Random Thoughts

Grace and I had a great Mommy/daughter day. It was the most typical and *relaxing day we've had in a while. I just had one of those days where I was able to take a deep breath, relax and had several moments where I found myself smiling for no particular reason. It was the first time in a while I was able to shut off my brain and let it wonder. I thought it would be interesting to jot down some of my randomness while walking/taking the tube through Regent's Park to the Boots on High Street Kensington. 

• Michael looks thinner to me. Wow- did I miss him!
• Grace and I made it back to London safely. 
• I'm getting very good and efficient at traveling (with a baby).
• I should start sharing my traveling tips.
• Graces doctor appointments in the US and UK went well. She's continued growing bw the 2 appointments. She didn't have more blood tests today, but we will do it in 2 months from now. Her levels that were low are more common than not in babies under 18 months. 
• I've been thinking of Paul and Kristen nonstop since there is a slight chance Grace may have Celiac Disease. 
• If I couldn't cook with gluten for my daughter that would be silly to cook it for myself. Is that automatic weight loss program? Alyse?
• I cannot believe nurses draw the same amount of blood from a baby as they do adults- 5 full vials. They even use the same word choice, "Now this may pinch a little."
• Can you believe Grace stopped crying in the middle of it?
• 45 mins of my day was spend trying to nurse Grace in the pediatrician's sitting room.
• It ended up turning into a play date with a family from Nigeria instead.
• I really need to stop leaving home without my camera. 
• I need to check out Amanda Schulte's blog about Morocco. 
• I should start keeping a to do list. And only ONE list. Which should be located in the same spot. 
• I had a blast with my sister celebrating her happiness. Bridal shower and bachelorette party all in one week! 
• I miss my family.
• Grace grew so much while we were visiting all our family and friends back home in the states. 
• American luxuries I miss: ice, good laundry facilities, cheap manis and pedis, my car, Target. 
• I don't know which view makes me happiest: Regent's Park, IU's sample gates, or the Chicago skyline. 
• ...hmmm...I may have just put them in my current order.
• The roses in Reget's Park are bigger, more beautiful and more deliciously fragrant than I remember. 
• Seeing little kids dressed up in their Matilda school girl uniforms make me smile.
• ...while riding a scooter is an added bonus. 
• I cannot believe xmas items are already on sale. 
• Grammie Mo, Grandpa Den and Uncle Matt have started and continued Grace's Disney DVD collection. Her Halloween gift was Mary Poppins. 
• Some of the Disney DVDs go in a vault and are only sold every 5 years. Who knew? Dumbo was apparently JUST released. 
• I feel blessed to have life long friends in both my home cities. (Chicago and London) 
• I can't believe this is the 2nd school year I'm not working. 
• I think it's more important to stay home with Grace.
• Somedays, I even think it's more difficult. 

Alright...I need to stop. I could go on forever and ever. If you're still reading: I'm impressed and would love to hear a random reply. I would especially love for it to be from someone random as well. 

*It wasn't very relaxing taking the tube (having to switch a couple times) to the pediatrician 45+ mins away.