Tuesday, December 6, 2011

I am thankful for today

I wish I went to bed kicking and screaming each night like my toddler. Okay not literally kicking and screaming, but I wish I clung to each day with the same voracity. Instead I find myself sinking into bed with an udder exhaustion from the day's work. Sadly when a day is over I feel relieved instead of grateful, and more often than not I find myself stuck in between time and never in the moment.

Sometimes I get stuck in the past. I remember the contentment I felt as a child in the home that my parents created. I wish that I could go back for just a moment to curl up into my dad's lap for a story or enjoy a fierce chess competition. I miss the way my mom hugged me when I was sad and her calming reassurance that everything would be okay. I want to relive the moment I fell in love with all its excitement and for just a moment hold my newborn baby one more time. I sit and remember these times with a sense of longing, but forget the sweetness that this current moment offers. I forget about the great appreciation and admiration I feel for my mom and dad that I only discovered after I had a child of my own. I forget the peaceful, calm, immovable feeling of actually being in love that my husband and I built with memories, sweet reassuring kisses, words of kindness, and the birth of a child. I forget the joy I feel when Aspen utters "Mama"

Sometimes I get stuck on tomorrow and I can't wait. I can't wait for Aspen to grow a little older. I can't wait until my husband finally finishes school. I can't wait to get back to work. When I long for the future I forget to be grateful for right now and all my blessings: my wonderful family, a cozy home, food on the table, and the world's most adorable baby. So maybe tonight as I crawl into bed, I will just be thankful for today.

Monday, December 5, 2011





Our Year in Review


How well do you know the Ericksons?



1. David is continuing to work on his PhD in computer science at Stanford. What is his expected date of graduation?

a) 2020

b) 2013

c) Looking forward to a postdoc

d) this spring


2. Besides taking care of the baby, Debbie has acquired many new talents. Which project is NOT currently on her to do list?

a) creating a preschool website

b) scuba diving

c) video editing

d) writing a book


3. We were able to get away for a family adventure at the following location

a) Disneyland

b) Hawaii

c) New York City

d) Europe


4. What is the name of our adorable baby girl?

Asprin

Afton

Aspen

Apple


5. Besides learning to walk and dance, Aspen has acquired several new words. What is her favorite new word?

shoes

dada

bye-bye

all of the above








This year has been filled with many adventures. We are truly blessed. Merry Christmas!