Apologies for the silence lately. Last summer I sat on my huge, pregnant bum and complained about the heat all day. This summer I had big plans for the beach, museums, and San Francisco adventures, but we’ve traveled out of town so much that it hasn’t happened so much. I feel like once we get home and I finally get in the swing of a real schedule again, we embark on another new adventure out of town. Ah, such is life. I can’t complain because I’m loving every bit of it right now. :)

My dreams of laying on a beach refused to be squashed though – Tyler and I are going to Hawaii in a couple of weeks. My parents are graciously watching Jack for the week, and I think he’ll have a blast with them. I feel like I already miss my little sidekick, but I cannot tell you how relieved I am to plan a vacation for adults, not a toddler. It’s much, much easier and a heck of a lot less stressful. I can almost hear the ocean waves already.

I feel like I have so much to be grateful for. I was talking to a friend yesterday about how great life is right now for both of us, that we have received countless blessings from the Lord. But it’s always bittersweet; it’s good to recognize how blessed you are, but it also always makes me anxious knowing a big trial is probably coming. I felt that same way in the early days of Amelia’s pregnancy, before we knew. I kept telling Tyler how blessed and great our life was, and how much we had to be grateful for. But I knew inevitably, those waters wouldn’t remain calm forever, and they didn’t.

Regardless, I’m choosing to count my blessings anyway. The biggest I’ve seen lately is that Jack’s speech has made leaps and bounds in the past few weeks. Today in the bath he laid on his tummy and kicked his feet while saying, “Mom! I swim! I whale, I whale!” (We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium yesterday with our friends, so we’ve learned all about fish and whales lately.) To put two words together like that – and a sentence!! – is HUGE. I cried happy tears of joy right there in the bathroom. Back in March/April he barely had words at all. I feel so blessed that even though it’s late, his speech is coming.

It might seem obvious and redundant, but Jack as a person has also been an immense blessing in my life. I feel pity and sadness for people who (for whatever reason) don’t ever get to experience a little spirit touching their lives like Jack has touched mine. He has grown and matured into the almost 3-year old he is lately, and while my heart weeps for his babyhood it is also rejoicing. His new found independence and strong desire to do what it right just tickles my very soul. He’s helped me earn the big, gold star of patience I’ve always strived for, and I’m a much better mother because of him.

This little family just makes my heart burst with so much joy! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next.