Happy Thanksgiving

Where-ever you are, have a happy day! We're off to Chicago to enjoy the day with Justin's side of the family. Updates when we return!

Happy Birthday to Me!

As the years go by it's natural for birthday to get less and less important. In college I think I used to celebrate the whole week long! Now it's easy for me to forget my birthday is even drawing near. Also, I think we start to think about birthdays differently as we get older. I, for one don't mind getting older... I enjoy learning more, and knowing more about myself and my family - only time can do that. I see smile lines as gifts... memories of joyful times past. frown lines remind me that I've experienced pain and sadness, and that's okay too.

Since I had Liam, I think about my parents much more on my birthday. They did give me the gift of life, after all. And did a pretty good job raising me (if I do say so myself!). It's a special day for moms and dads too. This year I won't get to see or call my dad and thank him, but I'm pretty sure he already knows.

Proud new parents!

My mom and I

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

I was informed today that I missed a very special someone by just a few days in Dublin. Apparently, my boyfriend, Michael Buble made the trip to switch on the Christmas lights on Grafton Street and unveil the Brown Thomas window display. Why our managers didn't coordinate our schedules, I have no idea.

Photo from rte.ie

I guess I'll still buy your new Christmas CD, MB.... 

We're Back!

We returned Monday night after 12 days away from our little love. I knew it would be hard to be apart for so long but I had no idea how my heart would literally ache to see him and hold him! Towards the end of the trip I felt a physical void - I need my baby! That said, we did not spend our precious alone time pining away for Liam... we made the most of our time by waking up late, holding hands as we roamed the streets of Paris, and going to late dinners that were not rushed. It was so good for our relationship - we needed a rejuvenation.

Oh and Justin's paper went wonderfully at the conference and was very well received! His doctoral commencement was incredibly impressive, too. I am so happy we made the trip, I think it made us realize that our time in Europe is not over - if the opportunity presents itself, we would go back in a heartbeat.

A few favorite snaps:

The gardens outside Notre Dame

Apparently the pinot made him angry!

Anxiously waiting entrance to the Louvre! (we went on the first Sunday of the month so it was free! Yes!)

The Tower at night

What's up Doc?

Proud wifey!

Dear friends Jen & Kara (fellow members of the missing parent's club :-( )

Glendalough on a lovely day with lovely people!

Back to Dublin

Tomorrow we head back to Dublin for Justin's commencement ceremony! Actually, we fly into Dublin and leave for Paris the next day. J is giving a paper at a conference. Did I mention we are going ALONE?! Last time we were in Paris we had this little guy tagging along. 

It was amazing, but as you can imagine our sightseeing (and romancing) was limited. I didn't even get to see the Louvre! Though I'm very anxious about leaving my darling boy [for 12 days] I am looking forward to reconnecting with J in the city of love (we arrive a few days before the conference!). 

After the conference we fly back to Dubs for graduation. J's mom will be there waiting for us. We have a weekend full of fun planned with friends. I am looking so forward to seeing everyone! Updates upon our return...