Best Birthday/Easter, Ever

Bright, bright sunny day

Just dropping in to say a quick hello, and Happy Spring! Really this is my favorite time of year; I love the feeling of renewal that comes with the changing of the season. And really, how could one not be moved by all of the beautiful blossoms and also by how GREEN everything seems these recent days?

Last night I dyed easter eggs with my mother in law- something I hadn't done in a very long time. It was great fun, and I can't wait to set up a little easter egg hunt for Henry. Today I will be making and decorating cupcakes and sugar cookies with my Mom. It is a great way to celebrate my birthday weekend- yep, I turn the big 3-1 tomorrow. I've decided I rather like my early 30's. The morning sickness seems to be tapering off, and that combined with everything else leaves me with so much to be thankful for! Happy Easter dear friends, and hope your weekend is sunny and bright.

looking up into the sky...

Although it may seem as if we had fallen off the face of the Earth by the looks of this page, we have not. I have just been in a quiet, contemplative mood, and haven't felt much like blogging. We have been enjoying the warmer weather by going to the zoo and playing in the backyard. Our bathroom renovations are nearly complete; just a little paint touch up will finish off that project.

Henry turned 18 months old yesterday. I can't believe how independent he is becoming. We put him to work in the backyard, picking up pinecones for us.





Yesterday, just as twilight was setting in, he looked up and discovered the moon. Goodnight, moon.






Life is exciting these days. I hadn't planned to report this so soon, but since I am days away from the end of my first trimester, and I feel as if the whole world already knows (my husband was very excited to share the news with anyone who'd listen)- we will be welcoming our second baby into the world next fall! I have been so unbelievably sick the past several weeks, I haven't fully been able to enjoy it or soak in the good news, but I see better times just around the corner. Hopefully.

Just waiting...

..for warmer weather, so we can go outside and really play.

I have been under the weather for the last couple of weeks, and just haven't felt up to posting. I was tired of seeing my Obama post each time I came to my page (even though I am way excited over his recent wins-Wisconsin last night!) so I'm just refreshing the page a little. I'll check back in when I'm feeling better. Is it just me, or has the month of February seemed to lag on forever??

Supa Dupa Tuesday!!!!

Wahoo!!

The crowd that made it into the building was 18,000 people strong. this doesn't count all the people who got turned away at the door due to capacity.

It was so great to see the kids involved. I watched these little ones painting their signs before the start of the rally.


On Sunday evening I had the amazing opportunity to hear Barack Obama speak at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. It was exhilirating from the moment we arrived- huge crowds of excited people waiting happily despite the line that seemed to snake on forever and the heavy winds that were anything but "whispering". I actually felt a huge surge of emotion as I walked to the end of the line- the diversity of the crowd and this sort of uniting force that seemed to bind us all together for a moment was undeniable. I felt like I was a part of history that is being made at this very moment.
Once through the massive line and at the threshold of the building, people raced into the convention center like they were about to see an impromptu show by their favorite band of all time for free. Obama was eloquent, inspiring, and everything I thought he would be in person. His message and platform are strong and clear- I just hope enough people hear it and believe in it. For once, in a very, very long time, I'd be proud to speak of and recognize my president.
Get out there and vote people. It is supa dupa Tuesday!!

Raj-pooot!

Spring Fever.

The first daffodil of the season has bloomed!

A little tulip arrangement I put together for myself... hey, I think all girls should buy flowers for themselves once in awhile (or once a week).

Our old and beautiful camellias are beginning to bloom their hearts out. I had to bring some indoors. Nothing makes me happier than to be able to make a bouquet from flowers I cut in the yard.

The white ones seem to be blooming a little early this year.

I let Henry help me in the garden. He likes to play in the dirt. I think that it is important to let kids explore and get messy if they want to.

skate rat

Untitled from Marissa on Vimeo.

Just like his daddy! This video was shot sometime in July... I like how that tuft of hair on the side of his head blows out in the breeze (he just had his first haircut, by the way).

Henry in the Winter

Henry in the Winter from Marissa on Vimeo.

Henry loves to be outside, even when it is freezing cold. This was yesterday, the last day of January, 2008.