Auntie baby

Nicole and T welcomed their beautiful baby girl into the world at 12:33 am on June 9th. Weighing in at 22 inches and 8 lbs. 1 oz., Caroline Frances sure gave her momma a time.

I've been working on "Hi Caroline" with Navarre. Now when I say Caroline, she says, "Auntie baby." Close enough.

I can't wait to get down to OK and see the Smith family and my niece! I'm an aunt; can you believe it? So in the past two years I've added two titles to my name, Momma and whatever Caroline will call me. These are two names that probably about 5 years ago I couldn't fathom would be here in 5 years. I saw in my calendar at work yesterday that August 7th will be mine and Jamie's 5th anniversary. I know what you're thinking...Leslie, you're too young to have been married 5 years, and isn't Jamie too old to only have been married 5 years!!!! I'll say no to both.

Jamie and I have been through a lot in the over 10 - yes, that's right, we've known each other over 10 years - years we've known each other. I've read and heard experts say that having a baby and selling/buying property and moving are like the trifecta of stressful events in one's life. Jamie and I have done these three in the past 22 months. Combine these with trying to balance family and work life, both physical and mental health issues and you're everyday life events and it makes for a strained time. Sometimes stressful, sometimes strained. Sometimes relaxed and laid back, but not nearly enough.

Usually the summer is one of my favorite times of year. This summer, I am looking forward to meeting Caroline, having the first two cousins interact (well, Navarre poke and prod and Caroline lie there and take it), sharing in Ben and Shaina's wedding day and hopefully sharing our new house with friends. But, honestly, I find myself looking forward to fall. It could be argued that it is the best season in Nova Scotia. I see the fall as a time to rest and relax and to enjoy our new house with the three of us together.

I feel like this summer is the old friend that has come into town and stays with you. You party your ass off and enjoy the time together and reminisce about old times, and when the friend leaves, you are sad but sure are glad you can get some rest.