Double holiday fun (AKA Finley's favorite weekend ever.)

Ever since I discovered that there was a stunningly beautiful resort on the Chesapeake Bay right in the middle of prime Eastern Shore hunting grounds, that's where we've headed for special occasions, quick weekend getaways, and "Seth wants to sit in a treestand all weekend but not at the expense of his marriage" compromises. The last time we went I was pregnant with Finley, and decidedly unenthused about having to skip the hot tub, mimosas, and massage (since let's be honest: on-your-side prenatal massages are not worth lumbering onto the table for). This time I was determined to enjoy all three, and was fervently hoping Finley would let me sleep past 0600 in honor of the double birthday- Mother's Day holiday.

I enjoyed the mimosas and the massage immensely, and swapping the hot tub for the kiddie pool was not a hardship since it was 85 degrees on the Eastern Shore. Our little water baby splashed around like a champ, and we chalked up yet another Important Parenting Lesson: you apparently have more fun when your kids are also having fun. (Don't worry, Mom. We put a sun hat and six layers of sunblock on our translucent little Scandinavian princess.)

We also learned that kiddie pools with bars that serve mai tais are a win for everybody. 

Unfortunately, although we celebrated the double holiday with a couple of cocktails, Finley did not. She was wide awake and enjoying her luxurious hotel digs at 4am. This is what my birthday/ Mother's Day morning looked like. It was not what I had in mind. A few minutes later, mid-diaper change, she peed all over our bed. It was hard not to laugh at the rapid deterioration of our romantic weekend getaway.

Later, Finley caught up on the news...

...and enjoyed breakfast in bed...

...before a delicious brunch (although she was mad that we refused to share our mimosas)...

...and more pool time.

Which, combined with her early morning wakeup, completely wore her out.

Finley basically had the best Mother's Day ever.

And I did too. It was incredibly special to get away with my little family, early wakeups notwithstanding. It's incredible how much has changed in the last year, and how absurdly happy we find ourselves these days. 35 was unbelievably good to me. We're totally enthralled with our new roles as supporting cast in the "All-Finley Show." But we're also proud of ourselves for surviving the transition, for still making time for each other, and for learning how to take turns supporting one another. (Not to mention for figuring out how to take the baby away for the weekend!) Seth went out of his way to make the double holiday special, just as he has always done. I'm definitely lucky. 36 has big shoes to fill.

In keeping with this week's theme, the photo of the week: Finley hijacked yet another of my presents. (My picnic blanket is covered in applesauce and baby snot, she wears my sunglasses, and it's just a matter of time before she knows how to use the new iPad Seth gave me.) This hammock was a present to myself, and we both love it. Although the huge grin is at least partially because she was looking at her Dad.

As far as Mother's Day goes, it's just one of many days of the year on which I have occasion to think how lucky I am to have been raised by my Mom, and to have gotten from her my love of fresh air, of reading, of adventure, of nature, of good music and turkey barbecue (not to mention my hatred of bad grammar)-- all things I hope to pass on to my own kid.

Missy dug up this picture of Mom and I in Hawaii, and it's one of my favorites.

I am grateful, too, for the lessons I've learned from Jayne, a shining example of positivity and selflessness and unwavering support for her kids; and from my sisters Sara and Lisa, both exceptionally cool Moms who have taught me much about the dirty business of raising kids (and living to laugh about it.)

And I'm grateful for my partner in crime. Of all the lessons we've learned since November 5th, the one that stands out the most is that this is most definitely a two person job. I'd be lost without the Dad of the Year.

The absolute best thing that happened this week: this sound. (Finley discovered banging together spoons the other night in the kitchen, and went nuts.)

Here's to love, laughter, and another great year!