Emotional

That has been what I have been feeling the past few days-emotional. I really don't know why either. Is it because I am about to turn 31, which I am NOT sad about; is it because I had a baby 4 months ago and my hormones are still a little crazy (probably the correct answer); is it because it is winter and we only go outside when we have to get in the car? Whatever the reason, I am emotional.

Sadly, my husband has to take the brunt of this. He is a wonderful husband who lets me be "surly" (to quote my good friend, Clair. That was a favorite word of hers.) when I'm sure he would rather kick me outside until my mood improves. He is fantastic!!!! He takes the kids when I throw them at him after a long day and never complains. He gives Nora her bath each and every night, puts her pajamas on, reads to her, brushes her teeth and never once does he say that he is tired. I am truly thankful for him.

I didn't intend for this post to be a shout out to Matthew, but it's turning out that way. I should have more posts dedicated to him. Maybe that is one of my new resolutions. I once saw a blog while blog surfing called "101 reasons why I love my husband". I liked that.

Okay, back to being so emotional. When I worked full-time, I had a great network of friends. I absolutely loved the people that I taught with before Nora was born. I still see and talk to some of them on occasion. They are great! When I quit working to stay at home my network got considerably smaller. I had a hard time adjusting to the quietness of my day and the lack of adult conversation. It honestly took me a few months to find my new normal. Once I did, I enjoyed my new life.

Now, I am back to finding out what my new normal is. I never expected to feel any differently after Elyn was born. I mean, for goodness sakes, I have done this already...I'm experienced (not a pro, just experienced). I am so thankful for Elyn and for her easy going personality. She has made the transition from one to two so easy. I would have 10 kids if they were all as easy as she is. That said, I am having a hard time adjusting to my own new feelings. Suddenly, I feel lost and alone. But, I know I am not. It's crazy and hard to explain, but it's all real.

My sweet, sweet husband is aware of my feelings and is going the extra mile to brighten my day. He is incredible!

What I have discovered is that I miss certain friendships more than ever right now. I have never had a ton of friends. You know those people who has a friend for every letter of the alphabet...I'm not one of them. What I do have though are a few really good friends. And I miss them dearly. So, because I do, I am going to tell y'all about them.

Karie: She is my first good friend. We met when we were 8 years old in cabin 1. We used to write to each other (real letters) and decorate the outside of the envelopes. I'm surprised the mailman knew who to deliver the letters to. We were in the same cabin every summer and went on to work together at camp. We were suitemates at college and in each others weddings. I love Karie's sense of humor and her laid back attitude. She is a great mom and has heart for God.

Julie: I have mentioned Julie before in my blog. Julie and I met in band and were best friends all the way through school. I loved going to her house to spend the night! I don't remember my own phone number from when I was growing up, but I remember hers. She was who I would call when anything exciting happened and who I knew would always be there. She is also a great mom now and has a heart for God.

Hugals: My wonderful friends from college. I love them all so dearly! I actually called one of them this week just to hear a voice of a friend. I talk to Leslie about once a week. Now when we talk, it is usually comparing our babies, who are only 2 days apart. I called Clair Tuesday night just to see what she was up to. Clair and I lived together in Nashville. It was a random pairing at first, but turned out to be a great experience for me. I learned a lot from Clair and love her still. My friend Lynsday just found out she is pregnant with her 3rd baby. She is a great mom and I know she will handle this challenge beautifully. I could dedicate an entire post to my college friends (maybe I should), but just know, they are all in my prayers and I look forward to our yearly get-togethers!

Ashley: Ashley claims to read my blog...we'll see. Ashley is my Tennessee friend. Not so much a love relationship at the beginning. But, we were kind of thrown together and didn't have much of a say in the matter. After a few years of not being crazy about each other, we became really good friends. I don't even remember what the moment was that caused the friendship. Whatever, I'm glad it happened. I haven't see Ashley in about 5 years, but I know if I did, we would pick right up. I still laugh about certain things...she was so funny.

So, those are the people I would like to see right now. I'm just feeling a little nostalgic and friend-needy. I'm sure next week, I will be back to my confident self who doesn't want to share her emotions with the world. But, until that happens, I am happy to let you know that I miss these friends.