Life is so busy, crazy, fun, and jam packed right now. In an effort to remember all the things that are going on with my small little family, I thought I'd hurry and write it down.
Brooks is doing so well. Life has been so much nicer since he graduated. His free time no longer consists of late hours at the library doing homework or studying for tests -- Wahoo!! He is still working at TELOS (a residential treatment center for teenage boys who deal with various problems), but he is hoping to move on to a full-time job. We have been looking and applying almost every day, so if anybody has any leads for him, we would greatly appreciate it!
Right now, I'm taking 3 classes at BYU, as well as working as the Head Teaching Assistant for the Introduction to Film class (which has about 270 students). It is stressful to say the least, but I am doing my best to stay calm and collected (instead of turning into a batty, stressed-out freakazoid). I love that I am able to teach again, but I would love it more if I didn't have to grade papers or answer 100 emails a day. Oh well, so goes life. I am also in the process of editing 35 videos for the TRUEAfrica organization. It's a NPO that helps orphans in Africa get an education. The deadline for this project is fast approaching, so I am trying to keep my head above water, and get these videos done. The biggest challenge I face is finding time to study and do homework, while also putting the needs of Reagan and Brooks first. Oh, and let's not even mention the fact that my apartment is never fully clean, the dishes are rarely done, and the laundry baskets are always full. I'm not sure I will ever learn how to manage it all, but I am doing my best. I have to pick my battles, and no matter what, I will always choose 'peek-a-boo' with Reagan over pretty much everything else.
Without a doubt, I have never felt more blessed than I do right now. I feel the Lord's hand in every part of my life. I had an experience about a month ago that I can't seem to get out of my mind. It was the night before the new semester started, and I was having a little emotional breakdown. I didn't know how I was going to handle school, homework, and taking care of a newborn -- all on less than 6 disjointed hours of sleep per night. I prayed for help, and miraculously, help came. Reagan slept for 8 hours straight. The extra sleep worked wonders on me that first day of school. The next night, she did it again, except this time it was 9 hours. Ever since that very first day of school, Reagan has slept through the night, from about 11pm to 8am. Being able to sleep has made all the 'impossibilities' seem possible again, and for that I am very grateful. I am not expecting it to last (partly because everyone has told me to not get my hopes up) but I am grateful for this great blessing, no matter how long it lasts.
Speaking of Reagan, our little lady is doing amazing. Brooks and I tell each other several times a day that we got lucky with such a special, content, and happy baby. There is no way I could adequately express or capture what it's like to watch my baby grow. She changes daily, and I love witnessing her development. She has grown out of all her newborn and 0-3 month clothes, and is rockin' the 3-6 month outfits. Her whole face lights up when she smiles, and she is the funniest little talker. She will "coo", "ohhhh", "ahhh", and "goo" all the day long. Last night as we were driving home from my parents house, we could hear Reagan back in her car seat just talking, talking, talking. It was so cute! Oh man, I just love her! The biggest things she loves right now are milk (duh) and the floor. This girl would be content with just chilling on the ground (or in her bouncer) for hours if we let her. She is happy with anything. She loves music, loves when people talk to her, and loves the bath. She only cries if she is reeeeeally hungry. She has brought such a sweet and special spirit into our home. We feel so blessed to have her, poopy diapers and all!
Brooks and I are getting better at finding time/making time for each other. We love to get Redbox's, and cuddle up and watch them after Reagan goes to sleep. Real dates are difficult because it's hard to leave Reagan to do something fun (I feel a lot of guilt even for the short hours I leave to go to class). However, last week we went on our first date since Reagan was born, and it was wonderful. I think it's important to find time to reconnect and just have fun together. We went to Cafe Rio and then to War Horse. It was a great evening -- I love that guy so much, and he makes me so happy. As fun as it was to get away with just the two of us, we were so happy to get back to my parents and see the sweet smiles of our little girl.
I know that this time in life goes by fast, so I'm trying to cherish every bit of it.
P.S.
Did I mention that we have a thumb sucker?







