Til Death Do Us Part.

Such emotionally fired and passion evoking words – that was the thing that stood out most to me from MamaLou’s funeral. I pictured Louise and Dann in their twenties standing at the alter exchaning vows and promising those words to each other. They meant it. And now they rest together….forever in love.

Though much more popular in their time, so seldom in this day and age do children get to grow up in an unbroken home. How lucky for each of their children to have such a wonderful example of what unconditional love should be. In today’s world, getting a divorce is just about like ordering a cup of morning coffee at Starbucks: a little time consuming and way over-priced but still a fairly simple undertaking.

Til Death Do Us Part. Your father and I promosed those words to each other, too. I cherish the thought that you will be one of the lucky ones – to grow up in a home with a true example of passionate and endless love.

Mommy’s last living grandparent and your great-grandma, MamaLou, made her way to heaven Tuesday night. She is finally able to rest in peace and live forever with the love of her life DaddyDann. I have visions of the happiness they shared when they were finally reunited after being apart for the past 8 months.

Her funeral is Saturday – the celebration of all the amazing things that made up her wonderful life. May she rest in peace.

I can’t believe it’s been over a month since your father & I have blogged! Shame on us! What’s been going on in that time?

I left for the Biggest Loser Ranch on 8.8.10; your father joined me after 2 weeks on 8.22.10. He also brought you & Luli with him when he came to town! Your visit was supposed to be a surprise but I had a mini nervous breakdown about being away from you for so long just before I was scheduled to leave…it was a tough decision, but your dad decided to let me in on his little secret. I was SOOOO relieved and excited to know that I would get to see you in 2 weeks…even if it was for just a short time. Our visit was far too short, but very much needed!

You spent the week of 8.22 with Luli & Papaw and the week of 8.29 with Grandma Karen and Grandpa Bruce. You ended up getting strep throat that last week – even had to go to the doctor and take antibiotics! Being away from you was hard as it was, but knowing you weren’t feeling well made it that much more difficult. It helped knowing you were in good hands though.

We were both super excited to come home on 9.4. We got home about 10:30pm and were upstairs talking to your grandma and I guess you heard us and started crying. Your dad and I looked at each other with the same thought in mind…then barged right into your room to cuddle you up! It was obvious you were surprised to see us….somewhat confused but absolutely overjoyed at the same time. We just scooped you up and loved on you. Lots of hugs, kisses, and watery eyes. You smelled so good – like only you can smell. All things felt right with the world at that moment.

You’ve matured so much in the last month. When I went to get you out of bed the next morning you were sweeping your hair out of your face with your hand. I hadn’t seen you do that before. Then you started pointing at your hair bows and grunting. You were totally communicating your needs to me! It was pretty amazing to see you make such strides in such a short amount of time!

It’s clear you missed us. For the first few days you would get anxious and upset when one of us would leave the room or gets out of the car. You’ve also been much more cuddly than before which you know I love!!! You have also become much more vocal about your wants and desires. One might also say you are a bit demanding and insistent. Not sure where you get either of those traits. 🙂 We are working on finding the balance between teaching you that tantrums are not successful in achieving your goal while still making sure you know we love you more than life itself. I’ve got a feeling that’s the song we’ll dance to for the next 20 years or so. 🙂

I had many motivators for going to the Ranch. One of the most important was to set a good example for you and to teach you healthy habits. It makes me feel good to feed you healty and wholesome foods. We’ve cooked at home more this week than the past year! As a result you’ve gotten to enjoy some yummy things like grilled chicken, shrimp, banans, peanut butter, nutrigrain waffles, zucchini, mushrooms, and your all time favorite – bananas!!!

It’s absoultely baffling how quickly you are maturing and growing. You are cuter than ever…and strangers notice and comment on it all the time. Your smart, determined, curious, busy, and sooooo lovable.

It’s so good to be home!

By the way – while at the Ranch your father lost 14 pounds and 4″ off his gut. I lost 22 pounds and a total of 8″ (5″ of that off my waist). That brings your dad’s grand total weight loss to 25 pounds in a month and my grand total to 45 pounds since May! We are on our way to being the healthy family we’ve always wanted to be!