No Day But Today

Twirl.

2012-02-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

If you live in Seattle, and especially if you are a parent or just love hanging with kiddos...twirl your way up to the top of Queen Anne and enjoy the darling-ness that is Twirl Cafe.

We met friends there last night and enjoyed some childhood fun (most amazing play area/jungle gym/toys!) and adult fun (Valentine's theme wine tasting and chocolate pairing).

A little something for everyone.

I especially love that the woman who started the cafe saw a need for a place where grown-ups could gather with some delicious, easy food...enjoy a glass of wine...all while the little ones played to their hearts content. There was a void and she has filled it. Bravo sister!

It may be a Hallmark Holiday...but it's still a holiday, and I love me some holiday celebrations. They make me want to twirl.

;)

"Goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo...

2012-02-05T14:29:00.001-08:00

"How about you, you, you?..." What? No Raffi on your playlist? :)

We enjoyed the Seattle Zoo and the unseasonably warm(ish) temperatures with friends this weekend. Oh how we've missed that Vitamin D!

But when our friend the sun is here, we get outside as much as possible...so we continued our adventures to the park.

Seriously...it is such fun being her mama.

J'adore Paris.

2012-01-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

As Audrey Hepburn once said, "Paris is always a good idea."
Our trip was a good idea.
The best idea.
The stars aligned and the opportunity to travel to Paris as a family presented itself to us. An opportunity we will be forever thankful for. Because together we got to see the City of Lights in all its splendor.

It was more amazing than I had even imagined it to be. A city so alive with both history and life...each day I found myself looking around in awe.

I wondered what it would be like to see and experience this city that I have dreamed of and imagined about for so long...would it live up? Is it truly as amazing as everyone describes it to be?

The answer? Yes, Yes, Yes. It was everything and more.

The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people...the way of life...slower yet, fast at the same time if that makes sense...it will all be forever imprinted on my mind and heart.

And our girl? She was a trooper. Undoubtedly there were times before the trip where I second guessed our decision to travel so far with a 19 month old...but as she continues to do, she taught me and surprised me.

She did great.

Because while there is something to be said for schedules and routine...there is also a big something to be said for forgetting all that and taking on adventures together.

And thankfully, there were only a few break downs along the way...

Because in those adventures we learn more...we discover more...absorb and appreciate more.

It is thanks to the generosity of some very special people that this trip was possible..

And it won't soon be forgotten.

Paris...I am so in love with you. So I won't say goodbye...

I'll just leave it at...I'll be seeing you.

*If you are so inclined, you can view all our pictures from our trip here.

Little Reminders.

2012-01-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

There are little reminders all over house of what is to come...

And we are getting pre-tty darn excited!

Christmas 2011.

2012-01-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

You were good to us.
Oh my, were you good us.

In a word: magical.

Okay, who am I kidding. There's no way I can leave at one word.
You were magical, special, memorable...

Cozy, delicious...

And exhausting.

But exhausting in the very best way possible.

In that way that leaves you feeling thankful for the sleep in your eyes the morning after staying up to celebrate and cuddle with family. In that way that helps you overlook that you're getting back in your car, because at the end of the journey there will be more family to greet you. We wouldn't have had it any other way.

Charlotte had us in hysterics throughout Christmas with her flappy-bird arms excitedly waving up at down with the opening of each gift.

The girl gets the whole "present" thing, and let me tell you...she's a fan.

Traditions were made, and traditions were continued.

The Gold Bow that's been in our family we think for about 30+ years.

"Who wants a Tom and Jerry?"- Papa, one of his favorite holiday traditions.

Dumplings were made, our Nanny would be happy.

*Disclaimer: my uncle doesn't normally sport a pirate earring and UW bandana. It was part of the annual Apple Cup bet between he and my UW-loving uncle Peter. The loser always has to wear a selected outfit as chosen by the winner for a portion of the Christmas gathering.

There's nothing like discussing traditions surrounded by family to bring to light the reminder of just how fortunate we are. We have one pretty amazing family.

We are blessed. We are healthy. And we are so very thankful for this memorable Christmas season.

Until next year Christmas...may you stay in our hearts.

Caught red handed.

2011-12-30T20:04:00.000-08:00

Or chocolate faced as it may be.

"What? What chocolate?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

From Us to You.

2011-12-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Wishing you the merriest of holidays!

Anticipation.

2011-12-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

The lead up and anticipation of this most-special-of-all-holidays has been wonderful this year. Parties, gathering, more parties, more gatherings, annual gift exchanges, traditions continued...all the things that make this holiday so very dear to my heart.

But the anticipation is over. The Christmas celebration has officially begun.

Merry Merry everything.

Santa.

2011-12-22T21:13:00.001-08:00

I am a believer.
I've always been a believer.
One of those who believed in Santa way past the time when most kids had figured out it was really just mom and dad.

I distinctly remember a time in the 3rd grade when my best friend insisted that she knew it was her parents because she had found the packaging to the Barbie doll house that Santa brought her in, of all places, her basement.
I of course had a logical explanation to that:

well, Santa just didn't have time to set it up, and left everything in the packaging for her parents to help set up (I realized he had a LOT of houses to get to!) Simple as that.
I eventually did grow up, and through reading a very special book...accepted the fact that Santa had many helpers...aka parents.
Knowing that the wonder, the excitement, the awe and the belief are all coming for Charlotte brings me such happiness.

I will do whatever it takes to keep her belief in him alive as long as possible.

However...next year we might just take a baby step and work on liking him.

The red cup.

2011-12-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

For Christmas we got Charlotte's teachers each a Starbucks gift card and wrapped them in the iconic red cup. Who doesn't love a little warm treat?

Only problem was we didn't have something convenient to carry them in.

No worries, problem solved!

A little dig through the recycle bin can solve that.

Just stick them in the leftover six pack of beer case.

Handy, green and now representing all of our favorite vices.

Notice anything different?

2011-12-17T13:30:00.001-08:00

It's me.
Minus my appendix.

Yep...certainly not on my list of holiday plans, but after a night of horrible stomach pains, I went in to the doctor on Wednesday to learn that I would in fact be heading into surgery that afternoon. Bye bye appendix.
The one up side to spending the night at Swedish hospital?

Another chance at their chocolate milkshakes! Yes please!

I'm taking this time to rest up, watch some Hallmark holiday movies on the iPad in bed and address our Christmas cards...I suppose there could have been worse times to get my appendix out!
Thank you to everyone for your sweet thoughts, calls and texts. And especially thank you to my girl Michelle for coming to hang with Charlotte while I was still in surgery, to Paul for hanging with her this afternoon when I really needed a nap...and to my wonderful husband for taking such good care of me and loving me so perfectly.
I love you.

My itsy bitsy baby.

2011-12-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Is not so itsy bitsy.
She had her first Christmas program tonight. A Christmas concert! My girl! I actually got a little choked up as we pulled into the school parking lot.

With Martina McBride singing "Oh Holy Night" on the radio, the trees for sale in the parking lot lit by the big old school holiday lights, and the parking lot packed with parents coming to see their kiddos perform...I was momentarily overwhelmed.

How lucky I am that I get to be a mama...and go to such darling events as these.

Untitled from Courtney Juhl on Vimeo.

My love of all things Christmas just went to a whole new level.

The tradition continues.

2011-12-07T21:50:00.001-08:00

Bake Off 2011.
I made my come-back appearance after a few years off (the weekend falls the same weekend as "The Messiah" concert that I used to perform in)...and I'm so glad I returned.

Guidelines for the weekend:
Remain in Christmas pj's all weekend. Only exceptions are for swimsuits for the hot tub.

Make and consume many different Christmas treats.

Go on a walk to try and walk off a few bites of said treats.

Work on Christmas crafts, while Christmas music and Christmas movies play continually in the background.

Dream up our "Million Dollar Idea"

Play games, continue to eat some more, drink some more...

And laugh non-stop all weekend with girlfriends.

Bake Off, you make this Christmas loving girl so very happy.

Any my girls? You are the best.

Bookworm.

2011-12-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

Somebody is a big fan of books in this house.

This is our typical morning routine...very first thing when I come in to get her in the morning, she reaches and asks for a book- usually this one, "There Were Ten in the Bed" (she's quite particular about her first book of the day)...and then we can proceed with with the wet diaper.

Reading with daddy...

Reading with friends...

Last year we bought her one of those recordable books for "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and had different family members each read a page. Without fail, every time we get to Rick/Poppie's page, she squeals with delight at his animated voice. We can't wait to show him how happy she gets!

Now if we could just get her to stop eating all the books at school. Hmmmmm....

It's heeeeeeere......

2011-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

December.
And Christmas.

I've been waiting all year for you sweet season.
And I'm bringing my A Game this year. Just you wait...

The long weekend.

2011-11-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving break.
While it isn't like the old days from college (or like my mom the teacher) where we get an entire week off, we did have four days.
Four days of food and family.
Our tummies and hearts were full.

We did however throw a flu bug into the mix. It's a good thing Miss Charlotte is loved so much, or her aunties and uncles might have been less willing to hang out with us.

Right about here is where I think she passed it to Auntie Courty...

And here to Uncle Hans...

And not one to leave out the parents, we each had a day of it as well.

Diaper on head=Uncle Paul's latest favorite trick to play with Charlotte.

Thankfully there were lots of hands around to play when I was feeling under the weather. And thankfully we were cozied up at the island with our "Family Divided" to watch the Apple Cup (3/4 Cougs, 1/4 Huskys).

Complete with a betting game-board. Even Charlotte bought in for a few squares.

And with the close of Thanksgiving, we open the door to the most-wonderful-time-of the-year. Oh happy day!! Keeping with tradition, we went back to our favorite little tree farm in Redmond and found our tree. Cute, and little, and darling...we knew it was ours.

I had a little helper this year with the decorating.

Helper may be a loose term here...but having her explore and excite in all things Christmas that I pulled from the boxes made my heart skip a beat.

This is going to be so very much fun!

Gratitude.

2011-11-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

--Melody Beattie

Happy Thanksgiving friends. My heart is full.

Truth.

2011-11-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks/month there has been a lot of this...

And this...

And more of this...

The meltdowns have started.
With a vengeance.
And let me tell you, they can come out of no where. And most often only with us. School tells us she is "the happiest baby they've ever had"and she was great with Grammie.
I tell myself it's because she's most comfortable with us and we are her safety blanket where she can be herself.
But it's tough.
Nick and I plopped onto the couch the other night after Charlotte went to bed and we got the house back in order and agreed together that those infant days were most definitely the easiest of days.

Lack of sleep?
Sure. But some days I feel like I'd take that over the mood swings that are currently occuring in our house.

Who knows what it is...possibly the razor sharp molars that are still trying to poke through. Or maybe just getting back into routine after having us gone for 6 days. A stage perhaps? The terrible two's starting early? Or mostly due to the fact she can't communicate everything she wants quite yet, although she most certainly knows what it is.

Whatever it is, I've decided parenthood is no walk in the park.
Truth.

But last weekend?

My happy, sweet girl seems to have returned to me. We had a weekend of family time, with no real plans to speak of...and it was wonderful.

We explored...made messes...

and we relaxed...

Oh, and we dressed like twins for church, ha!

And when the meltdowns came, they were short lived.

Truth?
Challenges are good for us. It helps us appreciate even more those days that are easy and everything just flows. I'll take those challenging days because it means I am her mama. And she is my world. Even when she's a monster.

Zihua.

2011-11-21T18:39:00.000-08:00

I planted myself here the instant we got to Zihuatanejo.

It was an amazing six days.

Six days filled with relaxation, reading of teen-lit novels ("May the odds be ever in your favor"-- Hunger Games anyone?! Loved!), lounging by the pool, time with husband, time with friends...and to top it all off, my best friend got married. I'd say it was a once in a lifetime experience, however we all vowed to someday get back there together.

I really hope that promise/wish comes true because waking up to this every day was certainly not hard to take...

Our buddy, Salvador: "Anything you want, anytime, 20 times". Well, thank you very much Savador...it's no wonder we became fast friends with the guac he would bring us.

And while it was extremely hard to be away from Charlotte for that long, knowing she was in good hands allowed us to truly relax and recharge our batteries. These type of vacations don't come around all that often, so when they do...we absorb it and feel oh-so-thankful to be in that particular moment.

Moments of sun, sand and friends. It's pretty great stuff.

To top off all that great stuff though...is a wedding. A gorgeous, special, intimate and most memorable wedding of my childhood friend and constant companion...the sister in my heart. And she was a beauty!

Nick taking in the scene...

It WAS hot though...had to do some breaks in between photo shoots to cool off our bride.

Thank you Michelle and Brad for picking such a magical place to get married! I was so honored to be part of your special day. Cheers to your happiness forever!

xoxo

Reunited.

2011-11-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

And it feels SO good!

We are back from our amazing vacation and the absolutely gorgeous wedding of Michelle and Brad (much more to come on that!)...but right now, I'm focusing on doing a lot of this today...

Snuggles, snuggles and more snuggles.

Oh how I missed this little squish.

The first of the Big Three.

2011-11-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

Halloween. The official start of the season of holidays.
I recently read in a post from a favorite blogger that "the last months of the year are the grand finale" and I couldn't agree more.
Each month brings a new holiday, a new reason to celebrate and more traditions to craft and create for our family...culminating with the mother of all holidays, Christmas.

This month was the first...Halloween, and we partied it up.

Our little Strawberry got quite good use out of her costume this year as she was in it three days straight over the holiday weekend.

Engaging in a little ghosty craft at our PEPS party.

We got to welcome the newest member of our friend family, Miss Taylor Rose, with a Spooktacular themed "Sprinkle" (Sprinkle instead of Shower for a second baby...is that not the cutest?)

And even hit up a few houses for some Trick or Treating this year with our little friends...

As expected, Charlotte knew exactly how to grab for the candy.

The holidays are officially upon us, and I am officially stoked.

Stretching it out.

2011-10-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a lover of birthdays.
Every year.
Even though it means I'm getting older, I love everything about them. And another year older means another year to celebrate with those I love.

And I don't just like to celebrate for a day. I think I may have picked up this characteristic from my Auntie, but I prefer to have about a week long celebration.

I mean, really...it's better that way.

It started with mom coming to visit (and for the record Charlotte is quite smitten with her Grammie)

And a delicious dinner out with my main squeeze. Such a treat, and so appreciated.

Followed the next night by a gorgeous wedding downtown...

And a Sunday spent with our little buddies at the most darling farm/pumpkin patch ever.

Picture baby goats, chickens, ducks, pigs, ponies...all available for viewing and many for petting. Charlotte was in amazement.

If you know my daughter...you know these words aren't exactly what I'd use to describe her these days...

But we entered anyway.
I kept a close watch...don't worry little duckies.

We lucked out with a gorgeous Northwest fall afternoon...

And attempted another group shot.

I could just hear the kiddos thinking, "Nice try mom's. Never.gonna.happen."

And the perfect way to round out my birthday fun? A dinner gathering with my girls...cozied up together in our family room, chatting, sipping wine, eating and catching up.

Yay for birthdays. Yay for another year. 32, let's make it a good one.

Harvest happiness.

2011-10-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

The other day I bought a book as a gift. (Secretly I have leafed through the pages and am now wishing the store had two of these books in stock and that I would have purchased them both.)
It's a little book all about developing and discovering a sense of wonder for your family through the seasons. Ways of creating a slower pace involving activities that are connected to the seasons and rhythm of the year.

I love it.
This is what I want for my family.
For my girl.

I want her to know that October means crunchy leaves, and pumpkin patches, and bundling up. I want her to recognize the smell of the muddy ground after a rain and how as it gets darker earlier, we hunker down at home. I want to embrace all that there is to love about the changing seasons.

Lucky for us, we've got some good friends who purchased an amazing house just over the mountains where this most-favorite-of-all-seasons was in full effect.

And we were happy.

We spent the weekend enjoying crisp morning walks...

Miss Addie Mae has taken a note from Madonna as of recently and really strikes a pose!

and the most darling little Harvest Festival I've ever encountered!

The only downside to the weekend was that my little angel-baby-not-always-an-angel-toddler slept horribly. As in, the worst she has slept since the earliest infant days.

But here is a testiment to a true friend. Instead of pointing out the fact that I'm certain I kept Teresa and her family up all night as well...she just joined me at 5:30 a.m. with her babe, smiled a knowing smile, and we started our day. And 4 cups of coffee later, we were good to go.

There is such comfort in a friendship like that.

While we waited in line for a horse and buggy ride, Charlotte made some new friends of her own. Just plopped right down on their laps in the middle of their conversation. They thought it was hysterical, and I thought it was darling. I love her growing independence.

It was a harvest happy October weekend. Thank you Terry!!

Let us put our minds together
and see what kind of life
we can make for our children.
-Sitting Bull

Bachelorette.

2011-10-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

The other weekend we celebrated our girl. We said good-bye to husbands and boyfriends, kiddos and pets, responsiblities and to-do lists and we celebrated. An entire dedicated to girlfriends and laughter. Big time celebration folks.

There are certain things we are good at: wine tasting and picture taking being two of them.

And dancing. We are also REALLY good at dancing. Especially on buses and with poles...

and of the interpretive variety...

It's good to know too, that we are are still really good at the ol' sorority pose.

It was another one of those special days. One where I look around and pause for a moment, feeling so thankful that these crazy, beautiful, creative women are in my life.

Quite simply, they are the best.

The Maids.

Walla Walla girls.

As I sat down to blog tonight and looked through all these pictures, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. We've all been together for so long now, and how many wild nights have there been?! Countless. But give us another reason to celebrate and live it up and we're all over it. Michelle's upcoming wedding was the perfect excuse to cherish these friendships and celebrate not only Brad and Michelle, but all of us and the unstoppable bond we have created together.

And to end our incredible day...an evening of karaoke at Rockbox where private rooms allow for favorite songs to be sung back to back, no stopping to wait for that horrible solo from the weird guy in the corner...just us. Singing to our hearts content. What a dream.

This picture has to be my favorite of the entire day...

I only wish I knew what song this was?!

Happy Bachelorette Michelle! We love you and are so happy for you and Brad. Cheers to always celebrating like this.

xoxo

A budding musician??

2011-10-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Be still my heart.

*Photo's courtesy of my friend Britten.

Life as of lately.

2011-10-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

Say what?!
It's October?! My second favorite month of the year (2nd only to December of course, duh.) and I'm just now writing my first post of the month. Poor showing I know. But we've been busy, life has been good, we've been embracing the fall that is upon us.
*************************************************************************************
Mr. Max turned 3. For some reason, he's the only one in this family that we seem to remember to get the red plate out for. He's special like that.

*************************************************************************************
These two darling 1 year olds hold a very special place in my heart. We celebrated their birth and this exciting first year. Charlotte can't wait for all the fun adventures to come with these two.

*************************************************************************************
She's always been a messy eater, but lately it's taken on a whole new force. The food becomes an actual hair mask, caked into her scalp. The avocado/baked pasta one was the best. Maybe she read somewhere that it contains a lot of vitamins to help her hair grow more?

*************************************************************************************
As of the last two weeks, she's moved to the Pooh Room (I know right?! Pooh Room for a toddler's room? Could they not think of something less, uh, pooie?) Regardless of the name though, Charlotte's new room has been amazing. She is back with all her best friends and she is thriving and loving it. She runs to her buddies each morning and gives them big hugs, they have Circle Time, Arts and Crafts, gym time, outside time, story time...it has been such a blessing.

Because if I have to be away from her during the day, at least I know she is having a good time, and that she's happy. It helps to know that.

She is growing into such a fun little person...it is a joy to witness her wonder and curiousity.

*************************************************************************************
Speaking of curiousity, she's into everything. We got a toilet latch this weekend. Welcome to toddler-hood.

*************************************************************************************
She's found a new favorite friend...Uncle Paul. He's over quite often, and he always comes with delicious treats in hand. The girls got a sweet tooth just like her mama.

*************************************************************************************
If she could, she'd be outside all day long. We are spending as much time as we can in the backyard while we still have these lovely fall days and before the rain fully sets in.

She thought my mums needed some deadheading.

*************************************************************************************
We went to the Northgate Community Center with our PEPS friends for a little "Wear 'em Out". It's interesting as she grows into her own little person, the things she feels comfortable with and the things she doesn't. It took her a good 30 minutes before she'd leave my side, but when she finally did- she had a blast!

We go to music classes on Monday evenings though and she is a total ham...running around the room, hopping in everyone's laps, bopping up and down to the singing. It's a journey this parenthood thing. Just when you think you know how they'll react to a situation, they can surprise you. Just when you think sleeping through the night is a given, she'll have a random couple nights of constant wake ups.

And just when you think you couldn't possibly love her more...the sun rises and another day begins, and you realize that yep...in fact you do love her more today than yesterday. It's wild how big a love it is.

Happy fall friends. Hope you are gettin' cozy!

The Shift.

2011-09-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well Summer...I wouldn't say you exactly listened to our plea from our last post...the shift has officially started. Buuuut you did hold out for us for Michelle's shower this weekend, and for that I am in your debt! (18 people in our little house would have been a little too cozy so we were really needing to utilize the backyard)

Crystal and I had such a fun time planning and preparing for an afternoon of showering our girl and it was a a pleasure to see it all come together.

These two lovebirds are enjoying their last few months before becoming a Mr. and Mrs and I for one can't wait for their Mexico wedding. Are they not the cutest ever?!

Sunday we awoke to weather that officially felt like fall. A crispness in the air. The shift has begun.

A shift to football Saturday's, to more dresses with tights and less babies in rompers, to slowing down a bit and hunkering down at home. A shift to something new.

This is what I love...the changing of seasons and all the possibility that comes with it.

A fresh start.

New ideas, new plans and new adventures.

Looking especially forward to this shift. Welcome Fall.

Hold on.

2011-09-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Perhaps Wilson Phillips said it best. "Hold on for one more day."
In this instance I'm speaking to you Summer.
Hold on.

We are enjoying you so very much and we aren't quite ready to give you up. August and September have been so very lovely here, and while it seems the rest of the world is welcoming your friend Fall in with open arms...these arms remain folded shut to him. Stores tempt us with their cozy sweaters and boots, Starbucks tempts us with their delicious pumpkiny seasonal flavors, and even some trees are trying to trick us into thinking he's here by the changing of colors and shedding of leaves.

And while I have to admit Fall is my favorite of all seasons, I don't want him.
I want you Summer...for just a little bit longer.

We enjoyed a wonderful summer-filled Labor Day weekend in Walla Walla with my mama. Our days were filled with parade watching...

Go Big Blue (Yes, I joined in the fight song with the gals. From the side of course, I'm not a crazy person. Aaaah, the glory days...)

Hammock laying and book reading...

Catching up with old friends...

And lots of grammie time.

Yes Summer...you have been good to us lately. We have loved playing on the swings...

Playing in the dirt...

Endless games of Peek-a-Boo...

Playing in the water...

Splashing in the water...

Have I mentioned we love the water?

Because we do.
And we love the sandy tooshies it gives little girls.

So please Summer? Hold on for us? Look! We're even asking really, really nicely!

Today.

2011-09-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

10 years ago.

Like so many people I remember exactly where I was today, 10 years years.

Senior year of college, coming downstairs from the live-out house lovingly name "The Whiskey" where I lived with 5 girlfriends, ...the television was on and Ailie was on the phone. It was early, but I always took the early morning classes so that part wasn't unusual. It was unusual for anyone else to be up besides Cabe, who faithfully made it to the gym in the mornings, rain or shine. Ailie's boyfriend, now husband, was working in D.C. and called her early to alert her about what was happening.

From that moment on, we were glued to the television. Classes didn't happen that day. Our hands instinctively covered our mouths in shock and horror as we watched the second plane hit. What was happening? Is this for real? I can't believe this is really happening.

From that moment on, we were changed. Our eyes were opened to the cruelty of the world. Our nation grieved and mourned all we had lost. We prayed.

Today, we will remember.

A young man who was 14 when he lost his fall on 911 said today, on these anniversaries we choose to not focus on the loss, but rather celebrate the life. Quite a wise young man.

And so today, I will say a thankful prayer to all those amazing men and women who worked to save so many in the aftermath. I will say a hopeful prayer of peace for those families who are still working through their loss.

I will do the things we so often take for granted and think about how very fortunate we are to have our freedoms. Things like working in the yard, going for a run, getting groceries, rocking my baby to sleep. Simple things really, but big things.

I will shed a tear at the State Farm commercial during the Seahawks game with the children singing "Empire State of Mind" to the firemen.

I will listen to Country music, because I mean, really...no genre really pulls at those patriotic heartstrings like Country music.

Yes, today indeed we will remember. And while it can be daunting and overwhelming to think about all the hurt, and problems, and hatred there are out in that big bad world...there is also a lot of good. And as my sweet dad always reminded me, if we look for the good in the world, we'll find it.

It's there.

Lately Loving...

2011-08-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

*Pepsapalooza...hippy-style music festival all for kiddos, complete with music sensation "Casper Baby Pants" (lead singer from The President's of the United States of America)

*The first zucchini from our garden

*The umbrella stroller. As fantastic as the BOB is, this little guy is SO much easier to bee-bop around in.

*Swim time with our special friends, made even better with mini popcicles.

*Bubbles. LOVE our bubbles. She asks for them daily.

*Celebrating daddy's birthday

*The Ergo. We've been doing a lot of baby-wearing lately...while watering the lawn, making cupcakes, vacuuming...

*Morning snuggles with pillows and Max.

*Happy hour with good friends and a good beer.

*Doggies, or Le Chien as Laura would like us to get in the habit of calling them :) Love is an understatement here...she is obsessed with each and every one of them.

*Playing on our new/yardsaled mini rocker.

*Story time with Uncle Paul

*Overdue and impromptu dance party and Rent sing-a-long session.

*Splash, splash, splashing...

*Celebrating my girl and her guy at a lovely shower on Anderson Island.

*Hand holding. She's taken about 5-6 steps on her own a few different times now, but still isn't totally confident she can do it alone all the time. And I'm fine with that. I love holding that sweet little hand. And the one-hand hold is SO much better on the back than the hunched-over double hand hold.

*Summer days of lounging around with me girl. That has to top the list.

Fingerprints.

2011-08-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Courtney and I'm a neat freak.

Admission is the first step right??
Truth be told, I've known this about myself for a long time. For as long as I can remember really. Honestly. Even as a little girl I can remember liking my My Little Ponies and my Heart Family (tell me you remember the Heart Family?) organized and "set up". And while my mom loved often coming home to the smell of Pledge and a freshly vacuumed home, I think it often drove my dad nuts when he couldn't locate where I put something (even though I'm certain I put it back in it's proper spot. At least most times. Come to think of it, I think I drove Jamie nuts doing this same thing when we lived together...)

Anyhow, I digress. You get the point. I like things clean and orderly. It helps me make sense of things, it helps me feel calmer. I Swiffer at least once a day, and 2+ times a day when it's an eventful day at our house is not uncommon.

I'm telling you all this not so you think I'm a total freak...but so you can grasp the magnitude of these little fingerprints.

They've been there for weeks. While dishes have been washed, laundry put away, floors mopped...I cannot bring myself to clean my front windows and wash away these sweet fingerprints. Every time I look at them I smile. They are like the Welcome sign to our home.
"Come on in! A little girl lives here...and did you know what? She is the light of my life."

She has changed me and will continue to change me. One little fingerprint at a time.

Celebrating Krevin

2011-08-14T14:28:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was another one for the books. Another wedding weekend in an absolutely gorgeous location, with a gorgeous bride and groom, and friends galore.

It was magical.

Roche Harbor is just a little bit pretty...

These pictures were taken within the same hour. The changing colors of the sunset were breathtaking.

Every detail was so perfectly Kris and Kevin aka Krevin, and the entire weekend was spent in sweet celebration that these two found each other...two people who couldn't be more perfectly made for one another.

Details including multiple songs and readings from The Beatles, a recessional rap by their friend Beau to Black Eyed Peas "Let's Get it Started" (which I happily got to play a small part in) and wedding programs and menus available through QR code...it was all so very them.

This dress I borrowed from my girl Amy did earn me the nickname Daquiri-Ice for the weekend. Long story...I may or may not have been mistaken for a wedding crasher, and may or may not have actually crashed a wedding.

Us girls...we know how to have a good time.

Us Walla Walla girls...we also know how to have a good time.
There is something pretty special about getting together with and reuniting friendships that go back 20 years. The WW roots run deep.

My special Beekies girl who came all the way from Arizona to celebrate our Kricks. And lucky me, that meant I got 4 days with she and her hubs! It was such a treasure to get to spend time together, and that she got to meet our girl...something feels a little more complete now that she's held Charlotte in her arms. My girl with my girl.

And this girl of mine?! She was a vision. A knockout.

Such a calm, happy, intentional and present bride. It was a joy being part of her day.

Oh heeeeey fellas!

I can't let this post end without mentioning the.best.band.ever-- The Michael Benson Band. Seriously. I have a musical crush on them. They had everyone on the dance floor from the first to the last song. Everything from Katy Perry, Eminem, Journey, The Beatles, Def Leopard...the hits just kept on coming. Like I said, it was a magical weekend.

And though we were sad for the night to come to an end, I will quote my new BFF Michael Benson who told us at the end of the night:
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
-Dr. Suess

Thanks for the smiles Krevin.

We've Arrived.

2011-08-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Nicholas would probabaly scold me for posting this for fear that I may jinx things...but I'm hoping it's safe to say...we have finally arrived at our summer.

Oh happy day.

Take me away.

2011-07-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

I want to walk and not run.

I want to to skip and not fall.

I want to look at the horizon and not see a building standing tall.

via Michelle
I want to be the only one.
For miles and miles.

Except for maybe you...and your simple smile...

(and daddy's too of course)

Oh it sounds SO good to me.

It's been a rougher week. This city can be challenging to say the least. Feeling oh-so-happy that tomorrow is Friday. This girl will be flying high as she can into the wild blue...

Our Weekend.

2011-07-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Oh riiiiight.....NOW I remember why we live here!

Look...no hands!

Being outside is so totally better than being inside.

It's all in the details.

2011-07-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

...and boy were the details abundant at the lovely wedding of Miss Diggy-Dehn and Ryan last weekend.

Every little darling, nautical detail was planned out and executed to perfection. Diggs spent all year planning...and her labor of love paid off. It was perfection.

And even when the weather couldn't make up it's schizophrenic mind (sunny, drizzling, absolute monsoon downpour, thunder, back to sunny...) it didn't matter. Their wedding weekend at Alderbrook was not only a weekend for celebrating their love, but a weekend at "summer camp" with old friends and reminiscing.

Weddings are always special. I love the love. But there was just something extra special about this one it seemed...life is busy these days, and full weekends surrounded by many of your closest friends are not common place anymore, so to bask in company of everyone, including the kiddos made my heart very happy.

So happy in fact I busted out my craziest dancing shoes ever EVER. Wow. My back is still hurting from some of the moves...is this a sign I'm getting old?!

Oh...and Miss Teresa here? Well, she has really upped the standards for Maid of Honor speaches. One of the best ever, bravo.

Thank you Diggy and Ryan for getting married and for creating such a wonderful weekend for us all. Someone really set the day on perfect.

I spy...

2011-07-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

with my own little eye...

a sleeping girl with her bum in the air...cutest little tushie I ever did see.

and is that a curl?! Nicholas had some waves when he was little...could our girl be so lucky??

Let Freedom Ring.

2011-07-08T07:08:00.001-07:00

I've always been a fan of the Fourth of July...but this year really seemed to take the cake. The family all gathered at Auntie and Peter's compound on Samish Island and it was a little piece of heaven all weekend long.

Lawn games...

Lots of good food...

Family time...

And a trip to Boom City, which proved to be quite the entertainment for the little boys and big boys alike.

This was our first Fourth where we were able to attend the much talked about Samish Island parade, and it did not disappoint! In all it's small town glory, we watched as homemade floats passed by with the band leading them all.

Some caught candy...while some of us napped...

And some of us even participated in the festivities...

Oh how I love small towns...

I'm thinking this may become an annual gathering...so until next year, let freedom ring baby.

Somebody....

2011-07-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

...thinks her daddy is pretty funny.

Untitled from Courtney Juhl on Vimeo.

Rock N' Roll.

2011-06-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

"There will come a day when my body can no longer do this.
Today is not that day."

This quote from the shirt of a fellow runner was our adopted motto for Saturday's half-marathon run.

Was it easy? Not at all.

Did it hurt at times? Most definitely.

But am I glad we did it? Absolutely.

When the seven of us girlfriends decided to sign up for this last summer, I wasn't fully convinced I would follow through with it. It sounded like a great goal, but if it didn't work out...eh.

There were certainly times during the training process that I thought I would just stop this nonsense, especially given the oh-so-lovely spring we'd been having (running in the rain isn't so much fun).

But I am so happy that I stuck it out. Accomplishing this goal with these ladies was a very incredible feeling. To know that our bodies could be pushed and would allow us run 13.1 miles, to know that we are healthy enough to make the decision to do a run like this...it makes me very thankful.

And to see my little squish at the finish line was the best reward ever!

We did it gals....yay us!

Happy...

2011-06-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

...for coffee this week. It's been a necessity.

...that Nicholas and Dave were the ones doing the Mud Run last weekend and that Charlotte and I were just spectators.

...that Charlotte is finally feeling better (yes, hard to believe but during the first week of summer she had the stomach flu...seriously?! I thought we were done with cold/flu season?!)

...that this challenging week is coming to a close. I'm not going to lie, it's been a bit of a rough one. Scheduling who will stay home with C...guilt about not being with her the whole time...guilt about having to leave work...maybe it's the Catholic in me or something, but I've just had a lot of mama guilt this week.

...that we get to hang with these buddies again this weekend!

...for 3-5 year goals and plans that Nick and I have been discussing. It's fun and exciting to think about (and my father-in-law Rick would be so proud...he's all about the 5 year plan)

...that training for this Rock-and-Roll 1/2 Marathon is coming to a close and that the race is this weekend (okay...so maybe I'm more nervous for the race part of it...)

...for Parisian themed showers for this cute little bride-to-be!

...that I married my very best friend who just happens to be a pretty incredible daddy. Happy belated fathers day! Thank you for everything this week.

Friday Night.

2011-06-17T21:44:00.001-07:00

Gorgeous peonies from my co-workers yard that now make their home on my dining room table.

Time for a run. And time for play.

First Copper River Salmon of the season.

Gardening and planting veggies, accompanied by rose wine. A natural combo.

Cozy comfort.

Here's hoping you are all enjoying a relaxing start to your weekend.

It's 9:53 p.m. and I'm heading to bed...oh happy Friday!

525,600 minutes

2011-06-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

(Oh come on...you had to have known I would start the post about her year with that title, right? )

525,600 minutes.
How do you measure a year?
Wow.

It's hard to find the words that accurately depict everything that one year means for us. How much joy we feel, how fast the year has gone, how many amazing things we've watched Miss C accomplish this first year of her life...how very much we love this little girl.

We spent the week leading up to her birthday planning, getting ready, looking through pictures of the year...remembering. I found myself listening to the "Baby Tunes" play list I had made for the birthing room, and welled up with tears numerous times on the way to work. I remember listening to those songs with such anticipation. What would it be like being a parent? What would she be like? Was it going to be hard? Are we ready?

The answer: it's the best thing in the world. She is our special treasure. And yes, there were challenging times over this year, but we were ready. And we did it. A successful first year with one pretty sweet girl to show for it.

Mother Nature decided to celebrate Charlotte's birthday with us as well and showed up for the dance in her finest attire.

First trip to the zoo with Grammie and Aunt Shelly.

And on Sunday for her party? It was a perfect afternoon.

If I closed my eyes and had imagined what I hoped her first birthday party would be, I could have opened them and it was our reality. It was everything I wanted for her.

It was a celebration. Surrounded by family and friends, we sat on blankets, chatted, ate, drank and celebrated our girl.

This picture cracks me up...it looks like Gracie girl is just having a convo with the big kids, ha!

As we gathered with everyone, I was once again reminded about how blessed and fortunate we are...to have all these amazing people show up, support and love on our girl is a pretty humbling and incredible feeling.

And let me tell you- yes, she was a fan of the cake.

Timid at first, after she tasted that sugar...she was all over it. Literally.

A tired little tootsie at the end of her day.

Her first year, and all years moving forward...how will they be measured?

In love of course.

Happy birthday my sweet girl. You are loved.

This time last year...

2011-06-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

we were waiting....

and waiting...

and waiting some more.

This time last year she was already 10 days late.

Little did we know we'd continue waiting for 2 more days...

This time last year I was walking, eating spicy food, eating blueberry milkshakes, eating eggplant (there was a lot of eating going on)...anything anyone told us to try to get labor started, we tried it.

Because we were excited.

We were ready to meet our little girl.

This is such a special week for us. Remembering the days leading up to her arrival and reminiscing on our past year. And being a sentimental person to begin with, this week has been beautifully emotional, in all the right ways.

Because this time last year...we had no idea how perfectly our life would change.
All because of her.

Photo taken by my talented girl Erin Ewing.

Bienvenidos a Miami

2011-05-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

It's more like "welcome back FROM Miami" at this point (however you say that in Spanish), but last week Miami welcomed us with open arms. And I was of course singing Will Smith's song each morning as I woke up. Bienvenidos indeed.

To say that the sun felt good on my arms would be a gross understatement...it was downright amazing. To wake up each day to sunshine, no rain in sight and the only plans for the day consisting of laying by the pool, running, reading, and delicious meals, (and the occasional work meeting)...we felt pretty spoiled.

Nick and I got to enjoy some much appreciated time together. We ventured to Little Havannah and had some incredible Cuban food and quite possibly the worlds best mojito's (or three), but who's counting. It was vacation.

Miami is a FUN city. Neither of us had ever been there so we weren't really sure what to expect, but we have returned as huge fans.

It certainly didn't hurt that we were there for a work incentive conference and were staying at the Ritz Carlton either. Everything would "be their pleasure".
Even blankie got special treatment!

Yes, I still travel with my blankie.

Why take a picture of us driving down the highway?

Oh, because "that block was dead yo...so we continued to A1A...BEACHFRONT AVENUE!"
We test drove some fancy BMW (another random perk of staying at the Ritz...cars at your disposal, for free!!) and I was just dying when our directions instructed us to turn onto A1A!

Oh Vanilla Ice...

Our last night there was a cruise around their bay area and some star-gazing/stalking of the most ridiculous homes on Star Island. Talk about excess-- these homes were unreal, absurd, and such fun to see.

*************************************************************************************

Back home...

Charlotte got to spend special time with both Grammie and Teta & Poppie.
Our PEPS group had a combined one-year birthday party for all the little kiddo's that we were so sad to miss, but so happy that Grammie took Charlotte so she could celebrate with all her little friends.

I roll at these pictures trying to line the babes up...

But as good as that sun felt, I missed my girl. Four days was enough (more than enough really) and I was aching to get back home to her. Back to our routines and normal life. It was the longest we've been away from her, and as lovely as everything was...it was really difficult to be away.

Bienvenidos home.

Holy smokes...

2011-05-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

is tomorrow really Friday?

and are we really leaving for 5 nights?! to a sunny, 86 degree, relaxing destination?

This week has been a blur getting ready for our longest stint away from miss squish. Getting the laundry washed, folded, put away...getting instructions and tips written up for Grammie and Teta...getting ourselves packed...trying to fit in runs...getting spray tanned (I WILL still make this happen before I get on a plane tomorrow. There is no WAY I am exposing Floridians to my white Northwest skin)...getting a certain almost one-year-olds birthday invitations in the mail...planning for said birthday...spending every extra second with little squish knowing I won't get to kiss her cheeks for a few days (oh yeeks, how will I survive?!)...whew. It's been a busy week.

Which followed a previously busy weekend.

We enjoyed a wonderful, quick Walla Walla weekend with the Loviks. It is always such a treat to share my town with friends for the first time. And yes...I do still call it my town. I think I always will. Part of me belongs there.

Sadly I forgot my camera, but thankfully Amy had her iphone with her. We tasted some delicious wine while Charlotte got some QT with Grammie.

My favorite stop of the trip was to a winery I hadn't been to before: Slight of Hand. Much different than many of the gorgeous, picturesque wineries of the little valley. This one was more edgy, a bit rocker-ish, and all the wine labels looked like old magic show posters. We enjoyed dancing around to vinyl records of Fleetwood Mac and Def Leopard.

Consequently, my old "Vault" Def Leopard album has been on repeat in my car this week. It has paired quite nicely with our sunshine.

In other news...

Our little girl is growing up. Even just in these past two weeks it seems she has changed so much. I can hardly believe she will be one in just a few short weeks. People say it all the time, but literally time flies. At warp speed in fact.

It's getting increasingly difficult to take her monthly pictures with her calendar...

She's a girl on the move!

Her latest favorite spot in the house is the front window that she pulls herself up to and looks out at the world.

I wonder where she learned it from?

Closets and it's contents are no longer safe.

Our explorer has discovered that many the treasure hides behind those closet doors.

Don't worry honey...you don't need to worry about those for a looooooong time!

Next week she's moving from the Ark Room to the Garden Room at school. And even though it's just across the hall, and many of her teachers will be the same, it was a tangible reminder that she is becoming a big girl.

My big sweet girl...who owns my heart.

Mothers.

2011-05-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is just a bit more special this year.

It's my first time on this side of the fence...and it's pretty fantastic.

We enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day brunch, some time outside (Nick got the raised bed for my garden made!)...

And lots of time for snuggles with my girl.

Thank you honey bee for making me a mama....your mama.
It's better than I ever could have dreamed.

And a special Happy Mother's Day to these two special ladies...thank you for shaping our lives and showering us with love. You are amazing.

All we need is love.

2011-05-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Well, love and a little perserverance.

And a sense of humor.

And the ability to admit a mistake.

And trust.

And kindness.

And patience.

Okay, we need a lot of stuff to keep our marriage strong.

And look at us. We've got it all.

Thanks for marrying me three years ago love...cheers to forever!

PEPS fun.

2011-05-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Our PEPS group is awesome. I love them all. It's been such a treat for us to watch Charlotte grow through her first year with these kiddos.

Our latest adventure has been swimming "lessons".
I'm sure you understand why lessons is in quotes.

Though our squish doesn't look quite sure of things in this picture...once we found her that water toy, she was happy as could be.

Babes with their daddys.

I think we've got a water baby on our hands.

Things have been good.

2011-05-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

Like most things, life has its ebbs and flows. Good weeks, and hard weeks. Joyful times, and challenging times.

Lately, our flow has been pretty sweet.

Maybe it's the spurts of good weather we've been having...maybe it's the fun new things Charlotte is doing each day...maybe it's because work/life balance has felt more balanced. Or maybe it's a combination of all those things.

Whatever it is, it feels good.

We enjoyed a weekend at home that was sprinkled with so many of those things that make up "a good weekend". No rushing, no real schedule...just time.

Time to do things like swing at the park, and go on runs, and work in the yard, and golf...and relax.

Oh, and enjoy a delicious Royal Wedding brunch with girlfriends. The perfect topping to any weekend.

We didn't really have Chambord with our mimosa's and coffee. We just thought it looked quite regal, wouldn't you agree?

Yes, things have indeed been good.

And just as quickly as it came...

2011-04-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

...it has left us again.

Our friend the sunshine.

However, rather than focus on the sad fact that our spring continues to be more reminiscent of fall, let's focus on the amazing day we had.

Because if there is one thing Seattle-ites do well, it's that we don't take good weather days for granted. No way...when the sun comes out to play, we willingly oblige. We jump in head first. We throw on our sun-dresses and flip-flops and embrace our Pacific Northwest pasty-white-haven't-seen-the-sun-in-months skin and go with it.

Charlotte hasn't been in the grass since she was 3 months old so this was a whole new experience for her.

It was the perfect day to celebrate our bride-to-be Diggy. In fact, it seems lately if someone plans a shower of some sort the weather takes a cue and cooperates quite nicely. Good thing we've got lots of showers (of the non-weather type) in store this summer.

Per my usual, I spent a lot of time hovered around the food table.

Who could blame me with these delicious morsels?!

Perfecting her wave with Aunt Shelly.

And even though to us, we believe Easter is about so much more than bunnies and eggs...those bunnies and eggs sure are fun.

It was a special Easter. Another first. And like we do with the sun...
we held our arms open, and soaked it up.

Glimpses of Spring.

2011-04-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Spring is Seattle this year has been undeniably less than favorable. I think we are all ready for some sunshine, even if it comes with cooler temperatures. Over the past few weeks, we have gotten a few glimpses of our springtime...

Even if it requires a stocking cap, we'll take the no rain/party sunny days and run with it.

With the non-spring Spring we've been having, I find myself looking for little ways to make it feel more springy, even if the weather isn't cooperating.

My latest and greatest tip: mini carnations.

Now before you write off carnations, just wait. They certainly aren't my favorite flower either, and any of them that are dyed to match certain corresponding holidays are definitely off limits, but I really think you can't go wrong with a bouquet of white mini's. For about $6, I was able to make not one, not two, no my friends- not even three, but FOUR arrangements for our home. Talk about bang for your buck!

And what's even better? They have lasted for over two weeks! Here's hoping that the weatherman is right in predicting a bit of sunshine for us later this week.
Cheers friends and happy Monday!

1st dress up

2011-04-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Learning from a pro, Miss Adelaide Lovik, on how dress up is done.

Two things just kill me about this photo: 1. Holy schmoly...THAT is a flower. It is quite literally this size of her head. 2. How big my little girl looks! She's starting to play with the big girls...

Sixty.

2011-04-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Today he would have been 60. We will celebrate his wonderful life, remember his loving smile and think about how lucky we were. His is my dad...Charlotte's grandpa...and is missed today a little more than usual.

I treasure this picture of the two of us, in all it's faded loveliness. I love how he's looking up at me here. And how today, instead of looking up...he's looking down on me from afar.

There is comfort in that. Happy birthday dad. I love you.

Duet.

2011-04-10T22:11:00.001-07:00

The first of {hopefully} many.

Seriously?

2011-04-10T22:06:00.001-07:00

All this, for one night away?

True story.

Well hello old friend...

2011-04-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yes you.

My little ol' blog.

I've been negleting you as of lately, and for that I am sorry. Life just gets busy doesn't it?! And finding time to blog? Well, that just sometimes goes out the window. Bravo to all you out there who post daily. I am in awe.

The problem with getting off track on my little blog world here is the vast openness that sits in front of me when I finally do find time to sit down to write...where to begin?

So much has happened, so little has happened. Changes, updates, goals, fears, highs, lows...I want to get them all down on "paper" here, but then at times days pass and I find it hard to find the words to start. How will I remember years from now the week that she finally started tolerating food with chunks? or started taking her first legitimate crawls? Will I remember the wonderful challenge it is to got out to eat with a 10 month old? Or how lovely that over-due dinner gathering with girlfriends was? I hope that I will. Many times I'm certain these memories will be prompted and enhanced with the help of photos...one of the many, many reasons why I'm so thankful for my camera. And so, life as of lately. In pictures.

One is never enough.

...particularly when it comes to toys.

What dinners out look like now:

and ultimately end up like this when she gets tired of sitting by herself.

My messy eater.

Don't let this smile fool you...

She may look dainty, but this girl can make a mess with the best of them.

A weekend with family.

Cute boys in boots. Oh, and a red door...love.

Playing with the big kids...

Queen of Hearts? Nope, Go Fish!

True love...reinspired.

Spent said weekend with family tinkling these gorgeous ivories. No, not ours. My auntie's, and it plays just as beautiful as it looks. I am determined to play more now... it was rather depressing to pick up pieces that used to be effortless to find them, well...difficult.

Total adoration.

Her adoration for him. His adoration for Nick...waiting and watching for him to come home.

First crawls.

...that remind me quite a bit of this little friend when she first began crawling

You can't tell as much from these pictures, but Charlotte has the funniest little hook-leg crawl is so similar to Addy Mae's initial crawls. Quite cute.

Sharing.

For some reason, when the toy belongs to someone else it is SO much cooler.

So good to spend time with you tonight my friend. Let's do it more often.

But next time...don't be so annoying with the formatting. AAAgh.

GUESS where we are going???!

2011-03-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a hint...

Paris, France!!

I can hardly believe it. For what seems like forever, I have wanted to go to Paris. I contemplated studying abroad in college...even took a year of French in hopes of getting there...and now, the most perfect opportunity has presented itself!

Nick's mom is going to live there for about 4 months (a dream of hers!) and will be renting a little apartment in downtown Paris. Soooo, with a free place to stay, airline miles, and the additional help of some extra miles from my special Auntie...there was no way we could pass up this opportunity and are booked for next January.

Three tickets.

That's right, we'll be traveling across the globe with a one and a half year old. Call us crazy...maybe we are...but I'm choosing to look at this as an exciting adventure for our little family. People do it all the time right??!

Oh my word are we ever excited!

So here's the thing...

2011-03-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

There are easy weeks, and there are hard weeks.

This week fell in the category of the latter above described weeks.

And it's hard, because for me I want my blog to focus on all the wonderful and truly meaningful aspects of our lives. I don't want to write about the days that are tough...the times there are tears...or the struggles I feel.

But then again, maybe I do?

Because if this is truly my outlet for sharing our life, to "document life and to reflect" as my bio says...when I reflect, there is no denying the fact that this week was tough. And I do think in sharing, and reflecting, and speaking the truth...well, I think there is something healing in that.

Our little miss suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, came down with a case of croupe this Sunday. And let me tell you, if you've heard a little one with a cough that sounds like the bark of a seal eager for some food, you know how heart breaking of a sound it is.

Long story short, we ended up at Children's Hospital. If it would have been a week day we could have just gone to the doctor, but being the weekend and in the evening, the emergency room was our only option (and the recommendation of the on-call nurse). After four hours, some steroids (to reduce the swelling of her throat) and some tylenol...we were on our way home. A rather painless first trip to the emergency room compared to what so many families deal with...but still, it was our first time...and I can't say I loved it.

Cue the re-arranging of schedules.
Thankfully Nick's practice allows him the flexibility of staying home at times more easily than I can, assuming he doesn't have court. So he stayed with her at the beginning of the week while she healed. And as much as I am so thankful for a husband and daddy who happily stays home to take care of his girl...I wanted to be with her.
And I was upset that I wasn't.
And I didn't want to go.

Yes, there were tears to my sweet co-worker when she asked if I was okay.
Because no, at that moment I wasn't.
At that moment, I wanted to be home with my girl.

It's hard to write that because I know how blessed I am in the career I have. I love my job.

I love my boss and my co-workers. I love what it brings to my life. I love the sense of accomplishment it brings to me. I am truly, truly thankful.

But, as I mentioned,...there are easy weeks, and there are hard weeks.

I think and I assume this is something that working moms deal with daily. The push and the pull. And this week I just struggled more with finding my balance.

Even as I write this, I realize that my hard week is absolutely nothing compared with the hard week that the thousands of families in Japan have experienced. It is impossible to imagine the devastation they are experiencing and my heart goes out to them.
It certainly puts life in perspective...

I'm feeling happy that tomorrow is Friday...and looking forward to a weekend of restoration, and cuddles, relaxation, and healing.

And because I can't leave a post without some positivity, I share with you with some happy pictures from last weekend with family and a 90th birthday celebration.
How's that for perspective?!

Closer and closer to crawling...

Sometimes

2011-03-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I still can't believe she is ours.
I look at her in amazement...wondering how it's possible she is already nine months old, how she could already be the same number of months old as the number of months she lived in me.

Lately my favorite time with her has been bedtime.
After eating together, we have about 30-40 minutes of cuddles and laughter.
And here's the best part...she thinks I'm hilarious! As in, I'm the funniest person in the world. Quite the ego boost I must say. Because soon enough she is going to realize that her daddy is the funny parent in this household...but right now, it's me and I can't get enough of it.

At nine months the separation anxiety has really set in, and though sometimes it can be difficult to get anything done because she doesn't want me out of sight...it's also a pretty incredible feeling. To be needed so much by this little person.
I remind myself that one day she won't need me like that, and I hold on to these days.

Because they are pretty much the best ever.

Best Friends

2011-03-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

Love/Hate

2011-02-28T07:04:00.001-08:00

Okay...so maybe love it a strong word to use here, but atleast she isn't hating her tummy any longer...

There is hope that crawling might actually happen one of these days.

Colds, Coughs and Coordination

2011-02-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

That kind of sums up what life has been like here at the Juhl household as of lately.

Between the colds, the pink eye, the dr.'s appointments, figuring out who was going to stay home from work, bringing squish to client appointment, late night cough sessions that leave me questioning how there can't possibly be more to help besides humidifiers and drops of applejuice...throw in there a leaky outdoor faucet (read: water bill 2 times the normal amount at the height of summertime) and a dislodged car window that mysteriously dropped into the car door (yes, that really happened)...I was oh so ready for a three day weekend.

It's tough stuff having a sick kiddo...and the thing of it is, that life continues...and you have to find a way keep everything else coordinated and moving forward, when all you really want to do is stay in your pj's in bed and snuggle her all day long. Because certainly if you could just do that, everything would be just fine.

Okay, so not really...but it sure feels like that sometimes.

Not to worry my friends, we are on the mend (still battling the night cough attacks) but what I've mostly walked away from this past week with is a deeper appreciation and thankfulness for my husband. He is so active, and involved, and present, and available as both a daddy and a husband...I sometimes wonder how we got so fortunate.

Don't get me wrong, we have our struggles and challenges just like any couple does...but with the ups and the downs, he always helps me remember that the ups outnumber the downs by about a million...and that helps me get through the rough weeks. How couldn't it with those stats right?

Happy Hearts Day

2011-02-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all love in expected and unexpected places today!
XOXO

This & That. And the loveliness of ordinary.

2011-02-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight is going to be a random post. A glimpse into our daily lives. Our day-to-day.

Because sometimes I don't have anything really important to say (I like to think that sometimes I do...right?? no?)
Life has been ordinary. But not ordinary in a negative way at all...actually quite the opposite. Ordinary in the most wonderful sense of the word. Ordinary in the best way possible.

With recent news of some very special people being diagnosed and affected by the horrible C word, the important things in life are once again put in drastic perspective.

These special individuals diagnosed? Well not to worry. They are fighters. They are going to be just fine. But even still, it makes me stop...pause...

and feel thankful for...

Our little miss curious...

Game nights with friends...
Because there certainly can never be enough game nights. I intend on really increasing their appearence in our lives.

Followed by deep talks amidst play kitchens. It's how we roll these days.

Family walks around the lake...
And the heavy February fog/mist that frequents our city.

Naked babies on fur rugs after baths...
No more explanation needed on that one I don't think-

Morning stories...

Hey mom, why are you taking pictures right now...it's time to eat...

Okay I'm not kidding...you see how close I am to your blanket right now...I'm not against spitting up on it to get what I want...

Seriously??? WHY aren't you listening to me?

*For the record, that was the last picture taken that morning.

The sweet comfort that comes from finger/thumb sucking...

As only we former thumb suckers know...

Toes in the sand and best friends...

No, that is not a recent picture, and yes I realize this is most definitely not my normal day. But it does represent something special... a picture to use in anticipation of times ahead. My best girl Michelle is engaged...and getting married...in Mexico...and I am a co-Matron of Honor. And I couldn't be more honored! When I got married, I gave my girls this little sign that said, "Friends are our chosen Family". It couldn't be more true than with you M...you are my family and I am thankful for you daily. So looking forward to our toes in the sand again.

And of course, this smile...
Always this sweet, sweet smile.

So I head to bed tonight, feeling so very thankful for ordinary days.

The City by the Bay.

2011-01-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

San Francisco.

That's where we went. A total shock. He said be ready by eight, but if you know anything about me...when I'm given a time frame, I give-or-take about 15 minutes. I'm not one of those really late people, just one of those teensy bit late people. It's something I've learned
to accept about myself.

So when he said be ready by 8, I figured in our household that meant 8ish.
Not the case.
He woke me up before my alarm even went off with weather.com pulled up on the iPad, revealing the wonderful news that S.F. was having some unseasonably wonderful weather. As I tried to focus on the screen through my groggy, no-contact eyes I couldn't believe it.
S.F.? Really? We aren't that couple that hops on planes for weekend get-aways all the time.
No sir, this was something special.
And I needed to hurry, having neglected packing my bags the night before.

And special it was. We walked, ate delicious food, sipped delicious sippers, took a two hour nap (yahooo!), did a bit of shopping, and enjoyed uninterrupted time together.

Why is this picture so bright you might ask? Because my friends, that is the sun on my face. It was legitimately really warm/almost hot while we were standing in line for the cable car...truly a San Francisco treat!

And an added treat to the weekend? A lunch date with my Kricky! Having not seen her and her fiance Kevin since they moved from Seattle, I was so thrilled they were available to meet up!

It was indeed a special weekend. A very welcomed time together.
But what makes going away even better? The knowledge that you are coming home.

And reunions certainly are sweet.

Lucky me.

2011-01-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

He's taking me away.
A surprise get-away location.
One night. Just me and him.
I can't wait!

Odds and Ends.

2011-01-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, seriously...how is it already January 19th?! I feel like it was just New Years! Clearly the month is getting away from me.

The knuckle dimples just kill me!

What we've been up to:

Hanging out with our tongue...

Oh heeeey there belly!

Growing some teeth...

...sprinkle in there a little round with the stomach flu which was apparently the most contageous bugger ever. Charlotte to me to Nick to Paul...yikes. I have officially disinfected ever corner of our house. Don't be scared to come over. We're good now. Promise.

...and some MLK playdate fun with babies and girlfriends

Cabe has quite the playroom set up-

"I'm SOOOOO happy to hang out with my main squeeze Easton!"

Life is busy. Life is good.

2011-01-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

We are now 9 days deep into 2011 and I feel the urge, as I always do, to think about the year ahead and the hopes I have for it.

I'm not making any resolutions in the traditional sense of the word, but I'm thinking about goals I have for the year...things I'd like to focus...what my priorities will be.

Of course I have the usual get-healthy/workout more/eat well goals which are very important to me as well, but what I've been thinking about the most is more of a mantra. An outlook on life. A goal to see the everyday.

I was introduced to this lovely magazine, Seeing the Everyday, a few months back from an equally lovely blog I read. It isn't your usual magazine...there are no advertisements (shocking I know!) and the pages are filled with gorgeous photography and stories about finding
beauty in day to day life.

This is what I want to focus on. Living in the moment, whatever that moment is...and really being present for it. Present for my family, my friends...and most of all my girl.
It's going to be a good year.

Our lives are the sum
Of each moment and interaction.
Each day we work, eat, laugh, play, read, remember...
And work at it all again the next day.
Within seemingly small moments we find opportunity
To build relationships, develop character, find joy
For the price of our time.
LIFE'S MOST ESSENTIAL POSSIBILITIES ARE REALIZED AT HOME.
Where we share, teach, grow, learn, serve, give
Our best without praise or fanfare.
Because every effort, every moment matters
In the development of a person.
Nothing is really routine.

To all who SEE THE EVERYDAY.
-Seeing the Everyday, number seven

2010-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 2010...thank you for being so good to us. It's been quite the year.

Cheers friends to a sparkly 2011!

It was wonderful.

2010-12-30T21:40:00.000-08:00

...and special and memorable and amazing and all those adjectives one would use to describe their baby's first Christmas.

It was all those things and more.

Each of the Christmas gatherings we went to were packed to the brim with holiday goodness and celebrations galore...

...and an abundance of love was showered on this sweet girl.

I was emailing with my brother in law and we were discussing how Christmas is our Groundhogs Day. If I could choose to do any day over and over, it would be Christmas.
For everything that it represents, for all the memories it brings with it, and for all the newness each year brings...yeah, I'd do it over in a heartbeat.

It's hard actually to find the words to acturately depict how special this past week has been. Nothing I write seems to do it justice and I find myself stumbling over words and ramblings and hitting the backspace more often than not.

So tonight I'll let the pictures tell the story.
Her first Christmas.
Forever engrained on my heart.

Joy is not in things...it is in us.
Richard Wagner

Merry Everything.

2010-12-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

A good December.

2010-12-23T21:36:00.001-08:00

What a lovely, whirl-wind month it's been. Preparing. Anticipating. Celebrating. It has been wonderful and though at times extremely hectic, the fun we've had makes it all worth it.

There have been lots of parties and gift exchanges...

One party that came with an extremely generous gift from an extremely generous and amazing boss...

Lots of food...

With unfortunately not a lot of working out... oops.

And of course lots of time with baby loves...

And now on Christmas Eve Eve, as I sit down to write, with my girl snuggled in bed and a delicious glass of wine in my hand (well, not really in my hand...I'm typing people)...I am overcome with the Christmas happiness.

The anticipated event has arrived. Oh happy day.

And suddenly there was with the angels, a multitude of the heavenly host,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace and goodwill towards men."
Luke 2:13-14

An early Christmas treat.

2010-12-23T20:51:00.001-08:00

Christmas came a little early this year.

All the way from Louisiana.

These girls.
My sweetest sweet cousins came to Washington for a winter visit. These two are pure goodness. The kind of people where your day instantly gets better just by being around them. The kind of people that make you strive to be a better person because they are so great. Sounds cheesy I know, but it's true.
Yep, sugary sweetness these two.
And I was eating up every moment with them.

We met up with my family in Leavenworth which has to be the most wintery-wonderland location. It was as if we stepped into a Christmas snow globe village. Magical.

Is there anything better than sipping a holiday latte with the snow falling down? Not in my book.

My little snow bunny, er, leopard did great all bundled up and we almost made it all the way through the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Almost. A leopard does have her limits.

Hope's boyfriend Daniel had never seen snow, or mountains of this capacity for that matter...and I must say, there is something so special about sharing an experience like that with someone. Seeing everything new and fresh, nothing for granted and everything in amazement.

After our weekend in Washington's Switzerland, we got to play tour guide in our beautiful Emerald City.

It felt rather decadent to take a day in the middle of the week to bee-bop around town doing "Seattle" things...

Thank you so much my sweets for coming to visit...I am so happy you came, and oh-so-very happy you got to meet our girl!

She is quite smitten with you both.

2010-12-21T20:48:00.000-08:00

Yahooo!! It's Christmas week!

*picture taken by the talented Miss Erin Rinabarger

We interupt this normally scheduled holiday post to bring you...

2010-12-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

a football post.
Apple Cup to be specific.
Yes, as in 3 weeks ago Apple Cup. It's December friends, and things are busy, so certain things take a backseat. Like blogs. But we're still in the same month so I guess that's saying something right?

We cheered on our Cougs in what was actually a really exciting game with the Loviks and the Ewings...and Charlotte sported her newest WSU gear proudly. As a general rule, I shy away from pink colored sports teams attire...I mean, if you are a fan of the team you should wear their colors, am I right? However, exceptions are made for babies.

Especially babies who look this cute.

Two things I love.

2010-12-12T21:57:00.001-08:00

1. Flashmobs

2. Handel's Messiah Hallelujah Chorus

Those two things together? One of the funnest afternoon activities ever!

This Saturday I gathered with 500 other local singers at the downtown Nordstrom to perform a "surprise" performance of the Hallelujah Chorus. I put surprise in quotation marks only because with the number of people gathered in the store I'm certain innocent shoppers knew that something was about to happen...but it was still pretty amazing.

There was some serious holiday spirit action filling downtown Seattle after this!

Oh Christmas tree...

2010-12-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

oh how I love you.

It's here.

2010-12-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

Christmastime.

The season my heart does a little happy dance for. The one that we wait for all year with anticipation and plans and dreams of making this year the best Christmas of all. It is here and we are in the full fa-la-la-la-la swing of things.

Because I am a Christmas girl. And on top of that, I'm a tradition girl...and these two things go together quite nicely.
I'm not exactly sure when it happened, my intense love for everything about this time of year...but I feel certain it must be because my childhood memories are held so dear to me. It was always perfect. And not because life was always perfect, because it certainly wasn't. It was just perfect in a way that can only be explained by saying, "It's Christmas!" I don't know if my parents and relatives consciously knew they were creating for us these treasured traditions and memories, but whether they knew or not, they were created.

I love this quote from Anna Quindlen, author of "The Short Guide to A Happy Life" (if you haven't read this little gem, get your hands on it asap)

"Christmas is the mainstay of my year, because tradition is the mainstay of my life.
It keeps me whole."

I have an entirely new sense of excitement this year with it being Charlotte's first Christmas. Because although she may not realize it's her first...

We know it is.

Let the fun begin!

"Texas Forever!"

2010-11-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

...said in my best Tim Riggins Southern accent.

We did this Thanksgiving Texas style.

And it was wonderful. While the Northwest was being hit with Artic Blast 2010, we were enjoying milder temps and afternoon runs in tank tops. We explored my aunt and uncles vast property on what Nick called "grown up toys"... I think he left wishing he lived on a piece of land that had 5 deer blinds in the back yard.

We stuffed ourselves silly with all the delicious food, including two different kinds of stuffing: Texas style and Louisiana style.

We napped...

Caught up and chatted...

And little birdie finally got to meet my grandparents...

It was a week of family time. Some more of that re-charging stuff that is oh-so-good for us.

A time to be so thankful for what we have, but also a time to be thankful for what we had. It's impossible to spend time with my dad's family and not feel a bit of an emptiness. With all of the happiness, along with that there is the missing.
He should be there with us. Celebrating with us. And it saddens me that he doesn't get to snuggle this sweet face...
Because he would have been such an awesome grandpa.

So we reflect. We reflect on our many blessings and hold on tight to each other because that's what it's about. The togetherness of it all.

And for this little one? My thankfulness cup overfloweth.

Doing it all.

2010-11-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

Whew. Is it really only Wednesday?

I know that means that tomorrow is Thursday, which is almost Friday, and then before you know it, it's the sweet weekend again...but it's just been one of those weeks.

Racing weeks. A week where I can't quite seem to get everything done, be everywhere I'm supposed to or would like to be...a week where I can't possibly do it all.
And that's hard for me.

I'd like to think that I can juggle the multiple balls of the different aspects of my life, but sometimes it just feels like there are too many. Something's gotta give. And I just never want that something that's gotta give to be precious time with my girl.

So I've been asking myself tough questions...what activities can I continue and what do I need to bow out of? What is manageable and what is too much? How do I find that balance?

I'm certain these feelings are not something new. I'm certain working mom's and stay at home mom's alike ask themselves these same questions every day, and on some level that gives me peace...to know that I'm not alone in these questions, these feelings and these challenges.

Because ultimately...it doesn't matter if I can't do it all.

I CAN do many things...and of those many things, the most important is being a mama. Her mama. And I pledge with every inch of my being do do it well...to be present and engaged and make sure that she knows...with every inch of her being that she is the number one priority in our lives.

If I can do that, I am doing it all.

2010-11-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Your little hands wrapped around my finger
and it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyes flutter cause you're dreaming
so I tuck you in
turn on your favorite night light.

To you, everything is funny
you got nothing to regret
I'd give all I had honey
if you could stay like that.

Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
Just stay this little
Oh, darling don't you ever grow up
Don't you ever grow up
It can stay this simple.

I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you
Just try to never grow up.
-Taylor Swift

Okay...so not really. Of course I am so happy and blessed that our squish is healthy and thriving and growing, but these last few weeks really feel like her "tiny baby" days are slipping away from us. She is changing and learning new things every day and it is amazing to be a witness to all the newness around her. I was reading in one of my books the other night and it was talking about your 5 month old baby and that they were in the large infant stage now. Say whaaaaat? I'm not ready to leave
little infant stage! I find myself holding on to her and repeating to myself: remember this. hold on to this.
she'll never be this little again. I am so in love with being her mama.

2010-11-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yahoooooo. It's the weekend. Make it a good one friends!

2010-11-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

Laying, reading, laughing, playing, tickling, loving.

With you.

The best part of my day. Every day.

Halloween Part II

2010-11-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post...we love our holidays around here. So we didn't just have one Halloween celebration, we had two.

And the second one wasn't just about Halloween, it was about a birthday too. Double the celebrations!

We enjoyed the most gorgeous fall meal prepared by Diggy and Ryan...complete with a
witches brew!

And with the ending of Halloween...November begins, brining with it all the lovely

warm-and-fuzzy holiday feelings that I wait all year for. And I can't wait to share it with our girl this year. Let the fun begin!

Halloween munchkins.

2010-10-28T21:43:00.001-07:00

Question: What is cuter than one little halloween munchkin who is none too pleased with her outfit situation?

Answer: 7 other little halloween munchkins doing the same thing!

And though there were more than a few meltdowns at this week's PEPS gathering, seeing all the babes in their halloween garb was priceless. Those squishy little bodies who kept looking up at each of us with these eyes wondering, "Why are you dressing me like this and why is everyone laughing and taking pictures?!"

And to that I say: because it is your first halloween baby girl! And around here, we love our holidays!

Happy Halloween weekend everyone!

Birthday Week

2010-10-26T06:29:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned how much I love birthdays?

If not, I'm sayin' so now...I love them! Another year of memories and celebrations. I was so touched by all the calls, emails, texts, messages and love this year for my birthday- thank you to everyone for making it so special.

This year was filled with a frenchy dinner made by my talented husband (in our new Le Creuset pot! it is so gorgeous- can a pot be gorgeous?!), delicious Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine, dinner and drinks with my gals, a fun night out to see "Rainn Wilson and Friends" (a.k.a. Dwight from The Office) with Dave and Amy and lots of kisses from my sweet girl.

I was a happy birthday girl.

Fall

2010-10-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

Here it is.
My post on fall.
I will now join the dozens of bloggers out there and throw my hat in the ring, proclaiming my love for this season. Because I do. I really love fall. I love the smells, the food, the colors (oh my the colors!), the coziness and the comfort that this season brings.

This past weekend we got to enjoy fall in all it's glory at one of my favorite locations...Klicker's of Walla Walla. Much like my sweet home town, this place seems to get cuter each time I visit.

This adorable farmer's market that provides for every season...pumpkins and haystack pyramids in fall, Christmas trees in winter, just about every delicious type of produce you can imagine all summer long, an antique shop, ice cream treats...it is darling.

Our babes first trip to a pumpkin patch...and the fact that it was Klicker's seemed, well, just perfect to me.

I love these pics of her, exploring yet another something new. A new season for her and for all of us. And I love her runny nose. Not because having colds is fun (because it's not!), but because it showcases the day as it really was. I want to document and remember it just as it was. Perfectly imperfect.

Our perfect fall weekend.

"Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling, give me juicy autumnal frust ripe and red from the orchard."- Walt Whitman

Some days

2010-10-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

Some days are better than other days.
Some weeks sparkle, and others more lacking in their luster.

This week has been one of the latter weeks.

And for no one reason in particular, it's just been a little bleh. Probably mostly due to the fact that Charlotte and I both have colds (our second for the month! am I in for a long year?!), but couple that with life, traffic, stresses at work, the economy....well, I've just been left feeling a little not my usual self self this week.

But then I look at this face. This sweet, goofy, smiling face and I know that everything is just fine.

And today is Friday. A Friday that will take us to Walla Walla for some grammie time, rest and recharging. And we can't wait.

Yes, everything is fine. Scratch that. Everything is perfect...just as it is. Thank you baby for helping me remember that every day.

You say goodbye and I say hello.

2010-10-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh. Goodbye week. Hello weekend.

With fall officially settling in here in Seattle, we spent our Friday night getting Pho and hunkering down for a night in. A perfect fall evening. Oh, and we were in bed by about 10 p.m. Wild party animals I tell ya.

Saturday Charlotte and I hopped in the car and headed down to Longview to celebrate another new baby in our lives. Baby Griffin is the just the sweetest, most mellow babe. Except maybe when we wake him up for a picture with other kids he's just met.

As a circle of friends gathered and cozied up around the living room, amidst the pillows and gifts and tasty treats...we celebrated this little man.

*Charlotte and the dudes.

Oh, and when I say we had tasty treats... I'm talking JOAT chocolate cake and peanut butter frosting. Yes. They might be the best things I've ever tasted.

We enjoyed our girl time. Special time together that prompted us to turn a day trip into an impromptu overnight stay. Because before even reaching the end of the road, the car was turned around...I could tell Charlotte was wondering why we were leaving the warm comfort of good conversation and great friends to drive in the dark rain home? (not that we didn't miss Daddy, but he was happy having guys night)
So just as quickly as we had said our goodbyes, we were walking back in the front door with our hellos. And there were cheers for our return. Because that's what kind of friends these gals are.

*We've moved on lately from the thumb to the middle two fingers. Rock on Miss C.

We chatted, snacked, gossiped, sipped wine and loved on babies. Perfection. And for the record, I think I made it up until 11:30 p.m.

*Our version of a college home-town favorite, Basillio's Best!

It was a weekend of lounging. The kind of weekend where exceptions are made that cupcakes are okay for breakfast (I mean, you saw that picture...)

Where we now sipped coffee, checked out the Sunday ads, and made plans for the next gathering.

Because even though there are goodbyes...the next hello is always just around the corner.

What I've been loving...

2010-10-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

As of lately...

::Loving kissing for Charlotte from her Poppie and Tata (tay-tuh)

::Game time

::Family time (which is always accompanied by delicious food time...)

::The Bumbo chair (we're teaching her young about our love for the beautiful giants...look how much she's checking that guy out!)

::Brand new babies

::and brand new mamas

::little froggy kicking legs

::and those same little legs in tights. Because is there anything cuter than baby tights?!

::birthday puppies (yes of course he gets to eat his puppy "ice cream" treat from the red You Are Special Today plate!)

::morning goodbye kisses (okay, so I don't really love the goodbye's as much as the kisses...)

::and this face. always this sweet face.

Already???

2010-09-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

This week I did a bit of organizing and packed away some of the clothes that Charlotte has already outgrown. Seriously, already?! How can she be outgrowing things already? Is this possible?

As I packed away those first little outfits that we dressed her in, the things she came home from the hospital in... a little part of me felt so sad. An unexpected pang to the heart. Because why be sad? Our little girl is healthy and thriving and perfect. And really, it's just clothes. Who cares, right? No biggie. But to put those tiny little things away knowing she is getting bigger each day, I want to slow it all down. I want to savor.

And I'm sure that all mom's feel this way, and I'm sure each new phase is welcomed with this happiness and sadness. Excitement for what is to come, and longing for time to pause.

But it has to be said...this phase she's in right now is pretty darn great. She is so alert and happy and engaged and when she sees me, she smiles. Her sturdy little head can support itself now, yet she fits perfectly in the crook of my arm resting on my shoulder.

I will rejoice in these precious moments.

Babes

2010-09-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Last night we had all these little party animal babes over:
*Picture taken a few weeks ago at another gathering

Along with their parents, the group speaker and our PEPS facilitators there were 27 individuals gathered in our family room...and our family room isn't huge. But every week as we gather at each of our homes, with blankets and chairs scrunched in every corner, somehow it works. We pile in together, and the coziness takes over...loving on babies, feeding them, comforting them and sharing our stories.

It's been a pretty unique and wonderful experience this whole PEPS group. Strangers who have now become friends. First time parents bonding and experiencing this whole new life together. There are laughs and tears...frustrations and rejoycing...support and companionship...and love.
And as we sit together each week and talk about our "highs and lows", we find ourselves opening up and sharing details about life to people who just weeks ago we didn't know. Crazy how that happens.
But they get it...they understand...and they cheer us on. A new part of our village that will help us raise our girl. For that, I am thankful.

Weekends.

2010-09-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

They are always great. Always a welcome treat and something to look forward to. But now... weekends have taken on a whole new level of greatness. These sweet days of time spent together, uninterupted bliss.

This first week back at work was sandwiched between two fabulous weekends. Like two bookends holding it all together. Labor Day weekend was spent across the mountains in a sleepy little western themed town of north eastern Washington.

The perfect relaxing family (including the furry family member) get-away before returning to reality. The drive through the mountains was stunning...and the view of the backseat wasn't bad either.

Somehow, getting out in nature and enjoying it's beauty always helps me feel a bit more centered. Pretty sure I get this from my dad. Just like I got from him the knowledge that you can tell a Ponderosa Pine tree by smelling it's bark...it smells like butterscotch. And sharing this little tidbit with Charlotte on our first hike made my heart happy in such a complete way...her grandpa was with us.

This weekend was spent with a grammie loving on her grandbaby girl and giving these two new parents their first real night out in 3 1/2 months. And what a night it was! A wedding. An extremely stylish, delicious and intimate wedding. A wedding where handmade details were abundant in every aspect of the day, and the bride looked like she jumped off the pages of a magazine.

Oh...and they served Molly Moon's icecream at the ceremony and the reception was catered by Seattle chef Matt Dillon, of Sitka and Spruce and the Corson Building. Delicious doesn't even begin to describe it...

Indeed these were some great weekends. My soul is recharged for the next week. And the icing on the cake?
Tonight...for the first time...she laughed.

And I'm pretty certain I've never heard anything sweeter in all my life. A new level of greatness.

Perspective.

2010-08-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's funny how one's perspective can change.
Suddenly things are different. You see things in a new light. Your ideas have been altered.

It used to be that if I had an entire week off from work it was a big vacation for me. A whole week! What would I do with myself for all those days?

Today, I have one week left.
And a part of me feels the panic of time slipping away...only one week more before works starts back up? One short short week out of 3 1/2 months off? My perspective has changed.

But I'm doing everything I can to change it back. To think of this week like I used to approach it...a WHOLE week! Just think of everything we can do with our week together!

I will choose to be thankful for this last week of free time with my girl and focus on how fortunate we continue to be. Because along with perspective, I like to think we have a certain ability to choose how we are going to view a situation.

I am blessed. I have a job that I truly do enjoy with people who are inspiring, intelligent, giving and kind. Charlottle will be looked after by people who are loving and warm and will make her feel safe.

Sure, there are going to be days like last week where I have my meltdowns. Major ones. Where once the floodgates open, the tears don't stop. Because it IS hard. It's hard to think of not staring at this sweet face all day long...

But I am going to choose to believe that we will be just fine. We'll find our way through this new transition. Perspective.

So, with that...there may be a lack of posts this week because hey!... we've got a whole week off!!

Beginnings

2010-08-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

If this sign is true...

Then my story began here...

Walla Walla.

This weekend while Nick was on his annual guys hiking trip, Charlotte, Max and I loaded up the car and headed over to eastern Washington to the place where my story began. A place where Main Street looks as if it could have jumped out of a Normal Rockwell painting. Where every store you stop into, you just happen to run into someone you (or your mom) know. Where all my childhood memories are packaged and held for me...memories that now, being away from that place, I hold even dearer to my heart.

It got me to thinking about Charlotte's story. Her home where it is all beginning. What will she take away from these days?

I hope that she'll remember the reading...

The playing...

The exploring...

And we'll make darn sure she remembers how very much she is loved...

These first 11 weeks of her story have truly been the best days of my life. As I savor these last few weeks with her before I return to work, it helps to realize my home and my story are with me always. My home in Walla Walla. My home in Seattle. My family. I carry them in my heart.

And it will be the same for her I hope...that she knows we'll always be there, just as we have been...since the beginning.

*Photo via Nan Brotherton Photography

31-derful

2010-08-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Last week it was my wonderful husbands 31st birthday.

We celebrated with our favorite daddy lovin' attire...

and daddy's favorite layer cake (though I'm fairly certain that I was the one who ate the majority portion of this baby!)

I love birthdays for everything that they are. Another year celebrated. A way to show appreciation and love for the special birthday person. Another day to remind them that the world is better because they are in it.

Happy birthday love. 31-derful indeed.

I saw stars.

2010-08-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Every night this weekend.

And not just a few...thousands. Millions. The milky way even.
And my heart was happy.

There are things I love about the city and things I love about getting out of it, and seeing stars is one of things I love most about leaving. With the amazing weather we were having, it reminded me even more of the hot summer nights I grew up with, and I found myself pointing out these stars to Charlotte. Sharing them with her. Even if she doesn't know yet how gorgeous they are.

Our days, as well as our star filled nights on Orcas Island were filled with exciting firsts for both Charlotte and for us.

A first ferry ride...

(A special shout out to our BOB for being such a fabulous travel companion while we were traveling sans car )

First time experiencing the 3rd Annual Doe Bay Music Fest...

I wasn't sure what to expect from the hippie resort and clothing optional hot-tubs that I had heard of, but it turned out to be this little piece of amazing-ness. Nestled right there in the bay. Like summer camp re-created itself just for this weekend. Families, friends and music lovers alike gathered to listen to the folksy-rock music (is that an official genre of music?)

My little chic-a-dee was quite happy with herself listening to the tunes, kicking her legs in time with the music (okay, so maybe it wasn't really in sync with the music, but it could have been!)

We should have been called "Fancy Hippies" this weekend because our accomodations at the Rosario Resort were incredible! And the view from our deck? Breathtaking. I said a little thank you prayer just about every time I looked outside.

And I say that same little thankful prayer every time I look at this face...

And as the sun went down, we listened to the music and danced and enjoyed this time together.

And we looked at the stars.

And you know what comes after the stars?

Sunrise mornings like this. And you better believe we pointed out this gorgeousness to Charlotte as well. Even if she doesn't realize it quite yet.

Showering

2010-08-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

We weren't about to let something like bedrest keep us from celebrating and showering this beautiful mama-to-be, so last Sunday we did it up. Swedish Hospital style. And even though it was originally supposed to be held in our backyard, the ultimate goal was to shower our gal and her babes (yep, she's got two littles cooking in there!)...and we can do that anywhere!

Delane and I had a fabulous time preparing for the day...although I realized later that co-hosting a shower and bringing a 2 month old results in not very many pictures being taken...oops!

We were lucky enough to have the oh-so-delicious key lime pie cupcakes by JOAT at the party. I might have had two.

Coffey wanted to try out this whole wheelchair thing...

Little squish had a great time at the party with the girls and even came away with a few gifts herself (thanks Coff and Kricks!) Lucky girl.

Hang in there Rothie...all this bedrest business will be so worth it once the girls are here! XO

525,600

2010-08-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

As in minutes.

And for those of you who may not be familiar with the popular song from onlythebestmusicalever, RENT (or if you just don't feel like doing the math)...that's how many minutes are in a year.

One year until these two love birds are officially Mr. and Mrs.

One year of anticipation, planning and excitement.

Such fun celebrating you guys last night, cheers!!