On life, lately

I don't think I mentioned this yet but I finally got my dental license for the state of California! I am in the process of searching for a practice opportunity so I would appreciate any prayers you could send my way. Now that we are on this side of the new year (how is it 2016?!) and I anticipate going to work soon, I have been soaking in all of the "at-home" time as possible. 

Spending my day with Emma these past few months have been some of the best months of my life. Shaping her, teaching her, and caring for her every need has been challenging, rewarding, amazing, and wonderful. I will never forget this time I've spent with her. I am grateful that I have been able to stay at home with her - just being a mommy. But, I am looking forward to getting to work. In fact, I keep having these dreams about my new patients and heading to work to treat them. Yay!

But until then, it's just the daily grind. Just me and the toddler, doing our thang. God is good.

Just doing our thang. 

First snow

January is quickly coming to a close and I am grateful that I have been able to spend some uninterrupted time with my family. This year I wanted to stay present and so far, so good. 

Last week, we went to Lake Tahoe (one of our favorite places in the world) with our neighbors. They taught Paul how to ski and Emma played in the snow for the first time. If you know me, you may know that I am not exactly a snow bunny and my favorite kind of snow is in cone form on a summer's day. But I will tell you, watching Emma enjoy the snow put all (well, most of) my snowy angst from my mind and I truly had a fantastic time.

I think collectively I spend about 64 minutes total in the snow/elements, but I had fun standing there watching the tot and my husband frolic in the frozen water. I am really great at standing there and taking photos though...my specialty.

On our way to our resort, we stopped at a different ski resort to play in the snow. I had bought some toddler-sized snow gear on consignment and we were ready to go (after a solid 20 minutes of trying to put on said snow gear in the back seat of our little car).

I could not quite figure out how to get Emma to put her thumbs in the thumb hole of the gloves, but overall she was well prepared. (P.S. She was wearing three pairs of socks and twenty layers underneath this outfit and I would have added more if Paul hadn't talked me off that ledge.)

Emma be like, "what are this?"

We started with some good ol' fashioned snow ball making and snow ball eating (her, not me). 

And of course, we took some bundled-up selfies. With some serious cheesing from Miss Emma. And yes, that is a unicorn hat that she is wearing.

She was just a little happy to play in the snow. It melted my heart, while I was freezing my butt off. (I was wearing leggings and jeans, nary an appropriate snow attire in sight. Real smart Samantha.)

Okay, I had a little fun. 

Yeah, it was snowing. SNOWING. I don't even know what that means for my life.

I hid under a deck but watched the rest of the adults and kids have fun.

I am pretty certain that snow got inside her diaper. But Emma badger does not care.

But sledding is fun in some circles. I guess I'm a square.

Paul went skiing with our neighbors on our second day and he had a blast. I stuck around the resort with Emma and hung out by the fireplace. We did venture outside for some snow frolicking but Emma gave me the evil eye when I eventually made her go back inside so I could get a bloody mary. Momma is mean.

I know Ems, moms are so mean.

Well I guess we will be going back to the snow again at some point in our lives. Next year? Maybe I'll invest in some snow pants. Well, as long as they have butt warmers installed. 

Am I right?

51 and 52/52 - Happy New Year

Thinking back on this year brings many thoughts and emotions. Our sweet Emma turned one year old this year. She has challenged us and enriched our lives more than we ever thought possible. I graduated dental school and after years of sacrifice and dedication, became a doctor. We celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary and my parents celebrated their 30th. 

But with every major milestone, there have been countless simple moments. Those moments that are often forgotten day after day. This is why I am glad to have celebrated these ordinary moments that are truly the more extraordinary ones this past year. As my 52 project wraps up, I am glad that I have recorded those special, yet simple moments.

Thank you Lord for this year and please bless this coming year with joy, love, family, and light. 

50/52

This week has been filled with tantrums, laughs, dancing, joy, running, jumping, hair-pulling, splashing, reading, singing, crying, bouncing, and everything in between. 

This is life. This is love.

Slowing down and soaking it in

I have not been feeling the urge to be especially attentive to this space lately. I am just taking some time to slow down and spend time with my little family as we prepare for the Christmas season. I am soaking in time with my daughter and looking forward to the new year.

I will be back here and there, but I will likely jump back on the blogging train after the holidays. Of course, I can't stay away from my favorite Instagram, so follow our adventures and misadventures over there.