Compromise

This past Sunday was the Kettle Moraine Day Parade in Eagle, WI. Every years BJ's family travels the 45 minutes to spend the afternoon with family. For many of our extended family it is the only time they see each other, and with the parade, way too much good food and all the family it really is a fun time.

BJ and I haven't been home for the parade since before we got married (I think), and this year BJ's parents asked if Sophie and I would come.

My 1st thought was that with Sophie's schedule so messed up and the parade at noon it would be a hassle. We'd either have to go early and leave before most of the family actually showed up or we'd have to come up late after much of the family had already left. However after thinking about it and talking with BJ's parents I decided that some things are more important than naps.

I wasn't willing to pitch them all together, but depending on what time she woke up in the morning I would move her nap one way or the other so we could make it (Sophie almost never falls asleep in the car).

The day of the parade Sophie was up ridiculously early which meant she would need a morning nap, and I could push her afternoon nap back giving us a nice chunk of time for the parade and family.

So after an hour morning nap, and a quick conversation with daddy (truly the most important thing each day) we were off to Eagle.

Sophie had a great time. Our little social butterfly "talked" to almost everyone, sat on Grandpa's lap for most of the parade, blew kisses, ate a ton of fruit (which she calls bellas), and tried to follow some of the bigger kids around. Though I didn't get talk to as many people as I'd like, and the conversations I had were quick with one eye on Sophie all the time, I had a really nice time and enjoyed watching Sophie meet more of her family.

We have a big family, especially on BJ's side they are a close knit group and I want Sophie to be knit tightly into this clan. I want her to know that she belongs, these are her people, part of her heritage, history and future. Sophie is not just part of our family (BJ and I) but part of OUR family (the lot of us).

It was a really good day.