From the Calm to the Crazy, Cheers to Another Year!

 M,

Hey kiddo! Have I mentioned that Dad has been cutting my hair ever since the pandemic in 2020? Well, it's pretty nerve-wracking for him (fear of butchering my hair) and so we decided to let you take a crack at it. Happy to say you did an awesome job!

This text exchange is with our friend Erin afterwards. Made us all laugh.

You also had your first surgery in quite a long time recently, too. Just a minor surgery to take some built-up scar tissue from the inside of your lip. It went well, but you were so out of it from the anesthesia that I got to carry your sleepy body into the house just like I used to when you were little. (I secretly loved every second, although it was MUCH more difficult now that you are so much bigger).

Once home, Mere came over to check on you.

And I'm totally loving this goofy addition to your bedroom door in the spirit of Halloween, and beyond.

Mine and Dad's birthdays came and went this fall. The big 4-8 and 5-3. Played hooky with Dad and spent the day with a leisurely breakfast and day date around Columbus.

annual birthday flowers from Lao Lao

took dad to one of my favorite old school diners

my favorite people in the universe

And some more birthday snugs from Suzy for me.

In October, you also lettered for academics and passed your temp test all in one day. A banner day here at our house!

A few weeks later, I took you out for your first time night-driving. Here's my post on socials:

"So, I took M out for smoothies and their first time driving at night. Accidentally ran them through SIX roundabouts 😳 🤦‍♀️Talk about a trial by fire! But honestly, they did amazing!

When they asked me what I thought about them getting older and starting to do all of this driving, I replied, "Oh, usually I just sit here and quietly sh*t my pants" 😂 I mean, ain't that the truth for anyone doing the task of raising humans?! No? Just me? OK, then. 🤷🏼‍♀️

But seriously, we had so much fun! This whole learning to drive thing is just another great opportunity to spend quality time w this awesome human. 

Also, as you can see I had smoothie duty. Gotta keep 2 hands on the wheel at all times, including stoplights!"

your first time driving through a drive thru
(Taco Bell)

my view from the backseat

One of my only wishes on my birthdays recently has been a weekend camping trip with you two. This year we went to Harrison Farms in Groveport. It's actually a working farm so they had goats, chickens, and cats roaming around. We loved it!

Operation Pet the Goat was a little complicated

I also attended a bar crawl for Halloween and I was "The Dude" from the film The Big Lebowski. The bar we went to even had a mural with him on it. Ha. Not too shabby, huh?

honestly though, how do folks with 
moustaches drink beer? so messy!

just a random cute pic of Grizz in her diaper

We also threw a surprise party for Lao Lao's 70th birthday in November. She had no clue and it was a really nice night. I got supplies so we could all paint terra cotta pots with our own personal designs and then she can use them for all of her plants this spring. They turned out awesome and I think everyone had a good time doing it!

with our pots

even Makia was able to join us!

Breakfast with Memaw and Papaw at First Watch. Switching it up from Cracker Barrel.

Daddy and Memaw comparing their misshapen feet. Ha

triple feeding

The following are from a girls' trip I took with Mindy and Darla to Nashville. 

the Gaylord (I think?)

these guys were complete strangers to us, but on a guys' trip to Nashville and were all wearing rompers...when we asked to take a pic, one yelled, "Rompers assemble!" hahaha

had to take a pic to send to you of me in a Rivian
(they actually had a store there)

sweet flowers and card that Dad
had for me when I got home

random pic of a straggler potato from our garden
that I think looks a lot like a mouse
(do you see it?)

Thanksgiving with the Yersavich crew!

Belated Thanksgiving with the Wilkinsons.

as you can see, Joey is about ready to pop soon

The next ones are from a different girls' trip I took to Hocking Hills with Marisha and Kelly. Sharing these pics of my trips are 1) to remind you that no matter how busy you feel, always make time for trips with friends to let loose and make memories and 2) so you can compare these silly pics of me as a younger lass to when I'm old(er) and gray(er) and you're changing my diapers. Ha

this sign made us laugh, and then we saw Barbara 
flying through the air...they were right!

Easton is always so pretty at Christmas, so Dad and I went on a date under the lights. 

Dad caught me snoozing with the cats, also under the lights

and then a random pic of GG pooping, just because

clearly someone had some treats for their babies 
(although it looks like a meeting of some sort)

I've created this little nook for myself (with Daddy's help) to escape from the world and relax a bit, meditate, do yoga, read, etc...I think the Christmas lights have just about perfected it. What do you think?

Speaking of Christmas lights and decorations...we hung out at Easton for an afternoon. I loved every minute with you.

even Lucky loves the lights

and who is this snazzy kid?!

You also spent an evening at Easton with Mere and Xlae...all of you, so fashionable. And yes, I swiped these pics from you (thanks for sharing w me, kiddo!)

Relaxing day on the couch with your bud, Double G.

And this is my go-to for relaxation...walks for my mental health...all seasons, all weather.

if you look closely, you're tucked in the corner of the couch under all these lights...looking adorable

On Christmas Eve, Daddy had to work so we did something a little different and drove around to see Christmas lights with Lao Lao, Mere and Xlae. It was an unusually warm evening and the lights were beautiful at the Commons. 

Once home, Daddy was able to take a bit of a break with us to get a little silly. 

Christmas day went really well (as you can see from the pictures below). A nice, intimate, peaceful day for all of us to relax and enjoy each others' company. Want to know what my favorite part of the day was? Getting a big hug at bedtime from you. It was better than any material gift.

look closely...can you spot all of you crashed?

Pretty sure our animals' favorite gift, however, was the giant bean bag chair in my cozy nook...

While Christmas was cozy and peaceful, New Years Eve was anything but...woo wee, was it wild!

Cheers to another year, kiddo!

Love,

Mama