Already???

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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