I’ll be the first to admit that there came a time when family functions be they dinners, birthday parties, holidays, or reunions, held little appeal to me.  It was around that same time that I held a general disdain for most things that were widely accepted.  You guessed it – I was a teenager! 

Now, I relish these moments and savor the memories that we are building for my son (dreading the day when he too finds such gatherings pointless and perfunctory).  Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming a new member of the family as Jason and Amy were married in a beautiful ceremony officiated by Uncle Chris….the groom’s dad.  Chris married G. and I as well and I’ll admit that memories of our big day floated back into my mind, but were quickly replaced by the present memories being created when his nervousness shone through.  I say that not to point out his jitters, but rather that it was so endearing and such a special time for them as a family.  Below are a couple photos from their big day.  Be sure to check out the Flickr badge for additional pics.

What a beautifully blushing bride!

Their first walk as husband and wife.

I was thinking of putting this in a separate post, but it truly fits within the scope of this title.  As we celebrated the union of this happy couple, some of our joy was put on hold as we received word that Grandpa Lin was feeling rather ill and there was concern that it might be something serious.  A handful of us left the reception early (after the hokey pokey, of course!) and gathered at Gma and Gpa’s house. 

After much convincing, Grandpa agreed to let us call the ambulance as he was still feeling extremely dizzy, was clammy to the touch and had poor coloring, not to mention the fact that he’d vomited several times.  The crew came and suggested they take him to the hospital for further examination.  Reluctantly, he agreed and as I write today, I’m so thankful he did.  After several blood tests, they discovered a significant drop in his hemoglobin levels which is indiciative of internal bleeding.  That’s the latest report I’ve received and have been faithfully praying about this throughout the day. 

Family.  Function.  Together they can mean fried chicken, silly games, goofy dances and an array of memories.  Separately, their deeper meaning comes to light.  Joined in happiness or sadness, the encouragement of loved ones can be just the motivating factor you need.  I’m thankful today for the family I’ve been given and I ask for your continued prayers.

I will admit that this whole realm of “motherdom” is new and exciting and terrifying and joyous….all at the same time.  I have constant questions and a variety of possible answers.  Reading, trying, revising, and trying again have become my new routine with my precious babe.  Part of that involves some of you brilliant bloggers who have helped me with possible solutions to my latest conundrums or offered assurance that I am not alone.

Here’s my question.  When it comes to parental requests in a daycare setting, what things should you let slide?  Upon our first meeting, I was assured that my instructions would be followed and I felt very confident about the situation, albeit temporary as my permanent daycare provider recently had a baby.  Lately, I’ve noticed little things that, I’ll admit, irk me and I don’t know if it’s a battle worth fighting or not.

What are the irksome things you ask?  Well for starters, she is not using the bottles I’ve sent for her to use.  I often get him home to find him in a different diaper than the brand I provide, and I found a different pacifier in the bassinet with him today when I picked him up, while his was sitting on the counter.  Another this, but one that I don’t feel is a huge issure, is the fact that he is pretty filthy each day when I pick him up.  I know that babies spit up, poop (in case you’ve forgotten), drool, and learn cool habits like buzzing their lips while you’re trying to feed them peas.  But to still have a crusty nose or carrots and cereal on his face 8 or 9 hours later seems weird.  If I know that we’re going anywhere immediately after I pick him up, I dress him in “comfy cozies” and plan to put him in his “spiffy” clothes when I pick him up. 

Are any of these things, concerns that you would bring up with your provider?  I think my hesitation with this is the fact that we’re only going to be with this provider for another 6-8 weeks and our permanent provider has a parenting style that more closely matches mine.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not questioning her ability to care for my child, or questioning that his needs (physical, mental, emotional and so forth) are being met.  I think the underlying issue for me, is the constant question of what other requests are being ignored? 

I’ve got my own thoughts about this, but would love to hear from some of you.  To those of you who simply read, please come out of hiding and leave a comment!

My Dearest Garth,

As I sit here, wrestling with our son to keep his drool-covered hands off the keyboard I can’t imagine being in a better place.  Even with the piles of laundry gracing our couch, the weeds and unwanted leaves adorning our yard, everything about our humble life is perfect.  Not in the true sense of the word perfect, but in the individualized, absolute match, I-wouldn’t-trade-it-for-the-world sense. 

You know I love you, but today, this special day, it’s worth saying again (and for all to hear read).  I adore you.  From the precise way you fold your napkin to your willingness to take on any task or challenge.  You’re the perfect man for me.  Whether it’s a gentle word or the strength of your embrace, you always know just what I need, often before I know that I need it.

Preparing for your surprise party this weekend, I realized just how much I need you; how well we complement one another.  We make an amazing team and I am awed by the fact that I am blessed to spend the rest of my days with you.  What did I do to deserve such a blessing? 

I hope that this year – this thirtieth year – that your wishes come true.  Mine already have.  I love you, babe!  Today and always!

~Yours