Ode to Josie

I learned much of what I know of being a mother from doting on Josie.

Id sneak into the nursery and pick up “my” sleeping baby and bring her to bed with me.

I learned to French braid on her hair (and to this day she insists that I braided so tight that I gave her Asian eyes).

My mother taught me to sew and I picked out baby-blue fabrics and made Josie’s 1st birthday dress.

Ironic, isn’t it, that 14 years later she is putting my babies to sleep at night, tying bows in their hair in the morning and crocheting a new blankie for Evie?

We have loved having Auntie Jo a part of our family for two entire months this summer! She has helped me corral the kids on the ranch and has been tirelessly patient with these rough and tumble cow-kids! Its been an unforgettable summer sis and I am SO thankful for you!

After living out of a suitcase for 70 days, we are happily homeward bound. Doubtless, I will have stories to tell after the estimated 34 hours in the car driving through Yellowstone and back to the east coast with 5 kids, 4 massive suitcases, 3 nights on the road, 2 exhausted parents and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.