All showered and ready to go back to work!

This weekend Natalie and I went to Pendleton to be showered by our Eastern Oregon friends and family. Hosted by the fabulous trio of Raphael, Bev and Lorie, it was a fun and elegant affair! Natalie was a little moody and even slept through some of it, but hey, it's her party and she can cry (or sleep) if she wants to, right?! She looked so cute in her new dress and big girl tights and shoes. And she did great being passed around as much as she was. By the end of the party, the girl was pooped (literally!).


It was great to introduce Natalie to so many people including Aunty Callyn and Maikol who came all the way from Missoula, Montana for the occasion. Maik did an excellent job holding her. She got a lot of neat things including books, cute clothes, three handmade blankets made with lots of love by Callyn, Great Aunt Michelle, and Marie... she even got her first Pendleton blanket and a Pendleton wool pillow! Thanks to everyone who has spoiled Natalie rotten!

Today was a big milestone for both Natalie and I. It was back to work time. I was smart and decided to wean myself and am starting with half days, Monday - Thursday for the first two weeks. Starting the 29th, I will be back to 8-5 and working from the office four days a week and working from home on Fridays. Jeramy will be Mr. Mom on Wednesdays. So the remaining three days a week, Natalie will be right next door. Our neighbor, Deb, is a stay-at-home mom extroidinaire and will be taking care of Natalie along with her two girls, Kaylee (3) and Sophie (7 months).

I didn't sleep very well in anticipation of this day and my anxiety over how both of us were going to do. I nearly burst out crying as I said goodbye this morning, but I pulled myself together somehow. Luckily for me, the day went by fast (I'm not sure Deb can say the same) and before I knew it, I was headed home to see her. Deb said she did very well, taking her bottle and taking 2 half-hour naps. I guess Sophie didn't exactly like sharing her mom's attention and affection, but as we left, she planted a sloppy drooly kiss on Nat's forehead. I think it will work out well once they all adjust. (I hope!) Mid morning, I called to check in on them and Deb held the phone to Natalie's ear and she apparently smiled at the sound of my voice. That made my day! Hope day 2 goes even better!

Natalie is blossoming more and more every day. Her face lights up with smiles on a regular basis now and she holds her head up like a big girl. She likes to sit up on the couch (propped by pillows and people!) and watch TV with Daddy. Her ability to respond to sights and sounds is amazing. It's really fun to see her changing and developing.

Until next time, hugs and love from Bend!