I went out this afternoon to get a pedicure and I came home to find Mae asleep like this. So cute!

Mae Goes to College

Today Mae started college. Ok, not real college, but a class at Seattle Central Community College. I joke that I am becoming one of those parents who wants Maesers to be an overachiever. Again, not really. The local community college here has a class that is dedicated to parents and infants. It is a combination of parent education, music, and play time for the babies. Today was our first day. I was a little concerned because Mae had only taken a 20 minute nap this morning, I was predicting that she would have a melt down. True to form Mae loved being out and about. She "talked" for a lot of it, loved all the other babies, and enjoyed the new toys. One thing that I was extremely pleased about was that a lot of the families seem to live in our surrounding neighborhood. And we already have met three of the moms and their babies from other interactions in the community. I look forward to exposing Mae to college early. Of course, without all the homework.

Where You Came From, Part I

I am sitting here tonight feeling pretty sorry for myself. Mae has been really, really fussy ALL day. Repeated bouts of tears and crying for no apparent reason. I wonder if she is sick, teething, stomach ache, constipated, or something worse. I have tried everything to make her happy but had finally hit my wits end at about 5 pm tonight -- something I am not proud to admit. Pearson is out of town for three days for work so it makes the days and nights longer. I always have a level of anxiety after putting Mae to bed knowing if something happens in the middle of the night then I am the only person here to handle it. I am sure that this is just one of many days to come that I have lost my patience, I guess it is the first time really admitting to it.

As I continue to wallow in my own misery, I know my life is pretty fantastic. I know I am fortunate. I know I am lucky to get to stay at home with Mae, live in a house, drive a new car, and never worry about my next meal. Right now, I think about the tragic mining accident in West Virginia that killed 25 miners with 4 miners still missing. I think about the families who lost their loved ones and how my "wits end" is nothing in comparison to their pain and grief of losing their father, husband, brother, or friend. I think about the hard and dangerous life of mining. Then, I think about my own family.

My grandfather, or Mae's great grandfather, was Joseph Kogut. My grandfather was a coal miner in PA. I can only imagine the many days that he went into the dangerous mines to provide for his family to make sure they had food on the table and a roof over their head. My grandfather got black lung and left the mines. He subsequently went on to buy a bar in Johnstown. The memories that I have of that bar are still so vivid to me today. They are the memories of my childhood. They are happy and filled with tons of laughs and video poker. My grandfather died when I was eight and I wish I would have known him better. My fondest memory of my grandfather was him sitting in the window at his bar.

My grandma, or Mae's great grandma, was Rose Kogut. Mae's middle name came from my grandma -- to honor her and celebrate her life. I was so fortunate to have known my grandma so well and to have had so many years with her. The memories I hold of her I will treasure forever. I especially remember her love of Christmas and singing Silent Night. I remember her devotion to God and her family. I think she was one of the two kindest women I have ever met (my other grandma was the other).

I will try to fill in more details and family history in subsequent posts and maybe I can convince my dad to be a "guest" writer. As I feel sorry for myself tonight, I know that my parents' parents and my parents had it a lot harder then me but I hope, that like me, they might have lost their patience a couple of times. And if they did lose their patience, I hope that their children forgave them for being less than a perfect parent in the morning.

He can eat a lot of ham.

Over two years ago, Pearson started this blog to keep our wedding guests up to date about the happenings of our "big" day. Awwww, when I think back to the day of our wedding, I wish I can go back and live it again. To have so many people that we know, and love, be in one place at one time, for us, was truly a magical moment. This year we will get to celebrate another Kogut wedding, when Julie [Aunt Julie or BAE (Best Aunt Ever)] and Beef [Matt] get married in September. I, of course, am super excited that Beef will become a part of our family in an official capacity. Even though, he is already a part of it. I am also excited that Julie and Beef will get to experience the same excitement and joy of getting married and then maybe have a little goobee of their own (but that is getting way too far ahead of ourselves).

Without Pearson knowing that I was typing this post, Pearson casually JUST said to me, "I can't believe Julie is going to marry a man named Beef." Now this post was intended to be about Julie and Matt and their love, their relationship, and their wedding but looks like it is going to be about Matt. But not too much because I need to save some material for my toast at the wedding.

They say that you marry men that are like your fathers. (Not true in my case). And in the case of my father and Matt [Beef], they definitely have quite a few similarities. They both hail from the great State of Pennsylvania. They are both Polish and Catholic. They both work(ed) for the federal government. They both like baseball, golf, and cheap lager beer. They both don't like to spend money on clothes (sorry Matt if you are reading this but it is true). They both enjoy spending time with friends, making jokes, and don't get worked up about a lot of things. They both will go out of their way for their families and love their moms. They both are kind and generous. Most importantly, they both think that Julie is the greatest girl to walk this earth.

Julie is, without a doubt, in love with Matt for all these reasons but there is another. This Christmas Eve after a long night of food and wine, Julie shared with us why she really loves Matt. She said, "my fiancee can eat the heck out of some ham." So, I guess it is only fitting that he goes by Beef and that Julie finds that to be a lovable and endearing quality (my dad also really likes ham if you must know).

I will try to post a couple of updates about the big nuptials this year because this will be Mae's first wedding and until the day she gets married the most important wedding she will attend and be a part. Mae can't wait till the day that Beef officially become Uncle Beef. Or Uncle Matt, if one day he decides to become a vegetarian.

Happy Easter

Oh Happy Day! Or as Pearson was singing after church, 'Oh, Happy Mae.' Today marked Mae's first Easter. In a traditional Easter celebration, we went to Church, Mae got an Easter basket, and we had a yummy, yummy brunch with our good friends Karen, Zac, and their two and half month year old son Makana.

Here are some photos from the day.

I decided to give Mae her Easter basket in our bed since Pearson was still sleeping and it would force him to get up. I know, I am a terrible wife.

Easter Gift -- Mae's future is so bright she needs shades.

Makana and Mae.

Maegoobees & Mr. Amazing.

Cummings Family Photo on Easter 2010.

Dear Mae

My friend Jill, who I met through First Weeks and has a daughter three days older than Mae writes a letter to her daughter every month. I am stealing her idea for this post.

My dearest Mae,

You are seven months old today. I have been meaning to write you for some time. I chalk it up to part laziness, part exhaustion, part wanting to veg out at the end of a day, and part not knowing where to begin. I am sure when you are a mom you will know what I am talking about. This month there has been BIG changes for you and there has been quite a bit going on.

You are quite the traveler and I have joked with you that when you get older you are going to be a traveling gypsy. You have flown more times than I had prior to graduating from college - three roundtrips already for you. All the new places and new people enchant and entertain you. While traveling, you charm everyone you meet. And while on the plane, you smile and giggle at all the other passengers. I must admit I am so proud of you when people comment on how great you are on the plane. You are also one of the most easily adaptable babies. I love that you are not "set in your ways" and are always open to exploration. Of course that is not to say that you don't get tired and hungry, which makes you cry but for the most part you just go with the flow. I hope you continue to have a thirst for exploration, travel, and new experiences.

This month also brought Grandma Cummings to Seattle for two weeks every month. You love her very much and your face lights up every time you see her. You love the time you spend with her. You are so blessed to have so many people that love you and want to spend so much time with you. We [your parents] are equally blessed to have her here. Not only do we get to share with her your joys and new discoveries but we also get an extra set of hands. Not that I don't love spending every waking moment with you but I need a break to do things that grown ups like to do, such as clean the house and go for a run without pushing a stroller. This is her second month here so the fun with Grandma will continue and continue.

Throughout your short life your dad has managed to come up with several nicknames for you - Maesy, Maesers, sweetsies, and Maegoobees. Unfortunately for you, Maegoobees has won out this month. I swore to everyone that I would never call you it because I think it sounds too much like boobies but even I, too, have been calling you it. You get this look on your face that is just like a Maegoobee that I can't help myself. Also, anytime I say Maegoobee, you smile so wide. And of course, I love when I see you smile that big so I say it. Of course, your dad has come up goobee names for the whole family. Ditka is digoobees, I am agoobees, and your dad is pagoobees. He loves the fact that we are the family of goobees. Your dad is such a goofy guy and has started to get really big laughs from you. For the longest time, the big laughs were reserved for me and Mae time but your dad is becoming the funny guy in the family. I am ok with it because he is funnier then me. I am happy and content knowing I was the funniest to you for the first six months.

This month, we have also retired two "baby" items. The first is the bouncy seat, which we used from the day we brought you home from the hospital. Despite my best efforts to wish that you never grow up, it is happening. And getting rid of the bouncy seat is evidence of that. Even if I buckle you in, you manage to contort your body so that you are face down and hanging off the edge. The second is the activity mat. You don't seem to have that much interest in it anymore and why would you when you can crawl! Yep, that is right, this month brought forward movement. You have taken to commando crawling. I think next month will be the start of baby proofing the house.

Finally, this month you participated in something both the Cummings and the Koguts really, really love....eating food! Part of me is sad that I am no longer your single source of nourishment but AGAIN despite my best efforts you are growing up. You have tried beets, carrots, green beans, cannelli beans, blueberries, apples, pears, quino, oatmeal, bananas, avocados, mango, and peas (your favorite). I know there will be many great moments ahead while sharing family meals.

You continue to love to observe. And as much as I try some days, I don't think you are ever going to be a homebody. You love being out and about WAY too much. We go for daily walks and/or runs where you don't fuss or cry and just love being along for the ride. You used to fall asleep during these times but now you are wide awake taking in the scenery. While out and about, everyone comments on how cute you are. I think it is those kissable chubby cheeks of yours and your smile. I agree with all of them and tell the strangers that I think you are the cutest baby ever! And of course, I am not biased. You love to be entertained and if I sing a silly song you immediately smile and get happy. I love the fact that you love my silliness and aren't yet embarrassed by it. I have taken to calling you "short stuff" because you are "petite" for your age but I wouldn't want you any way else. In short my baby girl, I can't think of anyone else that I would rather spend my days with. You are the best traveling partner, you laugh at all my jokes, and you continue to amaze me with your constant wonder, excitement, and happiness. I love you very much.

Love, Mom

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

I got my Easter package in the mail today. Thank you so much for all the wonderful gifts. They are all so thoughtful and wonderful. My favorite gift is my new quilt. I love the colors. I especially look forward to using it this spring and summer while laying in the grass with my Mom and Dad. I also love all the new dresses and can't wait to wear them. Maybe they will give strangers the hint that I am not a baby boy. Also thanks for the new toy and book.

Can't wait for the beach in June so that I can give you both many hugs and kisses! I love you both and miss you.

xoxo, Mae

Wondering what is in the package.

I am "somebunny."

Laying on my new quilt.

First look of my photo shoot.

My Easter Dress.

I like the car but this hanger is pretty cool.