Normal Everyday Stuff

With all that we have going on, it's easy to get caught in a loop of depression and anxiety. I'm trying not to. I thought it was about time to post some photos showcasing our ability to continue on with normal, everyday stuff. Stuff that brings me great joy in a trying time. So, here's a post honoring the simple things I hope never to take for granted.

Family movie time. Toy story 1 and 2 have been favorites lately. Toy Story 3, while a wonderful story that makes me cry, hasn't quite captured the attention of Gavin. Too boring and serious for a two year old I suppose!

I love this photo that came about by accident. We let Gavin play with our new little pocket camera (still love my big, bulky Cannon Rebel better for picture quality). He took this cool photo of half of his face. I just love this kid's eyes! He's going to knock the girls of their feet some day!

We've taken two work trips to Traverse City since learning all of the news about Baby Clark. We're fortunate that because Brad stays home with Gavin, they are able to travel with me when I need to go north for work. Traverse City has become one of our very favorite places to spend time as a family. I work during the days, then we get to hang out in the evenings. We stayed at the GT Resort and Spa (ohhh-la-la, sounds fancy, huh? Winter rates are a steal!) last month. Awesome pool area! Lots of fun!

My little swimming burrito all wrapped up!

Love this photo-by-accident as well. Again, Gavin playing with the camera (with a little help from Dad). I love it because it reminds me very much of Gavin's cousin Ava at this age. I look at his face in this photo, and I see Ava.

"Mix it, mix it." "Cook it". Gavin helping to make pancakes (aka "cakes").

Superbowl Sunday. Have I mentioned my mom is from the Green Bay area and is a huge Pack fan? Gavin just liked the cheese head hat. And I suppose watching the game too!

And this photo is cute to me because when I look at it, I see my brother Tim. Gavin has always carried a strong resemblance to Tim. This is one of those pictures that is almost an exact match to Tim as a toddler. Oh, and because he is so obsessed with cameras, we "gave" him our old one. Crazy to think that the new digital technology of five years ago has become so dated it now serves as a toddler's toy.

So, normalcy is good right now. Not to say I don't cry every day and have my sad moments. But all of the good is outweighing the sadness.

Thanks again to all of our blog-followers for your thoughts and prayers. I'm learning that we have complete strangers praying for us. Prayer groups I never knew about. People I've never met. It's very touching!

And for those who have reached out to us because you can relate to our story, it is very moving. You all are very strong women. If I'm able to have just a faction of your strength, I know I will get through this. In a way, it is comforting to know that Brad and I are not in this alone. Others have felt what we are feeling. Thank you for sharing your very personal stories with me!