if you have to lie on ice

i've begun about five posts lately--uploaded pictures and everything. but there's a lot of incompletion (probably not good grammar but it just feels right) going around these days due to some ongoing back troubles that are making me feel quite helpless and a little blue. but 70 degree weather can really lift my spirits, especially in january.

after a nice break while my mom visited this morning, it was back to figuring out how to entertain eli while also taking care of my back. so i gathered up a quilt, my ice pack, a chewable toy, and a five month old and headed to the back yard. one more trip inside to grab the camera and we were all set. i laid back and watched the clouds while eli tumbled about beside me. it reminded me of my first outing to the park with anna once she was old enough to play around on a blanket. i felt so so happy to just be quietly enjoying eli's company and feeling so relaxed at the same time.

we have a new camera and i'm trying to learn how to make the most of it. today was a good day for that but mostly, i just felt like getting a few pictures to help me remember our nice time together. he was so happy as i held him in the air above me, but it was terribly hard to get a picture of him, while supporting him in the air. i tried balancing him on my legs with one hand (and managed to get the shot above) but it did feel a bit risky (and not the least bit helpful on my aching shoulder!).

it's time for bed. and more ice. and hopefully a few more shortish posts soon.