more ice cream...

Although I truly enjoyed being home visiting with family and staying with my in-laws, a weight was lifted off my shoulders as I left the State of Michigan. My parents are on my mind 24-7, yes even with a new baby, but while at home it was much more difficult. I was depressed. We had my Mom's Sister and Brother over on Saturday at the Close's along with other family and as much as I love being with them, it's also a huge reality check that they're never going to be around again. Pictures were being passed around that my Aunt brought to give to my Uncle. Of course I had to look....all photos of my Mom smiling with her siblings. She had so much fun when she was with family. She was always the funny one, getting everyone to laugh. We all miss her so much. 

My Sister and I were talking yesterday as I was driving home on how no-one, not a baby/child or a husband/boyfriend could ever fill the void of our parents or replace the love they gave us. The love you get from your parents is like no other and we will live on with that love missing for the rest of our lives.....I feel like my Sister and I are too young to be missing that already and it's not fair. 

I did have a great time though despite the sadness. The Close's house has officially become my second home now and I enjoy being there. Except for the fact that I ate cookies and cadbury chocolate eggs all week, the post pregnancy weight is not coming off. I got to spend time with my Sister and Aydan and I was able to introduce Elle to family, some of my girlfriends and was able to spend time with my dear friend Reagan. Her year hasn't been the greatest either but when we're together, you'd never know anything was wrong with either of us as we laugh, laugh, laugh and eat, eat, eat. We always have to get ice cream when we're together...but we did manage to sneak a run in. 

Sunday when I returned back from Cincinnati was one of my most favorite days in a long time. It was beautiful here and I actually got Ted to take a long walk with me, even after a "leg day" which is what he calls after a hard leg workout at the gym. But he now will never say no to a walk because we now have Elle and walks are more fun with her. We admired all of the beautiful homes toward Ault Park, spotted a male bulldog rolling around on some one's lawn, smiled at all of the runners passing us by and then ended the day by taking Elle to her first dinner outside in Hyde Park Square which is one of our favorite things to do.  Then, which cannot be a habit this Spring, we had to stop off at Greaters Ice Cream (do you believe it Reagan? After Cold Stone?!) and I had my last dessert for the week. Ha, we'll see how long this lasts.....