Last night we went to visit our dear friends *J* and *M*. Yesterday was their wedding anniversary and they were going out to dinner – Jared and I watched the sweet little *M* for them while they were out. *M* had just finished eating and if you ask her mom if she has any “cranky” time during the day – it’s at about 7 PM – when we got there. She is only 3 1/2 months old but I think she knew that she doesn’t know me THAT well yet – and she was just so gassy and uncomfortable like babies get sometimes. I put her in her bouncer and that worked for a bit – I called *J* and she said – try a bottle.

*remember that I think when you give birth you suddenly have a wealth of knowledge you didn’t before*

So I tried the bottle and she struggled through it in between little sobs. Then I changed her diaper and put her comfy PJ’s on and sang to her – which helped a little. Jared had been saying to me all along – let me take her – let me help – and me being stubborn and thinking that I should be able to comfort her told him no – it’s ok. But eventually I thought it might work. So he took her and wouldn’t you know – she calmed down and fell into a teeny little sleep – but much more content than she was.

*M* is a sweet sweet thing and I would watch again any given night – I think she needed to get to know us a little more and was just gassy. I told *J* the thing that bothers me about a crying baby isn’t the crying itself. It’s the fact that I can’t get them to stop crying. I’m not thinking – why won’t you just be quiet – I’m thinking – why can’t I figure this out.

Jared and *M* have a connection anyway – given that he fainted the first time he laid eyes on her. I think it prepared Jared a little more for a baby – the fact that he wanted to take her while she was wailing – says it all. Once *J* and *M* got home she woke up a little and then ate some more and then was all smiles and happy little sweet *M* that she is.

Thanks *J* and *M* for trusting us with your sweet little one. It is amazing to me that God trusts us to watch over His children the time they are on this earth – what an honor.

I am so blessed with a best friend who I can call when I am pregnant and say – what is going on with me – and I can call when I have a newborn and say – what is going on with me. Thanks for that friendship *J*.

Speaking of babies – My cousins – *R* and *M* had their sweet little baby boy this morning. He is healthy and happy and everyone is doing well. They live in Rochester so I don’t know when I’ll get up to see him but I am sure that you’ll know when I do by the pictures.

*J* had her sweet little *M* at the soccer game last week –

We visited our dear friend and her sweet babe on Friday night.

*J* – you and *D* have a beautiful son and a wonderful spirit. Thanks for getting together with us.

“I am thankful that in God’s design He made it so your path crossed mine.”

Monday PM took RAY – the youth group – to Rock Run for some jumps and swimming. She asked Jared and I to come along.

Jared (after 1 jump) and *K* after 10 jumps.

I love the self timer option.

The whole gang.

Usually I don’t get in water unless it’s a pool. PM convinced me to take a jump – I wussed out the first time – but got in eventually. We had a great time. I lost my lens cap for my smaller digital camera though. I had it in my hand while I was taking a picture of the kids in the water and it slipped out – down into the dark abyss – never to be found again. We went to PM’s for a cookout and a stupid bee stung me right on the collarbone. It was  all I could do to have the sense of mind to not take off my shirt right then and there.

Wednesday night Trudy and I had dinner with her parents and some of her friends from church – and then I went back to her house and crashed. Thursday we went to the mall – I helped Trudy pick out a high school reunion dress and convinced her to chop 8 inches off her hair. Friday we went to Maymont Park and watched movies. Saturday we went outlet shopping and then dinner with the above mentioned friends – only to be at the train station at 4 AM.

Cracker Barrel – the ONLY reason I go to Virginia …

Trudy – before her hair cut.

How I wish I could do weddings here.

I had a great time Trudy – see you next year.

Last week I visited my dear friend Trudy – she lives in Virginia – and I hate to drive. So I took the train – Jared’s mom and grandma took me to Harrisburg to catch my 9 AM train – which meant leaving at 5 AM. We got to Harrisburg early so I took the 8 AM train to Phillie instead. I had 4 hours to kill in Phillie – lugging around my suitcase  – thankfully I had my camera.

Jared let me take his iPod – thank goodness.

30th Street Station in Phillie.

I have NEVER seen a real person like this – so I had to take a picture.

As soon as I got into Virginia – the rain rain rain came down down down …

We went mini-golfing with PM and her brother on Sunday – everyone got at least one hole in one – except me.

I worked at a local deli/meat/grocery during the summers and holiday breaks during college. Ted Clark’s was my first job outside of babysitting – I worked there for 4 summers and holiday breaks throughout the years. I worked in the deli department – which is how I met Anne – the bride from this weekend. Anne worked in the deli/meat department too – when I am visiting the valley I try to stop and catch up with the people working there. Anne had told me that she got engaged and I told her to keep me in mind for wedding pictures. After the ceremony, my friends James and Laura came up and asked what we were doing at the wedding – turns out that James works with the groom – small world. 

Guest book …

Beautiful cake …

JP …

Do you …

I do …

This was the bride’s granddaughter – Danielle – what a cutie.