TIME TICKIN AWAY

It doesn't seem possible that a year has passed since leaving Massachusetts. When I arrived last May it was just in time for Mother's Day. Well another Mother's Day has just passed and it makes me feel so blessed to have my girls and their guys in my life. Cooper will be turning two in a couple of weeks. Danielle turning twenty seven, Owen is turning the big 30. Birthdays and Holidays mark such milestones and memories. This weekend is Memorial Day. Traditionally the start of the summer season. A Holiday that Joe and I never seem to celebrate properly. My grandmother would always buy geraniums right after Memorial Day because the price went down. She used them all around her little White Island cottage to bring bright red and pink blooms to greet visitors. I recall during one of our jaunts to Boston, with Nana Blanche in tow, we stopped to visit Grampa Joe's grave site where she placed a pot of these geraniums. Memorial Day for me will be greeting and accommodating tourists and visitors to the sea shore. Kind of like the potted geraniums of Nana Blanche's.

TIME IN THE POOL

This is my first attempt at posting video. Nicole and Cooper visited in Laguna Beach on Mother's day and spent some quality time in the pool.

I love this stuff.

FIRST TIME HOLDING JEF

This was taken the morning I arrived in New Jersey at the hospital. Owen made special arrangements with the staff so that I could come right in at 8am since I had flown all the way across the country. This little bundle made me feel as much at peace as he looks at peace. A perfect mix of his parents. Born out of love. Love for family.
Spending two weeks with the Fletcher family was so special. It went by all to fast and left me missing so many special moments. I'm thankful for the ones I was there for.
Joseph's umbilical cord fell of just in time for a first bath. He loved it. He had his first lunch date with his Mom and I at an East Coast Chinese food restaurant. He slept the entire time. Danielle, being an observant Mom, noticed a rash on Joseph a few days after her milk came in. We concluded it was the pepperchinies and salsa from supper the night before.
I cherish the time I spent with The Fletcher's. There is a tightness there that fills my heart with goodness.
This is a more recent picture of JEF Joseph Edward Fletcher. A born politician. Taken two weeks ago.

BEING MEME

It's just Cooper and I.
The best part of the day is when he looks up at me to tell me something he sooo wants me to know. It is amazing how much a young mind can develop so fast. This Meme stuff is a workout for my mind and body too. I sleep like a log. Getting up off the floor takes less effort now since we spend so much time there. An almost two year old is the best motivator I could have to get myself in good physical and mental shape. He's an angel boy.

BACK TO THE TASK AT HAND

Finally the job we've been waiting for.
We interviewed for this job on Joe's birthday 4/14. The address of the hotel is 1404. It turned out to be a good omen. His birthday this year was soooo much better than last year.
Joe started today as the resident manager of the America's Best Inn, Laguna Beach.

He was sad to be leaving Cooper this morning knowing he wouldn't be seeing his smiling face each day. We have both become accustom to having Cooper in our lives. Jakob and Nicole have done a super job of raising Cooper. I know having us here was the right thing to do. Now it's time for us to use our wings and fly an hour's drive from here to start our new adventure. I'll be lingering on in Burbank till Nicole finishes up with the Ax Men through May. Joe and I will work together on the weekends at the hotel and get our apartment in shape. I'm looking forward to sleeping in our own bed and together.

Here are some of my favorite photos of Pepere and Cooper.

HOW AM I GOING TO SAY GOODBYE?

I have to admit it's going to be very tough to leave this little package. This is one of the only pictures of JEF crying.

Danielle, Joseph and I went out and about in New Jersey on a beautiful spring day. We did errands and took a drive to the highest point where you can see all the way to New York. The view was beautiful but the gnats were out in full force. Joseph slept comfortably attached to Danielle via the Baby Bjorn.

I took this picture when we got home. He really likes the car.

It looks like my flight hasn't been cancelled so I'll be headed back to La La Land tomorrow morning. Things are looking bright. My girls are Moms and I'm so proud of them. This Mothers day is going to be so special.

ELEVEN DAYS YOUNG

Joseph Edward is a real ladies man. He winks and nudges just like his name sake. With all the company he had last weekend fussing over him he took it all in without a fuss. Barbara, Susan and to my surprise Tricia visited New Jersey to meet Joseph and to have a girls weekend at the beautiful Marriott in Bridgewater N.J. We had lots of laughs and Martini's with a few tears. I miss these women so very much and having them share in this beautiful new grandsons life is wonderful.

This is a picture of Joseph after his first bath. He really enjoyed it even though this picture may say something else. I'm so bless to have been present for both grandsons first bath. I have to thank Joe for supporting my need to be with my daughters after birth. I know he wishes he could have been with them too.