So Fast/A Farewell

Time is flying by so quickly. It's just about a week and a half until THANKSGIVING and I realized today that we really do have to settle on at theme for Libby's birthday party, because it is so soon!

She's been going back and forth between 101 Dalmatians, Minnie/Mickey Mouse, Winnie-the-Pooh again, "no party, Mama," or... something else!

Michael and I spent time today at the toy store taking everything in and discussing options for Christmas (her birthday gifts are totally done as of today, too- well other than waiting for some things to arrive! Oh, and I guess not if you consider the party part of her gift - which it should be, really.) We have a lot of Christmas done, but we have a few things still to get a most deserving girl.

Also, we took notes in case others ask for ideas. I made Michael come with me because just walking through the Target recently, I was so overwhelmed. And with a child who shows how grateful she is for any and every little thing, it's tough to always know exactly what will really tickle her.

I love that little girl.

While we were out, Sarah came over to babysit! Libby napped for a large part of the time, but they sure know how to maximize the fun time! We came home to them out in the back yard with Sarah raking leaves in to piles for Libby to run and kick through. She was having an absolute blast and it just warms my heart so to watch them play. Libby can be a little bossy (or a lot bossy) at times, but somehow I recall a bit of bossing from Sarah towards me for more than a few years, too...

I sadly got no photos. But Sarah took some!

Yesterday, Libby had an unofficial class play-date or meet-up, maybe? at the park. Madeline, Stella, Alex and Noah all made it, along with Libby. Most of the kiddos played together, but Libby took off pretty quickly to the bigger equipment and honestly, you should have seen her climbing some really difficult curved ladders and "rock climbing" wall. Michael was with us, so I used the opportunity to let him supervise part of the time so I could get to know some of the other parents better. They were all pretty impressed with Libby's fearlessness and independence, too. It scares me just a little!

They did get some photos together and share snack time. Little Madeline's parents had coordinated the event and brought everyone snacks and she was the perfect hostess in handing them all out and making sure that everyone was well taken care of.

Libby, Stella, Madeline, Alex

And it turns out that Madeline is just about a week older than Libby and Stella is just two days older!

On Friday evening, I said, "goodbye" for the several-eth time in a row to Sheridan before she officially moved. We had book club the night before and I got a little verklempt before last month's book club, but on Friday it really hit me. We got to have a farewell dinner with other former and current coworkers and it was lovely. But then I went in for the hug and it finally got to me. I am thrilled for her and her husband and know that she will be much happier. But I cried when I got in the car and I thought the whole way home about how much she has meant to me as a friend, but also as a coworker and mentor. Sheridan is a total pro. When I started at my job, coming from my first job straight out of college with my same boss, I rose from the intern at the bottom of the totem pole to doing all of the day-to-day work in my area, in an intense atmosphere, and treated as nearly an equal with the bosses and strategists. When that part of the job was over, I was so pleased to take the next step... but felt at the beginning like I had to start all over with another person ahead of me - where most of "the action" was really happening. Sheridan didn't know me. She could have treated me like I was nothing. But she didn't. Sheridan treated me as an equal from Day One. Literally. Even when I really hadn't a clue, she allowed me - and helped me - to jump right in and get going. She respected my work and my thoughts. Even though was was technically my boss, she never let me refer to her that way. We became real friends and then I get to work with her for a little while in the same city and have my friend in the same city even when we didn't work together any more. Now, we don't work together and she's leaving my city. I'm really kinda bummed. But I'm also glad that I can reflect on what she's meant to me over our nearly eight year friendship. I don't worry that we won't remain great friends- Sheridan is even better than I am at keeping in touch with people- but it will be different. The good news is that I know it won't feel like a day has passed when we do talk or get to hang out. Thank goodness her parents just live up the road from us, so I know she'll be back and around plenty. And I can't wait to take Libby to visit her and Jim when she gets a little older, too! What an incredibly special trip that will be.

Sheridan- we love you and we can't wait to see what's in store for you next. Happy Thanksgiving in YOUR city, with your hubby, in your special tradition. Can't wait to see you again soon.