Holidays

Hello all of you out there. I hope your holiday was wonderful and full of love and good times. Especially love.

We had lots of fun and food. Tanesha's parents and sister, hubby and new baby Colton James were there and so we had family around us. Kathy and Dennis also visited with us. They are Gary's aunt and uncle. It was sooo great to have people around me who know Gary and could talk about him and things he did and keep us laughing. I miss Gary daily and sometimes hourly.

Gary's dad (who is also Gary and we have nicknamed him GD Gary's Dad!!) and Helen and Gary's brothers Don and Andrew, all came for Thanksgiving and we had fun. They enjoyed Erin lots and Don and Erin spent some cool time together. He really was fun to watch. It was almost like watching a younger version of Gary with Erin. Both the boys have qualities that are so Gary like it is bittersweet. But I am very thankful for them.

Erin is doing well and focusing on objects and faces with recognition of who and what. She loves her fists and sucks loudly on them at times. She weighed 11+ lbs at the last doctor appt and is healthy. She is so darn cute it is almost painful. How do babies do that to us. Man oh man. And this last week she started vocalizing more and will carry on a conversation with you or her little "Okie Bear" for 10 minutes or more. She has discovered her voice. Fun stuff.


Siobhan went to Chicago for part of the holiday with her dad. So much fun she had!! Sears tower, the zoo, the museum, the Tut exhibit!! Oh how fun. She has cousins and a grandma there and so hauled more goodies back in. So she is back to school today and very tired from all the travel and fun. It will take her a few days to catch up with her new schedule.

Tanesha is back at work. She is taking Erin with her for now. Her employer is thrilled to have her back and will accomodate while Erin is not so mobile. So that makes it somewhat easier for her to feed and care for Erin and get some work in the middle. It is an added plus for her to be able to spend that time with her. And all the folks at work are watching Erin grow and blossom as well. Good stuff.



I am getting settled into yet another work space. I was just comfy in my first one when they sold the building and I had to move. I am now in a space a little farther from Tanesha's work but still within walking distance. I have organizing and unpacking to do still but getting there. My cottage space is still in the development stages but hopefully I will get it done before spring. I will invite all my women friends for a slumber party. That will be fun.

So that is all for now. I hope your new year is a loving and peaceful one. I know that peace is what I would like. Erin is growing and life is settling. That is good. Gary always reminded me in words and deeds that "The journey is the reward". I try to remember that and make each day a reward. I believe that those on the other side of that door are trying to help us, they enjoy what we do and experience so I hope to make that experience a good one for those who try to help me on to be happy on this side. It is only a door away.