4th of July

Well, at least that last blog worked, albeit the fact that the picture is no larger than my actual thumb and the time is earlier by an hour.  No matter.  Today is the 4th of July--America's Day.  So, as I celebrate being an American, I also celebrate the fact that 4 months later I can even post something to a blog when I really don't even know what "blog" means or where it came from!  So, I will try again!  First, to add the same picture but bigger and second, to add one of my all time favorite pics taken just about a week ago and Quinn's first classroom party at the YMCA.  He loved having Rich and me there--but mostly Rich.  He is obsessed with "Da-da" these days and that is pretty much all he says.  Just a look from Rich will make him giggle.  When Rich puts this little plastic blue starred ducky on his head and catches it as it falls, Quinn exults in a laughter I have only just started to hear: a sort of hearty, intense, hard cackle that almost looks like it hurts.  Like he is telling us--listen guys...that is REALLY funny.  Don't forget this.  Because it is REALLY funny and I am dying here.  You HAVE to do this again!!  Wonderful.

Just Checking

I have not blogged in soooo long that I am just posting one of my favorite pictures now to see if this thing is still accepting entries.  Turns out this motherhood thing is FAR more work than I had EVER anticipated.  But also, far more satisfying. 

LOVE

The loves of my life, loving each other.  Does it get any better than this???  Quick answer: HELL NO.

HAPPY

Though this was not taken exactly on Rich's 35th birthday, it was very close to it, and just shows what a wonderful relationship the two have together.  Rich watches Quinn two days a week and they have such fun together!  I can tell because when I get home both of them look tired but happy.  They play, and sing, and talk, and do household chores and tummy time, and much more.  Rich will call me during the day to get/give an update and I can hear Quinn squealing or babbling in the background.  Rich will also send me  pictures of him when they're on their daily walk together and Quinn always has a big, wide smile similar to the one in this picture.  Sometimes he will even send me pictures of Quinn's poop.  Yes, poop.  You see, Quinn had a problem with pooping in the beginning and so I get very excited about the poop .  Rich, amused by my weirdness, will send me a picture from time to time of an especially big poop so I can relish in my baby's awesome digestive abilities!!  What a good man I have.  And a productive little pooper!  Life is great.

Happy Christmas Baby

The attached picture is illustrative of how comfortable things were over Christmas.  Sometimes Quinn and I would just crash together right there on the couch.  As I recall, this nap was about 30 minutes long and felt soooo good.  I love his warm body cradled in mine.  Mmmm....motherhood.

Christmas with the Caseys

As you can see, I really was blogsausted from viewing the awesome entries of The Creeping Kid as it has taken me nearly an additional month to add this blog about Christmas with the Caseys that I have been meaning to since, well, Christmas with the Caseys!  Christien encouraged me to continue on, reminding me that it is not nearly as daunting as I might think as long as I just get it going.  Christmas with the Caseys was, in a word, wonderful.  Rich's parents Rick and Eileen Casey (hereafter known as Nana and Gramps) spent a week with us here in Denver to celebrate Quinn's first Christmas.  If you haven't met them yet, there are a few things you should know about them.  First, they are probably the kindest, most generous and loving people on the planet.  Both native Massachuseans (sp?), they deliver on those preconceived notions of New Englanders in that they are wicked smart (Nana went to law school for some time at Vanderbilt and Gramps is an MIT genius), wicked hip (staunch Democrats who are up on every current issue) and wicked charming (you should hear Nana's accent especially--all you want to do is pahk that cah with her all over the Havahd yahd!).  The one stereotype that they do not embody is the reserved, unapproachable, aloof New Englander.  No way.  These people are fun, sweet and open with great senses of humor! 

So we were really fortunate to have Nana and Gramps here to celebrate Quinn's first visit from the jolly fat man.  As you can see from the picture above, they cuddled Quinn and loved on him like only grandparents can do.  They gave Rich and me much needed naps and prepared delicious meals so we could relax and spend the days just enjoying ourselves.   Even though our place is notoriously close quarters (our Christmas tree was a 1-foot high $4.99 plastic dealio that sat atop an end table) it just felt cozy and warm with everyone gathered together.  We even have a videotape of Nana and Gramps singing The Mighty Quinn along with Phish in the background.  Good times!  It really was a wonderful time and I can't wait to introduce Quinn to summers at the beach on Cape Cod. 

Nana and Gramps:  you were so good to us in every way.  Thank you.  We love you. xo

Blogsausted

I just spent so much time reading and commenting on The Creeping Kid that I'm now too tired to write on my own son's blog.  It takes so little these days to wear me out.

Like Father, Like Son

Current and future Phish heads chillin'.  Need I say more?

Irresistible

I've been thinking about this picture for a while because I just love it.  I wanted to include it with that last post about how great Gammy is, but didn't, because I know Gammy wouldn't approve.  She wouldn't think it a very flattering photo of herself because when she dozes her mouth tends to turn downward into a frown--much like Wendy's or mine or any other Kiernan I know.  But this picture I love.  It is irresistible and it just says it all.  It is love. And it shows just how hard Gammy worked and just how comfortable Quinn is in her arms.  Mom, I love you.  Forgive me, but you are just beautiful.