Catching Up (months 35, 36 and 37 included)

This summer has been so busy, so outrageously busy -- filled with non-stop activities and events. There have been moments of joy, incidents of sorrow, celebrations of birthdays, trips of great import, signaling the rite of passage for toddlerhood (Disneyland!! A separate post to be dedicated for that oh-so-overwhelming experience). Kumi is now three-years-old and in the last couple of months has packed in five birthday parties (including her own), a yurt camping trip, a riotously action-packed week in Los Angeles, berry-picking in the rain, swimming in various pools big and small, honing her negotiating skills ("one more minute, okay??" is her trump card), playing, playing, playing.

My art show went well and I sold many paintings.

I was pregnant. Then I was not. You hope and you hope and you hope that the baby will be safe, healthy, full-term. I wasn't prepared for the miscarriage and I am still a little numb from the shock. I really, really, really wanted this baby. The hardest part was that I still had all the pregnancy symptoms including morning sickness, increased sense of smell, etc. even though the baby had no heartbeat and hadn't had one for weeks. But I'm not a sob-filled mess anymore and that's good. And I know that in the end, it was for the best because the body knows when all is not right. Normally, I wouldn't reveal such private information in such a public way, but I felt false just rambling on about the good stuff because I am still sad. But I now appreciate Kumi's robust health and amazing growth and development all the more.

And here are just a few zillion photos showcasing just how healthy and full of life my little three-year-old is: