Sayonara and Konnichiwa

I woke up this morning to a beautiful, bright eyed, bushy tailed, baby girl. She was happy and full of joy, which usually lasts for about 2 minutes...then she realizes she slept 7 hours straight and is famished! I can't help but be grateful for her. She brings laughs and new perspectives. She teaches us about sacrifice and complete, unconditional love.

Sweet.

I also got to wake up to Grant, lying beside me. He is still on vacation. I would like to kidnap him everyday. He would never go into work. So, we sipped on extra bold coffee, filled ourselves with buttermilk pancakes, and danced to Modest Mouse.

Double Sweet.

I miss Christmas already. I love the smells, the excitement, the celebration of our Father. This was our first year with Louie. I think she knew something was different, she felt all the love being thrown at her from family and close loved ones. She saw the sparkling lights and heard the music playing around her. I think Grant and I would do just about anything to see those beautiful butterfly eyes light up and that huge toothless grin gleam with excitement. We might just have to leave the tree up all year.

I always grow a bit sad when Christmas ends...like a vacation that finally arrives, flies by, then you have to wait an entire year for it to return. I will miss Grant being around all day, sitting on the love seat beside me, staying up late watching movies. Asking him to pause the movie as we laugh because we both know what's coming...me asking at least 8 questions about what we've seen for the last 10 minutes...my poor husband. We have fun, though. I always tell him I keep him young and grounded. *smiles*

...but tomorrow

Another brand new day, with much to be thankful for and a new year quickly approaching. So, cheers to 2010 and to looking ahead.

Oh, and pictures soon to come.