May 2010.

Note:  This is a really old post that never was published due to the craziness surrounding the month, but I wanted to get it up for that blog2print book I am going to do *someday*.

This month has been crazy. A month of high highs and low lows for sure. We celebrated Carter's second birthday, with a pancakes n pj's themed party (post to come) followed by a little family celebration on his actual birthday. It was a wonderful day, so joyful and heartwarming and nostalgic for us as parents, but we got some very sad news that same week about Stephen's beloved Grandma.  She passed away the morning before Carter's birthday, and the loss hit us all very hard.  She was direct and sharp and warm and loving all at the same time.  I can say that she was one of those incredibly strong and amazing women that left a lasting impression on every life she touched, and mine was no exception.

Stephen's surprise 30th birthday party was planned for the weekend following the funeral services, in conjunction with a college friend's wedding, and we opted to keep to the plan even though it meant two trips to Austin in the span on a few days.  It worked out really well, and I was just reminded once again what an amazing man I married along with what an amazing family I married into.  The weekend couldn't have happened without the help of my in-laws and my parents, but it was such a success thanks to Stephen's friends and family and we totally caught Stephen off guard!  He was super surprised, to say the least, and it was just a wonderful party even though the celebration was a tiny bit bitter-sweet, all things considered.

Then, we had the absolute joy and pleasure of ending the month on an amazingly sweet note, when my sister-in-law married her prince charming exactly one year to the day after they were engaged.  It was a hot summer day, and to say Carter was not on his best behavior is the understatement of the century, but we survived and the bride and groom were picture perfect and so in love.  You can see a few of their absolutely amazing wedding pictures here.  

And last but not least (and I can add this part now that the news is public!),  we found out there will be another little baby joining the family in January!!  Stephen's older sister and brother-in-law let us know they were expecting baby #3 during family time together at the funeral, and it was just a reminder that life goes on, and the sad times make the happy times just that much sweeter.

All-in-all it was a month of so much joy, and even though Grandma's passing was and is a tremendous loss, it is a celebration in its own right because she is at last in paradise.