It's only been 5 days

I started this last week, but just like many things these days, it didn't get finished...

This week is officially complete as a SAHM (Stay at home momma) and I really enjoyed it! I will say, it is so much more work than going to work. At work, I could run during lunch to target or the grocery store, but now almost every errand comes with my extra helper. By "helper" I mean not really helpful at all. That is harder, but I also know exactly why he is crabby, if that is the case, at the end of the day, rather than wondering how things went at day care. He is getting longer naps at home and we get to have so much fun together. We went to music class at the library, we went to the botanical gardens and I managed to clean all the window blinds in my house - can't remember the last time that happened! (Has it happened since we bought them?!). I even cooked dinner and went grocery shopping along with my normal house cleaning duties.

I think the biggest change is the role I play in the house. Glenn was always the cook and grocery shopper. I cleaned and helped with the laundry. I have a lot more time during the day now to take care of some of these things and I try to. I'm trying to find my place again as well as have a little time for me.

I went out with a few girlfriends last Thursday and I found myself dragging my feet to get there. Normally I would be rushing out the door, ready to relax after a week at work. Not that my days weren't busy and "work" at times, but I felt less reluctant to enjoy a night with my friends since I hadn't contributed in my normal manner. It's a balance. I still haven't quite found it.

I worry at times that Lincoln isn't in a "learning" environment like he was a day care. I know he's only 18 months, but he was at a place with different topics and units and experiences every day. I'm not a preschool teacher, but it would definitely help at times!

So it's an adjustment, and I'm still figuring it out, but I love being able to lay on the floor in the morning and play with my little man and not have to rush us both out the door to work. I do find myself looking for projects to do so I think there will be more house painting or similar in my future, but I like having a project to do, especially when Glenn is gone. Any one need a piece of furniture painted? Maybe I'll finally get started on my annual scrapbook before the year is complete.

Happy Thursday!

Goat Friends

We met some of Lincoln's friends at the zoo and we made a few new goat friends too. I thought he would be afraid of them, but he loved talking to them and petting them.

 

 Trish and I may have been encouraging the hand holding, but Lincoln walked Gwen around and pointed out the lions to her. It was adorable.

 

  Gwen apparently did not enjoy my picture taking during their time together. ;)

Chicago Wedding

The whole fam flew to Chicago last month to attend the wedding of an old family friend. We lived next door to the Krema family for 13+ years and as it turns out, my brother moved to near Chicago just a few months before. Double whammy- get to see the family and attend the wedding. And best of all- a baby sitter for Lincoln during the wedding festivities! Lincoln had more fun with his cousins that he would have with us anyway.

Jenny is the oldest Krema daughter and she got married last October. We were like sisters growing up and it was so much fun to see her!

 The wedding was at Loyola University and it was a beautiful setting right on the lake!

 The beautiful bride, Ali, and her new hubby Mike.

Lincoln and his cousins at the park enjoying a little sunshine before we headed off to the airport. I got to spend a little bit of the day with my dad on Father's day.

A quick trip to the city- what a fun town!

4th of July

We kept things pretty simple for the 4th this year. With an impending hurricane, we weren't really sure how the weather was going to turn out, but after a rainy morning, the day was beautiful! We spent the long weekend at the beach, bbqing with friends and we even made it to the fire works with Lincoln. It was a relaxed family-fun weekend.

Family Fun in Minnesota

Lincoln and I spent last week in Minnesota with my family and Some of Glenn's too. Minnesota in the summer is wonderful and seeing family and friends was the icing on the cake. Love it there. Here are a few pictures!

Outside fun

This video is from the spring after a rain storm. He clearly doesn't mind a little mess or water. He's a boy through and through!

Lots of Updates

It's hard to believe the summer has gone by so quickly! We've been busy around here made obvious by my lack of posts!

Lincoln is as busy as ever and since he only takes one nap a day, it's hard for me to get on the computer. We spend a lot of time outside playing and in the water as much as we can. Our little fish loves the pool and the beach. If I'm not looking, he'll just sit down on the edge and hop in to the pool. Needless to say, one of us is always looking!

We are hoping our little man will be come a big brother one of these days, but not how you might expect. Glenn and I have talked for a long time about adoption and in March we started the process. As of this week, all our paperwork, background checks, profiles, fingerprints, videos and everything else is complete! We are so excited about the possibility, but know that things are out of our hands at this point. We will wait until our time is right and the right family comes our way. I'm sure I'll be posting on what comes next as it happens. As of right now, we wait. :)

Lots more changes coming - my last day of work is Friday. For various reasons, I've decided to be Stay At Home mommy for awhile. I can't wait to spend more time with my little man, Lincoln! I'm looking forward to lots of play dates and fun together. Maybe I'll even start cooking again. :)

Lincoln and I are headed home to Minnesota on Friday. Glenn has to stay behind for work. I'm not looking forward to the flight by myself, but I can't wait to see everyone!!! It's going to be a busy busy week, but hopefully I get a chance to see all my favorite people and rub Blair's baby belly.

We found out tonight that Glenn made Lieutenant Commander. Still not sure what our future plans will be exactly, but I'm very proud of him for getting promoted! Congratulations, LCDR!

It's been a fun summer so far and I can't wait to see what comes next.

Rubber Ducky!

For the opening of the newly remodeled art museum in downtown Norfolk, the Chrysler Center brought in the world famous 4-story rubber duck to downtown. Some people thought it was silly (I only thought the $22 replicas were silly) but a certain one-year old thought it was pretty awesome. There were some tears shed when it was time to leave! We still had to run the rest of the way home though!