4 Days of Pseudo-Parenthood

These past four days, I've been blessed to spend a lot of time with this little girl:

I love those wide and happy eyes  :-)

This is one of my adorable nieces.

The reason why I've been seeing so much of her is because my brother and sister-in-law just had their second child on Thursday and they've been in the hospital recovering.

During that time, I've been enjoying pseudo-parenthood.  I got her dressed in the morning, made sure she ate breakfast/lunch/dinner, coordinated with others for childcare, and got her ready for bed and laid down to sleep each day.  On Sunday, I even had her bathed and dressed for church and made sure she behaved in her nursery class.  (I also had to figure out when to go visit at the hospital so she could see her new baby sister.)

Aren't they so precious?

Through all this it has been very clear that being a parent really is a full-time job, and that's after only doing it for 4 days!

Even though it was possibly some of the most demanding days, I miss it and wouldn't change anything.  Seeing her eyes light up when she smiles, hearing her laugh her head off at the silliest things, and even calming her precious tears (and tantrums) from missing her mommy make it all worth it.

I don't exactly know why, but whenever I get to spend a significant amount of time with my nieces/nephews, I always walk away a little sad to say goodbye.  I think part of it might be because I've always wanted to be a parent and part of it could be that it's mostly just fun and games for me (since it isn't full-time and I'm allowed to spoil my nieces/nephews).

Anyway, this adventure, as one of many, in pseudo-parenthood, has been really fun and rewarding.  I can't wait until I have kids of my own that I can watch grow and learn.  ...I guess I should probably find a husband first...  Well, I guess while I'm waiting for my prince, I will just have to suffice with practicing on other peoples' children.  :-)

Dreaming of babies,

Katrina

PS, I'm totally okay with blind dates (hint hint)  :-)

Family

I love my family more than anything else.  Even though we've had our share of drama, fights, hurtful words, and uncomfortable situations, we are still a family.  I know this all the way from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.

Family is everything to me.  Sure, we aren't the most lovey-dovey, hugs-and-kisses bunch, but that's okay.  That's my family and I love them with all of their imperfections, just as they love me with all of my *many* imperfections.

My Mom has been one of my biggest supports over this last week of midterms, projects, homework, etc.  I've probably called home at least a dozen times in the last week.  Sometimes stressed and in tears, and sometimes just to hear the voices of those that love me, and sometimes just to let them know that school hasn't killed me yet.  Haha, there may have been some close calls...  ;-)

No matter what the circumstance, my attitude, the reason for my call, my Mom is always there to offer a listening ear and words of comfort, advice, love, and tenderness.  

I'm certain there are people that don't always see this side of her, and I'm sorry you don't see her this way, because she is one of the most amazing people I know.  

Her quirky sense of humor.

That little smirk that comes with every teasing comment.

The sweet smile you get to see in the fleeting moments of happiness.

That's the Mom that I grew up with.  That's the Mom I love.  That's the Mom that loves me wholly, unconditionally, and would do anything she could to make me happy.  She would protect me from every pain and trial if she could.

I know it's not just for me, either.  She would do this for any of her children.

To me, this is love.  

My Moving To-Do List

I am a total list-maker.  I make lists for everything.  Moving back to Utah was no exception.  Even before I started thinking about packing, I made myself a to-do list of things I needed to accomplish.  The list went something like this:

1. Find a substitute pianist (because I was leaving a week earlier than previously planned)
2. Say goodbye to my friends
3. Cry
4. Get excited to see Will and Nancy and Eva!
5. Then remember that I first have to say goodbye to my family
6. Cry some more
7. Groan about having to pack
8. Actually pack
9. Say goodbye to my family
10. Cry
11. Drive to Utah
12. See Will, Nancy, and Eva!

So, yeah.  I'm always very sad to leave California.  (Don't judge me just because I am very attached to my family.)  This time I think it was a little harder because I might not move back home next summer.  I have one extra class I need to take and I can't fit it anywhere in my schedule.  I'll probably end up staying in Utah next summer so I can get it done.  :-/  In which case, I'll only be home on breaks.  :-(

Congratulations!

Well, I just thought that I would post in honor of Dave and Corrina and their new addition.


The Stats:


Name: Lara Kjerstine Hale

Weight: 11 lbs. 15 oz. (the new title-holder as the Biggest Hale Baby)

Height: 22 in.

Birth date: November 11, 2008

Parents: David and Corrina Hale

Sibling(s): Jaron





Congratulations Dave and Corrina! Wow, Corrina, you didn't get your 12 pounder. :-D Welcome to the world, Lara!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Not to sound like a copy-cat, but my amazing sister(-in-law), Nancy, is PREGO!!!! I'm so excited for my brother and her because they have been trying for so long. They are now expecting a little bundle of joy, due March 31st. I can't think of anyone who is better suited for parenthood than Nancy and Will, they are both just so great with kids and amazing people in general. I love them to pieces, and I know that if anyone can make it through Med-school with a new baby, Will and Nancy can!

Will, Nancy, much love and well wishes! I hope that you have a happy, healthy baby, whether boy or girl. Good luck!

PS-To see pictures of the ultrasound go to Nancy's Blog