Is this what Oprah meant?

I've heard that we have these lightening "a-ha" moments - almost where life makes sense. I never really believed in them, and I'm not sure that I do yet, but here is what at least was a perfect moment.

Ella and I had been out shopping all day - we went from store to store, looking for good deals and cool things for Mom, Dad, or Ella pie. We made frequent stops to the Macy's dressing room (which is in desperate need of a makeover) for trying things on, quick diaper changes, and a quiet place for Ella to eat out of the wide eyes of the public. We had a lot of fun...


We then made our way over the Dad's store and shopped a bit with him after work - picking up the essentials - another photo album for Ella's expanding collection, a new Ella sized dress, and chewer. Since Ella is now out of her stroller and into a shopping cart - we decided she needed to ride in comfort and style...


Then on to Dad's favorite part of the night - a quiet dinner out of good company and cheeseburgers... (Here's the good company, the cheeseburgers had already been devoured)


And for the best part of all, the ride home. Dad and Mom met after work so we had two cars. But there we were - our little caravan driving down the highway back home. Ella was asleep in her carseat, Dad was following behind, and just as we made it onto the highway the finale of an early 4th of July fireworks display began and ended through our windshields above our heads. At that moment life was perfect. I can so vividly recall last 4th of July - attending the same town's display with Dave and an Ella in my belly. Dave and I sat close on a blanket looking up at the stars as we ate sno-cones (a pregnancy obsession of mine) and bad popcorn - joking about the loud noises and wondering what next year's fourth would be like. What life would be like. What kind of parents we would be. How would our life change. After months of waiting and speculation, at that moment everything felt right.

It is better already...