A BIG catch up

Darin is asleep in our bedroom with the light on. And I am on the computer wasting time, because who doesn't have time to waste at 12:30 in the morning?  My excuse is that we are leaving on a trip tomorrow and I had to wait for the laundry to finish so I could take out a few things to pack.  And I should have a baby waking at any moment to snuggle and eat a little before graciously sleeping the rest of the night *fingers crossed*. Not that I had to mention this, but I am a terrible blogger.  I'm not going to beat myself up about it, especially because I have been decent at writing in a journal for the last little while, and that is really the reason I started a blog in the first place.  But really, I need an update of our life with pictures, so look out.  Here it comes:

This summer has been blissful.  Neither Darin nor I have taken classes and we have enjoyed a much needed break filled with family time.  Darin started classes and resumed full-time work the day after Lily got home from the hospital, so in her lifetime, there is a good amount of time when she has not been able to play as much with her daddy.  This summer break came just at the right time, as Lily is now at the point where she REALLY loves playing with daddy and loves playing in general.  She is curious and intrigued by everything that goes on around her.  She wants to experience it all by scooting, rolling, crawling to an object then touching, yelling at, and tasting it.  She is pretty much beyond fantastic and there is nothing in our lives that makes us happier than watching her explore life and find joy in the little things, like crinkly paper, a shelf full of DVDs, the wood floor, and Darin's cell phone.  She enjoys her toys too.  In fact, toys she gets bored of at the end of the day become brand new and exciting to her when she wakes up in the morning.  I hope that goes on forever.

Before the plethora of pictures ("Jefe, what is a plethora?"..." Why, El Guapo?"), Here are our family datos:
DARIN, Summer 2011:

Occupation: working at RC Willey.  He just changed positions from salesman to customer service extraordinaire. It is a huge blessing as he gets to work less hours during the school year, can study at work, and maintain his benefits. Thanks Rufus.

Lover of: all things chocolate.  And we have had plenty of goodies this summer, but we have also enjoyed working out together, mostly going on family runs in the morning with our new jogging stroller.  We found an awesome deal on Amazon and got an additional 15% off because they shipped it a week late. bam. Running with him gives me a hard workout.  The man could sit in a box for a year eating twinkies and could pop out and run like a gazelle at any given moment.  He smokes me every time. He is also the love of his little girl's life.  And he loves her SO much.  She lights up noticeably every time he is around.  It is absolutely adorable.  He can get her to squeal like no one's bidness.  He is a phenomenal daddy. Oh yeah, and he loves me and treats me like I'm the sunrise that brings him to life every day.

Would like to grow up to be:  A doctor.  We think.  We have decided to go forward with the goal of medical school.  Plan B is PA school.  Plan C is university professor. Plan D is family therapist (actually, I just think he would be good at it, so why not make it plan D?). Plan E: professional bum.  Either way you look at it, we are in it (meaning the student life) for the long haul (Except in the case of plan E).  Good thing we enjoy it.

And now MICHELLE, weighing in at a whopping ----- (you thought I was going to give that away, huh? Not so lucky this time) in Summer 2011:

Occupation: Full time mommy.  And LOVING it!  I opted out of taking classes last semester, which was a big decision for me, especially since it would have been the last semester before graduation.  Classes started the day after I got home from the hospital with a 5 inch slice through my gut.  I couldn't sit up by myself and walking around the house was enough for me.  Walking around campus probably would have killed me (no joke, I went to buy my books and nearly passed out. Lily was not the only one needing to be wheeled around).  And for anyone who has not had the delight of raging hormones and outrageous emotions after giving birth, just know that I applaud any woman who can go on with life, pretending to not be affected by them.  So, home I stayed with my little chub-a-lub (she became one, anyway).  I have adored  our time together and I needed time to heal. I don't regret that decision.  It was a huge life change and one I am glad I stuck around to enjoy. One day I will graduate, but not until my last class is finally offered again (one semester a year...so I have to wait until January to take it).

Lover of all things:  family.  I LOVE my little tootsie roll and my wonderful husband and best friend.  They are my whole world. They make me oh so happy. I've also enjoyed the slow and steady improvement of my culinary skills.  Part of me wishes I could have realized the love I would have towards creating something amazing to tickle the palate a little earlier in life.  I would have gone to culinary school and became a five-star chef.  But I'll just have to learn bit by bit and religiously watch Master Chef with Darin every summer instead. As I mentioned before, I am quite liking my daily jogs with the Lilster and the hub.  And, what else? My neighbor came over and taught be how to crochet the other day.  Watch out world.

Would like to grow up one day.

Last but certainly not least: LILY GIRL.

Weighing in at a whopping (no really...whopping is totally merited here) 18 lbs. at her 6 month check up.  She still has cheeks that could take over the world and they are oh so kissable.

Occupation: Greatest baby ever.

Lover of all things: crinkly, shiny, things that light up, play music, you get the picture.  She loves being outside, being free to roam wherever she is, face away from whoever is holding her (she needs to see what is going on, people), eat anything she can get her hands on including my glasses, the couch, my knee cap, Darin's hair, you name it.  She loves her tongue and sings with it curled up at the end and sticking out of her mouth, especially when you lead her in a few good la la la's. She likes to watch mommy do everything from makeup, to vacuuming, to talking on the phone.  I have to remember that she is always watching me and that she always will.  I will always respect the constancy of motherhood.  I am humbled and thankful that I have her to keep me in check and inspire me to be a better person, all that I need to be, for her and my husband and my God.  Love that sweet and spunky girl.

Is growing up by: eating solid foods (finally).  We were out of town a lot for her 6th month, so I started her a little late.  She loves carrots, peas, apple sauce, mangos, sucking on frozen fruit in her mesh teether, and still very much loves mommy's milk (even though she is the wiggliest and most distracted nurser ever).  She now thinks rice cereal is kind of lame, but loved it with carrot juice mixed in. She dominates a sippy cup. She sprouted her first tooth during the evening of Monday the 8th of August. She crawled around the room slowly, but without belly flopping 3 times yesterday, so I'd say we officially have a crawler. She talks and loves the sound of her own voice, but is a little more reserved around strangers. She doesn't have stranger anxiety yet, but she seems to be a little less vocal when there is a new face.  She is a little like her mama in that way.  She pulled her diaper open the other day.  I don't appreciate that mile stone.

If you are still reading, congrats.  We'll have to hold a giveaway for whoever finishes this post.  This is what you get for following a woman who blogs once a decade.

Stay tuned for pictures hopefully tomorrow.  I know, I know, I promised them, but I didn't expect to spew forth so much info up there either. So until then, goodnight, dear void.