My Trophy Arrived!

Okay, absolutely nothing tops this. My honorary breastpumping trophy arrived via UPS today. My wonderful, sweet, way-too-far-away friend Sharon had a special trophy made just for me, honoring my 9 months of pumping (see old post "Where's My Trophy?" if you think I'm crazy. Well I am crazy, but see it if you're at all confused). It's a little golden gal wearing a sash and tiara. On the base it says "World's Best Mom! For exceptional pumping dedication." I'm going to put it on a chain and wear it as bling. It's going to be the hugest medallion anyone has ever seen. Sharon... sista... you are so incredible. I really do need to move in next door. I need you closer.

All mothers should have one of these trophies. Whether it be for "Breastfeeding a Biter," "Keeping Yourself Alive on 2 Hours of Sleep Per Day," "Working All Day and Then Coming Home to Your Second Full-Time Job," or how about simply "Birthing a Baby." This needs to be a government-funded gesture, like food stamps. Who's with me?

I'm going to go order Jude a "World Champion Nap Fighter" award.

The Forest

I love trees. I feel most like myself when surrounded by them, I become so small yet feel more powerful. There are so very few trees here in Southern California and they're spread out so that nothing comes close to resembling a forest. We took a quick weekend trip to Los Gatos at the end of July to celebrate Grandma Darby's birthday with her. They live 20 minutes up a windy road, thick with tall redwoods. Their home is perched atop a mountain that overlooks the most gorgeous view of a majestic forest. It is breathtaking, and very hard to leave. The crisp fresh air, the quiet hum of the wind, the soft pine smell... nothing beats it. A cup of coffee tastes better in the woods. Rhys and I have always wanted to live in a place with lots of trees and rain, but life seems to swirl around us so fast that we hardly notice we aren't where we need to be. Then, when we're stuck in heavy traffic or the LA smog is particularly thick, we are jolted back into reality. We are still not in a peaceful, blissful state. Namely Washington. We miss you, Los Gatos, and the peaceful, wonderful calm you bring. And we miss you, Grandma & Grandpa Buchele, for the very same reason.

Crack for Moms

So, just when I've found myself overwhelmed with how many things are on my to-do list, Danielle casually drops Scrapblogging into my life as if it's not going to dangerously interfere. It has been called "crack for moms", and I'm an addict. I'm going to have to start attending meetings and get a sponsor. My house is surely going to suffer for this. My husband is going to be wearing dirty clothes for weeks. Honestly, that won't be much of an adjustment. But oh wow, I'm in a bit of heaven.