Happy 50th Birthday GrandPa

Happy Birthday Gpa

Amidst all the other excitement that was going on Saturday, we managed to make it to Grandpa's 50th surprise birthday party. It was great to see so many people come out to celebrate with the Morse family. I didn't get many pictures from the party, but I did get these 2. There was a beautiful cake with his picture and a video that has become a staple of almost all birthday's. I will add more when if I can get them. I wish that my little would have been feeling better to enjoy everything, but all in all it was a lovely evening.

We Are Calling It "Spring Cleaning"

Our poor little one started with a runny nose this last week and we chalked it up to teething. But as the week progressed and her runny nose turned to cough and then she began to sound as if she had been smoking her entire life we knew it was more then a little tooth. On Friday I decided to see how she did over night to see if she got any better. Saturday morning she had not and in fact sounded a little worse so we headed to the doctor for a little peace of mind.

That I did not get, instead they had me hold my screaming child's arms above her head so they could swab her throat. 10 long minutes later they informed me that she had Strep throat and on top of that she said that she has never seen a case in a child under the age of one. This is very rare and they don't usually even check for strep in babies. Good, Daddy's out of town until late and I am one worried Mommy!

It is so hard to have a baby who is sick and can't tell you what hurts and how she feels. Now for 10 days she is on antibiotic to kick this thing out.

After her hopefully, contagious stage was over I got to spend Sunday disinfecting evey inch of our house and every toy. I never realized just how much she touches and puts in her mouth. In the midst of all this Ben took me to the CVS Minute Clinic because I  was feeling terrible and I thought "Oh Shit! I have strep." Thankfully I don't but I am on meds for a sinus infection. 2 down, who is next? The doctor asked me how horrible I feel on a scale of 1-10. I said "When you have a baby there is no time to feel horrible." So true, no time for me, must make the house clean for her.

So that was my weekend! It may not have been terrible exciting, but it ended with a nice walk to enjoy the fresh air. Now I can go back to being sick.

LIFE

I have not come to terms with Mortality, mine or others. Going to funerals breaks me down, it dosen't matter how well I know the person because I feel for the family and other friends that have been left behind. They have to cope with this loss and I have been there and understand how they must be feeling. I have lost many people who were unbelievably close to me, my family, and friends. Trying to sit through the service is a struggle, but I lose it everytime when they play a specific song, On Eagles Wings, every time it brings tears to my eyes. Ok maybe tears is not a strong enough word, down pouring of tears and sobs. I can't even hear that song without it bringing back memories of sadness, which is heartbreaking because it is such a beautiful song. It should remind me that they are home with Him in heaven and all the pain that was felt here is now vanished.

I am not sure why it is so hard for me to think of death. It could be it's perminence or the unknown. I know that being a catholic teaches us that there is life after death and we will be reunited with our loved ones when our life here on earth is over. But still after 12 years in Catholic school, I am still unsure. I can honestly say that I have no idea how I will deal with the loss of parents and grandparents when their time has come. It kills me a little everytime I even think of it. One day maybe I will figure it out if He wants me to.

So, I have decided that I will not think of what is to come and when, just how I can live life every day to the fullest. I want my life to mean something, beyond what it does to my family. I want to reach others and better their lives. As of this week I am putting my action plan together and I will ensure that when I leave my legacy will not.

The Tourist's Hit Philly

As the wedding festivities came to a close, we were lucky to have a late flight out Sunday evening that left just enough room for some sightseeing with the Duncan's! We had nothing specific that we wanted to do other then Ben HAD to go to Tony Luke's, so our tour guide Catherine planned our day.

Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best, over cast in the morning and foggy and raining in the afternoon. I guess Catherine was channeling the meteorologist in her because she planned the outside things for the morning and after lunch we were indoors. Yet, in the 50 degree weather us Floridian's brought our home to Philly by seeing the city in flip flops. Rain and cold won't keep us down, but don't worry Olivia had sneakers on. I'm sure that the locals were questioning our sanity, but what can they say they can't even drive.

Phillies Mascot

We visited the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall which was amazing, I love going to old places and soaking in the history. Our Park Ranger guy didn't find Olivia's talking while he was very funny though and told us that we should keep her to the back so she doesn't interrupt anyone else. He so nicely told us this in front of the whole crowd. Everyone else thought she was funny, get a sense of humor! So we just waited for the group to move to the other room and then took our pictures and left. He reminded me of all the history professors that I hated because they droned on and on in that monotone voice about nothing interesting. Which is sad because the history and magnitude of where we were is very interesting. I guess I will google it on the net.

Independence Hall

Being Shunned.

Hello Barry

Lunch was what Ben was looking forward to since back in November, when we found out we were going to Philly. We had seen an episode of Man vs. Food where he did a challenge at a cheese steak place called Tony Luke's and so we had to go there. We stood in line for about 10 minutes to place our order and Ben was so proud of me when I actually ordered my very first cheese steak. Olivia slept and we waited for our names to be called. When they did and we were able to take that first bite, it was pretty amazing. Although Ben's didn't sing to him like he expected it was still a delicious meal.

We ended our weekend in Philly with a visit to the Rocky statue and a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This place was beautiful from the outside in and was huge. For an afternoon we were sophisticated art lovers and in the modern room we questioned what the hell the artist's were thinking with a wall of saw's, floating heads, and hanging dirt. What? How is that art?

The Group

Olivia Rocky Morse

Thank you Catherine and West for taking the time to show us around your beautiful city, we had a great time and hope to come back when it's warmer.

E&J Wedding Weekend

Thursday morning we were off to Philadelphia for our best friend Elizabeth's and new BFF, Jim's wedding.  It was an uneventful flight and Olivia played for the first hour and slept the last hour and a half.We arrived to a brisk 27 degree's and beautiful sunny skies. There was even dirty snow still on the ground in places hiding from the sun.

On the plane!

After checking into our hotel we met with the couple of the hour and some other friends for lunch and margarita's. That is definitely the way to begin vacation. There was discussions of the bachelor party that was taking place that evening and getting Ben ready to head out shortly. That would leave the girl's for a low key evening hanging out in the hotel. Once Ben left, we played with Olivia on the floor for a bit waiting on Catherine (my best friend since the 3rd grade who lives there) to arrive so we could head to dinner.

Olivia and I got to bed early in the big bed, Ben slept on a chair at Jim's aunt's house with the rest of the guys. They had a crazy night and I will leave it at that.

Friday we had a wonderful breakfast and headed to the mall to pick up last minute items and for us girls to get a much needed pedicure. Olivia made it easy for Daddy while we were out and slept for almost 2 hours. How did we get so lucky? For being so good Ben took her to the Disney Store and got her Mike from Monster's Inc. and she loved him and his one eye.

Friday night was  rehearsal and it was beautiful, the church and dinner.

Elizabeth heading to her rehearsal!

What can I get into?

The Bridal Party

Saturday was the big day and the girls hung out getting beautiful, having lunch, and a little toast the bride. It was a beautiful day, a bit overcast but no signs of rain. Elizabeth made the most beautiful bride, she glowed with the love for Jim that was clearly obvious on her face. I adore going to weddings and even more being a part of this memorable day for a couple whom I love. The ceremony was perfect and the reception was a great party.

BFF's

Congratulations Jim and Elizabeth! We are so excited for you as you begin this new journey together. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day and including my family. We love you both!!! 

Your Married!!!

Soaking It All In

Monday evening Olivia and I decided we had enough of the indoors, so instead we hung out in the front yard waiting for Daddy to come home. We wanted to enjoy every minute of this beautiful warm weather, before we head to freezing cold Philly on Thursday. The high the day we land is 37 degrees, what? 

She loves to pick the blades of grass and throw them.

Sometimes we try to eat them instead of throw them.

Blessed

My Princess

How could you look at this face and not feel like the most blessed person on this planet? She is amazing and perfect, each day that passes I look at her and fall more and more in love. I look at her when we are out and people are fawning over this face and I think, She's mine, that beautiful, innocent, sweet baby girl is mine. I made her. Ok so I couldn't have done it alone but I know that deep down Ben is thinking the same thing. 

Perfection

How did we become so lucky that Olivia chose us? She could have picked anyone and she chose us. Everyday I wake up and vow again that I will do anything for that little Princess. I want her to have the most amazing life possible, foremost full of unconditional LOVE!!! Each morning when she wakes up with that huge smile on her face and then when she goes to bed with the same smile and usually some giggles, I know that we are doing everything we can to make her happy. 

This face shows me that she is loved and she feels every bit of it. The way that she looks at you and reaches out for you, I know that she knows exactly how much she means to not only her Daddy and I, but every family member, adopted aunt's & uncle's, and friends.  

Dearest Olivia
You have filled our days with sunshine! Your whole face lights up when
you smile, it is in your beautiful blue eyes, and in your chubby little
cheeks. Your amazing!!!
We love you!