The worst has happened.

I lost my wedding bands.

I actually lost them after Madison's birth. We took them with us to the Hospital, but haven't seen them since.

You know, when you get married, your wedding bands are everything. Everyone wants to see them, to analyze them, to talk about them. But more than that, they're a symbol of your endless commitment to the love of your life.

Which is why I should be freaking out. I should be running around the house screaming my head off, searching every corner of every nook and cranny.

But I'm not. My ring was just a thing. It was/is beautiful, but it's not the center of my life. My family is. and they make better accessories than some silly ring ever did.

"what about Jeff?"

Poor Jeff. I so obviously abuse him.

Ever since being accepted into Saint Louis University, I've had a lot of different reactions from different people. Jeff jumped up and down and started telling everyone he knew, my mother burst into tears, and I just kind of sat there saying "crraaap, now we have to move."

However, the majority of people keep saying "wow, that's great. What about Jeff? Is he going to grad school?"
It didn't bother me at first, after all, our goal has always been to go to grad school together. (and before you ask me what about Jeff - He is taking a year to work and help us settle into Saint Louis before applying to SLU.)

But then a thought popped into my head... if the roles were reversed, would someone ever ask Jeff "what about Amber?"

Would everyone be as concerned for me going to grad school? Is it such a crazy idea that I might have more education than my husband? Would we be classifiably insane if he was the stay-at home dad?
The decision to have me begin school before Jeff seemed so naturally to us. I've always been really into school and learning, while Jeff is a much harder worker than I am. So what is it about our situation that makes everyone do a double-take?

Our first couple weeks

I've been so blessed to have Jeff here at home with me the last two weeks. Not only has it helped me with my recovery, but it has honestly felt like a vacation... a sleep-deprived one, but nonetheless, it has almost been like our honeymoon all over again, just getting to know each other as parents and falling in love all over again.

well, enough of that cheesy stuff.

We've become obsessed with taking pictures of Madison, so here they are. Our first week together as a family. 

Maddie's First bath. at first she liked it...

and then she didn't like it. 

all bundled up to go to the first pediatrician appointment

our attempt at swaddling. poor little worm. 

Then, yesterday Jeff and I decided to go to the park. But we didn't realize it would be so windy, so Maddie and I stayed inside the car while Jeff took buddy to go play in the snow. 

maddie was not ok with the cold.

buddy loved it. 

maddie and dad doing "skin to skin" bonding.

Buddy has been really sweet to Maddie.