On Easter weekend, in between fits of crying and feelings of shyness, Morgan's image was professionally captured, marking the completion of two years of life.
For over an hour, Scott played entertainer and I tweaked the outfits and hair from the sidelines, while our amazingly patient photographer, Christina (an up-and-coming superstar from my hometown), snapped the most wonderful moments full of expression. You can see some great shots of Morgan on her blog.
Knowing how the afternoon was spent, I was stunned to see the most beautiful photos of Morgan. Her personality - the one that Scott and I see every day in the comforts of our own home - came through in every shot.
In addition to those already posted on Christina's blog, here are two more of my favorites.
my model
23 weeks
22 weeks
I'm not sure Scott's realizing just how quickly this pregnancy is flying by... either that, or my sense of urgent nesting is kicking in.
from the mommy
So. Remember this post? The one where I was so moved by an online car seat safety video that I just had to share? The one where I announced Morgan would ride rear-facing in her car seat well beyond her first birthday?
Well, the American Academy of Pediatrics has now decided revise their recommendation for safer standards. I don't want to say, "I told you so", but...
Toddlers should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight recommended for the model, or at least the age of 2.
Click here to read the full article.
more than an egg hunt
Every year I see the candy at the grocery store, I notice the photo ops with the bunny at the mall, and I watch the Easter dresses appear at the front of every clothing display.
But Easter is so much more than pastels and parties. At least at our house. Sure, we have all of the fun activities that come with the holiday, but we do other things that make it special.
We keep the tradition of decorating eggs with beeswax on the afternoon of Good Friday, and then attend church as a family that evening to remember the crucifixion of Jesus.
We spend time together for the weekend, enjoying one another's company, and hopefully playing outdoors to enjoy the tease of warm weather and sunshine. This time, we even made a trip to take in the library.
We wake early on Sunday morning for the sunrise worship service to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and then enjoy a celebratory feast in the dining room later in the day. This year it was sit-down service for seventeen.
back in the saddle
After many fun days on the west side with family, we're back.
Morgan was comfortable enough to be sassy.
Scott was my saving grace when I needed it most.
The weather was amazing.
Pictures forthcoming.
health and healing
My days lately have been spent in doctor's offices across the area.
Morgan was seen for her two-year well-visit last week. It's exciting as parents to see her growth and development, but always a predictable visit:
Nurse Terry opens the door to the lobby and calls, "Morgan?" Commence crying.
The visits are draining as I try to communicate with personnel over her wails. My body heats up and I perspire. I want Morgan to know it's okay to be afraid, she's allowed to have those feelings. But I also want her to realize that it really is a safe place to be.
Morgan isn't the only one making the rounds.
Not only am I being seen for my well-care for this pregnancy, but early on, there was an indication that I might have a thyroid problem. In the last couple months I've had my blood drawn more times than I care to count, and I've also checked in with an endocrinologist twice.
In addition to the visit with the ultra-sound technician last week to learn of our baby boy, I also made a stop at my general practitioner's office to be diagnosed with ear and sinus infections.
On Saturday, those infections and a rising, unbreakable fever landed me in the emergency room with a doctor who scolded me for drinking too much water, and not enough electrolytes. Two hours and an IV bag later, I was sent home feeling less hot. Less miserable. But not well by any stretch of the imagination.
Now that I'm finally on the upswing, Morgan has contracted the virus. We spent the morning at her doctor's office again. She has Croup. And a ear infection. Which is probably inevitable after she pretended playing sick last week during my stint with unhealthiness. I found her lying on my pillow on the couch with the dirty thermometer in her mouth. So sweet, but so unhealthy.
Surprisingly, she let her pediatrician give her a complete once-over without a single tear. She complied willingly to his requests as she was cuddled into my chest. Both he and I commented in amazement, as the entire office knows Morgan's reputation.
And so we wait for healing. And pray that Scott remains the healthy one of our bunch. Because I can't take much more of the office visits, the waiting room boredom, the visits to the pharmacy, and the sleepless nights.
