Our Room.

Sharing a bedroom with a baby can be tricky. For such small creatures, they tend to have more stuff and take up more space than you could imagine. Being a notoriously nostalgic pack rat, I knew it would be a challenge for me to find the space to share my bedroom once Gabriel arrived. Even still, I find myself re-arranging and re-organizing our bedroom and spacious closet at least once a week. Although I've had to make a few sacrifices along the way (such as boxes stuffed full of old clothing and stacks of neglected books packed into the closet and storage room), I doubt my room has ever felt cozier, happier, or more full of love.

And because I know I could in no way do our big, pear-green closet justice, only a small peek of what lives on the other side of the door:

My Father.

My papa with his papa around 1960

My life has been full of memories of my dad. Even when he was working sixty hours a week, he was still here with us. I can remember how restless he always was- starting projects whenever he had down time, always keeping busy with his hands and his strength. He's always been a soul of the road, long before my brother or I were born, and long after. I think his less-than-rosy childhood has given him the heart of a wanderer, something his four siblings seem to have also inherited. Even his parents appear to have little interest in staying bound to their homes; his mother came from Germany after meeting my grandfather, an American soldier cartographer in the war; after getting married and having children, his father moved half-way across the country with his new family with nothing more than a car full of children and a romantic notion of the West.

This Sunday was the first Father's Day I've celebrated as a mother, and as a single mother, I've never been more thankful or appreciative of my own father and his role in my life. He has shown me the entire country through the windows of a Volkswagen Bus, taugt me about arithmetic and the Civil War, and always reminded me to treat myself well. My dad is a beautiful person, and I'm amazingly lucky to have had such a friend all these years.

I love you, Dad.

Blowin' in the Wind.

Among a great deal of other things, we've been keeping busy storm-watching. In the past two weeks, the Denver-Metro area has seen more funnels and tornados than I, or anybody I know (including my 84-year-old grandma!), can remember. We've been very occupied, but I promise to update soon with all the fun! Hope everybody's safe and sound. :)

(Top-most photo of Denver cityscape courtesy 9News.com)

First Kiss.

A few weeks ago, Gabriel met a niece of a friend of his uncle. He and Anika, a fourteen-month-old girl visiting from the Philippines, got along adorably well- they even kissed! multiple times! Although I didn't get a good kissing shot, I did get some cute photos from their playdate.

Also, I've enabled anonymous and OpenID comments, so please, if you're reading, leave us some kind words!

Horse-Play.

Last week, Gabriel and I said "Bon Voyage" to one of the most darling people of my past: my high school art teacher, Sam, who's moving across the country to a big, beautiful lake-side home. Before she left, we went to visit her and her nine-year-old horse, Beau. This was Gabriel's first up-close encounter with such a big creature, and he did really well. He was more excited about the llamas and the chickens, but I was all of a flutter over Sam's gorgeous, brown horse. I myself am surprised and a little sad to say that I haven't had much experience with farm animals, so it was a very welcome day.
We also spent some time at the Denver Zoo this week, where I stood, heavy-heartedly staring at the herd of Reticulated giraffes and their two sweet, four-month-old babies. I really hope to oneday work closely with animals, and slightly resent myself for not working towards it now.

She's Crafty.

I've been trying to stay busy with making little things around the house. Although it's hard to find a solid hour or two to sit down and work on a project, I've been able to make a handful of nice little things for my family. I have about four projects that are in the works right now, and always new ideas coming in.

It's been helpful working with me hands to keep my mind occupied and happy. And, of course, it's very warming to see these silly little things being enjoyed by their new owners. Our garden is pretty modest this year, so I'm a little sorry that I'm not able to get my fingers dirty there, but craftiness is a nice substitute.

A hand-painted (Grand) Mother's Day dish for my sweet mama.

A hand-made set of alphabet blocks made from our Crab Apple tree.

An earring tree for my mother's impressive earring collection.

And a cute baby!