House O' Sullivans

I had an epiphany recently.  Although pregnancy hormones generally prevent me from any higher-order thought, I finally realized something about myself.  It is this: When I am pregnant I go through the stages of grieving.  In the process of growing a new life, I literally lose my own for a time and I mourn that loss.  "Normal life" is whisked away into an oblivion of nausea and vomiting.  My normal body likes to move and accomplish and think, my prego body is slothy and my thinking moves into what I call "brain stem"--survival, that is.  I emotionally fight against the take-over, using up what little energy I do have.  Denial, anger, self-pity, mourning, then the final acceptance of what is and once I stop fighting against the total-body and mind takeover, things are easier.  My body is still sick, but my mind and emotions open up--less consumed with the loss of my "normal life." Mothering asks all.  Becoming a mother changed what I do d...

Last Thursday Hallee turned 6.  She was such an easy little thing to deliver.  She was my smallest (6 lbs. and 7 oz.) and I've always just called her "Little."  The name fits her.  She's not short, but she's a wiry little thing for certain. Hallee on her birth day--March 27, 2008. Hallee has been such a blessing to our family.  She was an extremely fussy baby (read: very hard for me . . . I have stories) and from the beginning I knew that she would be a force to be reckoned with--as they say in the industry--but she is full of fun.  She doesn't really walk, she bounces.  When she talks, every facial and hand gesture is amplified and usually accompanied by a huge smile or laughter.  She is feisty and fiery (the yin to the yang with her emotions) but she is also a delight. Although I have never been into popular culture, I consented to a "Frozen" party for Hal and a few of her neighborhood friends.  She and her sister have been obsess...

Going to St. George in late winter is a well-established Sullivan tradition.  The trip includes the obligatory stop at Meadow Hot Springs, a stay in a nice hotel with a pool, and lots of hiking in the redrock.  This year we headed down on Friday morning, February 28th and stayed for 4 days.  Here are some of the highlights: Zeke, ready for an afternoon dip in the Meadow Hot Springs This child has absolutely no fear of water.  Although only 3, he wildly dives in, swims under water, and floats on his back with finesse. Hallee at the springs This is what paradise looks like. Sophie has such graceful form. Zeke, waxing in the 100 degree waters. Although overcast, we had a rain-free visit.  We had the hot springs all to ourselves until an older gentleman joined us but he was such great company that we didn't mind at all.  He called himself "Eric the Wonderful."  What a guy! A rare photo of me, taken by Sophie. ...