What a Wonderful World...

{ 2009 Family Christmas Shot}

As this Christmas week comes to an end....I feel so blessed. I love my little family and the joy being together brings into my life. I also love all the family surrounding my little family, because of you my world is wonderful. It is my conviction that a loving Heavenly Father made this all possible, and that Christ truly is the reason for this wonderful Christmas I have enjoyed. Merry Christmas, 2009!

{Almost 24 weeks!}

I also feel very blessed that little Hughie is growing....my belly is expanding at a rapid rate! April 16th will be here before I know it. Even my little man had a good Christmas...his aunt Mal and Grandma Suzi couldn't resist getting him some gifts. So special to think about Hughie wearing his tiny outfits oh so soon!

Some Mornings...

It was early Saturday morning....my alarm sounding at 5:15 am. Hugh looked so cozy laying next to me, and I would have given anything to stay in bed and spend the day ahead with my little family. Nevertheless, after pushing snooze one too many times, I rolled out of bed and started getting ready for work. Some days, I just don't want to go (which I'm sure is the case with most working people in the world :). But it seems once I get there, my day usually goes okay and the 12 hours go by pretty darn quick. This Saturday was no exception....I may even say it was a blessing. I had a really busy day, but also had the most bright, loving, and exceptional young lady as one of my patients. She taught me a lot about life in those quick 12 hours of spending some time with her. This darling girl had the ability to literally light up her room with her presence alone. She could have been grumpy about being sick and in and out of the hospital for the past year...I would have totally understood if she wanted to complain and vent to me as I went about my nursing cares. But she did just the opposite, and made my day and life brighter just having met her. She is a true example of making a choice in life...deciding to swim not sink, smile not frown, and reach out lift those around her. What a blessing.

Some mornings I may not feel like the leaving the comfort of my warm bed to go to work...but on Saturday my efforts were rewarded. Life is all about the people we meet, the relationships we build, and the love we show to all God's children (all mankind). I am fortunate to meet so many wonderful, strong children and their families. I was reminded of this on Saturday. Not to mention, it was wonderful going home to my smiling Ruby, so excited to see me! In a world where there seems to be so much bad...there is a lot of good. We just have to wake-up.

Our little Ruby....Happy Birthday my little Love Bug!

Thanks for making our world so bright!

Last year at this time...

I'm sitting at my computer at work, thinking about what I was doing last year at this time. I was in the middle of labor, waiting for an epidural to ease the edge of the intense pain. I remember feeling so much relief almost immediately once the epidural was placed...and then I remember being really chatty and the nurse telling me to take some deep breaths. I was too busy chatting, that I wasn't breathing enough. I remember being so excited to meet my little girl for the first time...thinking about it now gives me goosebumps and brings some tears to the surface. Such a sweet, tender moment when Dr. Terry place Ruby in my arms and Hugh and I heard her little cry for the first time. Last year at this time, was such a pivotal moment in Hugh's and mine relationship. Since our marriage I have always felt more confident with him by my side...but that night, last year, I NEEDED him by my side. He didn't fail me and I will always cherish the sweet experience we shared of bringing out little Ruby safely to this world. I can still remember Hugh's tear-filled eyes and thinking, Ruby is so lucky to have Hugh as her daddy. I also remember feeling so blessed and loved to have both of our families outside our door anxiously waiting for Ruby's arrival and so diligently advocating for me with every doctor and nurse that entered my room (I think I was wailing pretty loudly until the epidural was started). After hearing my mom and sisters's side of the story, it was everything they thought it would be based on the movie "Father of the Bride: Part II", which gave us all a laugh (this is an endearing favorite in the Meyer family.) To be honest, I really enjoyed my birth experience with Ruby, and it has been so rejuvinating to think about it tonight, exaclty one year later. (I am a bit excited to do it all over again in April:)

Ruby has become quite the little character since that early morning last year; and yet, still hasn't grown much hair. She is my little buddy and I love spending my days with her. Today as I left for work, she was so content being with her Grandpa Scott...I asked for a hug and kiss, which she willingly gave me. I then said goodbye with a wave, and she waved at me with the most darling, cheesy grin on her face. She then proceeded to play with her Grandpa and pull out all his papers tucked in his shirt pocket. It is amazing what a year can bring...especially one that flew by way too fast! {stay tuned for some pictures of my little love bug}

A Chill is in the Air!

Starting off the Holidays right...

Our little "grinch" all bundled to enjoy the atmosphere...

The lights and chill in the air couldn't be matched!

Ruby loving her aunt Mal time...

Thanks for coming along, Mal...we love you more than we love the holidays :)

Swimming...

I feel like I'm swimming and the edge of the pool is creeping farther from my grip. I am beginning to wonder if my tired body will give in to the current before I can make it to safety. My bobbing head keeps filling with water, only making things worse and my lungs sore. There is too much information for me to soak in; yet, not enough to even begin to understand what may be ahead. The more I think, the more scared I become and I know I can't tread much longer. When suddenly, I stop thinking and start feeling. My heart becomes steady and stronger than before, somehow giving my wearied body the strength to keep going. I now understand I am not alone, as I feel so much love surrounding me. My head becomes immersed in the water and as I make my way to the surface, I realize I have made it to safety. Today I went for a swim....tomorrow will start on dry land.