Photographic Tour of First Birthday Festivities!

ummmm...why did you all simultaneously burst into song whilst staring and smiling at ME??

step 1 of epic first birthday mess

Nostalgia

Just this once, I held her.  I drank in every sighing breath.  I remembered a year ago how ragged those first breaths were.  How I worried as you slept and your tiny chest rose and fell with each labored breath you took.  I note now how easily they now come.  I traced the outline of your nose and kissed your sweet chubby little cheeks. I brushed her strawberry blond hair from your forehead.  As I do, I remember the copious amounts of dark and downy infant hair that once was yours. Time has changed you.  This fact makes me aware of how important these fleeting moments are. They are treasures.

One year ago, we did this very same thing.  You slept, and I held you, filled with wonder that you were actually mine.  Now you sleep, and I hold you, and I am filled with gratitude that you are mine.  Every corner of my soul is grateful that the Lord has blessed our home with you.  We have watched you change and grow and explore.  We have learned about your personality and felt your vibrancy.  We have basked in your radiance for one whole year.

I just can’t wait to see what you accomplish.  Happy Birthday Kylea Grace!

My Mountain Top

This post is for my husband. My darling husband, who I love dearly, has been looking for a promotion for over a year and a half now.  About two years ago he was displaced from his job at American Express. Up to that point he had been a shooting star, his ambition and hard work had earned him regular raises and promotions and we felt that the sky was the limit.

Fortunately he was able to find a new job within the company quickly so he never had to accept severance or even go a single day without work.  We were lucky. No, we were blessed.  The job that he accepted was a slight demotion.  The job wasn't as prestigious but Kevin figured that it was only a momentary set back, he waited out the holiday season and then began searching for another promotion.  We were sure it would come quickly.

Well, it hasn't come quickly.  Our story isn't unique, many people are struggling in this economy. And many people are worse off than us. For almost two years now Kevin has gone to interview after interview sometimes making it so close to being hired only to be told that they really liked him but ultimately decided to go with someone with more experience.  He hasn't let that stop him, he went back to school and has almost completed his Master's degree in Business Administration.  He volunteered for a six sigma project at American Express, in his free time (unpaid separate from his work).  He pinpointed a problem and orchestrated a project to correct it that saved the company hundreds of thousands of dollars to this point and will continue to save the company money for years in the future.  He did all this to build his resume and increase his competitive edge in this shaky economy.

Just yesterday he came home with more bad news.  After two interviews and a month of waiting to hear back, he was declined for another position.  The reason? They chose someone with more experience.  My heart aches for him and to be honest my optimistic nature is crumbling.  When will his hard work be recognized?   When will his ambition pay off?  I wanted to shake the hiring manager and say, "You are missing out! He IS the best candidate for this position!" I wanted to stand on a mountain top and shout his credentials so that the right person would hear and take their opportunity to grab him.  I know I'm not the most neutral person to ask but in my opinion the person who takes a risk and hires Kevin will be doing their business a service.  I understand that experience seems like a safe bet, but his potential is limitless, the things he is capable of are great.  His enthusiasm and potential outshines experience every day of the week!

I don't have a mountain top.  I don't think yelling in the wilderness would be a very effective method anyway.  But I do have this blog. I recognize that my audience is limited but I am hoping that someone within the influence of this blog will be able to help.  Maybe it will just help me to feel like I can do something more than offer him a few consoling words and hug.

If you know someone, anyone that is looking for an intelligent, motivated young professional let us know!  If you know about any networking opportunities, let us know!  If you don't have any suggestions, then I just ask you to add us to your prayers.  Pray that we will be able to be patient.  Pray that we will be able to smile despite our challenges.  And pray that we will someday (when the time is right) be rewarded with the opportunity that we seek.  Oh.....and pray that Kevin doesn't get his feathers too ruffled when he sees that I wrote this blog entry:)

The Eleventh Month

These days, adventure is her middle name.

Exploring the laundry while Mommy folds.

Eats meals in her diaper because she gets MESSY while exploring  eating her food.

Except when she's stealing Mommy's smoothie then she's all business. She nearly devoured the entire thing!

Made her very first favorite stuffed animal.  His name is Pierre and Kylea LOVES wrestling him and biting his beak.

Shopping and found Pierre

She has the most infectious laugh ever.  I defy you not to smile when she bursts out into one of her signature belly laughs.

Sleeps in a big girl bed because she can crawl out of her crib now.

which means mommy finds her playing with her toys when she should be napping.

Anytime she can get wet is the best time of day in her opinion.

Has 3 teeth now.  

Loves the doggy like a brother.  A big fluffy pillow brother who lets her steal all his toys and pull on his ears and tail.

But daddy makes the best pillow of all.

She walks all over the place now.  It's still odd to see my baby come walking out her bedroom on her own two feet.

Those feet have led her to find lots of drawers and spaces previously unattainable. Like the diaper drawer.

Has always been fascinated with the washer and dryer but now she can really get close enough to see what is going on.

This is how we drink water

This is how we wear our sippy cup as a hat.

riding the train with daddy

We LOVE you Kylea Grace!