First Steps, First Mother's Day

It's fitting that I write about Rosie's first steps on my first Mother's Day. Becoming a mom is a lot like learning to walk...those nervous, cautious first steps and those many, many falls. But just like Rosie, I have learned to get back up off the ground and try again. Baby steps...it's more than a metaphor. It's a way of parenthood!

I loved my first Mother's Day. It's like gaining a second birthday. It started with flowers (a rose from Rosie and tulips from Jon)...then moved to Jon's blueberry pancakes for Rosie and Mommy...then gifts (GPS and spa gift certificate!)...then church as a family...then...well, then I went to school and worked for four hours. But the beginning of the day was great! As was the end - when I came home, played with Rosie, filmed her walking, ate stuffed bell peppers (compliments of Jon) and then put my baby to bed. I ended the night by treating myself to this blog post and the movie attached. Enjoy!

I have a lot to be grateful for this first Mother's Day. The world's most precious little girl who can say, "hi," "dada," and "wow." A little girl who can walk (talk about wow!). A little girl whose smile and bounce make me laugh. A little girl who every day does something new that leaves me shaking my head in delight. And a husband who's just as entertained and in love with that little girl as I am. And I would be remiss if I didn't also mention how grateful I am for my own mom...and my own Grandmas...and Jon's mom and Jon's grandma.

What a Rosie life this really is...first step bumps and all.

Last Two Weeks of School

Well, it's the final crunch, the final push, the final two weeks of the semester. This time last year I had two big finish lines looming: the end of the semester and a baby's impending birth! My oh my how things have changed this year. Still trying to get through the end of the school year but this time I'm planning Rosie's FIRST birthday party. That's right. My baby is 11 months old.

I finish classes next Tuesday. I've got a week to complete two final papers, administer my students' final exam, and do lots and lots of grading.

I feel much better going into this finals week than those in the past.

I'm further ahead in terms of my own deadlines and work. And I've got a whole summer to look forward to!

Maybe that's why I've let myself have a little fun lately...spending time at Maryland Day with the animals on the farm (below), play dates with friends at the park (as you can see above,

Rosie loves to swing), and time watching Rosie walk. Everywhere. And talk! "Hi, Dada" seems to be the phrase of the month. Heart-melting, right? Here are a few pics before I head back to the grind.