Memorial Day fun

Well, there was no better way to celebrate making it through our first week of daycare than to have a long, fun weekend. Check out our little patriot as we prepare for a day-long outing on her first Memorial Day!

Mommy, Daddy, and HG took a stroll through the waterfront park and had lunch al fresco. Then, with all of the beautiful flowers in bloom downtown, we had our own little photo shoot!

The next destination of the day was the ruins at Lands End, also known as Fort Fremont [check out the wikipedia description of the old marine installation.] It was neat to be a "tourist" in our own town and learn a little history about this 100 year old landmark! Some of the areas were "dungeon-like" so we didn't venture too far inside. In fact, the first time we tried, HG got upset... we were amazed that a 15 week old picked up on the same eeriness as her parents!

Then, to wrap up the day... HG put her cute little toes in the sand and salt water for the very first time... a sign of lots of good memories to be made in the Lowcountry!!

Hope you had a nice Memorial Day weekend! We are so thankful for those who have served our country - past, present, and future!

1st day @ Daycare :(

It's official. Hannah Grace started daycare on Tuesday, May 24. I was too emotional to make this post the day of... in fact, if your wondering how I felt that first morning, you can cancel out the following (normal) reactions:


          - I carried her in with a smile, kissed her good-bye and gleefully went on my way.
          - I took her into class, giggled at all of the cute kids and exclaimed, 
               "Look munchkin, these are your new friends!"
          - I helped her get all settled in and had a nice, thorough conversation with the
               caretakers to ensure a smooth transition, then waved bye to my cutie-pie.


Nope, none of that happened. Not even close. I was in a "this-isn't-really-happening" zombie state, and after I went through a few motions like setting her down, snapping a picture, and passing over the bottles, I left quickly, losing all composure as I stepped out of the classroom door.

And I cried. I cried a lot.

Not because I don't feel that she's safe, but leaving her with people I didn't really know and then knowing I'll have to do so every day for the next five years was an uncontrollably sad feeling. Maternity leave and all of the special, 24/7, mother-daughter time that accompanies it is officially over. 

And that breaks my heart.

Thank goodness Daddy was with me to comfort me and drive me to work. (Also, I'm thankful for whichever random lady hugged me in the parking lot. Sorry I cried on your shirt.) 

I have made some progress since then and have come to accept it that we are, in fact, at this stage. It's mostly acceptable because she has handled it like  a champ. We love picking her up at 5:00 and seeing that beautiful face recognize us and smile. I know she's safe and it will allow her to learn a lot... but I miss our everyday, schedule-free time to love and learn and grow together. 

I just try to remember what a friend told me that afternoon, this is the first of many times when you will be sad because she's growing up, but make sure you see the positive in change too. 


We love you HG, and we're so proud of you already!!

Day 1: HG in her crib (Don't worry, they're adding the "Grace").

Snoozing in the swing when mommy came to see her at lunch.

Her very first report card!

Day 2: Snoozing during my mid-day visit again.. I think I'll change my lunch break time!

Look what I found!!

HANDS: I love to suck on my hands... they are always in my mouth!

FEET: I'm supposed to do what with those?!?!

BELLY: I've got a good grip (look out necklaces and hair), and when I'm wearing a shirt or dress I show off my belly!