6 years....

I have been gone for what seems like forever - I know I haven't posted about the rest of our vacation or what's been going on since.  But, this has been weighing on my mind the past several days.

I find it unbelievable that is has now officially been 6 years since Jim and I packed up our whole lives to make the move to South Florida.  In mid-June 2005, we sold most of our belongings and all of Jim's furniture, packed what we could in his car & my brother's Explorer, and made the move to South Miami.  No jobs, no income, nothing except the knowledge that at the end of August 2005, I would be enrolled in law school.

Now looking back at it, what were we thinking?!?!?  I cannot fathom moving to one of the most expensive places in the country without any income.  Maybe it's just because now we're older and we have a child (I can't even say baby anymore - sad).

But, lately, I've had a longing to pick up and leave.  We've been talking for a while about moving back up north, although we're not exactly sure where yet - while I'm not willing to pick up and move without having a source of income already set up, I want to - so bad.  Our goal is to move in 2012.

For now, we're going to settle for moving into our 3-bedroom apartment for a year and concentrate on saving money, Jim getting established in his new position at Walgreens, and hammering out any details....

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Angel!

It was a little over a year ago that I started reading the heart babies blogs.  There were several babies waiting to be born at that time.

On of those was Cohen.  I know I've linked to his page before - I've been so touched by his story and his beauty.

Today is Cohen's first birthday.  He lived for only 12 days.  My heart aches for his family who - although they have shown tremendous grace and courage in the past year - do not have him in their arms.  His parents, Megan and Brent, are very sweet and miss their little boy so very much.  They are pregnant with twins - one boy and one girl.

Please, take a moment today and pray for this young, sweet family.  I cannot imagine what they are going through today. 

Happy Birthday, sweet baby.  Enjoy your day in Heaven!

Vacation - Disney

We had a blast on our vacation!  We had breakfast at Chef Mickey's, dinner at the Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends, spent a day at Hollywood Studios, a day at Epcot, and two days at Magic Kingdom.

Brooke had an absolute blast at the parks.  She wasn't real sure of the characters - in fact, the closest she would get was to give a high 5.  The highlight for her was riding the "choo choo train" (aka the tram) from the parking lot to the park entrance.  She also loved riding the ferry at Magic Kingdom!

I love Disney, and this trip was no different.  We spent Monday with my sister in law, her husband, and our nephew Ethan and niece Megan.

Monday was also exciting because I finally got to meet a good friend of mine, Jen!  I met Jen on the What to Expect message boards when we were pregnant - so it's been nearly 3 years since we started talking!  She, her husband, and their little boy (who is just about 2 weeks older than Brooke) met us at Magic Kingdom.  Unfortunately, it was only for about half an hour, but we had a great time meeting them and cannot wait to see them again!

Wednesday, we left Disney and headed to Tampa to our next stop - but I think I'll save that for a later post.

Pictures will be coming soon on my facebook page!

4 Years and All I've Ever Wanted....

4 years ago today, I married the most amazing man I've ever met.  We've certainly had our challenges and difficulties since I've met him nearly 10 years ago, but we always get through and come out stronger than ever. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.

We agreed not to do anything for our anniversary - our Disney trip is our gift to each other.  I am so excited!  Jim is riding the bus up to Pines to meet me tomorrow, then we'll grab dinner after work and hit the road!  It's going to be a great week - and hopefully I'll have lots of stories when I come back so my blog becomes lively again, ha.

My birthday

Today is my 28th birthday.  I had a great day - balloons, cake, and lunch at work, and a great Italian dinner and cake at home for dinner.  Jim had to work, but Brooke kept saying Happy Bir-day, Mommy.  Those words were the best part of my day.

I've been away from the blog for a while now.  I have just been busy trying to make sure we get everything ready for our trip!  I'm a huge planner, so it's taken me a while to feel prepared.  Now I'm ready to go ;-)

We've also been busy planning the baby's second birthday party and baptism!  I am really looking forward to both, and to everyone that is coming down for the event(s)! 

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm a couple of days early, but I hope - expect - to have a busy, fun weekend with my angel!

Brooke gave me my gift last night - she got me a gift card for a mani/pedi before our vacation!  What a sweetie, she must have listened to all the plans I had for this month.  I can't wait to use them.

Today was the Mother's Day breakfast at her school.  I couldn't go because I had a client coming to meet with me (sad). 

So, to all my mommy friends out there, Happy Mother's Day!  I hope you enjoy your day!

Not much to say....

I haven't posted lately.  I'm always busy and worn out by the time Brooke is in bed.  Plus, I haven't had much to say.

I don't know.  I've been in a bit of a funk lately.  Just being tired and homesick, I suppose.  That always happens around this time of year - as the weather starts getting warmer (OK, hotter) here, I forget.  I forget the cool spring days of central PA.  When I see the same palm trees and tropical scenery from the winter, I forget.  I forget the return of the birds, the newly blooming flowers, the melting snow.  And when something happens that makes me remember, it makes me miss it that much more.

 I just miss it.

And I never thought I would say that.  But, I do.  I miss it.

Things have been good here lately, though.  Brooke is such a joy, such a happy, smart, beautiful little girl - and so silly.   How I wish my extended family and lifelong friends could get to know her more.  She is the light of our life and learns so much every day.  And, of course, I have an amazing husband who does everything for us and to make us happy - and I love him even more for it.

Brooke had her "height and weight check" on Saturday - and, clearly, I was right that she didn't need it.  At 21 months, she is 28 pounds and 33 inches tall!  She is in size 5 diapers - walking and talking, more a little person than a baby these days.  On days that the homesickness is so strong, all I have to do is look at her, and I know - Home is wherever she is.