Grateful.

Most of the time this blog is dedicated to the smallest member of our family, Miss Charlotte Grace.  After all, she was the main inspiration for all things “Pearls to Pampers”.  I try not to get too personal, only divulging in the broadest aspects of our daily life.  Andrew is often mentioned here on the blog, but I have never taken the time to really “blog” about Andrew, or how special our relationship is and how much he means to me.

Over the past almost 2 years, Andrew and I have been through a lot.  That sentence is definitely an understatement, but without going into the many MANY details of our story, I will say that we have come a long way.  Of course, there are downs along with the ups. And we have a long way to go on our journey together.  But this is common in most relationships, and when our newest member came along it certainly made things more…interesting around here. (to say the least!)

I am so grateful to be with someone who sees me at my worst, but is willing to stick around to wait for when I am at my best again.  I am grateful for the “hello kiss” he gives me EVERY SINGLE evening when he comes home from work, whether it is at 6pm or 9pm after a 12+ hour day in the office.  I am grateful for his perseverance, strength and positive attitude he brings to his work and to our family.  I am grateful for Andrew’s zest for life, and excitement over something as simple as GOLF (yes, even golf) or seeing Charlotte smile ear to ear.  I am grateful to have a partner who loves our daughter more each day and wants only the best for her.  I am grateful to be making a commitment before God and all our friends and family on October 1, 2011 with my soul-mate. 

Andrew, thanks for being so persistant about “getting to know me” 10 years after we first met in high school.  I now know that your persistance pays off in every aspect of your, and OUR life, and I love you for that.

We have been to Ligonier twice this month.  Once this past weekend, and the weekend before Mother’s day as well.  This time of year it is so incredibly green at my grandparents house.  Pittsburgh has had a depressing amount of rain the past 2 months…and the only beauty I can find in it is the green-ness of Ligonier. 

This weekend we went up on Friday night, as we usually arrive on Saturday.  It was nice to have the extra time to get settled and have a full day to spend relaxing and enjoying eachother’s company.  After going on a long run with Andrew in the morning, he spent the rest of the day studying for part 2 of his upcoming CPA exam.  I am so proud of him for his studying…I don’t think I could sit in one place for more than an hour, even to do “fun” reading!  Ligonier—and especially Gramps and Granny’s house, “Wicklow”—is so serene, relaxing and refreshing.  It really is the perfect place to focus for Andrew.

While Andrew studied, the ladies went shopping!  Charlotte was spoiled by her Granny who bought her the most adorable frog PJs and a sailor dress in town.  And of course, we had to get a matching bow—navy blue.  We can’t wait to try them on!  Charlotte was the star of the town…everyone is SO friendly and welcoming. It really is a different world, and only an hour and a half away from where we live.

Charlotte also showed off her new rolling skills.  She rolled all over the carpet, and we practiced crawling (eek!). Since we have been home I am just holding my breath ready for her to take off.  She moves all over the place, so it is really time to buckle down and baby proof! Goodbye to any adult-type furniture (coffee table) or cords laying around.  Charlotte would rather have a computer cord or plastic bag over any of the millions of toys we have.  Go figure!

I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend.  I know the rain is not helping us get into a summer mood, and especially with a little one around, being cooped up is no fun.  The only “bright side” is the rain has to stop sometime…so enjoy the excuse to curl up on the couch and watch Oprah (only 7 shows left!) and wait patiently for our sun to come back.