Love n' Marriage

I attended a bridal shower this past weekend.  Instead of writing 'advice for the bride' on a card, we said them out loud.  Mine might have come across the wrong way...and I could honestly careless.  There was something someone else said that came across to me as strange (as I'm sure others thought mine was strange).  A woman said something along the lines of, "the love you feel for your children is a much, much, much different love than you will ever feel for your husband."  And maybe in my mind it's twisted in the wrong way.  But I pray to God...I don't know...I guess I pray I never compare the two.  That I just feel each as a different entity and each fulfills me.

My love for Michael has done nothing but grow.  It has multiplied by infinity.  I cannot put into words how we have grown and changed together in the past couple of months.  Our long distance period was trying...I mean, give us a break, I was pregnant, overly hormonal, and alone, he was also alone, living out of a hotel and reliving the 'student' life of studying nonstop in a high pressure situation.  Our relationship was never compromised, but we joke that the pregnancy was easy b/c he wasn't around, and ultimately leaving him not a part of more than a few long, lonely months.  When I moved to Chicago, our relationship re-took off.  Almost how it did when I moved to Arizona from Kansas.  This time we were married.  I don't feel as if our future or marriage was in jeopardy or that he was a poor husband.  It was just tough.  And now...my heart is extremely full.  My life is without a doubt the best it has ever been.

Yes, the wedding was a dream come true.  P.E.R.F.E.C.T. As was the honeymoon.  Getting pregnant seemed too good to be true (too easy?).  Pregnancy was also easy (dare I admit that?).  Labor/Delivery was rough.  Bringing our baby girl home and adjusting to our new life...a breeze.  I guess we were just ready.  Although, there are always those folk that tell us we are missing out.  That we should be traveling the world and just enjoying each other.  Hate to break it to ya...but we are enjoying each other the most we have ever enjoyed each other right now.  Reread the first line of this paragraph.  I didn't think life got much better than the wedding..the week before...and the week after.  We've truly been THIS HAPPY for a really long time.  Crazy how life works out.  Don't get me wrong.  A baby takes a spin on life (you should see my six pack now...sad face) and there are times we have said out loud with huge smiles on our faces, "man, life was more simple before she came along."  Because it was.  The end.  Now when we prepare for a pizza night with the family, our checklist of things we need is MUCH longer :)

And I'm just grazing over the postpartum ordeal.  That's was not easy the  first couple weeks (more importantly the first few days)...I didn't believe those around me who said it'd get easier.  And luckily, I'm now, past that.  Whew!

Michael is an amazing father.  Already.  The kid beams with joy every time he sees his baby girl.  Since Addison and I traveled alone on our way home from Arizona, we were able to meet him in the airport before he took off on his first flight of the day.  (The man picks up overtime on his off days to provide for us...but tries his hardest to be home at night to be with Addie and help me out.)  We ran into him as you would any passerby in the airport terminal.  But his face lit up.  My heart skipped a beat.  Our peanut was fast asleep (finally), but he couldn't wait to hold her.  There's something about my husband in his uniform...he is living his dream...he's flying airplanes as an official career.  He is so handsome. Him in his uniform is pure achievement.

Hun, you are still my rock.  My love for you has multiplied more than I ever imagine possible.  Thank you for all you do day in and day out.  Thank you for working your tail off.  Thank you for being an amazing father.  Thank you for loving me just the way I need.  And lastly, thank you for being you, my husband.  I guess we have our lucky stars to thank for bringing us together once upon a time.

 

And here we are babe...livin' the dream <3

Faces of Addison

I know I'd love to tell a long story behind every picture in this post.  I also know that'd take me more time than I have for right now.  Sadly, little Addie is having a hard time falling asleep as I type : (

My Little Addison,

I cannot believe how much you've grown is six quick weeks.  I want to bottle each day up and relive them for forever.  You are truly a blessing in my and Daddy's life.  You are beautiful.  I am proud to be your Mom, as is your Dad to be your father.  Every single picture above warms my heart, brings tears to my eyes, makes me smile from ear to ear, and brings back a memory.  I hope and wish so many things for you...for us.  We love you, little girl.

  Love,

     Mommy

Our G

She's still high maintenance, shedding, and ornery at times but nonetheless she's our first baby girl.  We have tried to go above and beyond the call of duty to make her feel special and welcome in our home.  I think she has adjusted 9,000 times better than I could have ever imagined!  It's insane.  And I couldn't be happier.

She is still unsure about Addison.  She is still jealous.  And all of that's OK.  Gracie has adjusted SO well to our new home...almost too well.  She LOVES being outside.  In fact, she's outside more than she's inside.  Her fur is going nuts in this weather.  It's finally getting warm, so it's all falling out.  It's everywhere.  Poor Addison.  There have been warm days (like I mentioned before)...if you can't tell, I'm getting used to the fact that when I wake up in the morning it's not a given the sun will be out and the weather will be perfect :) and we've been able to take Addie and G for a walk.  Now, I just wish Mike would find Gracie's "old" collar and leash so I could walk them myself together.

Here are some recent pics of our four legged love:

{Our cat...er...dog}

{Yes, she's on the back on the couch...}

{She has been OBSESSED w/me...never leaving my side}

{Pretty girl w/new bling}

{Daddy caved since his world is all female...G gets a pink collar and tag!!}

{Literally will not leave me alone, I love her}

{Lazy bum fell off the wall and stayed like this instead of getting back up- goof!}

{We love you G!}

{How she spends her time at the Two Bulls house}

In the above picture, check out how green the grass is.  I cannot get over it.  It's been a long while since I've been around this much grass.  Let alone grass post the spring showers.  It looks like someone colored a picture out the window.  SO pretty!  We are hoping summer comes real soon though...this momma is going a little cra-zay!

Apologies?

Man oh man...I've sat down several times to catch up with my blog and I've failed.  Miserably.

I hope you can forgive me while I literally write my days away this week.  I am hoping to knock out the past month in as few words and posts as I can.  Let me tell you, that will not be easy, as so much has happened.

Mike, Addison, and I went to Arizona last week.  We headed out on Monday afternoon after I got a much needed haircut.  We left the land of cold rainy clouds and found the bright blue sunshining 90 degree weather sky!  Miss Addison took her first flight and was perfect!  We ate right before and first thing when we got on the plane.  She slept like a log and we had to poke at her to wake her for her next feeding.  Something about the loud noises the plane makes lulled her right to sleep.  She was sweet and everyone stopped to say "aw" and ask how old (or young) she was.  We were very proud parents, as always.  ha!

{Right before boarding}

{While we sat for FOREVER waiting for two maintenance issues}

{First flight at 5 weeks 4 days!}

{How she spent most of the flight...notice the hand...too sweet!}

Baby Girl, 

Your Daddy is a pilot...it's only fitting you went on your first flight early on.  This will be the first of many and we cannot wait to take you to see the world on several flight in your future.  Your Daddy works very hard for us and looks very handsome in his pilot 'get up.'

   Love, 

       Mommy

We tried to divide up our time as best we could with lil bit in tow.  First stop was dinner at Four Peaks...a pretty monumental place for us.  A great brewery where we had an engagement dinner and ate while I was pregnant when we were saying good-bye to AZ for awhile.  Now, Addison first time with Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary (pic to come) and Uncle Matt.

{Uncle Matt (Mike's best man and best friend) who said he doesn't hold babies who can't control their head...we let him hold you while you slep!}

{And Papa was in Phoenix visiting...it was very late and you were down for the count}

It was a long day and a long night.  However, after that first rough patch with adjusting to a time change, miss Addie was amazing.  Slept in her carseat, as we still sleep with her slightly upright to avoid acid reflux.  She handled everyone holding her and passing her around very well.  Our schedule seemed to go off without a hitch and she just rolled with the flow.  We stayed with Grandma Pat and Grandpa Chris the first three nights and the last night.

Next up was meeting Scarlett, who was born 8 days after Addison.  She's the daughter of Ian, Mike's college friend and groomsman, and Nicole and sister to two year old Rayliana.

{Pretty girls :)}

Sadly, Mike had to leave Wednesday to return to work.  It's funny how used to having him around I am again.  We were 'long distance' for months not that long ago and I've already forgotten that feeling.  His schedule has been beyond awesome this month...leaving us for a mere 12 days!  And what's even better is that doesn't effect his pay b/c he's guaranteed a minimum.  Yay!  We LOVE having Daddy home...and I believe the feeling is mutual.  Anyways...it was great to catch up with Ian and Nicole...Miss Ray has gotten SO big and has a little personality- it's SO fun.  

That night we met up with the Cassidy's and the Oliver's for some pizza and a baby play date.  Of course, I left my camera at the house, so I got a video and will take pics from Nichole and Ashley.  

{Our Little Posse}

So, Harper was born in November and is the big sister figure in our trio...she's in the middle, obviously the oldest, therefore, biggest little girl.  Then on the right is Ophelia, Nichole's little girl, born just 5 days after Addison.  And our little peanut on the left...fast asleep.  These 3 will have many memories together...I am sad I no longer live in AZ mostly b/c of this right here.  Two of my closest friends and their daughters within months (even days) of my daughter.  Ugh...it's heartbreaking really.  

It really felt like home.  When I got off the plane and got in the car I truly felt home.  But then the staying in other people's houses and living out of a suitcase made me realize it, in fact, was not my home any longer.  I am happy to report, come the end of my stay, I was happy to come home.  Although it had A LOT to do with seeing my hubby again :)