Together

Well, we've now been in Rock Springs for a couple of weeks. I'll be honest, it still feels very foreign to me. I feel uprooted and I miss my beautiful home, friends, and nice things in Seattle. But, as I was talking with my cousin Lacey this week, I realized that "home" is really wherever my little family is. It doesn't really matter where we live or what things we have. We don't need all of that to be happy. All that really matters is that we're together.

People have asked us why we all came together to do these rotations away from Seattle. Why didn't the girls and I just stay there and let Brad go alone? Since we arrived, I've questioned our decision too. But then I see Brad playing with Lainy like no one else can. I watch Leah smile huge whenever Brad walks in the room. And I remember why we made the decision we did.

We want Brad to be around when Leah finally starts crawling. We want Lainy to have time to play with her Daddy as much as possible. Basically, we know that we need to be together. No matter the circumstances.

So here are some pictures of things we've done together this week. They might seem simple to you, but (as I am learning lately) sometimes the little things really are the most important.

 Leah attempting to crawl. I love this picture for some reason. I love her bed hair and tired eyes. I love that her little knee is bent at a crazy angle (how are babies so flexible?!). And, for your information, that is the expression on her face most of the time. Isn't she beautiful?

Lainy sneaks into our bed at about 5 every morning. She snuggles up in between Brad and me and goes straight to sleep. Usually she ends up kicking me out of bed, but I really don't mind. I think it's sweet.

Leah's first ponytail. Her hair is much thicker than Lainy's was at this age, so today I decided to try a little ponytail. It's tiny, but doesn't she look cute? And look at those cheeks! So kissable.

Cute little girls. I'm so glad I have them!

Lainy's favorite song lately is Families Can Be Together Forever. I think she's been trying to teach me something.

I hope you're treasuring your time together with your families too!

(Stay tuned for documentation of Lainy's 3rd birthday celebrations next week. It's gonna be exciting!)

Updates

1. We're back together as a family! Brad had a great experience in his Ophthalmology rotation in Seattle and the girls and I had fun with family in Rexburg, but it's nice to be together again!
2. We've moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming for 6 weeks (on account of Brad's OBGYN rotation).
3. We've seen more mullets in two days here than we saw in Seattle for a year.
4. Our apartment is not what we were expecting, but after some deep cleaning and discussions with the property manager, we're feeling better about it.
5. Brad has been guaranteed to deliver around 60 babies (by himself) before we leave in six weeks. It's a steep learning curve, but he's having a great experience. Plus, he has a great schedule. He's home by 6 every night! (We haven't had that in about two years!)
6. Lainy is a sweetheart and our sunshine girl. She's in love with the park across the street.
7. Leah is going to crawl at any moment. She cries and whines up on her hands and knees, but hasn't made the first move...yet.
8. I am loving taking care of my little family. I missed cooking meals, cleaning our house, and Leah's schedule while we were staying with family. Now it's back to normal life and I like it.

We knew medical school would be an adventure but this last week has been pretty crazy! Still, we're thrilled with the education Brad is receiving and happy we're all together to experience it with him.

 This is what Brad found when he went to check on the girls (they were supposed to be napping).

Letter

With my Grandpa and Grandma Smith

Dear Brad,

We miss you. We expected your Ophthalmology rotation in Seattle to be really busy, so when you call us at 4 pm on your way home it makes us sad that we can't be there to welcome you home. We can't remember the last time you were home at 4pm. You've been working so hard.

Even though we're not there to fill up your free-time, we're very happy you have some time to relax. We all know you deserve it! We hope you have been watching lots of ridiculous TV shows, enjoying a full nights sleep, and eating whatever you want.

We've been having fun at Grandma's house. It's so nice to be with family. They've been such a big help with the girls. Sometimes we wonder how we ever managed alone while you were so busy studying.

Lainy plays with Grandpa's dogs a lot. She's very good at bossing them around. She's also had fun riding her bike, jumping on the tramp, playing in the hot tub, and reading all of Grandma's fun books. Her other favorite past-time is refusing to eat. Usually I eventually succeed in getting a decent meal into her, but it makes me wish you were here to help. She always eats better for you.

Lainy misses you a lot. Yesterday said that she needs to practice riding her bike so she can ride fast with Daddy. (By the way, thank you for singing her to sleep the other night. She looked so peaceful and happy as you sang "Way In Manger Silent Night".)

Leah is getting bigger and much more mobile. Today she got up on her hands and toes and tried to lunge at me. I don't think it will be long before she's crawling. I'll try to hold her off until you're here to see it. She still refuses to eat anything but bananas. She smiles at everyone, but usually wants her Momma to hold her. I think Leah misses you too. She smiles huge whenever she hears your voice on the phone.

And me. It is very apparent to me that I am just not myself without you. I miss you too. Let's not do another two-week stint apart, okay?

But we get to see you Saturday! We hope you have a great week. We hope you see a lot of cool surgeries, perfect your eye exam with your patients, and do fun things in your spare time.

We're thinking of you and loving you always!

Love,
Traci and the girls