And the countdown begins...

We are rapidly approaching Des's first birthday and with it I have much joy and trepidation. I'm sure any parent can relate and can also sigh with me as you relish in your child's accomplishments while at the same time savor the bittersweetness of days gone by. My father and I used to sing a song in church for special music when I was but a wee tyke (we're talking 4-5 years old) and the lyrics went something like this:

Hold tight to the sounds of the music of living,
Happy songs from the laughter of children at play;
Take my hand as we run through the sweet fragrant meadows,
Making memories of what was today.

Tiny voice, that I hear is my little girl calling.
For daddy to hear just what she has to say
Little son running there by the hillside,
Will never be quite like today.

We have this moment to hold in our hands,
And to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand;
Yesterday's gone, and tomorrow may never come,
But we have this moment today.

I never truly appreciated those lyrics until I became a mom. To see so much change in a child in such a short time is truly the best way to realize that life is short and passes too quickly. And also the best way to remember to cherish every smile and moment while you have the chance to. God has truly blessed us with Des (and in so many other ways).

Enough sentiment. Its been a full couple of weeks. I meant to post last week in addition to the videos but somehow just never got to it. I went to Montana for a doctor's appointment - the "big one." To get blood drawn and get my shot, etc... I don't like that but I s'pose there are worse things than getting poked a few times in a day. We (Des and I) stayed for an extra day because Marc was busy anyway and we thought maybe we could get some more shopping done and see A. Corrina instead of just being there long enough to get shot. A. Corrina was sick but we did get all our shopping done which eliminated the hurry-up get it done and on the road shopping that I don't really prefer.

Just prior to our trip to the doctor we spent the day in Yellowstone - it was free day - ie you don't have to pay the entrance fee. So we called up grandma and grandpa G. and met them for lunch and buffalo hunting. Des did well despite not getting naps. He was well behaved and tolerated the car ride very well. It was fun to get away, although we were disappointed to not see more fall colors but still very beautiful scenery. Marc spent the majority of the trip taking pictures.

#2 is doing well. My ribs officially don't fit anymore. Anyone who has gone through pregnancy will know what I mean. For those of you that have not, imagine a steel bar placed in your abdomen pushing up on your ribs and down on your pelvis so that when you bend over or even just sit your ribs are displaced enough to hurt. That's what I mean by "my ribs don't fit anymore." Forgive my grievances - despite the discomfort, I am truly grateful that this little one is fit and healthy enough to cause invasive troubles. But I will not lie and say that I don't look forward to breathing easy again: because I do. =) Although, the closer #2's entry approaches the harder it is to give up the panicky feeling of "we are really going to have another?" But day by day: through Christ I can do all things - even care for 2 in diapers! =) Lord, give me patience! Heaven knows I won't be the first person to attempt/accomplish the task. =)

Musical rehearsals are still in full swing at the highschool, adding now the instrumental pit 'band.' So Marc is as busy as usual. He also had to put in extra hours this last week/weekend to help students with All-Northwest auditions. His schedule is just *so* full that we don't usually get to go anywhere or do anything. (This is where you're supposed to remind us that he gets the whole summer off.) I thought that I was getting close to being done with "single parenting" but then I counted last night and there are still 6 weeks left.... We try to make up for it on the short weekends but can you ever get enough time with the love of your life? =) No. =)

I feel like I'm forgetting some events, but in order to avoid babbling I will post a couple pictures and be done. Hope you are all well.


Preferred method of travel through Yellowstone.

Loves to eat on his own...