the magic of santa

So we took Veda to meet the magical man of Christmas. {Well, I guess one of them since really Christmas should be more importantly celebrated for the birth of baby Jesus.}

We decided to go on a Monday afternoon to beat all the hussle and bussle of Christmas shoppers, and I really didn't want to have to wait in line. I am impatient, so to compound that with screaming children and obsessive moms, I would have been "blink blowing up" people. Yes, I do that! When we are in crowded areas with people walking the wrong way, or the people that just STOP in the center of the walkway my blood gets to boiling. So, I blink hard and pretent to blow them up. Mean and cruel I know, but that is my way of venting instead of going postal on them.

We were the only ones in line, and we didn't feel rushed. (I didn't have to blink at anyone!) And, our Santa was amazing. I really think he is the real one with his full, thick white beard and rosey cheeks. He was dancing in his throne as we made our way to him. Veda took him in with her little bottom lip tucked under her top one. (People usually think she is on the verge of crying, but she really is just giving you a look over.) And, then she gave him a huge smile. We nestled her into his arm, and I stepped back cautiously waiting for my little lady to start crying. She of course did great and gave us a big smile for the camera. What a magical first experience with Santa!

Only 17 days until Christmas!
Hope the holiday planning, shopping, and decorating are going wonderful for everyone, and none of you are "blinking" to hard :)

sweet chaos

I would love to say the holiday decorating was whismical and stress-free. I would love to paint the perfect picture for everyone of decorating the tree with a clean, clutter free home while we sipped hot chocolate and didn't raise our voice at anyone...especially the dogs! However, it was stressful at times, and I didn't know how I was going to fit in all the decorating. I usually have our home decked out in one day, but this year was quite different. First, I was working a crazy schedule at work, and we were BUSY! The crazy, stupid busy that has become my day to day at work. So, I was also extremely exhausted! But I really, really wanted to decorate. Second, and really the most important, we had a 6 month old in our home who is used to her routine. I'm used to having four hands help with everything, but now it was only two. Bradley or I would do some decorating while the other entertained or fed miss Veda. It was different, chaotic, and special all rolled into one. Veda absolutely adored the lights and the tree. She beamed as I was stringing lights onto the tree like she was so proud of it.

{I have to save, and pause to go get my little lady who is awakening from her slumber.}

So, the holidays began quite crazy, but also so beautiful. We have started traditions with Veda that will be lifelong memories for her, and some that she will hopefully carry on with her family. Since Bradley and I have been together we have always saved a bottom sliver of our Christmas tree. We date it, and have also put the location. This tradition was one we carried on from Bradley's family, and it is so memorable each year when we get them out. We are anxiously awaiting Veda's Ryle stocking that was made by my aunt Cindy. Everyone on my side of the family has one. They are like family heirlooms to me; so special and unique! We also decorated a tree in her room as the "family tree." It is draped in black and white photos of our loved ones. It is our way to bring them to her since they are so many miles away. I love beginning new traditions and keeping old ones. They are so symbolic of the past, present and future of dear family love.

{veda reading by the "family tree."}

I loved getting our tree this year because it was a cool, crisp Indiana-like-day. We had to bundle up to go under the tent to get our tree. We got a fraiser fir this year, and it is gorgeous. It smells fabulous!

                           

{tree hunting under the tent}

{our tree}

{waiting for our tree to be cut and bagged}

So yes it was stressful, exhausting, and cluttery. It was also whismical and perfect in its own way.

Magical Christmas wishes to your family!

Sleigh Bells Ring...Are you Listening?

I can't believe November is almost over. Thanksgiving is this week, and we have so much to be thankful for...

1. Veda Elizabeth
2. Our health and happiness
3. The many blessings and opportunities bestowed upon us
4. Our wonderful families
5. Our jobs (Even though some days I wanna scream and quit, I know I am blessed to have a steady pay check)
6. So many more, but I covered the basics.


I have to work over the entire Thanksgiving holiday, but will be feasting with friends after work. How lucky am I to just get to show up to the dinner without doing any cooking or cleaning?! (thanks Chanel!)

We got our first glimpse into the beginning of the Christmas Season last evening in Naples. I love, love, love the holidays in Naples. They really do it up here! We went to the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on 3rd Street. They had lights up everywhere, holiday music blarring, food, drinks, and more music! It was gorgeous, and a little overstimulating as well. It was also our first time out with the stroller in a very congested area. I ran over numerous ankles, bumped people with the diaper bag, and Veda even tried pulling a girls hair in front of us. Yes, it was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

{waiting for the tree to light up}

{counting down...10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....TA DA!}

I took a picture of the tree lit, but it didn't turn out. Dear Santa, please send me a Canon camera. I have been a very good girl!

So, after the lighting of the beautiful tree the snow fairy made it snow! It was awesome. Snow/foam was sprinkling down from all the light posts. A very magical experience. Even in all the chaos and buggy bumping you couldn't help but smile.

Veda looked confused, but of course tried eating it...

The picture of the three of us didn't turn out well...hopefully Santa will get my note!

We had an amazing evening, and I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. However, Naples celebrates Christmas in a momentous way with festivals, tree lightings, they bring in blocks of ice/snow for the kids to frolic in, and even a parade. They have to start early to get in all the celebrations.

I can't wait to buy the tree, to decorate it, to see Veda throughout the whole ordeal. I can't wait to get her Ryle family tradional stocking. I can't wait to start traditions with her. I can't wait to eat, bake, and cook. I can't wait for all the yummy smells, and to see all the beautiful lights around town. I can't wait to have my family here! All these moments and details are what are keeping the stars apart!

Where have we been?!

Wow...too long to go without outpouring all my thoughts and moments onto my special journal. So where have we been? Well...we took our trip up north, and there were too many moments and photos to place in this little blog world. (It is also nice to have some moments that are simply shared by those loved ones involved, and not exposed for the whole world to see.) We have also tried to suck up every waking moment with our precious daughter. As I sit now typing away, she is laying down on her play mat making noises that seem new and fresh each time they creep from that little mouth of hers. I feel guilty even wasting a second away from her to simply write about her. The joys of being a mother are simply unexplainable and so magical. She still amazes me daily, and the happiness that she brings into our lives is enormous. You don't truly live and experience pure, simplistic joy until you have a child.

So what else?! Changes have happened...not only with the weather, but also with our lives. Bradley became the head superintendent at the Golf Club of the Everglades. (applause's all around! yay for my man!) I started working full time, which meant I added a 12-hour day to my work schedule. (some applause's) It was terribly hard to pick up that third day, and feel as though I am missing out on a whole day of Veda's life while I work. I know, I know...it is only for the better meant of her future, but still crazy hard. Veda goes to an amazing babysitter, who I know loves her, and watches over her as if she was her own.

Fall has arrived in Naples, and we have had some amazingly cool days. We have the doors flung open, and the windows cracked to let that amazing, whisk-away-your-old-summer-stench, fresh air in. I also have a cinnamon broom hanging outside, which is the ever important symbolism of the Halloween season. That fresh breeze seeps the sweet cinnamon smell through our entire house, and man does it make you wanna drink hot tea, or jump in a pile of leaves. I L.O.V.E fall aroma!!!!!

We have also been battling some sickness. Veda is on her second course of antibiotics for another ear infection. I was attacked by a nasty sinus infection due to all the little sick kiddos at work coughing on me. I was put on mandatory leave for seven days due to precautionary Swine Flu measures. A little extreme, but my little lady and I have got to share our sick days reading, playing, and of course napping.

We have also tried to document all the fun, autumn adventures. Pumpkin patches, Halloween costumes, and decorating the house. Enoy these autumn moments that are simply keeping the stars apart!

soul soothers

It is amazing how a song can change me...it can make me smile silently reminiscing the memories, it can make me have that bitter sweet thought thinking about the good ole times, it can of course make me cry, it can make me laugh thinking about those karaoke ballads once sung by friends. Yes, music has a way of shaping our souls and soothing away sorrows. I love relating to music. The good stuff makes you think that this song was made especially for you at that exact moment.

Forever by Ben Harper had to be made for Bradley and I right?! It was always our song...we danced our first dance as a married couple to it, we always look at one another in that "first love glance" look whenever it is heard, we both secretly inscribed a line of the lyrics on our wedding bands not knowing that we both put the same thing...it will be our song always and forever.

Amos Lee, Schuyler Fisk, The Fray, Tyrone Wells, and Anna Nalick are my true soul soothers. From the beginning of their melodies I am instantly relaxed and calm. I truly love their music. The way in seeps into all the crevasses of my heart, and makes my aura, my total being feel better. I imagine that their sweet sounds will be my background music as I walk through those pearly gates.

Dave Matthews Band is in a category all of their own. These songs shaped me as a person. My first concert ever was at the then Deer Creek Music Center in Indianapolis. I was instantly in love. The music, the people, the calm atmosphere was an instant addiction. I grew up to their songs, I loved and lost to their songs. Many of their songs bring a rush of memories.

Music effects everyone differently but also the same...because it effects us. It brings us thoughts, feelings, and ideas. The power it has is magical.

Whenever I hear Patsy Cline I immediately think about my parents. If my parents are together when a song of hers starts you can be sure they are dancing cheek to cheek.

Neil Diamond's hits make me remember my grandpa. Elton John makes me think of my mom. A Pearl Jam song reminds me of my sister and how they were her Dave Matthews Band growing up. And, oh so many more, too many to name remind me of our friends, college, and us!

Bradley is a music junky. His knowledge base of old tunes is one not to be reckoned with. When we are driving we play "the game." It is a simple push of the scan button, and then guessing the singer/band of the song being played. Yes, he usually wins, but I have had my moments. I'm also one to butcher lyrics. I tend to add or change the words to the music. This is usually not done intentionally, but I really think that those are the words I heard. {I think sometimes the song would sound better with my wording.}

Bradley and I are already trying to instill these great songs in Veda. We have a "nap time" playlist on the ipod for her. It consists of great music from Anna Nalick, Jewel, Amos Lee, Akon, and Jack Johnson. They soothe her right to dreamland. I have also caught Bradley numerous times singing to Veda, or listening to music with her on the computer. Below are some of those adorable moments.







I hope that when my friends hear Wind Beneath My Wings they think of me!

I hope you hear a song today that changes you in a magical way. If you need one call me and I will sing to you.

Splish Splash

Veda has already been introduced to the big blue sea, so we thought we would take her over to our neighborhood pool for her first chlorine dip. We dressed her in her first swimsuit. I am a sucker for anything polka dot, so when my mom and I found this, it was a no brainer buy. You would think that living in Florida I would have a plethora of swimsuits for my little lady, but it has actually been hard to find ones to fit her. She was so petite, but now that she is filling out, it will be no problem getting her some more beachwear.

We were headed over right around her nap time, so we thought she may sleep through the entire experience. It was a very hot day...the kind that steals your breath away when you walk outside. It was also very sunny, so she wore her bucket hat for extra protection. We also knew that with the heat and sun it would be a quick trip.

With a 1, 2, 3 count her little legs hit the cool, refreshing water. She loved it! These little moments are the memories we will remember always.

I love summer. I love the hot nights with crickets singing in the background, pop up rain showers, sweet tea, and all the good scents of summer. Even though we live in a place that is warm year round, we still look forward to the cooler months ahead. The nights we can wear long sleeves (with shorts of course) to the local high school football games. The evenings when we can actually enjoy sitting on the lanai at eating dinner are always a nice treat. Yes, summer is coming to an end here in Naples. I can't wait to get all the fall decorations out with scents of pumpkin spice and cinnamon. Mmmmm...makes me want to start decorating for Halloween already. OH, and Veda's Halloween costume :) YAY!!!!

What shall she be?

Ok, back on track. We are getting so anxious and excited to go home at the beginning of September. Veda's first airplane ride...mommy's first nervous breakdown. God, please get us home safely in that big plane that is defying gravity just so we can get someplace faster. (I really am excited.) Veda will also be getting baptized. What a precious gift we will be giving our daughter while she is surrounded by all of her loved ones.

I can't wait to catch up with some of our best friends, and we are looking forward to the football draft party at the O'Mara's...lets just hope there are no concerts in the car this year, and no more attempts to drive through their home ;)

I hope everyone had a great, memorable summer! Golf season is coming to a close...now on to football. Go Colts!

We survived the night....

Last night I was flooded with many emotions...my little willow bug slept in her crib for the first night. She has taken many naps in her lovely crib, but it was the first "nighttime" slumber we experienced.

Our nighttime rituals started as usual with a yummy bottle to fill her little Buddha belly and then jammie time. She was a "chatty cathy" so I placed her in her crib to talk to her flower friends while I put away her darling little clothes. All of the sudden the room was quiet, and our little lady had drifted into a deep sleep. I went to talk to Bradley who was on the computer and asked if I should leave her in her crib?! Was this the night that we were going to be "separated?" He grinned and thought we should...I don't think he had any faith in me. After nine months of being a belly touch away and then over 2 months of sleeping within an arms reach, I decided tonight would be the night.

I had moments of complete terror...she was going to bury her face in her mattress and suffocate, the mobile was going to fall on her and choke her, someone was going to slip through her window and steal her, she would get to cold, I wouldn't hear her cry through the monitor, she would wake up scared...yes all these emotions flooded over me. Bradley was my solid ground and reassured me that every one of those were simply not going to happen. I was even hesitant about turning off the light because with the flick of the switch it meant she really was sleeping in another room where I could not keep my watchful eye on her at all times. Eventually the light did go off, but the TV stayed on because mama had a hard time falling asleep. I checked on her numerous times, and even heard her daddy wake up in the wee hours and check on her.

At 5 a.m. as usual I was awaken by the cries of my little baby girl. We had survived the night!!! She took her bottle as usual and then drifted off to sleep for a few more hours. I placed her back in the crib and crawled back into bed. I was very proud of myself. This is a huge milestone for ME. I honestly thought she would be sleeping next to me until she was at least one.



Good Morning baby girl! She is a very happy baby, but I love her "fresh, good-morning" smiles the best.



More emotions continue to engulf me today as it is the year anniversary of my grandfather's death. Oh how I miss him...the garage talks, the Sunday lunches, the afternoon naps with an old, western movie playing in the background, the debates, the good talks. Veda has amazing grandparents, and I know she will create fond memories with them as well.


...I was of course his favorite grandchild ;)

Neil Diamond is added to our playlist...these bitter sweet songs remind me of him so much!