Riley camping for the first time in Idaho (7 months) 

Riley hanging beach side in Haleiwa as Daddy surfs the waves. 

A late night entry

It is Friday evening - late. My brain has reached creative overload. I am exhausted physically but mentally energized. This week has been very hectic in preparation for going to Hawaii for a conference. Riley is growing every day. His smile radiates the room with light, carefree essence and a delicous love that fills me deeply. He is cooing and smiling and it makes my day. I am still in awe when I look at him and need to pinch myself that he is my son and yes, he came out of me. A journey hard to believe.

Kristian flies home from Atlanta tomorrow. We plan to spend the weekend with his Mom, Dad and Aunt. We are keeping our fingers crossed for our close friend, Erik Schlopy who is racing in another World Cup. I plan to check the race results during one of my mid-morning (4am) feedings (something Kristian would do if he were home).

There are so many thoughts running through my head but I think the energy is draining. I need some rest and plan to turn in. I hope to continue blogging more regularly - a form of journaling that is therapeutic and nurturing.

Signing off...

Riley on his play mat - 12 weeks old 

Riley found his thumb - 12 weeks old 

Journalling in Santa Fe

On Monday, January 17th, Riley took his first airplane ride. We journeyed to Santa Fe, New Mexico to visit Grandma Sue Sue (Jennifer's mother) for a week while Kristian headed to Atlanta, North Carolina and upstate on business.

The weather here is beautiful. The sky is expansive with whispy clouds slowly passing by. The sun beats strong adding its radiance into the pours of my face. The wind brings a tranquil peace, giving me permission to let go of any tension that may exist in my body. Riley is playful and alert, smiling with delicous happiness that penetrates my soul. The landscape is dry and raw, creating an enviornment for pure thought, creativity and authentic imagination. I notice a rythm and synchronicity that underwrites the day, manifesting my wishes and making my thoughts real. How grateful I am for this life, this beauty and all that has been given to me.

Riley is growing at a rapid pace. He is now 10.5 lbs and 21 inches. His hair is filling in one hair at a time and by now, has more than his daddy. My body is recovering (slowly) and I ebb and flow with the acceptance of physicallness. I ran to the end of the street today, breathing in the freshness of the air and noticing the difference in my physical capacity to run at the same pace I have been so used to. It is quite an adjustment and certainly a lesson in acceptance, patience and perserverance.

I am a changed woman today - transformed, humbled, stronger and truly grateful.

Thats all for now.
Jennifer