Hawaii

I'm taking this opportunity to compose a blog from our room, which looks out on-- naturally-- gorgeous landscaping and a pool. We can also see the ocean, just as a matter of honesty. This isn't going to be all that exciting, but I'm hoping that it will at least include a few pictures. Here's the only issue: I forgot the camera at my parents' place in Pasadena. This is just about as horrible and annoying as it gets, for me. I mean, really, I discovered the forgotten camera about a week ago, and I'm still reeling. Not cool.

We went out to Target, and I tried to find a cheap camera that would do the trick. I was just going for the disposable, but I realized that-- dang it-- they're not digital, and I may end up paying just as much to get the pictures developed. I'm realizing, right now, that maybe now they put pictures on CDs for you? If they do, I don't want to know. Let me live in blessed ignorance. Here's what I came up with. They had this twenty-something dollar camera that takes digital pictures. I'm not sure how well it works, or if I have upload all the pics in one fell-swoop or if I can do it over and over. Either way, I'm trying it now, with only about 15 pictures on the camera. The reason for this is that the camera is an absolutely horrible design. Although it has no viewer screen, it has a delete button. And it really has no on/off button, so when in a pocket or bag, it can turn itself "on" and delete pictures. It also easily snaps pictures of random blankness. I had 17 pics on the camera at about 2 this afternnon, and when I took the camera out of the stroller after our trip, I had five. The only consolation is that I haven't even viewed the pictures, and I have little clue what was lost.

I'm downloading the software as I type, so we'll see what turns out. Everybody clap your hands and believe really hard. I think that saves pictures... or maybe it's Tinkerbelle.

Hannah Grace

We have a new addition to our extended family!

We happily welcome Hannah Grace Walton! We love her already.

Best. Baby Gift. Ever.

This morning, we got to have a fun breakfast playdate with Ashley, Robbie and Ellie. More specifically, it was a waffle (and Starbucks for moms) playdate. Mmmm-mmmm good! During said playdate, Ashley showered us with gifts, and I couldn't help but post the picture of these onesies (for Baby Girl #2!) at first chance. I mean, seriously, how great are these? Love 'em. Just love 'em.

More Pics!

Here's Riley's dresser for her new room, come December. We've already changed the hardware to a simple brushed silver. And we may give it a little fresh paint.

This was not an intended garage sale purchase, but after Riley was cradling the baby and hugging her, I just couldn't say no. She's going to be a good big sister.

This one was for Granddad... though Riley didn't quite give me the facial expression we were hoping for. I think it's pretty hilarious.

While Daddy was fixing the bathroom sink, Riley found a new fun toy, transplanted from its normal hiding spot, under said sink. If there are any boys who read this blog, don't look too close, fellas. :)

Plus a Pic

Sorry... haven't posted a picture in a few days. I have to upload a few more of Riley, but I thought I'd let everyone see what my halfway-through-pregnancy belly looks like. Fortunately, at least thus far, I haven't blimped up like I did with Riley. You will NOT be seeing pictures from that pregancy... Yikes.

A Professor's Advice

I remember in college, Dr. Wayne Martindale, during my Freshman Experience course, was speaking to us on (of course) C.S. Lewis. I forget exactly what essay we had just read or what, specifically, we were discussing, but I do remember what he said, more or less.

He talked about how we often are so caught up in looking ahead. Be aware, he told us, of how often you say simple things like, "I can't wait for Friday" or "If it were only the weekend. If we constantly have the I-can't-wait attitude, we risk missing out on the gifts God has placed right in front of us, right at that moment.

I've been looking forward to AND dreading our upcoming flights to CA and HI, and on my walk this morning, I realized how unnecessary that is. I've felt overwhelmed by the few hours I'm working this week and the preparations I have to do for our trip, but I've mostly been anticipating the flights. However, as Riley, Kona and I strolled through the neighborhood, I looked around and realized what a lovely day it was. And I was thrilled and tickled when another lab came trotting out to play with Kona, his shirtless owner trailing behind, apologizing profusely. Turns out Heinrich's owner not only works in the athletic department at Wheaton College but also attends Westmont and knows my little brother. Ha! So, Lord, thank you for little reminders of the things that are here, right now, to give us joy.

Oh my gosh... Friday's a-comin'

Today is Monday, and I'm a bit overwhelmed. I have no real reason to be, but I am. Here's my "loaded" schedule for the following week.

Tuesday: Work three hours at the Wheaton Sport Center. I know, it's not a lot, but still, three hours is a long time for little Riley to be in childcare. She can deal, I know, but when I spend pretty much every waking moment with her, three hours seems like a long time.

Wednesday: Work two hours at the WSC. Go to the Glen Ellyn Splash Park with Renae and Brianna Sebby! The latter is going to be a blast. I can't wait. Riley loved it last time, and it'll be even better with a friend. Plus, I haven't seen the Sebbys in forever!

Thursday: I hope, I hope, I hope that someone can sub for me at WSC in the morning because my doctor's appointment that was supposed to be on Wednesday got moved, and I have to get into the doc before Friday (see Friday for more details)! Then in the afternoon, I'm off to the WSC for two more hours. Geez. I'm just a crazy worker (Ha! Seven hours a week. Whew!).

Friday: At 8:35 am, Riley and I depart from Midway to LAX! Ahh! Then, on Sunday, we'll head with my parents to HAWAII!!! Oh, I'm so thrilled, but I'll be even more thrilled when the flight is over. I'm pretty sure the flight from CA to HI is around six hours long. Ugh, it makes me nauseous just thinking about entertaining Riley for that long. Thank goodness my parents will be on the same flight. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure my sanity would be shot for the rest of my life.

Stressful week? Probably not. But I just like being prepared, and I feel very unprepared. So let's intersperse packing into the schedule somewhere, definitely when Riley is sleeping.