Oh-My-Lanta!

We had my sister take some glamour shots of our new little family when she was in town a couple of weeks ago.  Sugar bear was not too excited about it, but I think we got quite a few really good shots.  We've already bought new frames for our offices and home, just waiting to be filled with a sweet little baby girl. 

 These are the kind of photos you cherish forever... Hopefully James and I will look back at these in 18 years when we're taking Sug off to college and we'll laugh about how young, naive and in love we were with that little being. 

Brewin it up.

My dad won a medal in a homebrew competition last weekend (my nephew would be jealous, he loves tropheys).  3rd place out of 1,800 entries, we are really proud of him!  James and Levi were able to attend the brewfest this year, but Sug and I sat this one out.  Although, I sure did miss being the DD in a massive ballroom full of drunk guys :)

Of course Fleitmans can't have a hobby unless it envolves competing :)

Running Mascara

Today was Nora's first day of school.  Ever.

I cried my eyes out in the parking lot.

They said it would be hard.  But no one prepares you for that.

Sr. Portrait

When Sug is a Senior in high school and they ask the parents to send in baby photos - this is the one I'm going to send. 

My sweet crossed-eyed lady.

WE SURVIVED our first week back to work.  Although I'm fairly certain Nora's already forgotten who I am.

Now, to conquer next week - 5 days of working, day care and one day trip to Minneapolis.  I'm tired just thinking about it.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

PS... that Hudson's quite the cutie, isn't he?

St. Patty's Day!

Our St. Patty's Day this year was NOT spent on Greenville chugging green beer, with slutty girls in small outfits or passed out in the front lawn.  It was definitely different this year.

Sug and her cousins

Work

I'm back at work today. 

What?! 

Yes. 

Maternity leave was a fast forward blur.  I honestly feel like I just left the hospital yesterday. 

I still don't think it's hit me that it's over. 

Maybe it's not?

Yes, it's over :(

I've looked at my phone photos of Sug probably about ten times which only makes my heart and boobs hurt.  (Such a bizarre body that I'm living in these days.)

And oddly (but not unexpectedly) I'm not nearly as interested in my work - I'm a mother.

Do you ever feel like your cheeks have taken over your face? 

NPL

Parenthood

James and I have joined a new club.  One that we weren't truly aware existed, yet we were initiated and accepted without any form of references or application: Parenthood.  You may think I'm joking, but it really is some secret/not so secret society.

I'm not a chatty person and I don't seldom get confused as someone who is willing or ready for small-talk.  But when you have a baby - you are like a magnet to strangers - even more so - other parents of younger children (other members of the secret society).

James and I noticed how friendly people become when you're carrying a baby.  They tell you how cute the baby is, even when they can't see them and tell you that you picked a great name... I mean someone out there must hate the name Nora.  But most of Dallas agrees, it's a wonderful name.  ha!  They ask you many questions about very personal things - sleeping habits, poop and my breast being main topics that I never thought would be discussed in public with a stranger. 

I'm still getting used to this new club and chatting with strangers... believe me, it doesn't come naturally.  James, of course, is much more of a natural and in his charming hospitality ways always turns the conversation back on them - saving me from too much banter. 

But at least the members of our new club are nice and most seem generally interested. 

At least it's not a fight club (or is it?).