in honor of darin

Here is a new post. He is sick of my rant. I am sick of my rant too. I haven't really felt like blogging. Life has been so busy it seems overwhelming to document it all well enough to share. Here is the abbreviated version.

-After Holden's birth we have had a lot of visitors. Whitney and my mom came to help and it was great having them. They were more helpful than I could have imagined. I felt truly spoiled. It was so sad to see them go. Isn't it funny how becoming a mom creates a need for your mom? She was amazing. And let me tell you, Whit is a new woman. I never knew she could be so domestic and so...I can't think of the word but she just took control and did what needed to be done. Where did my baby sis go?

-We bought a mini-van. A 2007 Nissan Quest and I am in love with it. It makes me so happy to drive it. I didn't think I'd ever have this nice of a car.

-After a tri-city search (thanks Pop and Whit)I got a new camera that I love almost as much as my new car. It is the Canon Powershot G10. It's the perfect hybrid. I found it at Circuit City for $150 less than any other place. Whit found one in Oxnard and shipped it to me. THANK YOU WHIT!

-Darin had his White Coat Ceremony. It is a right of passage to officially become a student doctor. I'll elaborate more on that with pics and more detail soon. Maybe I should make him write about it. He knows more than I do. AND he is the one who is griping for me to post something new.

-Darin's mom came into town for a quickie weekend to see the kids and meet Holden. It was great to see her. My parents came that same weekend as did Darin's Grandparents. We had fun going to Bonnie Springs with Darin's siblings, my parents and Grandpa Odom. He is a crackup. Ashley was in town and her and Allyn came over for a bit. Silly how she is so close but I never get to see her for more than 45 min. It was fun to see all of the family in bits and pieces.

-CC came for a belated birthday visit. It didn't dawn on me until just now that we didn't even do anything birthday related. It was so nice having CC one on one. I honestly think the last time that happened I was living with her. Yes, I had to share her with the babies but you know what I mean. For me, the trip was too short. It was hectic. These boys sure kept us busy. They always keep me busy. Sorry I didn't have anything stupendously fun planned CC. I hope I didn't let you down. I just loved seeing you. I really wish you were closer. I didn't realize how much I missed you.

-Toby is as amazing of a big brother as a 19-month old can be. He still loves Holden to pieces and still looks for him very first thing every single morning. Sometimes, when he is grumpy Holden is the only thing that can cheer him up. He is talking a lot more and really turning into a boy. He jumps off of everything that he can. Luckily he doesn't know how to jump that well yet! He loves to help me with chores and learn new things. I love that little boy. I could just squeeze him and I do!

-Holden is 6 weeks old and starting to get the hang of things. At his 6 week check up he was 23 1/4" long and 13 lbs. I think he is going to be a pretty happy baby. He loves to smile. I don't remember our serious Toby smiling this much. He is finally starting to get some hair. I think it is going to be brown. His eyes are blue. One brown eyed boy and one blue eyed boy. They are both so cute.

-Darin is busy with school as always. He does an amazing job balancing school and family. It can't be easy and we love him for it. It is fun to hear what he is learning/doing and surreal to think that he is well on his way to becoming a dentist. He has resolved to start running again. He realized that he needed something to get his blood pumping. I am glad that he is making time for himself. He deserves it.

-I have lost all of my baby weight and then some. I still have 20 to go to get my goal. Really though, progress is progress and I am happy with that. I am getting more sleep and feeling better every day. I can cope now and am actually half productive! I can't wait to see how this feels with 3 kids! I can't imagine having 18. I would barf. Also, I chopped off my hair into a cute a-line bob. It feels light and healthy. It is a good change.

Can you believe that's abbreviated!? Me either. Love you all. I'll post pics soon.