Happy birthday, Isabelle

A year ago today, my niece by "adoption", Isabelle Gelder made her way into the world. We already knew that Alan and Lara were having a girl. So it was just a matter of waiting to meet her.

I ended up going to the hospital the following night after work to meet her. I held her and sang "Silent Night" in Irish Gaelic to her. When she cried, she squeaked. She was way too adorable.

Over the next few months, I spoiled her shamelessly. I got her little outfits and St. Patrick's Day socks. And I would sometimes go over the Alan and Lara's to visit her and help Lara out with the baby. And when I needed to get to the train station to come out to Utah, it was Lara who took me to the train station, with Isabelle in tow, and they were the ones who saw me off.

The last time I spent some real time with Izzy B was when the Gelders came out for David's wedding. Some of my time in Provo, Orem, and American Fork was spent keeping seven-month-old Isabelle entertained, and doing my "aunt-ly duties". I was even able to make sure she smiled during the family shots (at least the ones I wasn't in).

Happy 1st birthday, Isabelle. I love you.

Slan go foill...

Almost seven months...

It's almost seven months since I boarded the Amtrak train and made the trek out here. And I'm having major mixed feelings right now.

I'm glad to be here, don't get me wrong. This is Zion, after all. But I'm feeling a little lonely and homesick, especially since I can't go home for the holidays. And the fact that I can't be with my family for the holidays kinda sucks; I won't lie.

Thank goodness for friends here. At least I have somewhere to go. :)

Slan go foill...