Hodge Podge

Well, since I last posted several things have happened...
1) dewey had his first father's day and Lofton had her first illness all rolled into one. the pic below is father's day after dewey and I were up all night with little bit and her stomach bug. it was pitiful but truly more upsetting to us than to her...
2) Lofton made a host of new friends. Most of her new friendships were built while she was dreaming BUT the foundation was laid i'm sure.

Shelly and Champ (4/23), Jordan and Lofton (5/19), Betsy and Flora (5/5)

Hayden Luce (6/4) and Lofton

Charlotte Thompson (6 months) and Lofton (5 weeks)

3) Lofton celebrated her first July 4th at Gigi and Papa J's. We had several flash floods and our plans to experience the pool for the first time faded and the night ended in a meltdown... but otherwise it was a great time. Jeremy, Marti, Parker and Peyton as well as Dewey's parents (Mimi and Pop Pop) came to celebrate. I think Lofton was held by 8 different people in a 3 hour span. No lack of love for this sweet girl.

Gigi and Lofton

Mimi and Lofton

Mommy and Lofton

Mitchell Family

4) lastly, I returned to work :( I LOVE my job, but leaving your angel at home feels so unnatural. I have always wanted to be a mother AND I have always wanted to be a doctor. However, until I actually experienced motherhood, I didn't understand the reality of being a working mother. In the end, I do believe that this is where I am supposed to be-delicately balancing these 2 important jobs, attempting to give 100% to both but learning to be satisfied with a little less than that from time to time. I couldn't do either without the support of my sweet husband. He agreed to stay home for my first days back and I think he got more than he bargained for. It's quite possible that I hover and "instruct" as he calls it in the matter of Lofton when we're both home, so during those three days he had complete reign. As such, one day she spent in her pj's and the other 2 spent in onesies that said something about "daddy." This was no accident I was sure. I am in general against all things princess or diva. I am well aware that such attitudes are cute until age 5 at which point you realize you've created an eye-rolling monster that the kindergarten teacher does not find amusing... That being said, the preemie and newborn collection of clothes are quite limiting and Lofton has a onesie that reads "daddy's princess." it was under a stack of 10 other onesies to be worn only in extreme circumstances, but somehow made it on her body by day 3. pretty cute i must say :) dewey did say that he fell more in love with her and really had the opportunity to get to know her better.

Lofton in her one red dress reserved for the 4th with cardigan, bow, and ruffle socks. I was excited to get a cute pic.... This is what we got. Dewey is making that face because he just realized that SOMETHING appeared to be leaking onto his hand and subsequently onto the living room floor... :)

5) Lofton smiled today :) a real, live, no gas involved smile. it was priceless and i can't wait for more. dewey brought her into our room after getting her dressed for church and we oohed and aahed over how cute she looked and she flashed us a gummy smile. and then she did it again. love love that girl!