As I type this I'm sitting on my patio, watching 'lil q grew up before my eyes. Gone is the infant/baby/toddler who I had to carry around to do everything. She's walking around, playing with her new sandbox, then her mini big wheel [okay so it's a barbie version of it that grandma bought her but still] and then she set out to explore the yard. Not once did she require my help as she marched off, looking to see what was to see. I hover between a smile and tears as I watch her find her way. I know there will be many more - and worse - times like this in the not so distant future, but today it was special. I already miss the baby she was, but love the little girl she's become.

When we started this journey more than three plus years ago, these were things I longed to experience. I don't think I expected the bittersweet taste that comes from watching her leave her total need for me/us behind. Of course i want her to grow up and become a self confident independent woman, but - can't that wait a few dozen more years? Of course, soon she started calling - Papa, I need help - [yes, that is what she says at 2 years and a week] so up I go to kiss a boo-boo, or turn on the spigot so she can wash off the sand she squeezed through her hands. Then I needed to push her through the grass because her legs don't quite reach the pedals. Despite the big grin, I see how fast she's growing, so I make sure to enjoy the moments as they come.

But that was a digression from what I meant to write. As some - maybe most by now - know, Mike and I got married last week. Yes, after 18+ years I finally made an honest man of him. It's been a hectic couple months trying to get the wedding organized, and 'lil q's second b-day party the day after. Just when I think things will slow down - boom, they're don't.

All of that is a long way of getting to saying, sorry for being so scarce. I miss the time I spent here. I miss chatting, reading, commenting, etc. I made some very good friends on GA and I hope to make more in the future. But first I need to get organized and get back to contributing. I'm working on it, it just might take me a bit of time to get there.