back to work

I'm back in the office again. Funny how after the initial "welcome back" greetings it feels like I never left. Except that I'm struggling to remember all my current passwords for everything (might just have our IT lady reset it all -- my brain is still mush).

Now, I realize I have a fabulous job, for the most part. I work for a great guy, I like (most of) my coworkers, and I have a (somewhat) flexible schedule (depends on the week, time of year). It's probably the most family-friendly full-time job in D.C. But it doesn't make me miss my babies any less.

As I dropped off my sweet little Pierce with a dear friend last week, I was an emotional wreck. I had secretly (okay, maybe not so secretly) been dreading the moment when I'd have to say good-bye -- and leave him for 10 or so hours to smile and cuddle and coo with someone else. In fact, I'd been living in denial that the day would even arrive. I thought as little as I could about it. But suddenly it was upon me and it was time for me to bite my lip, wipe my tears and go.

Being a working mom is hard. Really hard. But being on maternity leave for 12 weeks reminded me that being a stay-at-home mom is hard too. Both have their pros and cons, which I'd love to get into in another post. But for now, I'm just not going to think about it.

Snapped at the end of my first day back at work. {Sigh}

bumbo boy

valentine's day

Christian and I had some fun making hearts out of crayons on Valentine's Day. What's not to like about breaking crayons on purpose?

He was pretty excited to hand them out to his pals at play school the next day. (We more or less followed this tutorial. Heart mold is from Ikea.)

Lessons learned:

 1) Either use a different can each time for your different colors or, at the very least, melt your lighter colors first (otherwise your yellow-orange will be burnt orange).

 2) Don't grab can from pan with an oven mitt you actually care about.

blessing day

 Our sweet Pierce was given a name and a blessing last week at church (for friends and associates unfamiliar with LDS ordinances, you can find more info here).

Not only was Pierce's name added to the records of the church, Shane was also able to give him a blessing from his Heavenly Father. A sweet peacefulness settled over me as I heard Shane emphasize that Pierce would be a witness of Jesus Christ, sharing the gospel through word and deed. It was a powerful reminder that I have a responsibility to raise both of our boys in love and righteousness and with firm testimonies of their Savior and His Atonement so they realize their full potential. I'm in awe of the explosion of love I feel for both Christian and Pierce and I'm so grateful their sweet spirits are
entrusted to our care.

Yes, Pierce has his Dad's hair. For now. ;)

(I'm sad we had to take these photos indoors but it was FREEZING outside!) 

 Aunt Janny made it out for the big day. We were so glad to have her.

I just love Pierce's expressions and how he loves to clasp his hands.

 My cousin Domineau made the trek from Pentagon City for the occasion as well. So glad she did.