

        At five months old it's impossible to describe the impact Lucy has had on our lives. We never knew how much fun we could have with her and each other and I am so thankful for the way she has made us both grow. Seeing Jameson take on the role of father has allowed me to love him for an entirely new reason. He is playful and loving, protective and gentle, and now cannot hide his emotions despite his efforts. I know Lucy will be a better person for having him as her father just as she has made him become an even better man. Jameson did take Lucy out on the dance floor yesterday and as I stood back and watched, the same tears that filled my eyes then are here now remembering that moment and knowing too soon she will be the beautiful woman in the white dress. Thank you Lucy, for showing Daddy and Mommy how much we could love and for opening our eyes to this special moment between fathers and daughters. Whether you are dancing on daddy's chest, on his feet, or in his arms, you will forever dance in our hearts.

Hunter Reed Rhodes! and the day the earth shook

Congratulations Shannon and Chris! Hunter Reed Rhodes was born yesterday, August 23 at 12:16 pm. He is quite a big boy at 8 pounds 13 ounces and 21 inches long. Jameson and I were able to go meet our newest nephew (total number now 6) and both got to hold him during our visit. He was wide awake so we could see his blue eyes and really get to talk to him. His fingers and feet are so long! I am sure he will be tall like his dad. I can't wait to introduce him to Lucy and am so excited to see them play when they get older. They are both lucky to have a cousin so close in age to grow up with :) Best wishes to the new family and welcome Hunter!!!

Not only was Shannon and Chris' world rocked yesterday, so was the east coast's! Virginia was the epicenter of the first earthquake in Maryland for over 140 years and was felt from Georgia to Canada to Chicago. Jameson was at work and Lucy, Otis and I were at home. I first noticed a sound like a truck rolling by on the street but looked outside and saw nothing. Then the house started shaking, Otis started barking, and I was scared! I quickly grabbed Lucy and Otis and ran to the center of the house; obviously we never talked about what to do in an earthquake as I'm sure this was the exact opposite of what I should have done and run outside. Fortunately, it did not last long and no one was reported seriously injured. It was definitely something to experience but I would be perfectly fine to only experience it once!

5 months!

Today Lucy is 5 months old! The past month has been one of the most exciting with Lucy with all of her changes, movements, and developments. Most notably, Lucy can no longer be laid on her back and expected to stay in one place. She has gotten the back-to-belly roll down and also pushes herself around in a circle on her belly. Typically the belly time lasts a few minutes the first time before frustration sets in. We flip her over to her back but at next glance she is on her belly and, very soon, screaming.

Lucy took her first boat ride this month on Nana and Poppy's boat in the Chester River. She didn't mind the life jacket but really enjoyed laying out on Uncle Harry's boat for a nap.

Lucy also had her first trip to the beach! It was so exciting going to Ocean City for the annual vacation as a family of three. We were anxious to see how Lucy would react to the sand and ocean but she seemed to be right at home.

For two weeks of the past month, Lucy moved to a 30 minute nap schedule. Her typical two and a half hour morning nap and two, one hour afternoon naps turned into a half hour morning nap and a half hour afternoon nap. Needless to say it was a long two weeks, for Lucy and Mommy. Just as quickly as it came, it went and Lucy is back to longer stretches of sleeping. Another sleep development is Lucy moved to sleeping in her bassinet for part of the night. Neither Lucy nor I had been sleeping deeply for a few nights so Jameson and I decided to see if she would do better without the movement from either of us in our bed. The next night Lucy slept from 9:30 to 2:30 in her bassinet without stirring. I didn't fare so well not having her by my side but have now adjusted and we both appreciate the better sleep.

Lucy is more and more vocal every day and loves figuring out all the ways she can move her mouth to change her noises. She loves to squeal at us and at Otis to catch his attention. She laughs more frequently now so Jameson and I never tire of fake coughing, peek-a-booing, and ticking her little/big legs. She also likes making us laugh and started faking coughing at us since we would do it to her. One of our favorite expressions is her pouty lip, which she usually does in between smiles...

A couple of days before we went on vacation Lucy began smacking her lips and by the end she had it mastered, probably because of all the eating she witnessed! She recognizes her name and turns toward Jameson and I when we are talking to her (most of the time that is, she already has selective hearing!). We are so happy to have a baby that other people enjoy being around. Everyone she is around comments on how happy she is and what a good baby and we could not agree more :)

Lucy tried watermelon at the end of this month and loved it. She has been showing an interest in food by reaching and intently watching us eat and drink but since I don't plan on giving her rice cereal I figured we would wait until next month to start introducing vegetables and fruits. I still plan on breastfeeding for a year so any food will be supplemental and not her major source of nutrition or calories.

As I say every month, we are completely in love with our little girl. I feel so lucky to be able to stay home with her and see every accomplishment and smile. We love you Lucy!

My little berry

Working in malls everyday while I was pregnant was a battle with self control. While I knew there would be no point in even looking at baby clothes until I found out if I should be looking at blue or pink, let's be honest, I couldn't help myself from day one. I did learn to limit my purchases to sale days with coupons eventually but the first article of clothing I bought, before I knew boy or girl, was a little pink striped, cotton number with a large strawberry smack on the bum. When I saw it, I immediately snapped a picture and sent it to Jameson with a smiley face then got back to work. I walked by it several more times that day, it was on the way to the restroom and I was pregnant, and could not resist. I brought it home and hung it in my closet where I got to look at it every day. Anyone who saw it said I was ridiculous since I hadn't even learned the gender. That outfit remained the only outfit I bought before learning of Lucy and it still holds a special place among all the dresses for me. Maybe it's that it was the first purchase, or that I somehow felt compelled to buy pink, or just that its so darn cute, but I love it. As Lucy grows and grows this outfit only has a couple more wears until it is packed away. Seeing my baby girl wear this first outfit I bought for her is surreal; she more beautiful and the outfit even sweeter than I could have imagined. I couldn't help but take a few pictures to remember this outfit and the time in her life when she still fit in it. My sweet little berry bum...

Four Months!

As of today, Lucy is now 4 months old! I cannot believe how quickly time has passed or that Jameson and I could love her more with each passing day. There have been a lot of fun developments this month as she becomes more mobile and more of her personality shines through. Although we are far from scheduled, Lucy does regularly wake between 8 and 9 and takes a two hour nap most mornings. Afternoons are shorter cat naps, which she now takes in her crib :) Lucy has become happier playing on her own ever since she discovered her toes! Just this week I walked in to check on her during a nap and she was wide awake with toes in hand. This development has also helped her to be able to flip from her back to her tummy, though she doesn't like it once she is over. In the car, Lucy holds her head up to see out of the window instead of laying back and relaxing.

Otis continues to be the only thing that can regularly get Lucy to belly laugh so we use him as often as possible. She is also very ticklish and squeals whenever we start tickling her or blowing on her belly. She is learning she has a voice and likes talking to us or squealing sometimes just to hear herself. She has also learned that whining gets our attention so sometimes she does this, even with a smile on her face. Ornery much? She also makes very funny faces while she is figuring out all the noises her mouth can make. At this point, Lucy loves to...

go on bike rides with Mommy and Daddy,

take a bath,

laugh at Otis, 

 play with her toes,

swim in the pool and go to story time at the library (ironic since she hates being read to!). Next week she has her four month check up so I will be sure to write about how that goes. Lucy continues to amaze and entertain us everyday. She also becomes more and more beautiful as we see the little girl she is turning into. We sure have our work cut out for us but love every moment of being her mommy and daddy. We love you Lucille!

One Week, One Year Ago

I have already put a lot of thought into this post. How to start, how much to include, how to get through it? You see, one year ago, this past week held both the worst day and one of the best days of my life. On July 3, my brother passed away at the age of 28, leaving a wife, four kids, and an extremely tight knit family behind. To say that we were devastated is an understatement. The only boy in a family of four children, my brother held the esteem of all of his sisters, as well as mom and dad. Brady was the neutral ground in a family high on emotion. He never picked sides, never argued with us, and was willing to play just about anything. He welcomed people into the family with no judgement and could not contain his excitement when he had plans with any one of us. His pride for his family was written all over him. His heart, definitely his heart, is his legacy. July 8, one day before his funeral, Jameson and I had come home from staying with mom and dad for a shower and to grab clothes. I began packing my things when suddenly my attention was drawn to that little cardboard box holding "the stick." I kept packing but for some reason could not stop looking back to it. I had had no inclination until that point that I was pregnant but for some reason felt that I needed to be sure. Warning Jameson not to come upstairs, I figured I was being ridiculous as I unwrapped the test and took a seat. Two minutes later my world was, for the second time that week, rocked to the core. I could hardly breathe when that faint, second pink line appeared. I immediately called for Jameson to be sure that I was not seeing things. After seeing the look on my face and verifying what I thought I had seen, we could only stare at each other, no words. Jameson started laughing as I quickly repeated "I dont think so, no, its not right." One quick trip to Walgreens and two tests later, we had three sets of double pink lines. I still doubted, but Jameson was certain from that first test that our family had started to grow. I now wonder if I truly doubted or was I trying to protect myself from the disappointment were it not? Needless to say, it was certain and Jameson and I both believe Brady had something to do with our surprise. Later as we were discussing names and had chosen Lucille as an option, I learned what her name meant; "Light." Nothing could alleviate the pain or repair the hole losing Brady has caused. But what learning about Lucille did do was provide hope, a light in the darkness of loss. It taught me to keep living, keep loving, and have the same pride in our family that Brady did. Lucille will never meet her Uncle Brady, something I have struggled to accept countless times throughout pregnancy and since her birth, but she will know him through the stories, pictures, and memories our family continues to cling to. As dad prayed on Thanksgiving last year, "Thank you God for the 28 years we got to have with Brady."

"'Til Then"

Please do not forget me friend

I have not died to you see,

I am simply moving on in Life,

The present must cease to be.

Please do not forget me friend

It is not my choice you know,

I have just outgrown this place

So now I have to go.

Please do not forget me friend

You've been my whole wide world you see,

You have taught me so very much

But now I must fly free.

Please do not forget me friend

As you also move on,

Please do not shed tears for me

Help each other to be strong.

Please do not forget me friend

For I know I cannot forget you,

Please help the pain of loss fade away

And show me the way that's true.

Please do not forget me friend

We all have our own part in Life you see,

You must go your way and I must go mine

For that is the way things are meant to be.

Please always keep my memory dear

Please do not forget me friend

And do not bid good-bye to me

Instead let's say "til then"