A Peek at the Poulsens

This is Natalie and Austin at four in the morning. Natalie decided she didn't want to sleep at my parents' house and we couldn't let her cry because there were 7 other people sleeping all over the place, so we were up with her from 3-5:30 AM. Not ideal. But she did just fine once she was in her own crib again. Natalie loves playing with paper. I usually let her crinkle and drool to her heart's content until the paper starts to fall apart from being so soggy. Then she throws a tantrum and I give her an "is that necessary?" look. She realizes it's not necessary and we move on with our lives. She also thinks it's fun to stay in jammies all morning and play in our bed - she's practicing her paper skills with a stuffed animal audience above. Of course, we've had lots of play time with Daddy, which often turns into putting articles of clothing on her head. Natalie felt like a ninja. Natalie loves chewing on her feet! ...

I'M DONE!!!! Can you believe it!? I, Jessie Elizabeth Plumb Poulsen, have completed my Senior Piano Recital, the last main hurdle before I GRADUATE! I don't think it has really set in yet. I could fail everything else I am doing for the rest of this semester, and still get my degree. I'm not going to fail, of course, but it feels HUGE that I've gotten to this point. Natalie Jane is seven months old and while I'm sure it is difficult being in any program while you have children, I have to wave my little flag here and suggest that a music major is perhaps even more challenging to manage with a baby. It was so hard to leave late at night to go get my practicing in, find someone to watch Natalie for my lessons and run-throughs, and try to memorize 40 minutes of music with so many other distracting thoughts always on my mind. I couldn't go home after school and be done for the day; practicing was  never finished.  SO...it is completely awesome that...

It has been CRAZY around here for the past week or two! Lots of goings-on with family, church, Natalie, school, work, piano, and other completely random things that normally don't complicate our life as much. We are holding on tight and hoping to get through the next little while with some sanity! (I say "we" but I really am just referring to myself, since Austin never gets stressed or overwhelmed.) Natalie is usually immune to the stresses of life as well, but sometimes she does get a little concerned (see the third picture above.) My Senior Piano Recital is this Saturday, and I can say that I'm (mostly) prepared and (mostly) looking forward to it, although it would be a lie if I didn't say that I will be completely relieved and unburdened when it is over with. I have to admit that I'm tired of practicing, I'm tired of running off to Westbrook Music Building when I'd rather spend time with my family, I'm tired of dress rehearsals and mem...