Seth, Shannon, Piper and Quinn Dunlop
The story of our little family and our modern day journal

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas

Every night Piper sits in my lap and I read to her before bed. I cherish this time. I know it's not going to last forever. Tonight she appropriately chose to read The Polar Express. I love this story. If you haven't read this story recently, take a moment to read it. It made me realize that having a child really does make you hear that bell ring every day. Piper creates a magic in our lives. She makes me believe in all that is good and beautiful.
I remember so vividly right after I had Piper I was having a tough time. I got to experience postpartum.So much fun.
It was my brother's birthday party, and everyone was sipping cocktails and living it up. I was talking to my dear friend about how hard of a time I was having. She told me that she looked around the room and she felt so bad for everyone who didn't have children. She wondered what they did. What is was that fulfilled them. At the time I just listened to her. Not until some time had passed did I really understand her words.
Christmas and all holidays I suppose make me think about what she said even more.
This little girl is so magical. One day she will be off to college and creating a life all of her own. It's the little moments with her that I cherish. Feeling her little body rest in my lap and ask who certain characters are in her books. She is the best gift that I could have ever received.
At the end of The Polar Express the child is talking about how he is an adult now and all off his friends, including his sister can't hear the bell ring anymore. I didn't travel to the North Pole, but I did become Piper's mom. She will forever make me believe.
Merry Christmas.

Friday, December 10, 2010

More Change

We've known this was coming for some time now, but we have simply outgrown our house. It's time to start thinking about saying good-bye and saying hello. This makes me so sad. I know a house is just some bricks and paint, but many memories and emotion go into a home.
This was the first home I have ever owned, and Seth's second. Under this roof our children were conceived, 1 child was brought home, and 2 dogs died. Many jokes, laughter, and memories happened here.
When my brother told me that he had ordered the for sale sign, it made my heart sink. I'm not sure if I will be able to watch him hammer it into my perfect lawn that I have taken such pride in mowing for the past 8 years.
My hope is that some fabulous gay couple will buy our house and love it and care for it as much as we did. Ok they don't have be gay, but they just usually have the best taste and take really good care of their homes.
So we have 6 months to sell our home and find a new one. This seems like a tall order in this economy, but we will try our best. If not Seth and I are going to be sharing our room with a newborn. I adore my children, but I am not into co-sleeping.
I am looking forward to the new adventures that lie ahead of us. New neighborhood, new friends, a new home, but mostly the new life that has precipitated the need to move.
www.patrickquinnhomes.com