guilty

Alright - you caught me. I'm behind. I missed my end of the month update in August - so regardless of what I say, this is late.  I have to say, though, I've been finding myself feeling extremely guilty about a lot of things lately.  Normally, this is where I'd put a stake in the ground and say "No More!" - but I also have to be honest with myself. We have been adjusting for the past few months - to a new home, a new neighborhood, new places to get our 'normal' stuff (food, stamps, etc), a new family member (who we love to pieces, Claire bear), a new role for me at work, a new normal for our family.  So - all that being said, I will say I am likely to feel more guilt in the near and long term.  I am likely to feel more guilt than I maybe should, but I have found that just saying to myself, "Self. Stop feeling guilty", doesn't really do the job.  Instead, I am trying to remind myself that my worth is not in what I can accomplish in a day - how many checks are on my list, how clean my house is, how well planned our week is, how many social events I'm invited to or invite others to, how much I was able to complete at work.  Instead, I am trying to let go a little - and enjoy the ride.  Take time to make my kiddos giggle, or surprise the hubs with something unexpected - but much deserved, to head out of work a little early when I have the chance to spend more time with the ones I love.  That is my proclamation right now, my stake in the ground.  Though I'm sure I will fail at achieving even that, I feel a weight lifted from me that is well worth the effort.  What brought me to this place, you may ask? God's grace. 

With that - here's a quick update on life as of late...

Grandpa Art & Deb came into town and we ate a lot of ice cream!

Trying out the latest trend @ yogurtlab Downtown Wayzata

deep discussions over more ice cream

Grandpa Art took me to the Como Zoo and we brought home a tiger!

playing at the beach in Downtown Excelsior

pretty sure they built an entire sand city

Claire Bear started her first rice cereal (~5.5 months)

not such a huge fan...

this is how we entertain ourselves these days...to be fair - she picked it up and held on without us forcing it

HOT summer play date - sharing snacks with friends at Thorpe Park

even HOTTER pool party at G+G Powers' house for an early birthday celebration (Happy Birthday Papa and Auntie Jenn!)

who needs a pool when you can put the toys in your mouth?

rare quiet moments curled up on dad's lap...

Claire started sitting up with confidence on her own

We spent part of Labor Day weekend in WI with Papa Art, Deb, Aunt & Uncle Muller, and Cousin Nate - golf cart rides, snacks, sun, and relaxation in the great outdoors

even took a couple of boat rides

found a sand bar and took a dip

then Adi wanted out!

lazy afternoon on the hammock with his girls

stoking the flames with Papa Art before some s'mores

 

Claire turned 6 months old! Time has flown - she is crawling like a champ and starting to babble a lot more.  She still likes to take hold of her two fingers for comfort.  She's really increased her feeding - now taking about 4 - 6oz bottles and 3 full "meals" (aka. rice cereal + veggie of the week) each day. 

Height: 26 & 3/4" (75-90%)

Weight: 16 lbs 10.5oz (50-75%)

Labor Day picnic at Wayzata Beach

having fun exploring the quiet beach

this girl LOVEs the beach

climbing up the sand hill

picture with Papa Art before he headed back home to FL - we'll see you at Christmas!

Life's been crazy - but I'm starting to think that goes without saying.  Work has been extremely busy for both Dan and I, but we are doing our best to fight the fatigue and enjoy every moment.  We find ourselves just sitting and laughing together as a family a lot now - which makes it all worth it.  Even in the chaos, I wouldn't trade it for anything.  We feel so blessed to have two beautiful, fun loving, energetic, bright girls.