2013 Thoughts

It is Sat., Jan. 25th and I am finally posting the final update for 2013. It has taken me almost two month to finish and backdate all the posts I wanted to include for 2013. This year has included an addition to our family with the much anticipated birth of Colton Alexander and Grant tapping into his professional network and experience to start his own law firm (Culhane Meadows). We traversed the globe with Grant and I going to Barcelona to mix work and pleasure and I took work trips to Brazil and New York. We made family memories in Destin, Florida and Cozumel, Mexico. We felt settled in our home on Mimosa Lane, but we still tackled big projects with a full exterior remodel, addition of the biggest carport ever and landscaping. Even with multiple big events, I will remember 2013 as cuddling Cadie in bed talking about the new baby and whether we thought we were having a boy or a girl, Ranger asking to "snuggle me" at least 20 times a day, hours spent playing in the backyard, chocolate chip pancakes almost every Saturday morning, Grant and I continuing to be friends and teammates in tough life decisions, saying good-bye to Nanny Mary and welcoming Sarah into our home, feeling shocked that Colton was a boy, happy surprise that transitioning from two to three kids was pretty easy and thankfulness for the village that comes alongside us to support us through good times and bad. And the most amazing thing - the 4 people that I get to love and cherish every day. #heartisfull

Nanny Mary Finally Posts On The Blog

About this time last year, I was hanging out with Erin and Grant and we were just chitchatting like we did almost everyday. I was talking about my future career and life when Erin semi-jokingly interjects, “Wait! You don’t want to be our nanny for the rest of your life?!” We all laughed and then Grant started making me offers to try to get me to consider it. But the fact of the matter was, despite the idea of not being Cadie, Ranger, and Colton’s nanny being heartbreaking, the thought of only ever being their nanny was also heartbreaking. Haha!

By the end of February, I had been promoted at my part-time job to being a full-time Pastry Chef. Life was crazy, but somehow I managed to work there full-time and Nanny 3 days a week. But by April, I was exhausted and had to tell Erin that my last day would be in July. The next several months were a whirl-wind, and the next thing I knew, it was July, the amazing new nanny was about to start, I HATED my Pastry Chef job, and I was applying everywhere in sight. It came down to the wire, but in August I landed an incredible job as a consultant for a marketing analytics firm in August and moved out just a few weeks later.

The most bittersweet time of my life so far was this past summer. Watching my time with the Walsh’s come to an end was almost heartbreaking enough to reconsider Grant’s offer. But God had much bigger plans for all us. It feels like my adult life has finally started and I couldn't be more excited about it. And honestly, I would have never been prepared for any of it without everything that the Walsh's taught me.  So without further adieu, let me reflect a little on the best, and most challenging, three years of my life so far.

Three years ago this past August, my life started down a path that would radically change me forever. I was working for DD at DBU and just about to start grad school there. But I needed to pick up a part time job, so DD connected me with Erin. What started as 2 days a week, soon became 3, and next thing I know, 9 months into the job, I moved in! I was really nervous about moving in out of fear that it would feel like I was never off the clock and wouldn’t be able to have my own life. Not only was that definitely no the case, but this was also one of the best decicsion I have ever made. The Walshs and Gullucksons embraced me as one of their own. They truly became my family.

Erin:

I instantly loved Erin (but really, who doesn’t?) and knew that we would be great friends, although it may have been the fact that she wore yoga pants and her hair in a ponytail to interview me. Either way, we were destined to be friends.  Erin has truly become one of the best friends I have ever had. I honestly can come to her for everything, from boy drama and discussing everyday life, to seeking her council for major life decisions and spiritual guidance. Erin has taught me how to be a loving and supportive wife, a gentle and creative mother, that everyone being happy, safe, and loved is more important than every detail of the house being perfectly in order, and most importantly, she has shown the best example of what a wise and godly woman looks like. Erin is truly the best boss and friend anyone could ever ask for.

Grant:

Though I didn’t get to really know Grant until after I moved in, he basically become my big brother. Grant always went out of his way to treat me as one of his own, from not thinking twice before seeing my car mirror broke and immediately going out and buying one and even installing it for me, to flat out telling me that I am dating the wrong guy and gave me a list of reasons why I should break up with him. (He was right too. Actually, as much as Erin and I don’t like to admit it, he is always right…) Much like Erin, I am able to come to Grant for advice on basically everything because honestly Grant knows at least a little about everything, and if he doesn’t, he’ll stop what he is doing to go find out for you. He is always challenged me and inspired me to do better. Grant is a hilarious, intentional, godly father and husband and has set a great example for me of what to look for in guys.  

Cadie "Sister":

It's hard to believe that this munchkin was once very apprehensive of me. She was a feisty, smart, little stinker who could throw a temper tantrum that would make you seriously question if you really wanted to have have kids someday. But watching her grow into a hilarious, sweet, caring, creative, witty, beautiful little lady has truly been an honor. Cadie and I became more than just friends, we became sisters. In fact, that's what we call one another. We did everything together; cooked, cleaned, gardened, made crafts, painted our nails, did our make-up, did homework together, and we even took naps together. She would constantly come up with brilliant ideas, creative stories, and hysterical jokes. I loved to just spend time with my "littlest sister"; she lit up my world.

Ranger Danger:

Erin was still pregnant with Ranger when I started. Honestly, I don’t think I was really qualified to help raise a newborn back then, but Erin had faith in me and promised to teach me along the way. Wow, this little man truly stole my heart from day 1. I never wanted to put him down, ever. Actually, I’m pretty sure I either carried him in my arms or strapped him to me for the first year of his life. Haha! I so cherished those first 2 years with him. Cadie was in school 2 days a week so the 2 of us would just go on adventures everyday; we had a blast! Ranger is tough, extremely smart, hilarious little stinker with the sweetest heart.

Colton:

I remember walking into the kitchen about this time last year and Erin and Grant we're just beaming ear to ear. Erin said, "guess what?!" Jokingly I replied, "you're pregnant", and much to my surprise, I was right! I pray that I can one day be 1/2 as happy of a pregnant woman as Erin was. It truly breaks my heart that I will never get to be Peanut's nanny. But, at least I got to steal lot's of newborn snuggles from him before I moved out!

These kids have made so excited to be a mom someday. Now I wont lie, Cadie and Ranger were definitely not perfect. Sometimes they had bad days that would end with all 3 of us in time out and crying for mom to get home. But those brief rough spots were so far outweighed by countless wonderful days and moments. I loved being woke up every morning by Cadie walking in my room and snuggling up on "her side" of the bed, then later ranger would join us. I loved bad weather days when we would all snuggle up for a movie.  I loved taking them on adventures and spending our days just playing. I loved just being their playmate, their referee, their friend, their "biggest" sister - their nanny.

The past 3 years have been the most stable thing I have ever known in my life. The Walsh's gave me independence, yet the security of being in a safe place with people who loved me. They have taught me what it looks like to be in a family whose main priority in life is one another - no matter the cost. They have gotten me through break-ups, illness, family problems, spiritual trials, grad-school classes that I thought might actually be the death of me, and honestly, they got me through the unstable phase of life where a college kid somehow becomes a mature adult. I don’t want to know where or who I would be without them. I love them desperately; they will forever be my family.

Colton: First Food

I was in need of an outing so while I ran up to Preston/Royal to do a few quick returns and grab some sushi for myself from Central Market, Grant stayed home with the kids and decided that Colton was big enough to try his first foods. He actually did a great job eating and swallowing, but I am not sure what he thought about it. He is pretty mellow and per his usual style, he didn't fuss much about it, but he didn't act all that excited either. I don't think we will feed him foods at every meal yet, but it was a good start!

Sweet Revenge

After our anniversary surprise we woke up to the Gallet's handiwork at our house! Nice job guys!

Gallet Anniversary "Mess-Up" Party

Courtney and Ryan were headed to Medieval Times to celebrate their anniversary and Grant and I were chatting about what he wanted to do for his birthday. He said we should TP the Gallet's house! Brilliant! We did it right with lots of TP, a colored disco ball and even "Let's get it on" repeated on the ipod. Our crack team included me, Grant, my Mom and Cadie. She loved it!

The only mishap was that my mom set off their alarm system on the way out. CJ and Ryan got a call from the alarm company at their dinner and had to give them the code so that the police were not dispatched. We told them we just ran by their house for something and accidentally set off the alarm. They said they were still surprised.

Christmas Eve at the Gallet's

Courtney and Ryan hosted us for a pizza Christmas Eve party. We all went to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at Courtney and Ryan's church and then caravaned back to their house. Colton is generally a quiet baby, but of course he decided to talk up a storm right in the middle of the service. Nina had to take him out to the hall.

When we got to the Gallet's, we had a group Skype with all the siblings! It was wonderful to see Eric and Anna calling in from Seattle and the Chapman crew from Athens, GA. We opened gifts and then had a funny scavenger hunt arranged by my mom for us to find our Christmas checks. We all found ours and Grant was still wandering around when my mom said she had actually lost his envelope. We found it the next day on my desk in my office where my mom had been writing the checks.

Christmas Eve Walsh Party

We met at Ken and Charlotte's at around noon at Christmas Eve day for lunch and a white elephant gift exchange. It was wonderful to have my mom and dad join us for the party. The kids enjoyed playing outside and then watching Rudolph in Ken and Charlotte's room. Not sure Ken and Charlotte intended for them to snuggle up in their covers, but we appreciated their hospitality.

Cadie and Ranger both love cousin Myles.

John, Susan and Ken getting the good eats ready.

Colton had the most beautiful ladies to take care of him during his nap - Shannon and Lauren.

Cousins Whitney, Colette and Stewart.

Colton: 4 Month Checkup

On Dec. 20th Cadie went to the pediatrician to "help" me with Colton's 4 month checkup. He got quite a few shots and Cadie and I were both sad when he cried. She put a sticker on his diaper to help him feel better.

Stats: Nurse wrote on his paperwork "Cutie!!" and he definitely is!
- Weight: 17 lbs. 6oz = 95%
- Length 26 and 3/4 inches = 95%

Cadence: Scofield Christmas Program

When I told Cadie that she needed to wear a fancy dress for her Christmas performance at school, she decided her flower girl dress from Uncle Eric's wedding was her most fancy. She honestly looked lovely, although I think the school had intended the kids to wear Christmas colors. Her class walked up to the front of the auditorium in a "camel walk" and then sang 4 Christmas songs. She was hilarious and did a little shoulder shimmy and sang some of her own lyrics.  Cadie also may have said "watermelon" a few times (just like we taught her) when she didn't remember the words.

Seriously, a children's Christmas Program should be no longer than 45 minutes! Grant and I, both boys and Big John arrived to see Cadie's part of the program at the beginning in which she sang with her 4K class. However, after an hour in and out of the hallway with both boys I bailed and drove home. Big John bailed at the hour and 15 minute mark. Cadie and Grant hung in there the longest and then they came home after an hour and a half! For the love of baby Jesus!!!