Hired

Between good-byes, an exit interview, and cleaning out my desk, it was a long afternoon at the office...and my last as a KPMG employee.
I truly believe this is a great place to work. But...no matter how good the benefits, they just can't touch those of my new job. I'm not sure how I passed the background check, the screening, the qualifications for this job, but I'm grateful to be hired.Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by and said their good-byes, including many kind words. I appreciate your encouragement so much and hope we will stay in touch.
BIG, BIG thanks to Marsha and Tootie who kept a squirmy, and sometimes fussy Reece during it all. He was not quite himself for some reason, soooo over-tired and a bit shy to strangers. Marsha, the baby whisperer, was even able to lull him to sleep for a while in her dear arms. Their help with Reece really allowed me to visit and get a bit of closure.
Kept our sense of humor during it all too, capturing this funny photo of me nursing in my near empty cube.
(I'm sporting a grown-up outfit today too...all pre-pregger clothes, which was a nice surprise when getting dressed this morning. Oh, but my feet were killing me when walking back to my car.)
Just before walking out the door, gave my last hugs good-bye. Jay looks like he's trying really hard to be happy for me...I know he is. He and I, and many others, worked so closely together for so long...reflecting and writing this, there is a sense of loss.
So long, KPMG. I absolutely gave this job my best effort. Now, I'm hired for another job, the best and hardest job I'll ever have. Thanks, KPMG for preparing me in some ways for this one. I ask for prayers out there that in spite of myself, I can somehow do a good job as momma to this sweet boy.

Pulling Up

Besides my fingers, Reece has found 2 other methods of pulling up, the exersaucer and the footstool. I'd say that's official. He doesn't know how to crawl or how to stand on his own...but he sure likes standing and leaning....and talking in HIS language.



(sorry for the head tilt video...I promise I'll get better...I'm much better with a still camera.)

Pulled Up-ish

Reece pulled himself up to a standing position today using the nicely grooved handle of his exersaucer.
The majority of the clip is after he pulled up, holding on, leaning on, and playing with his 'saucer....Darren's hand is there to catch him, as you will see.

At the end we set him back down trying to recreate the pull-up, and he does it again on the 3rd try. He's super wobbly and certainly not able to stand on his own, but the pull up was neat.

Glad to be part of the video bloggers now.
(Ignore the last few frames...I'll get better at this on my next attempt...time for bed!)

Sweet Sixteen

Turning 7 months old on Saturday, he's gotten to be such a big boy. I can really start to see the transformation from baby to boy. He's sitting up really well and enjoying being able to reach for what he wants and play. With two bottom teeth, he's still been a happy boy just a little bit whiney. He is still sleeping really well...thank you!

Stopped by the dr office for a quick weighing...16 lbs, 2 oz. Wow! He's beefing up for his upcoming crawling and walking milestones...no real inklings about how soon that will be.I often peek in his crib while he's sleeping or napping, and am still completely overwhelmed with this gift we were given.

In with the Dellers

Dinner with the Deller's was a delight. Jill and John are dear friends, and have a sweet 14 month old, Amanda. Jill is also 6 months pregnant with their second.
Amanda loved playing with Reece's feet...
toys that wiggle, wiggle, wiggle!I was tickling Reece's belly, then Amanda copied me.
...except she missed a little low. ; )Reece did great even with being up a few hours past his bedtime.
But, just before we left, it was paci time.
Jill grabbed him to get her baby fix. Come mid Nov, she'll get plenty!Amanda gives great kisses...good, wet ones.
As we were packing up, she kissed Reece good-bye.
It was such a nice evening in their home. Love you guys.

You know, sometimes eating out is way over-rated.

Ralph A. Cado

Wearing his 'Give Peas a Chance' bib,
Reece gave avocado a chance today...
He ralphed.

Afterwards, he was cautious with the next few bites,
but then resumed eating his rice cereal.
We'll try again another day...

Decision

Seven months after taking leave from work, it was decision time.
So, here it is...
Jay, my group, and the firm have been extremely supportive during my leave. And today Jay was also supportive of my career decision to be a SAHM.
I can't think of a more important job.

At the same time,
I am extremely grateful for all those that worked alongside me,
even in the smallest way preparing the way for this new role...
their patience, their honesty, their generosity and their friendship.
Thank you.

The magnitude of the decision hasn't hit me just yet.
I'm sure it will next week as I clean out my desk and say good-bye.

Due

Sweet, sweet Carolyne is due tomorrow with baby Alexandria.

We so enjoyed visiting and sharing with her today, knowing she is about to experience one of the most incredible things of life.
My prayers and joyful heart are with them tomorrow.

King of the Jungle

Reece took his role as lion very seriously...no big silly grins for this king of the jungle.
Thanks to Mom's dear friend, Ellen, for this adorable Lion hooded towel.

'06 Family Reunion

This is the second family reunion since my grandmother passed away. Although taken a few years ago, I wanted to include this picture of Maw and her sibs. I have it displayed in my home, as a great representation of this fun-loving family. In age order, my sweet Maw is on the left.
It may seem a little strange, but we gather first at the cemetery every year. It's a great tradition and way we remember incredible roots of this family tree, sweet Mamaw and Papaw, my great grandparents. We have a scripture reading, a prayer, pictures, usually a song and some memories shared. This year it was a bit shorter due to the heat...then we visited in the civic center, with much welcomed AC.

We took pics of every generation, but naturally this one was my favorite. Reece is plopped right in front.

Tongue and Cheek

This is a common face these days,
although I'm not taking it personally. ; )
I'm pretty sure he's working on a partner for his new tooth.
He hasn't lost his smile though...

SRV

Playing in his room on Friday, I decided we needed some music. But, I left Ralph's World and Hide 'Em in Your Heart cds in the car from our travels. Snap...then I realized I could turn on the radio.

Tuned into the first channel and found a little SRV (don't I sound cool...Stevie Ray Vaughn). Pride and Joy with a few slight mods, was the perfect tune for me and my little guy.

Well you've heard about love givin' sight to the blind
My baby's lovin' cause the sun to shine
He's my sweet little thing, he's my pride and joy
He's my sweet little baby, he's my little momma's boy

Yeah I love my baby, my heart and soul
Love like ours won't never grow old
He's my sweet little thing, he's my pride and joy
He's my sweet little baby, he's my little momma's boy

Yeah I love my baby, he's long and lean
You mess with him, you'll see a mom gettin' mean
He's my sweet little thing, he's my pride and joy
He's my sweet little baby, he's my little momma's boy

Well I love my baby like the finest wine
Stick with him until the end of time
He's my sweet little thing, he's my pride and joy
He's my sweet little baby, he's my little momma's boy

Yeah I love my baby, my heart and soul
Love like ours will never grow old
He's my sweet little thing, he's my pride and joy
He's my sweet little baby, he's my little momma's boy

Playgroup

It's so fun right now. Reece really enjoys playing with other babes.
He and Miles had some fun at playgroup on Thursday.

It looks like Grayson has got Reece in a wrestling pose.

Tubby Tara. Oops, I mean...
Tara was so fun getting in the tub of balls with Danijela and Kiley.

Reece is sporting a 'new' hand-me-down from the Kyle's.
It's a little wide, but he's still stinkin' adorable in it.

These next 3 pics are from two weeks ago.
We missed Chrys and Sarah this week,
but had some good times last playgroup.

Oliver reaching over for the ball...
Reece seems to be telling Oliver a thing or two
about trying to take that ball from him.
I bet part of it includes:
'Listen, Oliver...I may be small, but I am strong like bull.'
Camp is crawling and pulling up really well.
Such a cutie!

A Brush with Fame

Back on the 24th, Reece had a brush with fame at Babe's in Burleson...Wilford was telling Reece that eating rice cereal and Quaker Oats oatmeal is a nutritious way to start his day.Actually, Ken is a good friend of Reece's Grandmama and Papa Ben, but definitely a good likeness for Wilford Brimley. Babe's was deeee-licious and a possible contributor to obesity in North Texas. : )

4th

Not a huge to-do this year, but an afternoon and Grandmama's and Papaw Ben's is never dull. Grilled some steaks and Reece showed off his latest tricks. Snapped a couple of posed shots...



We almost went to the Lakewood parade...next year, we decided.

TOOF!

Reece has officially sprouted his first tooth. We'd been noticing the drool and the bumps in the front for a little while. I had been feeling for it every day, but Friday when we arrived at the Kyle's, Matt spotted it breaking through. Then, the next day we could feel the sharp little thing. It's coming more each day now.

I am so unbelievably excited...such a cool milestone. It's been such a big week. Spent the longest time away from home, began sitting up on his own well and playing, continuing to improve his eating skills, talking (babbling) a lot, and sprouted his first tooth. Don't blink your eye...who knows what you'll miss!

Hunka Hunka...

Matt's 40th birthday party was Saturday night. It was a big bash at their house with a band and everything. Matt is a B I G Elvis fan...There was a real band, but Matt always sings at parties...Mustang Sally is one of his claims to fame and he can truly sing. Tonight, though, it was all about Big E. (the sideburns and glasses were a gift)We stayed with the Kyle's, which meant that the babes were right upstairs during the party. I'm sure it wasn't the most restful night Reece's ever had, although slept nevertheless. He probably can sleep through most anything now...I hear the 4th of July 'works' in the background as I type this.
Kerri and I both were sporting monitors all night, and Kat thought they made fun party accessories. She is HILARIOUS and I laughed sooo hard around those Kyle sisters.
Oscar, a Kyle by marriage, is an amazing singer and cool, humble guy. I really enjoyed hanging with him on the porch. He plays lead vocals and guitar for Monkey Shyne, a great local Dallas band. With much prodding, he took the mike and sang a few...
It was a great evening. I got super tired early, around 10ish, but then kicked into another gear once the party cleared a bit. We sat around the porch and sang and talked and laughed...good times.

The morning did come too early. Though in clumps, I was able to get maybe 6 hours of sleep which was helpful for the drive home. Reece slept soooo good on the way home and it was sweet looking in the rearview seeing my two guys napping together, heads flopped to the side. Good week, good weekend, and good trip.

...and good night all.