My Attachment Theory

Before we had Lily, Tim would often jokingly say, "I hope our kids like me." I would always reassure him that of course they would love him; he's their daddy. I guess I knew and hoped that the same would be true for me, their mommy, but I had no idea how incredible it would feel and how early on in Lily's life I would be able to experience this attachment. For the first 6 weeks or so of her life, Lily cried a lot. The only thing that seemed to consistently soothe her was feeding her. I felt so inept when I couldn't comfort her by holding her, singing to her...didn't she remember my voice?

Now when she cries and I pick her up, she stops. She rests her head on my shoulder. She takes those shuddering deep breaths that come after crying and is comforted. Mommy is here. Mommy is here. And I get to be the mommy! She smiles when I talk to her, giggles when I tickle her, and loves to hear "You Are My Sunshine". I didn't think she would be so aware of me until she was older, but I am so glad she is.

Sometimes it feels very overwhelming to be so much for this dependent little person. But the rewards! Oh the rewards...that little head on my shoulder, that smile, those fingers clasped around one of mine...those make every day a good one.

Hot Date

I had a hot date to the dental school Winter Ball this past Friday. Aren't I lucky? Lily waited up for us until we got home at 10:30 pm.

Not everyone can wear snakeskin pants and look this cute

New pictures

Our friends Kristine and Scott were kind enough to meet up with us in Southern California when we were home for Christmas for a photo session. Their little boy Marty is 6 days younger than Lily. Kristine did a great job and got some very sweet pictures of our new little family. Note to self, us pale-faced Rauchs need to wear some color next time the camera comes out. Oh sure, don'tcha know we live in Wiscahnsan and all but our color palette choices did not seem to help. So sorry if our whiteness blinds you.

Ye are of more value than many sparrows

Tomorrow I'm teaching the lesson in Relief Society, the women's meeting at my church. I thought I would share some of my favorite scriptures and thoughts from it with you.

The lesson is about God - His attributes, how we can come to know Him, and why it's important for us to understand His nature.

My thoughts:

It never ceases to amaze me that there are so many people that have lived, are living, and will live on this earth, and yet my Heavenly Father knows me. Little old me who says prayers at night asking God to please, please bless that this little baby will go to sleep because I'm so tired. Silly me who does not always "Love my neighbor" and is known for her road rage. Big sister me who prays every night for her little brother in the Marines. All of these prayers He hears, and answers in His own time and way.

Matt 10:29-31

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

His attributes:

"God is perfect. He is a God of righteousness, with attributes such as love, mercy, charity, truth, power, faith, knowledge, and judgment. He has all power. He knows all things. He is full of goodness. All good things come from God. Everything that He does is to help His children become like Him. He has said, “Behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”."

How we can come to know Him:

1 John 2:3-5

3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

Why seeking to know God matters:

"Knowing God is so important that the Savior said, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). The first and greatest commandment is "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart" (Matthew 22:37).

For the whole lesson, go here.

For info about my church, go here.

Happy New Year!

What: Polar Bear Plunge

Where: Lake Michigan, -2 degrees with wind chill

When: January 1st, 2010

Why: It felt like the right thing to do on our last New Year's Day in Milwaukee






Tim and Greg submerge.


I know I'm supposed to submerge, but I can't bring myself to do it.


What to do?


Wait for it...


A little sissy splash works for me.


I think I'm crying, and I for sure can't feel my feet.


Still crying.


True pain.


I can see my Uggs!

The (cute) police are coming

I heard Tim saying this to Lily the other day:
"You better stop being so cute or the cute police are going to come and take you to cute jail, and they'll make you wear a cute pink jumpsuit in a cute cell."