We Survived

As some of you know I work for one of the spiritual groups here in Crestone. Shumei International Institute is a group based out of Japan, read more about them at www.shumeicrestone.org. I organize art events among other random tasks for them and from the beginning they all have been unbelievably supportive of my journey into Motherhood.It is not uncommon for little ones to be running through the office.

This last weekend was their 9th Anniversary. In Japan Anniversaries are a big deal, and this is no exception. We start planning for the event in December and much time, effort and thought goes into each detail. Before Piper was even born much had gone into how to juggle her during this weekend. I wanted to be involved as much as I could, without throwing her for a loop. Saturday is an interfaith day with 25 of the local spiritual groups sharing information, talks, songs, and intensives throughout the day. Sunday is the actual Anniversary with concerts and art receptions. Our plan of attack was to have Josh be on Daddy Duty Friday, Saturday and Sunday and I would do what I needed to do and we would check in with each other. Saturday's events were at Dharma Ocean (www.dharmaocean.org) and so in setting up I had a little room with couches for our use should we need it. Morning naps are the norm here so Friday morning Piper slept while I ran up to begin setting up. Upon waking later that morning it became clear she was not going to take the bottle, even though we've had one successful meal. Nope. No-how-no way. So Josh would bring her up to me, she would eat and cuddle and then head back home for another nap. And so the cycle continued. With only one meltdown on Sunday morning we survived.

Here are a few photos from the weekend

Piper Chillin' in the Shrine room while Kirtan Practice began

Piper meets my little friend Matsanori.

This Lady touching Piper couldn't get enough of her. In fact, I noticed most of these Japanese ladies loved poking at Piper. "So sweet- Baby"

Piper even had a chance to meet Ms. Koyama, Shumei's Spiritual Leader and President, but unfortunately I didn't get photos of that.

This is us at the art opening with our friend Tia who was one of the artists in the show.

Josh's hand, making fun of all the poking of sweet Piper

She was over it by the end of the day, but not so over it she couldn't give us a smile...