My Oscar Speech

As I sit in the glider, rocking Charlie to sleep, I compose so many thank you notes, blog posts and e-mails in my mind. I feel overwhelmed and guilty for all the people I need and want to send a note or e-mail to, but then I finally get a chance to sit at the computer and I can't remember anything that I had wanted to write. So in honor of the Oscars, pretend that this is my acceptance speech:

Wow, there are so many people I would like to thank. First of all, none of this would have been possible without such a wonderful set of parents. Their loving support throughout my life have enabled me to have the confidence I do now. I only hope we can raise Charlie with as many wonderful experiences as they raised us with.

SK Skilling, I think of you often and hope the baby arrives soon!

Carla, what would I do without your great advice on life? Your calm confidence always comforts me. I'm so glad you do everything one step ahead of me so that I can turn to you for advice!

Kelly, you are such a kind and generous friend. I am overwhelmed by the amount of things you have given us to use for Charlie. Not a day goes by that we aren't using something you have given us. Brussels wouldn't be the same without you!

Julie Smith, the outfits you sent Charlie are too cute and I can't wait for Charlie to wear them.

Tootie, I miss you!

Holly Townley, the lullaby pillow you gave Charlie hangs next to his crib and it makes me smile every time I play it. You and Alvin have been such wonderful family friends to all of us. I can't wait for the girls, the boys and their grandmothers to get together for a play date.

Burt and Sherrie, thank you for all the wonderful gifts you brought over for Charlie. From the bibs to all the outfits, he will be well covered because of you. It is so sweet to see the love on your faces for him and I know he misses all the cuddles he got while y'all were here.

Mrs. Carlson, the blanket you made Charlie is just perfect. He has started kicking his blankets off and yours is the only one heavy enough to stay on him. I think of you every time I use it and am comforted knoiwng that he will stay warm throughout his whole nap.

All of my AWCB friends, I so miss getting to see you on a daily basis. I feel so loved every time I walk through the clubhouse doors and I can't wait to introduce you to Charlie.

And to all the people who have brought us food -- THANK YOU!!! I never realized how helpful it is for new parents to receive meals until I was one. The other day Charlie was fussy and I couldn't manage to boil water for pasta because I was so busy dealing with him. It is such a relief.