Catching up....August 2011

It has been almost 3 months since my last post. Oops! Ok so I have been busy with Peyton's first birthday, getting a new full time job, putting Peyton in daycare, getting a new roommate(s) but 3 months? My bad! So let's catch up:

August 2011

August was a great month, very busy. We started the month off by getting new roommates. I had posted an ad on Craigslist because with Chaddy moved out and me working part time, there was no way I could make rent, keep up with all the bills and support me an Peyton. After a few weeks we finally got one response and began learning about Bekah and Shauna. The month was off to a great start because we also got to see Papa for the second time this summer while he was staying at Auntie Sandy's house in Lynnwood!









I spent alot of time August preparing for Peyton's 1st birthday party, smothering her in kisses and loves because I was in disbelief and denial that she was turning one and of course alot of time outside in the sunshine! I really was not ready for Peyton to turn one, I couldn't wrap my head around the idea that my baby was no longer a newborn, not an infant, and she was changing daily. I was also feeling that it was time, no matter how hard it would on us, for me to start looking for a full time position and decide on my career move. The first year when so fast, and out little family really did ok, we wanted for nothing due to the help of others, but in my heart I knew that we needed more and my independence relied on me taking that first step by looking into what jobs where out there. I didn't see much and was hoping a Boeing connection would come through, but one night I did come across a position that had the right salary, the right hours and was with a company who's mission I could really get behind, so I applied. Then fear set in. How could I leave Peyton? And I didn't want to leave Tracy and Jace in a bind either, they had done so much for us. But I figured I wouldn't hear anything because this position was amazing and surely it was going to be a long shot. And again, how could I leave Peyton?!

A few days later, I was called in for an interview. Just a couple days before we were heading to Spokane for Peyton's birthday I had my first interview at Puget Sound Educational Service District. Auntie Sandy and Uncle Dann drove down from Lynnwood (45 minutes) to watch Peyton for an hour, just to drive back to Lynnwood. That is what you call support! It was a panel of 6 and of course I went over the 30 minutes they had scheduled, but it went well and I felt great. I still was not feeling like it would really happen, that I would get the job and that our whole world would change, but I had bigger things to worry about like Peyton's birthday!

Peyton's 1st Birthday Party was Perfect! My parents were amazing, they hosted the party which happened to be on her actual birthday. And my family was amazing; The VanderVeens came from Portland, The Breidenbachs came from Lynnwood, The Pachosa's came from Coulee Dam and brought Papa, of course Bear and his family came to Spokane too and those were just the family members that did not live in Spokane that came! It was a super hot day, we had great food, lots of laughter and visiting, cake and ice cream, tons of presents - it was everything I imagined, I think. Really the day was kind of a blur for me. I had a roller coaster of emotions and between trying to take care of the party and be present with Peyton, the day just kind of seemed to happen. It really was perfect! Even two of my childhood friends, Niki and Shauna, were able to come with their children!

Thank you to all our family and friends who made Peyton's 1st Birthday so amazing! It was a perfect day, a perfect party and a wonderful weekend!

Support System - Check!

The continued outpouring of support, care and love seems never ending. From family, close friends, coworkers, acquaintances, even those ex-flames who call just to check in and offer to do yard work or get groceries....Me and Peyton have a solid support system in place.

As a first-time single mother this has been of the biggest concerns of the doctor and our social worker, and I know many women don't have the amazing network that we do. Its a reminder on days like today just how well cared for we are. My boss through a great luncheon/shower with coworkers today at work; he shut down the office supplied lunch and a cupcake cake, presents from each and every coworker, of course Paul & Lance went overboard, but the generous and genuine support and well wishes was all enveloping.




Plus this week, the emails, phone calls and texts from acquaintances and friends just checking in on me and baby, offering to run errands, bring food, do anything has been so amazing. Of course they are calling to make sure they are on the list to get a call or at least a text when she comes, but the genuine concern and care for me and BE is so tangible, its heartwarming. It really makes me feel good about myself and the live I have built, of course there have been some low times and I have made as many mistakes and bad choices as anyone but to know how many people really support me and baby Earl and genuinely care about both of us, I must be doing something right. And it is so reassuring to me, especially as we get closer to her arrival, to know as a single mom that its not just me and her, to know that I am bringing her into an amazing family, and extended family of friends and people who already love her and will be there for her.

Of course one of the best calls was on Saturday when I talked to Papa. Papa was so giddy on the phone, first he asked how I am feeling then he said "When are you bringing that baby up to see me?". He is so precious. He is very excited to meet this baby, and even as his memory has begun to weaken, he knows that my plan is to bring Peyton to Inchelium to see him and get baptized in his church after she is born. It was of course a short conversation, as he is not a phone talker, but you could hear the smile and excitement in his voice. Its one of those conversations I will treasure and remember forever. Mom said he brought me and baby up a couple more times over the weekend, and said he "sure cant wait to meet that new baby." And I cant wait for her to meet Papa too!

While I am not surprised in any way, I have always been very well aware of how blessed I am with an amazing family and it is no secret what great friends I have, but it is important I think to not take such blessings for granted. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has been so supportive these last 38 weeks (and beyond) I cant wait to share this amazing little girl with you. It gives me such peace of mind to know what love she is being born into.

Baby Shower #2

Ok, so I just remembered I still haven't posted Baby Shower #1 pictures, let's chalk that one up to pregnancy brain and add it to my to-do list!

On Saturday, June 26th my bestie Tracy Ahlstrom-Layton through a wonderful shower for Baby Earl. Tracy, like all of my family and close friends knows what a miracle and blessing this baby is. And beyond the shower she has been supportive from day one, she even kept it a secret the first few days from Jace until I told my parents! :) We are very lucky to have her in our lives! Thanks Trac' for a great party!

Many great friends - all wonderful women - and family gathered to celebrate Baby Earl:









Shawnie made the cutest diaper cake!


We had lots of food, cake and played games...Everyone but Kim had such very nice things to say when they introduced themselves and talked about how they know me...(Some stories just don't need to be shared!)
















And the presents, oh my goodness. Everything I opened had multiple gifts. Kim was forgiven at this point for making me blush... :) Yes I did cry opening gifts, and no it was not over ducks. What can I say I was moved by a card from my beautiful cousin Ashley, and if you know me at all crying was something that came easy before the pregnancy...and this trimester the waterworks have been on full blast! All the clothes were so beautiful, such nice cards, amazing gifts every single one!









Alexa besides being so adorable, is such a good girl...she just watched me open all the presents and told us which clothes, books and toys she liked or had. :)




What ever could this be? :)



Oh my gosh! A crib mattress!


And what is this? A crib too?! Baby Earl is so set!





Well it's definitely not news, but this day was a testament to the fact that I have amazing friends and family. I have such a great support group, from going to doctor's appointments with me, to years and years (and years) of listening to me talk about how much I wanted this, to believing that I can do this on my own and not ever once questioning me or judging me, to loving my daughter from day one. It was so nice to share this amazing miracle, something I waited my whole life for with these great women who are all so supportive, loving, caring and who I am lucky to have in my life.

Thank you all so much for the gifts, for coming to the shower and for sharing in my joy!