We've turned a corner

She's cried a lot for the last few months, but I think we've turned a corner. She's much happier these days. I can't say she was colicky, because she was fine as long as I was holding her. And I mean, as long as I was holding her. It's wonderful to feel loved, but it's wonderful to have hands again. I love that other people can hold her and she smiles at them instead of screaming. I just love her and could kiss her all day. But I don't, because I have to do my chores too. Boo.

Family

I've been thinking about this lately and thought I should write it down.

Almost 8 years ago we found out I was pregnant, and we were broker than broke. Our circumstances were pathetic, but we were determined to make it work out on our own and not ask for help from anyone. We were walking into a grocery store to get job applications, and my brother and his two kids were walking out at the same time and saw us. I remember he jokingly asked, "Are you guys here for the case lot sale, too?" and we told him we were looking for second jobs so we could buy me a new bra, since I was expanding all over. Ha ha, ha ha. He immediately turned around and started walking toward the ATM. I ran after him, telling him I didn't want his money, that we were grown-ups and could handle it, etc. etc. He looked at me and said, "Katrina, this is what families do- we help each other." He was going through a really bitter divorce at the time, so my logic told me that of all people, he should be exempt from helping me. Then I felt impressed that at that time, he needed to help. He told me that when he and his now ex-wife were expecting their first baby, they lived far away and didn't have family to help them. I remember standing there bawling my head off in the Macey's parking lot with my brother, thankful and humbled. I'll never forget that, ever.

I'm learning, little by little, how important family is. The family I come from is big and loud. My 4 older brothers beat the crap out of each other growing up. They chased my older sister around the yard with worms. They told me I'd die if I ate the chestnuts on the ground. Once I picked up a chestnut and thought just touching it would kill me. I went to my room and waited to die. When I was 5 and in ballet, one of my brothers called me a "rea-tard" whenever I wore my leotard. What a crack up, seriously. What would childhood be without sibling torture?

As adults, we disagree and don't always get along. We have our fair share of drama. But when it comes down to it, we're a family and we love each other no matter what. When times are tough, family is where we can turn for help and support. I know Nils feels the same way about his family. I've just been really thankful lately to be a part of two good families and to have that network of love and support.

Sleep is for Suckers

This here kid is making me exhausted. She could quite possibly be the worst sleeper in the history of the world. Not to be melodramatic or anything, but it's 3 in the morning and I just took this picture. This is a regular occurrence. Oh, she's cute alright, but ya know what's friggin' adorable? Sleeping at night. It's the cutest thing ever.

Love you, Ava C. Stinker.

From the Archives

Here are some recent funnies from the photo files:

The other day Anders went to a friend's house, and Aani wanted to go with him. She put her backpack and boots on, but didn't feel the need for pants. That kitty face was MAD when I told her she couldn't go with him.

Anders' hair had turned quite shaggy. When we told him it was time for a haircut, he said, "I wanna be BALD!" So, Nils took him out to the garage and sheared him. He shaved the top first, and when Anders saw it, he said, "AHHHHHH! I LOOK LIKE AN OLD MAN!!" He wasn't happy- so of course photos were taken. Then Nils shaved the rest, and people have been rubbing Anders' head for good luck ever since.

When Ava was in the hospital, this breakfast tray was brought in. I took the cover off of the plate to see what the "main course" was- VOILA! A singular blueberry muffin. Ha. It made me chuckle. Ah, what you find funny after four days in the hospital. I think I found it funny in part because the food was abysmal in general.

It occurred to me that we have lived in our house for 3 years this week. That's the longest we've lived anywhere in our married lives. The great thing is that I really love where we live. We're very happy here- there's just something special about the 'Toga.