Work Day

I’m sitting in a coffee shop, listening to Ingrid Michaelson, and thoroughly enjoying a day off. Grandma Miller has decided to take Iris off of my hands one day each week, and this gives me the welcome opportunity to work (not, of course, for money, like normal people). So I’m spending my days off writing and reading, working on my website (which is now back up—thanks to those who let me know something was wrong!), and researching for my WIP. It’s rather fun. Makes me feel like a real writer!

Things at home have gotten more hectic lately. Iris is in the full swing of walking—complete with crashing into things and pulling down furniture that I had no idea she could reach. On with the baby proofing! She also has, absurdly, in the last two days, refused to respond to “stop”, which is our alternative to “no”. She has been great about obeying lately, but suddenly, our words have no effect. Perhaps it was a weekend during which she was thoroughly spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa. That’s right. We left her for a full weekend for the first time. We went one entire day without seeing her at all. That was tough. But the time was great. Josh’s birthday was on Sunday, and I’d been planning a photography trip for him for a month. We rented a cabin right on the McKenzie River, brought everything to make his favorite home-cooked meals, and loaded up our days with hiking, photography, and general exploring of an area that was new and beautiful. Josh was in raptures all weekend, and even into the week, so I think it was a success! =)

With the coming of fall—wonderful time that that is!—comes another big event for us to add to the holiday season: Iris’ birthday. That’s right, she’s almost a full year old. I can’t believe it. So, on October 17^th, we will be throwing her a big party. Though my mom is not enamored of the theme (girls can certainly have pirate parties, too!), Josh and I are excited and going all out. We have our costumes planned, as well as decorations, a gorgeous cake (she gets her own, of course, that I will make), and lots of family and friends. What can I say? It’s our first child’s first birthday. Can we have much more reason to celebrate?

So, I hope this fall day finds you all warm and cozy much like I am, and if it hasn’t reached you yet (those of you in CA), I’m wishing beautiful changing leaves on you! =)