All the Feels

Labor Day weekend was a labor of emotions this year. By and large it was a wonderful weekend filled with lots of new memories. But my goodness, by Monday afternoon there were just too many emotions for this pregnant lady to handle.

It started Thursday, with the wonderful news that we will be welcoming a baby girl in January. We loved sharing the announcement with friends and family. It was big news and lots of happy emotions came with it.

We welcomed Cousin Bil, Cousin Liz and Margot into our home this weekend, and had the best time with them. They are such wonderful, good people and I wish we lived closer to each other.

Saturday afternoon we had Mike’s brother and family over for a visit. After almost three years of not seeing them, I was a little anxious and apprehensive about how the afternoon would go. Fortunately, it went fine and wasn't awkward like I thought it might be.

Saturday night we celebrated the marriage of Mike’s cousin and his high school sweetheart, bringing recollections of our own marriage ceremony and what a happy, special time that was. There was much rejoicing for Mike’s family as family members as spread out as Colorado and Belgium reunited at this event.

Sunday we learned of some very sad news affecting a close family member. Thinking what this person must be going through just breaks my heart. Not to worry, no one is dying of dysentery on the Oregon Trail, but still. Tough, life changing stuff. We love you and we support you.

Monday, well whew. It was wonderful to have a day to settle down and get ready for the week. But someone thought a 20 minute car nap was sufficient and by late-afternoon was a grouch. Discipline is not fun, especially not when your son is raging mad and screaming, “I no want you!! I want my daddy!!” in your face. He’s said that one too many times over the past few months and I finally just couldn’t dismiss the way it makes me feel anymore.

I escaped upstairs to nurse bruised feelings and a painful fat lip (thanks to a mostly unintentional, yet well-aimed head butt). Fortunately, I had Jen Hatmaker’s new book For the Love on my nightstand. I’m midway through, and it should be on a must-read list for every woman in the trenches of parenting. I’ve loved every page and it’s certainly earned a permanent spot on my shelf. Or probably nightstand, as it’s one of those rare books that will be re-read until it’s battered and dog-eared.

(On a lighter note, finally got the chance to post about our first trip to Hilton Head this year.)