New Beginnings

We are closing in on the last few days of more than a month of travel for Adam and I couldn't be more thrilled. It isn't that I can't handle things around here without him, it's just that I simply don't want to. Broadway Street is just a better, more happy place when he's around. I have been keeping myself very busy, however. About a month ago, I decided to try my luck at some part-time contract grantwriting for a local non-profit here in town. I thought it would be a way to exercise my brain and keep my writing skills fresh for that time in my life when I decide to head back to work. And while grantwriting was never something that caused me any great pains when I was working full time, it isn't something that particularly makes my heart race either. Nevertheless, I just completed my first project for the organization and it took me much longer than I had anticipated. It appears that even a few short months away from regular work has already reeked havoc on my writing abilities and the speed at which it takes to complete even the simplest assignment. But, one down and we'll see how many more to go.

In addition, I have decided it is high time I get my butt back into shape. After almost a full year of sitting on my tail, I am going to reenter the world of working out. For my emotional well-being as much as my physical well-being. So, to really jump start things, I decided I would sign up for a mini-marathon here in Indy in May. I have done it once before, about 2 years ago, and it wasn't horrible. My plan; to hit the road and the gym come January. I thought it appropriate to give myself one more month to loaf and enjoy the holidays without guilt.

So with those two major life changes in full swing, life just keeps keepin on- even if it has taken on yet another new direction. Still playing peek-a-boo with Avery during the day, hanging out with Adam at night, and enjoying every minute of 2006. The latest joy, Avery has begun eating some solid food. Her current favorite: prunes. A strange choice in fruits, I know. I still giggle at the way she watches the spoon, with a heaping pile of pureed prunes on it, get nearer and nearer to her mouth. It is as if she thinks that the extent to which she concentrates on those delectable things has a direct correlation to them entering her mouth. I included one such photo of this phenomenon below. Just picture a spoonful of prunes hiding just out of the camera's view. It is precious!!!

Blessings,
Katie

O Christmas Tree

While the weather outside was not "frightful" this weekend, we still thought it appropriate to buy and trim the family tree. After leaving church on Sunday, I proclaimed to Adam that it was the perfect day for the great tree hunt of 2007. He agreed and after Avery's morning nap, we loaded up the car prepared to stop at every Christmas tree farm in town to find the perfect tree for our home. We decided to make a quick stop by Johnny's Market, which is literally just a stones throw away from our home, to scope out prices and have some mental images for comparison. We hadn't been there but 2 minutes when I found the "one." It was perfect- not too tall, not too skinny, not too round. I told Adam we had found it. He smiled and concurred, as any good husband would. The great tree hunt had ended before it had even begun. I think we were home with tree within 30 minutes. We spent the afternoon listening to Christmas music, trimming the tree, and sipping on chai tea. It was a perfect end to the weekend and a great beginning to the holiday season.

Fun In The Sun

We just returned home from a wonderful vacation in Florida and while I can say earnestly that it was a blast having Avery join the family fun, it was also a LOT of work. Having been in Florida just 7 months ago (while Avery was still in the womb), I had vivid memories of relaxing days on the beach, great dinners out, and lazily flipping through the pages of many books. I had thought that while I wouldn't get to enjoy the same amount of relaxation and lounging I had enjoyed previously, there still would be some "Katie time." How wrong I was. It seemed that between naps, nursing, sunscreen applications, the fetching of new and more exciting toys, pool time, 4 outfit changes a day, and a 7 pm bedtime, there wasn't much time to sit and relax at all. But I wouldn't change it for the world. Avery's fascination with the ocean waves and the sand between her toes was enough to make all the craziness of vacationing with a 6 month old worth it. I also did get the chance to read a wonderful book. For all of you looking for a page turner, I must recommend The Glass Castle. A beautifully written memoir of one girl's tumultuous childhood. Oh how God uses a myriad of things to remind us of just what a blessing family can be.

Blessings,
Katie

The First of Many

Well, I have decided it is about time to keep you all in the loop as to the happenings of our clan via the internet after I came to the realization that babies, or should I say OUR baby, has cut my "phone time" in half. Having said that, I too have joined the land of the internet savy by creating this blog. My hope is that it will allow us to reach out, remain connected, and journal the ups and downs of life at Broadway Street. I hope you enjoy.

Above is the most recent picture of our beautiful girl. She is growing like an absolute weed!!! We are having a ball watching her though!!

Katie