I saw stars.

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

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

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!!

uh oh.

Like mother like daughter...


Looks like someone found her thumb.

Let's just hope she gives up this habit before 2nd grade which is how long it took me to let it go (and only with the help of an orthodontic "crib" on the top of my mouth).

At this point though, I think it's one of the cutest things I've ever seen.

It's August.

Wow.
Time flys.
Soon the seasons will start changing and the leaves will start falling. Soon my lazy days of easy mornings with coffee and baby kisses won't be a daily occurance. (well the baby kisses will be, but the lazy days not so much). Soon evening dinners in the backyard won't be as frequent. Soon a schedule will return.


But not quite yet...

We still have days of laziness to indulge in. Lounging days. Lovely days. We still have sun to soak up and naps to take. We still have afternoon walks and morning coo's. And we still have summer food to eat up!


So we will enjoy. We will cherish each and every minute of this...this time where my only thing to do for the day is to be a mama. Where I can eat up the cuteness of those chubby cheeks and her little tootsies all day long. And while I am positive and confident as the changes come, we'll find our way through that transition as well...right now, these days of just being a mama are pretty darn perfect.

Sometimes you get news that shakes you.
I mean, really shakes you, and from that moment on...things are different.

I received this kind of news today.

Our beloved choir director, George Shangrow, passed away this weekend. A car crash. Rainy night. Accident. No one's fault. A tragedy.

As I read the email from our choir manager in bed this morning from my phone, holding our sweet little girl, I couldn't stop the tears from coming. I couldn't believe what I was reading. My heart was hurting not only for our choir, and not only for the entire Seattle music community that he was so hugely a part of...but mostly for his family. His young daughter who was so very much like him. I know too well the hurt she must be going through right now...

George was a visionary. He had a gift. He was the most talented musician I have ever had the honor of working with and his passion for the music and sharing it with others was infectious. I will forever remember the different facial expressions he shared with us while conducting that could, at times, bring you to tears just by looking at him. The music shined through him and twinkled in his eyes.

The news this morning was a shock. Like life slapping you across the face reminding you that it's short...it's precious...and it's not to be taken for granted. It can change, all too quickly.

And so today I will hug our Charlotte a little more. I will tell those I love that I do. And I will listen to some beautiful music and think of you George. You are the epitomy of living the life you were born to do, and you will be forever missed.

Where's Charlotte?

Can you spot the baby amidst the mass of laundry??


We had lots of clothes to put away today and someone was just looking too darn cute while helping mama... she just makes everything fun. Yes, even laundry.

Best Laid Plans

We had it all planned out.

Tonight we were going to enjoy the sunshine with a picnic. Maybe at Alki beach? Or possibly Leschi? Somewhere with a view.

I had grand visions of putting together a darling array of treats...summer morsels in decorative containers.
But as the day continued on, the day....well, continued on. And those darling treats didn't quite get accomplished.

We decided to still head to Leschi, but just get takeout from California Pizza Kitchen instead.

Our little one had a different idea.

As we waited our food, the whimpers progressed to cries...the cries to wails...the wails to full on screaming. The thought of driving across town for our little picnic suddenly seemed much less appealing.

So instead we went home.

Home to a backyard picnic on Nick's fraternity t-shirt blanket.


Home to a puppy who was so excited to see us back you would have thought we had been gone for 15 years instead of the actual 15 minutes it had been.



And home to the calmness that came over our girl as she lay in the shade.


We ate...


We read...


We rested...


And we enjoyed the sun. And you know what? The view was awesome.

R&R

Samish Island...

A place for some serious rest and relaxation.
Where makeup and getting ready are optional and comfy clothes are a must.
Where mornings are welcomed with coffee and homemade french toast and evening dinners enjoyed around the family table.

Where the view while working out on the eliptical machine looks something like this:

And where you look up from reading your book on the patio to see this:

Where many loving hands cuddle and love on sweet little girls.

Where naps are encouraged...

And where a cold beer awaits.



We're hoping we can schedule a monthly visit!

Hot Fun in the Summa-time!

Having lived in Seattle for eight years now, I've learned...when the sun comes out, you get out in it and take advantage while it's here! We did some serious sun soaking this past weekend...and were once again reminded of beauty of the northwest and how lucky we are to live here.

(little missy is losing her hair poor thing...much like her mama! Who knew one could shed SO much?!)

And we weren't the only ones with this idea...the Greenlake kiddie pool was overflowing with the sounds of kiddo laughter and splish-splashing fun.

I know this picture isn't photographically "correct"...but there is something about Miss Charlotte in her swimsuit, freckled with the sun and the shade that I just love...

Our view from the Laurelhurst Beach Club (thanks Jamie!). Wow and wow.

Enjoying some cuddle time with Spry before she leaves us for Cali...waaaah!

Keep it comin' sun. Keep it comin'!

"Oh what a beautiful morning...

Oh what a beautiful day..."

And such a beautiful way to start our gorgeous Seattle sunshine this morning...curled up with my little squish.

Celebrating cont.

In continuation of my post on celebrating...today brought with it two new things to celebrate:

1. The birthday of my cutest Krissy, Kricks, Kricklett, Krick-doggy-dog! Unfortunatly I can't be with her tonight on her Duck Dodge birthday gathering, but I'm looking forward to celebrating her 30th with her tomorrow!


2. The return of the missing Seattle Summer!!! It is here, in all it's glory...and from the looks of the forcast, is here to stay (oh please oh please oh please oh please!)

Even Max is super excited about it!