Baby in a pumpkin :) (Taken with Instagram)
Pennsylvania’s newest residents :) (Taken with Instagram)
Before you were born I had many dreams for the future, it wasn’t till last year around this time that I had to make these dreams into a reality. Where I am today is because of you. Right now I am in our very first apartment and you are snuggled up in your bed 7 hours away. I went away for a month training for my new job in Philly, New York and Chicago. I came home for a week, and had to go back to Philly to start my real job. This time away from you has made me appreciate you more. I have the time to love you now that I finished school. Im no longer thinking about the list of homework I have to do while I’m feeding you. I can just simply enjoy every little bit of you.
I miss you so much, my Oliver Blaise. I can’t wait till you move into the home I worked so hard to obtain :)
We all know people who are inspiring. But just how does one inspire others? Here are ten simple ways you can inspire people to be their best:
Be a good example. People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say. Be someone worth emulating.
Care about others. People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. Ask questions. Take a genuine interest in people.
Encouragement. Everyone goes through tough times. When you support people and encourage them through these times, you’ll be inspiring them to see the best in themselves and in the situation.
Be inspired yourself. Look for people, ideas, environments and knowledge that you find inspiring and motivating.
Share from your own experience. You have more to share than you realize. Mine the rich experiences of your life and share your wisdom from your unique point of view. You may be the only one who can touch someone with your inspiring message.
Be vulnerable. Be willing to share your failures as well as your successes. Others will relate to you. They’ll understand that they’re not the only ones with challenges.
Tell stories. Facts tell and stories sell. They inspire, too. We learn best from parables and we all need to develop our own inspiring stories.
Be a good communicator. Increasing your ability to communicate effectively is a critical element for you to inspire others. Watch how you speak and what you say. Invest in your communication skills.
Challenge people. Many of us have had teachers who at times seemed more like tormentors than mentors. They challenged us to do our best, and we were better for it. Practice “carefrontation”—the careful and caring confrontation of others.
Read. It may not follow that all readers are leaders, but certainly all leaders are readers. Stay informed. Share what you read with others. Tell people about books that have inspired you. Share the knowledge.
Remember
Your first Summer Solstice :) You didn’t actually get to go shopping but you got to shop for work clothes with Minnie and Minnie.
This was also the first time your Papa and I handed you off half way between both of our homes.
We are making sure you know how much both of us love you, no matter how far we live apart.
Taken with Instagram
You love your jungle gym! You spent the last 3 days at Papa’s house. I think you had a fantastic time :) Your Nana and Tia’s are up from Panama. You are surrounded with so much love!
Oliver we can’t forget a couple people that helped us get through this tough year. These girls put up with all of Moms bull while you were in my belly, and out. They will be in our future to.
You can’t forget great friends, you have to hold on to them.
Love you Courtney and Holly :)
Papa and I need some credit, We did get you baptized :)
Papa put together a great party, It was a wonderful day.
