Calling all Readers

I have been getting freaked out lately about having an open blog. After much deliberation, I have decided to switch over to private. It just can't be safe to have every detail about our life and family published on the web for the world to read. So if you're reading this, please comment and leave your email address so that I can make sure you're added. You can also email me at sassycas44@hotmail.com. I would love for anyone we know to be on our list, even if you've been reading silently or we haven't talked in a long time. Thanks for your help!

Dear Treadmill,

I don't know how to say this... but I think we need to take a break. I have found someone new. Someone more fulfilling.  Let's be honest, we both knew what this relationship was from the start. Did you ever really believe it would last through the summer?

My heart now belongs to the River trail. It gives me so much more: warm sunshine on my shoulders, a cool spring breeze, the relaxing sound of the running water and chirping birds, the camaraderie of fellow runners, bikers, and walkers, the gorgeous green of the grass and trees, and the occasional woodpecker in the tree.

I will admit there are things I will miss about you. My legs definitely miss the extra backward propulsion, and are considerably more sore without you. Sometimes I find myself longing for the movie screen in front of you, which helped me pass so many hours.

But don't be too heartbroken. When my summer fling is over, I will once again return to your arms (if you'll have me). I just feel the need for some space, but will always love you.

And keep in mind... it's not you, it's me.

Yours truly,
Cassie

Hello... Is anybody out there??

It has officially been 5 weeks and 4 days since I have seen the outside world. (with the exception of my runs). That's the longest I am able to bring myself to leave Emmett's side. (But no, I haven't just been a recluse because I'm a crazy person, it's actually Doctors orders) You can't blame me, after the things I went through and witnessed, I am afraid to let the little guy out of my sight. Sometimes I wonder how long I will be so nervous.  Even though I get a little more relaxed with each passing day, I think that I will always be super protective of that little miracle of mine. 

Every so often I see something on TV, someone brings up something in conversation, or I get hit with a memory, and my eyes fill with tears all over again. It's so hard to believe it was all real. I think my mind has tried so hard to block it, and pretend that it all didn't happen. That it was just a bad dream. A really bad dream.

Despite how strong I may have seemed on the outside, it felt like I was stuck in the middle of a tornado- watching everything in my life spinning out of control, as I sat so helpless and powerless in the center. I may have always seemed really positive about Emmett in all the reports I'd give, but the truth is... there were nights I honestly wondered if he was going to make it. I never wanted to say that out loud. I didn't even admit it to Jared, and I definitely didn't want to admit it to myself.

The funny thing is, I started this post with full intentions of venting about how stir-crazy and lonely it can make you to spend 40+ hours a week cooped up alone in an apartment.  But as always with my writing, it decided to take its own course. And I am glad. Because now I don't feel like complaining about being stuck in my baby cave. I feel so blessed. I have the most adorable little angel, sent straight from heaven, sleeping peacefully next to me right now.What more could I possibly ask for?

These Boots are Made for Walkin

Jared started a new job a few weeks ago for the Department of Natural Resources. To celebrate the occassion, his Dad took him to Cabela's (where they spent FIVE hours, no lie), and bought him a new pair of work boots. They are top of the line, and Jared is pretty stoked about them. Actually, that's an understatement.
I  came home one day to find my blow dryer plugged in, in the middle of the living room. Confused, I asked, "Jared, do you know why my blow dryer's out here?"
He replied, "Oh yea, I was waterproofing my boots", an air of pride evident on his face.
That night he wore them all around the house "breaking them in" (to give you a visual: Jared in his basketball shorts, with his red and white high school football socks, topped off with his boots), and we even went and visited my sisters at work (and made sure to show off the new kicks). I had to refuse the boots joining us in bed.
He officially broke them in that weekend when we hiked the "Y". He kept informing me that his boots were "hugging the mountain". Good thing.
So Jared.... here's to you and those stellar boots of yours.

The Perfect Man

Ladies and Gentleman, it's official. I have found him. The World's Perfect Man. And don't think I am going to  be doing any sharing! This one's mine, all mine. If you don't believe me, just read the following list I've compiled. Does it get any better than this?

1. Stares deep into my eyes while I talk to him for hours and hours and never gets bored.

2. Acts deeply interested in what I'm saying.

3. Doesn't notice if I am makeup-less in sweats and a tee-shirt or all dolled up in my finest

4. Has no interest in ESPN or the score of the latest game

5. Doesn't mind eating the same thing for dinner every night

6. Always lets me know I am #1 in his life

7. Doesn't complain once if we watch chick flicks all day

8. Knows just how to bring a smile to my face

9. When I have a particularly rough day, he finds just the right spot in my neck and nuzzles in

10. Doesn't care how many pictures I take

11. Would never choose his friends over me

12. Acts like I have the voice of an angel, and my singing is the best in the world

13. Never questions me on how much money I've spent

14. Takes leisurely strolls along the river with me multiple times a week

14. Is my constant companion day and night, and best friend :-) *along with Dad of course

Go ahead. Tell me if you've found better...That's what I thought.

I see skies of blue, clouds of white...

Our little family went on our first walk this past week! It was so much fun. All week I had been waiting for it to get warm enough. I kept telling Emmett all about the outside world. About the beautiful blue sky, and white clouds, and mountains, and singing birds etc. I knew he was just going to be in love with all the beautiful scenery to look at and hear.  Look how much bigger he already is in his carseat!

He knew what was coming (I mean I'd been promising him all week), and he was really excited for it.

And since I am a woman of my word, we took a nice scenic trail next to the river, complete with a gorgeous view of the mountains.

We were so happy to have Jared there for our first excursion. It was such a beautiful day.

There will be many more of these days to come, as Mommy and Emmett both love being outside in the warm sun. We can't wait to explore new trails!