One of the main reasons for our trip up to Seattle, other than helping my sister prepare for the arrival of her babe, was to spend some quality time with my brother Ryan. On Friday Ryan is moving to Sweden, for a new adventure. I'm truly excited for him and for whatever this next year might bring his way. We will miss him so much, but luckily we get to go visit him really soon! Bon Voyage Ry Guy!

Me, Mom, Ryan, Meghan, Rob, Dad, Baby G, and Kyle.

We love you.

There's something about becoming a Mom that reshapes the way you see your own Mom. I am so grateful to my Mother for all the lessons, wisdom, love, and time she's given to us over the years. But, the best thing I've ever seen... the thing I appreciate more than anything, is seeing her with my own daughter. Thanks, Mama. You're the best Nana around.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms, Nanas, Grandmas, Aunties, Sisters, Friends, Nonnas, Nans!

Our fun in Seattle has hit a little snag... teething has reared it's ugly head fangs again. I need to get my timing down better! She cut her upper two when I was here in Seattle on my own... three molars when I was in L.A. on my own... and now I think she's started on the incisors while I'm here... on my own. Gwyneth has eight front teeth and four molars. How can there be more?! Luckily, I have my sister here for support and she doesn't judge me when i start crying at the dinner table. I really hate to see Gwyneth so uncomfortable, and to be honest, it's hard on me too. We both could really use a big Daddy-hug right about now. But, as I sit here, sipping a little wine, with my homework done, I am so grateful to my sister who's so understanding of everything... I'm really lucky to have a best friend who's also a sister.

We are having a great time in Seattle. We've gotten to have dinners with family and friends, we went to the zoo with Nan (Gwyneth's special Grandma), and I even made it out for a little clothes shopping trip, and salsa dancing with Marion!

We are staying with my sister and her husband, Rob, and helping them prepare for their baby's arrival by cooking up a storm. So far we've made two big pans of Tuna Noodle Casserole, and two of lasagna, turkey burger patties, and chocolate chip cookie dough. Still on the list are wontons, key lime pies, meatloaf, and a couple other things. They'll have a full freezer just in time.

Can you believe that photo from the zoo? That bear was about three feet away and I'm pretty sure he was eying Gwynnie's baby food pouch. She kept saying, "Woof Woof!" Silly baby.

Gwyneth and I are leaving again... this time we're heading up to Seattle to attend my sister's baby shower. Then, we'll be spending the week at her place. I'm planning to spend lots of time with my brother, Ryan, before he moves to Sweden! Kyle will join us the following weekend because Ryan's band, The Maldives, is having a CD release party at the Tractor Tavern. It's also Kyle's Nana's 85th birthday so we'll be celebrating with her. While I'm looking forward to the time in Seattle, it's hard to leave Kyle again. Gwyneth is head over heels in love with her Daddy, and the feeling's mutual. You should see the way Gwyneth's face lights up when she see's her "DaDaDADA". She just adores him. We'll be counting down the days until he joins us!

Bye Daddy... we loooooooove you.

Last week I shared some of the photos that my sister and I took of each others families. I wanted to share a few more with you, including a few more family shots, a few pregnancy shots, and a few headshots. It's so much fun having such a talented sister around...

This one is my absolute favorite! I love, love, love it.


This is an options for my new headshot, and another one of me and silly Gigi.


And a couple more family portraits. This one is really how we are most of the time.


My beautiful sister with Gwyneth. Isn't Meghan glowing?!


A few more belly photos.


Me being an obnoxious little sister.

Hope you're having a great start to your week! We've got a crazy week ahead with midterms, lots of work, and a trip to Seattle planned. Here goes...

This weekend my sister, Meghan came down for a visit. She and her husband Rob are expecting a baby boy in early June. I haven't gotten to see my sis in a couple of months and was so excited to see her growing belly. She looks just beautiful and I cannot wait for her to become a mom. She and Rob are going to be such amazing, loving parents. My sister also happens to be a very talented photographer, so while they were visiting we took some time to take family portraits for each other...

... I'm so lucky to have a big sister like her.

First I took a few of Meghan and Rob...



Then she snapped a few of us...

I was so sad they had to head home early today, I wish we lived next door to each other. Gwyneth and I will be heading up for a week soon to spend helping her get food in the freezer and the house all ready for their baby to arrive. I can't wait to meet him!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend too.

My brother, Ryan, came to stay with us on Monday night. We love our time with Uncle Ryan. He's part cool uncle, part silly brother. Gwyneth loves him...



Gwyneth actually put the camera strap around her neck, so I helped her put the viewfinder up to her eye and take this photo of Ryan. They played together a lot.

She loved listening to him play the guitar...

...and only Uncle Ryan can make her smile like THIS!

Gwyneth and I love nothing more than slipping out of the house in the middle of the day to meet Kyle for lunch. We do it just about every week. Usually we just meet him at the brewery to grab a pint and a pizza. It's so fun for Gwynnie to get a chance to see her "da da da DAAAAA" in the middle of his busy day. Lunches with Daddy are one of our favorite things.

Happy Monday! I hope you are all having a great start to the new week. I felt very stressed last week so I'm taking today to get organized for this busy week.

There has been a blog post being passed around the Internet talking about motherhood. I'm not going to even link to this article because, frankly, I found it to be cynical, sarcastic, and negative.  While I understand the need to vent, I am fed up with the negative. The negativity began when we first shared with people that we were expecting...

"Enjoy these last months of sleep." 
"Breastfeeding is soooo hard."
"You two are going to bicker all the time. Babies bring out the worst in your marriage."
"Say goodbye to your sex life."
"I didn't shower for like, four months after our baby was born."

Everyone warned us that doomsday was quickly approaching. All Kyle and I wanted was for one person with young kids, just one, to say to us, "Parenting is so fun! It's amazing. It's the best choice we ever made!”, without prefacing it by telling us how hard it was and how much this or that sucks. But, it was all doom and gloom and poopy diapers on the horizon, apparently.

We made a choice to ignore every negative statement that came our way, or to turn it into something positive. If people told us we were going to bicker all the time, then we devised a plan on how not to do that. If people said we would no longer have sex, then we decided we would schedule it if we had to.

The negativity continued after Gwyneth was born...
"Oh wow, she slept through the night? That won't last." ...and when it did... "You're second baby won't be like that!" Really?!

In the past year have we slept less? Are my boobs “never going to be the same"? Has our household hygiene been less stellar? Did we bicker sometimes? Have we eaten dinners of cold pasta while balancing a crying baby? Do some days just plain suck? Has it been stressful, challenging, exhausting? Of course! Everyone who decides to become a parent already knows that it will have it's challenges. Why not, for a change, share with those around you who are expecting or who are new parents how wonderful it is! Tell them about how parenting is fun, funny, amazing, perfect, magical, ridiculous, life changing, the best! Because it is.

I often feel that people discount my "Pollyanna" outlook on motherhood because I'm "not cynical yet" and I have an “easy” baby. This is always said with smile that says, "come back and talk to us when you are as bitter about motherhood as we are." I am very grateful for my life, my husband, and my baby. Sure, I’ll admit that Gwyneth is the perfect baby for us. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t whine, cry, wake up in the middle of the night, bite, pinch, or do any of the things that every other baby does. There's a lot of work that goes on behind closed doors and it's frustrating to have that work written off as luck. Perfection is in the eye of the beholder.

Everyone assumes that because I am so happy to be a mom, rarely complain, find joy in the little things, and find humor in the hard stuff, that I have had a really easy baby and an easy transition into motherhood.  But it wasn't that easy. After Gwyneth was born, I plummeted into a state of extreme anxiety. I felt extremely nervous and unbelievably angry. I was hit with intense panic attacks, I heard voices in my head that were threatening and terrifying, I was afraid of myself, fearful of everything, I cried a lot, and my body tense with anger. After a few weeks I finally managed to say to Kyle, "I think I'm going crazy. I think I need help." Asking for help was incredibly hard. As a mother, I didn't want to need help. Luckily, I had worked with an amazing counselor in my late teens, and was able to call her for the help and support I desperately needed. I worked with her a few times a week over the phone for my first two months as a new mom. Just talking helped. Exercise helped. Fairly quickly I was able to regain my footing, and proceed with joy and intention into my role as a Gwyneth's Mom.

About a month ago I was watching an old interview with Brooke Shields on Oprah (because that's how cool I am), and she was talking in-depth about her experience with postpartum depression. As I watched, something clicked. I completely connected with some of the things she was saying. Not all of it, but a lot of it. The bizarre thing was that, I had read this when I was going through my own experience with postpartum anxiety, or depression, or whatever you want to call it. At the time, I read it and thought, how terrible... it would really suck to feel like that. It wasn't until just a month ago that I recognized myself in it. I thought that having postpartum depression meant that you didn't care for your baby, didn't feel love for them, and weren't ever happy. I was happy a lot of the time, euphoric even. I loved Gwyneth beyond anything I ever imagined, so I didn't recognize what I was experiencing. I'm so glad that there's help when you need it in the form of wonderful lactation consultants, other parents, husbands, sisters, your own parents, friends, and counselors.

The point is, it hasn't been all easy, or perfect for me. I choose to be appreciative, positive, to seize the day, and to live in the moment as much as I can. I love being reminded by sweet older ladies to enjoy it because, "It goes by so quickly". It reminds me to live each day with gratitude, even the hard ones. I love being a parent. I love having someone who needs me and relies on me. I have never had the desire to work so hard for anything in my life. Having a child has made me want to be the best possible person I can be. It has grounded me. It has elated me. It has expanded my heart and my mind. I cherish it. Becoming a parent was the best choice I ever made. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Sometimes I wish the days were twice as long, and that I could do this whole last year over again because I have loved it so much and learned so much. I'm not just saying that to make a point, I really do. I kiss my baby hundreds of times each day, and I go to bed each night and reflect on how lucky I am because, even though it's hard work, it's the best investment of my energy, time, and love that I can make.

If you know someone who's expecting, tell them all the wonderful things you can. Offer your love and support to friends with newborns. Help the new mom at the grocery store load up her groceries so she can get her twins out of the rain, even if that means you and your baby get a little wet. Send a care package to a new dad you know. Every one of us is doing a great job, doing their very best. Be supportive, positive, and encouraging.

I am genuinely excited for the people I know who are expecting... especially my sister and Rob. They are in for such an amazing journey full of joy, snuggling, laughter, and fun. They will probably have some sleepless nights, but babies look beautiful in the moonlight.

Here is a little list of my favorite positive family blogs. They really help me, inspire me and encourage me...

James over at Bleubird Vintage shares her adventures in motherhood. She has three beautiful kiddos, Milla, Jullian, and Gemma. On her blog you will find great food ideas for kids, fun little project ideas, and bits + pieces of her life as a stylish mom.

Naomi's blog, Rockstar Diaries, is the blog I relate with the most. Her amazingly cute daughter, Eleanor, is just a month younger than Gwyneth. It's been so much fun to follow along as she and her husband parent their sweet girl with extreme positivity. They are expecting their second baby this summer.

Adeline's Daddy is a new blog to me. It's fun and refreshing to read a Dad's take on parenting. He just wrote about what it's like to have a daughter and I loved it!

Sometimes Sweet is a great blog. Danielle writes (very well) about being a mom to her son Henry, her healthy habits, and her daily life. Her blog has great variety and is very motivational.

The Littlest is a really sweet blog. Elizabeth shares photos, thoughts, and inspiration. It's always positive and lovely. Her daughter, Elodie, is obviously the apple of her eye.

Katie's blog, Skunkboy Creatures, is fun, stylish, and upbeat. She has two sweet girls, Hope and Poe. Her blog is always a pick-me-up.

Yellow Finch Designs is the blog by busy mom Liz. She has three kiddos and is always positive and proactive.

We had a quiet weekend.  It's nice and snowy here.  It was perfect for hot cocoa, palmiers, and walks in the snow.  I spent most of the weekend working and cooking.  Last night we watched the Golden Globes with our friends and went to bed early.  Now, it's nearly time for Gwyneth's morning nap which means tea for me, school work, and photo editing.  Hope you all have a wonderful Monday.

I spent all weekend working.  I'm spending all day, everyday on the computer finishing up work for a new website (which I can't wait to share with you).  Yesterday, the clouds cleared and the sun broke through.  It was too beautiful out not to go for a family walk.  We decided to head up to our favorite little coffee shop, take in the fresh air, and relax for a bit.

Not a cloud in the sky!  Today has been a little crazy.  School started again and I made myself register.  I'm this close to finishing my degree.  Since my classes are all online that means I'll be spending even more time on the computer than I already do.  Between the blog, my photography, my new website, and school, that's a lot of computer hours.  I know how important it's going to be to take advantage of the sun-breaks.  Hope you all are having a great start to your week!

We are settled back in at home and it is raining, raining, raining!  I put together this little video from Gwyneth's first Christmas and her first birthday party.  We are having a party on her actual birthday (New Year's Eve) this weekend but we also had one to celebrate with our family up in Seattle.  Thanks so much for the lovely holiday everyone!  Thanks for making Gwyneth's first Christmas and birthday so wonderful!!!

Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas.  I'll be back with some photos from the weekend in Seattle tomorrow or Friday.  I'm taking it easy this week.  Trying to extend the vacation.

For the past four years we have spent Thanksgiving at my Dad and Stepmom's house.  Our friends, Kurt and Scott, who just happen to be fantastic chef's at the Chateau Ste. Michele in Woodinville, WA come down and cook up the most fantastic Thanksgiving meals you can imagine!  Our good friend Bill always brings wonderful cheeses and wines and champagne!  This year there were sixteen of us, including my awesome brother and his roommate, Kevin.

These two wines were amazing!  The Columbia Crest Reserve 2008 was so delicious, well balanced and flavorful.  I'm a huge fan of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  This particular bottle was from 2000 and was really peppery and rich.  It's such a treat to get to share these incredible wines with people who know about wine!  Educational and delicious!


My Stepmom, Nance, is the most amazing hostess.  She always sets the table with uniquely made name tags and personalized gifts for each person who attends.  My Dad likes to put in his "teeth" whenever people are coming over.  Gwyneth was not quite sure about Pops.  Later in the evening she took me aside and asked me if she was related to him.

Ham and blue cheese.

Triple Cream Brie.


My Dad.  All dressed up for Thanksgiving dinner.

Lots of beer brought by Kyle from Double Mountain Brewery.  My special place setting made by Nance.


Kurt and Scott wearing their place settings.  Nance's bug collection.

Stuffing made by me and Kyle.  It's so good.  It has fresh herbs, pine nuts and craisins.


Butter and silky mashed potatoes.  Technically they are riced potatoes since Bill used a ricer when preparing them.


Our heritage Turkey.  Kurt gets this bird from his friends that have a farm.  It was killed on Monday, picked up on Tuesday, brined on Wednesday and enjoyed on Thursday.  Doesn't get much fresher or more organic than this!


The chefs.


Scott's amazing caramelized carrots and the expertly carved turkey.


I made this Salted Caramel Cheesecake for dessert.  These are Nance's beautiful teacups for after dinner coffee. 

Once we were finished eating we played games.  Charades was... interesting.  There was a very explicit acting out of the book/film The Firm as well as some other odd interpretations of things.  We were in stitches throughout the game playing.  Most people headed home around 10:30 but we were persuaded into gambling with Kurt, Nance, Scott, Ryan and Kevin.  I've never gambled before and let me tell ya... I had way too much fun (even when I was losing).  We finally threw in the dice and headed for home.  We didn't get to bed until 1 in the morning! 

We spent the rest of the weekend digging up the yard for raised beds (Kyle) and sewing (me) and sleeping (Gwynnie).

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and a wonderful weekend!

I don't know about where you live, but here it has jumped straight into winter.  It's about forty degrees every day and it's rainy, cloudy, grey and stormy.  Our snow from Wednesday melted overnight, and with it, all excuses for pajama days.  We needed to get out of the house so we decided to go for a rainy afternoon wine tasting.  We bundled up and headed for the hils.  The drive was nice and queit and we listened to Audrey Hepburn's biography on cd while we drove.  Luckily, it wasn't dumping rain so we snapped a few outfit photos along the Columbia River.  Kyle happened to be looking rather dapper so I made him play along...



On me:
Sweater: Shae (from Parts+Labour)
Glasses: Christian Dior
Camisole: Odd Molly (from Parts+Labour)
Jeans: Free People
Boots: Frye Engineer (from Plenty)

On Kyle:
Shirt: Vintage Cowboy shirt
Jacket: The Gap
Jeans: Nautica
Boots: Frye Rogan Engineer (yes, we have matching Frye boots)

On Gwyneth:
Sweater Suit: Hanna Andersson

And with that... I'm off to spend the whole day cleaning and prepping for our early Thanksgiving.  We are working on a new nap schedule with Gwyneth so we'll see how much I'm actually able to accomplish!  I hope you all have a great weekend!

After my beautiful drive a couple weeks ago, I couldn't wait to take Kyle along for the drive to show him how beautiful it was!  I was also missing my Pop-Tart so I called up her parents and we picked her up and she came along too!  First we visited Draper Girls Country Farm and picked up some amazingly crisp apples and sweet pears.

Then we headed to Packer's for some coooooooookies!!!!

Finally, we headed to the pumpkin patch.  The pumpkin selection was a bit sad since we are on the very late end of the pumpkin pickin' season but it was still really fun to see everything and to walk through the corn maze.



I had such a fun time with my honey and my girls.  According to the weatherman, the cold, rainy weather is heading our way so we are enjoying the last sunny fall days before winter sets in.


On me:
Glasses: Christian Dior
Wool Dress: Icebreaker
Leggings: LA Made (from Parts+Labour)
Boots: Hunter (from Zella)
Earrings: made by me

On Gwyneth:
Sweatsuit: Carter
Socks: Trumpette

The construction is going really well!  We've hit a few little issues here and there but things are cruising along and we are pretty hopeful that we'll have it all done in a few days!  Stay tuned for the big reveal.

It is Kyle's 30th birthday today!  I'm so very lucky to be married to him.  He is such a loving, caring father and husband.  He works hard to support us in every way imaginable.  He is the best.  How do you wish the best husband and father on earth a happy 30th birthday?  You buy the man a grill!  Kyle's parents went in on it with me and Poppy and I had a blast setting up a little "hunt" for him.  We wove yarn all throughout the house and yard leading into the garage where his present was waiting for him!

Coming home!

Poppy could barely contian her excitement.

Poor Calypso thought the yarn was for her.

Kyle got stuck carrying this hanger around since all the yarn was knotted up through it.
Happy Birthday Boy!
Happy Birthday my love.

A few weeks ago, I photographed Gwyneth in my Grandma's little dress, hat and slippers.  My Grandmother, Mary Jo, passed away one year ago and we all miss her so much.  I was pregnant with Gwyneth when my Grandma passed away so getting to take her photos in this little gown was so special.

This weekend was SO MUCH FUN!  My mom and her boyfriend, Mike, came for a visit.  They've been traveling all summer so it was the first time in a while that we had seen them.  I was sad to see them leave this morning!  Here's a look at our wonderful weekend...

Friday...

Kyle and I started the weekend off with dinner downtown.  It had been such a busy week with the launch of the new site that I had hardly left the house!  It was such a treat to go out and have nice dinner with Kyle and G! 

Gazpacho!

Calamari.

Burger and fries.

 Gwyneth and her Riffe Raffe.

Saturday...

 We spent Saturday morning reading in bed... 

 and picking up the house.  I went grocery shopping and drove by this awesome Hispanic wedding!

 I got these gorgeous flowers at the farm stand....

...and put together a nice little lunch. 

G took a little nap.  I'm not sure why she's sleeping like that! 

Mom and Mike arrived midday and we ate a bit before going on a nice, long walk into town. 

We got ice cream at Mike's.

Kyle gave our visitors a tour of the brewery.

It was a looong hot walk home.  By the time we sweated our way home we were ready to relax, eat dinner and play Apples to Apples on the patio. 

Grilled Tuna Burgers and salad (and grilled peaches in simple syrup for dessert).

Sunday...

We got all prepped for a little hike while Gwyneth took her morning nap.  When she woke up we headed out!

We spent the majority of the day on our little hike.  

Gwyneth LOVED being in the backpack!

My view during the hike.  

Outdoor baby! 

Taking a nap in the pack. 

Back at the trailhead.  G has a big red mark on her face from sleeping in the pack. 

After our hike we drove a little ways to stop for some fantastic Mexican food. 

After our little lunch we came home for a siesta before... yup, heading out to eat again! 

 
After dinner we headed home to bed.

I wish my Mom and Mike could have stayed longer.  It was nice to take a mini-break from working.  Next weekend it's crunch time as we start to prep the house for the kitchen remodel!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

Gwyneth and I had such a lovely time in San Diego.  

Baby Lucia was so perfect and beautiful.  

We flew home last night and got to see a gorgeous sunset from the plane.  Kyle picked us up from the airport and we were both very happy to see him.

It was so nice to wake up and do a little cuddle time.

Today is our second wedding anniversary.  I can't believe two years have passed since our sweet little wedding...

AND two years since we hit each other with pies...

I posted about the first half of our long, fabulous weekend yesterday.  Here's a look at the second half...

Saturday...

After ruiniting with G, Kyle and I went to go pick up our ribs from Bill the Butcher which happens to be right next door to Victor's Celtic Coffee Company!

Man, we missed her!!!

Best coffee on the Eastside.

We spent the rest of the day on Saturday relaxing with the family, sipping beer and playing in the pool.  I had my camera on me most of the afternoon and took lots of photos...

Lounging with Grandpa!

Croquet was played.  Alligators were ridden.

It was a lovely afternoon.

After visiting with Grandpa it was off to meet up with Uncle Ryan for brunch at Pete's Eggnest on Greenwood.

G took a special liking to Uncle Ryan's shades.

We headed home to get the ribs started and to snap some family portraits of Dayne, Amber and the kids.

And, of course, more sipping of beer.

We had a wonderful dinner thanks to Kyle's rib smokin' skillz.  Then we headed over for s'mores at Ryan's house. 

It was a late night for the babe but it was so fun to hand out with Ryan and his friends and eat s'mores with Reese's pieces, sit around a little bonfire and catch up.  We had such a fun, wonderful weekend.  Hope you did too.

The End!

We took off for a long weekend and headed to Seattle late Wednesday night and we just got home a few hours ago!  It was so much fun to spend a longer-than-usual amount of time with our families.  Kyle brother, Dayne, his wife Amber and their two kids, Bailey and Chloe were visiting so we stayed extra long. (Note: I am pretty sure I didn't punctuate that sentence correctly... I never know how, many, commas, to, use).  Here is a look at our wonderful weekend... well the first half of it!

We got a blueberry tart, gruyere and caramelized onion magical croissant thing and a caramel and sea salt cake (I also got a salted caramel macaroon but ate it immediately).

Meghan, G and Rob.

Macaroooooons!

I have the best big sister in the whole world!

After pastries, it was time for...

Bill the Butcher is in Redmond, WA.  We've been wanting to check it out for ages.  All their meat is local, sustainably farmed and organic.  We placed an order for some spare ribs to grill later in the weekend.

We returned to Kyle's parent's house, cooked up Lemony Roasted Chicken and played scrabble.  Then we all went to bed...

Friday...

We got up bright and early to play with the kids.

Some of us weren't quite awake yet.  Then we packed up the whole gang and headed to the Woodland Park Zoo! 

Erika and Chloe ready to explore!

Our little monkey in the monkey house.

Gwyneth was taking notes so she could show us her foot in mouth skills...

Nice!

Bailey checking out the penguins.

Silly Dad.

Poppy and her family members.

After the zoo we headed to Red Mill Burgers for lunch.  I've always heard great things about their classic, all-american burgers.  We weren't disappointed!

Amber, Dayne, Bailey and Chloe.  Those kiddos were pretty exhausted from the long day at the zoo!

We spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing and playing outside.

Then... Kyle's parents sent us parents out for the night!  They booked as a room at The Heathman in downtown Kirkland and bought us dinner at Trellis!  We are so lucky!  It was such a special gift.  I was, of course, quite nervous about being away from Gwynnie but everyone kept telling me, "it'll be good for you", and it was.  

Our room.

Amber and Dayne.

Me and Kyle.

Double date night!

Steak with pomme frites and bone marrow butter.

Lamb with a pomegranate glaze and kale.

Duck with watercress.

Thanks Dave and Erika for such a lovely, thoughtful gift.

I'll post Part 2 tomorrow!

We had such a fantastic weekend!  It was busy, sunny, productive and relaxing!  Kyle's parents (Dave and Erika) came down Friday afternoon and just left this morning.  They are truly the best in-laws (and I'm not just saying that because they read the blog)!  We've been looking forward to their visit for weeks.  It's the first time they've come to town during a big holiday weekend so we gave them the full tourist treatment.

Friday...

On Friday we headed into town for First Friday.  Our town does First Friday's all year round but in the summer it's a really big deal.  The city shuts down the main drag and all the shops open up, kids play in the street and everyone comes out of the woodwork to enjoy the arts, music, drinks, food and the local shops.

Out to dinner.

(I know this picture is blurry but they wouldn't stop goofing around!)

Visiting hours with my new favorite Frye boots.

We ran into our friends Greg and Sondi and their gorgeous daughter, Ella June. 

We all headed home after and put G to bed before heading back out to celebrate the weekend  free babysitters with our friends down at the brewery.

I know it looks like Kyle's groping me in this photo but it's not his fault he's so tall.

Sparklers were handed out to all the intoxicated locals.

Saturday...

Saturday morning brought big things like....

Gwynnie's first solid food!

I had to zip off to shoot a wedding so Kyle and his parents spent the rest of the day Saturday planning and starting on a patio for our backyard.  When I got home we threw together a quick BBQ but we were too tired and scrubby for many good photos.

Sunday....

On Sunday I went for a walk downtown with Danelle.  She treated me to coffee and a cupcake.  Good friend!

The afternoon was spent patio building...

Coronas...

Lounging in the backyard...

Tuna Burgers from Gwyneth Paltrow's cookbook.  They were soooo freakin' good.  So far this cookbook is very impressive!

Monday the Fourth of July...

I slept with my camera next to the bed so I could capture some photos of Gwyneth first thing in the morning.  We are planning to move her to her own room tonight but first I really wanted to get some photos of how she looks when she wakes up right next to me.  Waking up next to her has been one of the biggest joys of my life.  I love her so much I kind just wanna gobble her up and absorb her.  Is that weird?

Anyway.  I did not eat my baby.  Instead... I made a frittata. 

After breakfast we walked over to watch the parade.  Damon, Amy, Poppy and Mamoo (Amy's mom) all took part in the parade.  Damon's British but you wouldn't know it by looking at his dorky glasses.

Being silly (as usual).

Once home from the parade, Kyle got down to the serious business of smokin' some ribs.

The boy, his beer and his BBQ = happy boy.

For some reason, G decided this was the first day ever that she was just not going to sleep... at all.  Little stinker!

After dinner we walked down to Mike's Ice Cream...

...and then headed down to the waterfront to enjoy the weather and watch the fireworks display.

Gwynnie finally fell asleep just in time for the fireworks.  She did wake up right as the big ol' we love America grand finale started.  I think she was confused.  Silly baby.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  

My Aunt Sue is really wonderful.  She and I have always been very close.  Her two kids, Leah and Luke are also wonderful.  I've been looking forward to their visit for MONTHS!  I know they weren't really here to see me (Gwyneth has officially become the bigger attraction) but I didn't care what the reason!  It was so great having them here!

Luke, Leah, Gwyneth and Aunt Sue.

We had a relaxing morning...

Then we headed into town. We wandered through the shops...

 Had lunch with Kyle at the brewery...

Got ice cream!

Coconut and French Crunch (French Roast ice cream with ground up chocolate covered espresso beans!)

We gave/got some free advice...

We checked out the kiteboarders down at the waterfront...

It was a truly great day!  

We spent the evening in, eating tacos and playing Apples to Apples.

Saturday...

Gwyneth continued to get spoiled with love and attention by Leah and Luke.

Aunt Sue and I made a run to the gardening store so I could pick up herbs for my little porch herb garden!

Then we went to IKEA!

After IKEA we had a great late lunch at ¿Por Qué No?

Gwyneth had her photo taken so many times this weekend...

And she was kissed so many times...

After lunch, Sue, Leah and Luke had to head out to go visit other family.  We were so sad to see them go but we had a truly wonderful time with them.  

Sunday...

With our visitors gone on their way, Kyle and I spent all day Sunday playing with Gwyneth and cleaning up this disaster zone...

That's what happens when you are given a UHaul full of things!  It actually was kind of fun to get it back in shape!

Kyle made this great BBQ chicken and Grilled Kale Caesar Salad for dinner while I read Vogue and took a bath!

Best.  Husband.  Ever.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!

We just got home from a really rainy fun weekend in Seattle!  We drove up early on Friday morning to spend time with our families and attend the Washington Brewer's Festival at St. Edward's State Park.  We go every year for this Father's Day beer festival, but this was Kyle's first year as a Dad so it was extra rainy fun! 

Saturday...

Cuddling with me...

with Daddy...

and Grandma!

Kyle and I decided to get really "Seattle-like" and head to Pike Place Market for coffee and doughnuts even though it was cold and rainy.

It was a seriously bad idea.  Poor Baby G missed her nap, was hungry and tired and cold and traffic SUCKED!

Then we headed to the beer festival so Kyle could participate in the keg toss.  Silly brewers. (He lost.)

With Kristen who works at the brewery.

We went to meet up with our friends, Jeremy and Tara, for dinner and a sleepover.

If you haven't eaten at Serious Pie you should!

Me and Tara waiting for our table.

Tara stayed home with G and we (Lindsey, Ben, Jeremy, Kyle and I) walked down the block to grab a pint.

When we got home from the bar, Gwyneth was awake (thanks to a big wet kiss from J&T's dog, Kingston.)  We got her back to sleep after I read her this verse I wrote (inspired by Go the F to Sleep)...

I'm sorry our friend's dog woke you

While you dreamed and slumbered so deep

But Mommy is home from the bar now

So please go the F back to sleep.

We definitely got an F grade as parents for Saturday!

Kyle is SUCH an amazing Dad.  When I see him with Gwyneth it makes me feel like the luckiest woman in the world.

As you can tell G feels pretty lucky too.

It seems like this...

was just moments ago!

Makin' Father's Day breakfast.

Tara and her lap dog Kingston (the baby-waker).  He was totally obsessed with Gwyneth!  

Playing with Uncle J.

After lunch we geared up to head to the beer festival.  

We got to have a quick visit with my cousin Dannie and my Aunt Mary and Uncle Terry!  Gwyneth loved Dannie!

With Ben and Lindsey.

Maybe a little too much fun... she's her father's daughter!

With Jeremy and Tara.

Helping Dad serve.

After the festival Gwynnie and I had a very short visit with Becca and Kesha!

It was so nice to meet Becca's daughter.  She has awesomely chubby wrists!

Happy Father's Day to two fabulous Dads.

As you can see we are happy to be home after such a rainy fun weekend in Seattle!

I also wanted to take a moment to wish my own Daddy a very happy Father's Day.  He's an awesome Dad (and Grandpa)!

Yesterday (after I stopped procrastinating) it ended up being a great day.  If I'm being totally honest, I never did stop procrastinating.  I spent the whole, beautiful summer day sitting outside in our backyard working on my creative projects and playing with her...

So much better than studying.  Eventually, I picked Poppy up from school and then we spent even more time playing outside before I actually had to go take my final.  As I was leaving the house my brother called to let me know he and Kaylee were in the area!  It was Kaylee's birthday on Wednesday so we all went out to dinner after I finished my final!  I LOVE when my brother does this!  Our Dad joined us too making it a perfectly lovely evening...

Gorgeous view.

A micro micro-brew.

My Daddy.

I love my lil' family.

What a great day!  And that was only Thursday!  Now it's Friday and I can't wait for this wonderful weekend to start... We are planning on laying low, getting house stuff done, planning our summer and relaxing!  Do you all have fun weekend plans?

This weekend was so much fun!  I spent the long weekend in Seattle with my family celebrating our Mom's birthday!  Poor Kyle had to stay behind to study and work again so it was just me and Gwyneth. 

Saturday:

 He helped us get on the road Saturday morning.  Bye Honey. We looooove you.

I was sitting in traffic for a long...

long...

long time.

Finally relaxing at Meghan and Rob's house!

Gwyneth decided this was a fun way to be held by her Aunt Meghan.  

We went for a nice long walk, watched a bit of Project Runway, had a yummy dinner at home, gave the babe a sink bath and went to bed!

Gwyn woke up super early on Sunday.  

We went to Edmonds to take Danelle (who is also from Seattle and was there this weekend) out for a little coffee, fresh air and snuggle time because we love her!

Then, we went to visit Great Grandpa and had a nice long visit with him talking about our ancestry.  Grandpa is a wealth of knowledge about our families.  I love spending time with him... he always has hot cocoa and cookies.  

Meghan and I went to run a couple of errands with Baby G.  I dropped of a bunch of photo prints for my friend at his restaurant (La Isla) and we ran to the store.  As we were heading into the store we suddenly realized that Gwyneth had exceeded the capacity of her diaper.  Luckily, I always have a change of clothes with me!  Meghan (the best Aunt ever) helped me change her in the back of the car.  While we were standing there we got dive bombed by three mallards.  Yes, seriously.  We had to duck!  Get it!

After the diaper and the ducks we needed a lil' drink.  Rob whipped up these yummy grapefruit/vodka cocktails!

I rallied the troops first thing on Monday morning to go for a long walk to the Honore Artisan Bakery in Ballard.  Our brother loves it and I've been wanting to go forever.  We walked all the way there and...

They were closed.

I was really, really sad.

Rob was about to give up hope but we started walking in search of better things.  All we found was...

a lawnmower collection...

nobody home at Ryan's house...

and a shaved cat... #$%&!!!!!  We admitted defeat and went home where Rob made us a yummy breakfast.  Then it was time to get ready for Mom's birthday party!!!  

Meghan braided my hair like she used to when we were little.  (Yes, I'm wearing Gwyneth's Baby Legs on my arms)

We made two rhubarb, strawberry, apple crisps...

while Gwyneth used Uncle Rob as a teething toy.

Lovely flowers from the garden.

Mom (the birthday girl) arrived early for some extra baby time.

Meghan made Mom a special drink with lime juice and Corona in salted glass that she had loved when she visited Megs in Mexico.

Then the party got started as everyone began to arrive!

Dave, Erika, Mom with G and Mike.

Gwyn with Linda and Ruth.  Everyone couldn't wait to get their hands on our babe!

Everyone enjoyed the sun and the BBQ.

Look how BIG she's getting!

Linda, Dave, Mike and Erika enjoying the party.

Then it was time to torch the cakes light the birthday candles.

Man, that was scary!

Dave, Linda and Dave.  It's a Dave Sandwich.

Ry Guy.

Meghan and Erika dished up the dessert while everyone else began to share stories about Mom.

It was such a nice party.  Happy Birthday Mom!  We love you!

After everyone left, it was just us cuddled up on the couch...

oh yeah, I forgot Rob was there too.

 Meghan and Rob sang me a bedtime story and we went to bed.

Tuesday:

We got up this morning and scurried out the door.  We made a quick coffee stop and...

we were ready to hit the road. Gwyneth slept nearly the whole way back and didn't cry at all!  Phew.  The ride up was a bit rough so this was a huge relief.  

Happy to be home with Dad!

As you all know, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed this week.  I had lots of errands to run and things to do.  But instead of doing them we decided to just have a BBQ instead!  I went for a long walk with Gwyneth, filled the house with lilacs, invented a accidental cocktail (I'll have the recipe perfected for you all next week) and invited some friends over to relax and enjoy the gorgeous spring weather.

Tracey holding G and sipping a glass of Little G.  Perfect!

Kyle playing with Ella.

Collin sipping on a margarita.  

Kristen and Gwyn.

We finally get to use our deck!

boys + grill / charcoal x meat = happy boys.

Making Grilled Kale Caesar Salad.

Ella, Greg, Kyle, Kristen, Collin, David and Tracey all ready to eat.

It was such a fun, relaxing evening.  After our lovely BBQ (on Wednesday) I was feeling totally reengergized.  I got up on Thursday and ran the rest of my errands and even got the car serviced, I skipped class and sat outside with Kyle and my friend Danelle having a beer.  Now I'm ready for the weekend.  Time for more grilling and relaxing.  

Do you all have fun plans for the weekend?

Anfisa with her two daughters, Oliva (2.5yrs) and Kayla (4mos).

The best thing about being a mom is seeing my children learn and grow.

Megan with her duaghter, Lucia Denise (10mos).

What I love most about being a mom is loving Luci!

Dear Mom, 

Thank you for loving me unconditionally, being one of my closest friends, all of the hugs and kisses, the thoughtful advice, the life lessons, every bowl of cereal you poured, lunch you packed and dinner you prepared, for all the checks you wrote, the daily phone calls, the sacrifices, the copays, the back to school clothes, the sink baths...   But most of all, thank you for being you.  Becoming a mother this year has given me a new understanding of everything that you are.  You always expressed to me that you loved me for who I was, that you were proud of me.  You have always supported my choices and I have never once doubted that your love for me was unconditional.  Now that I'm a mom, I find myself loving you even more than I did just a few months ago (which was a lot)!  I am so blessed to have you as my mom.  You mean the world to me.  Thanks for being the woman that you are and the mom that you are.

Love you,

Kacie

Every Sunday, my sister Meghan and her lovely husband Rob...(source)...go for a nice, long walk and catch up on all the weeks little things.  Having a baby... ...has certainly reduced the amount of time that Kyle and I have to chat. Everywhere we've lived, we've always done the ol' walk and talk.  But, since I was medically ordered off my feet (all the way back in October)......we really haven't picked up our walks again.  I was talking with my sister about how the lack of communication with your partner adds up very quickly.  She suggested we have Sunday walk dates.  So, for the last few Sundays Kyle and I have been taking long walks, catching up and investing in our relationship.   

So, what does "Friday Fun-day" have to do with Sunday walks?  Well, this last Sunday we were chatting and we realized that we were both feeling exhausted and overloaded and that, despite our efforts, we always end up with a messy house, and too much on the To Do List.

We realized that we really don't do a good job staying on top of things.  B.G. (Before Gwynnie) we were able to get away with this but now... there's just no way.  Contributing to our messy house issue is that we have gotten in the classic Pacific Northwest-it's-supposed-to-be-Spring-but-it's-still-raining pattern of watching too much television.  We just watched two seasons of in about a month (did anyone else not get the finale?), and an entire season of  in a little under two weeks (it's so good)!  Basically, we camp out on the couch (not talking) and watch episode after episode of Project Runway, Mad Men or whatever show we're currently indulging in!  Meanwhile, the dishes from dinner sit on the counter and the laundry remains in a state of limbo.  Last Sunday we came up with a plan to combat this place we've found ourselves in.  Here goes...

New House Rule: No internet, no texting, etc. after 6:00pm. 

Sunday: Relax.  No f'ing TV.  Walk and catch up.  Time to discuss upcoming events, goals, plans and how much weone another.  Kyle cooks dinner.

Monday: Grocery shopping.  Laundry.  No TV. (Read a book people!)

Tuesday: Kyle does the bills.  Kacie does homework.

Wednesday: Garbage out.  Movie date night.  

Thursday: Kacie does more homework.

Friday: Fun-day!  Do whatever we wanna do.

Saturday:  Project day.  Work on the house.  Work on the garden.  Do fun things but get things done.

We're taking steps to simplify things by delegating jobs and encouraging each other to stay on top of things.  Although we've only put that plan into action for the past week, we are feeling accomplished, satisfied and we are confidant that we are finally on the right track to breaking our bad habits!  We are pretty exhausted from constantly going, going, going... but we know once we get used to this new routine we'll be so much happier!  

On a side note, this last week was a bit of a struggle with Gwynnie's nighttime routine.  We read in our book (Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child) that, around 3 months of age, babies need to go to bed earlier... like 5:30-6:30pm!  We've been aiming to get her in bed by 7:30pm but, for the past three nights she's cried for a loooooong time.  Finally passing out around 9:00!  We have been soothing machines! Normally she's a great self soother, jus a few minutes of fussing and then we're in the clear. Could the culprit be a "too late bedtime" as our book suggests?  She does also seem to be teething a bit so we're going to try giving her a couple teething tablets and tucking her in between 6-6:30pm! 

Any thoughts on any of this, the walks, the talks, the Lost finale, the baby bedtime?  I'd love to hear about your experience with any of it.  

Here's to learning as we go.

I was really pleased and surprised when, on Monday night, my brother Ryan called and asked if he could come for a visit!  He and his lovely ladybird Kaylee arrived yesterday afternoon and stayed through last night and this morning!  It was so nice to have them here for a short stay.  We had my Lemony Roasted Chicken and Potatoes for dinner, my favorite Lemon Pound Cake (Test Kitchen) for dessert and Hot Toddy's for fun.  It was such a fun, relaxing visit.

G loves Uncle Ryan.

And a little morning playtime.

 i

After a long, cold winter we were so in need of a vacation.  Lucky for us, Kyle's parents had bought us tickets to go to Cabo, Mexico for Christmas!  It was our first time ever taking a vacation where all you do is sit on the beach!  It was WONDERFUL!  There's nothing like getting up in the morning and putting on your swimsuit at 8:30.  I took a lot of pictures... just apparently not many without the baby in them.  It would appear that she never got set down during the whole vacation.  She's gonna need attention detox this week.  Here's a few pics from our trip.

While G took her morning nap, Mom did my Tracy Anderson workout with me and then we bundled up the babe and went out to lunch at the bakery.  After lunch, we visited with friends and had a really lovely day.  We made a simple dinner and had a quiet evening.

Sunday morning came too soon and it was already time for Nana to head home.  She got some good bb cuddle time in while Kyle started making French Baguettes and I whipped up some crêpes stuffed with lemon ricotta and topped with banana and blueberry sauce!

After breakfast, Nana had some play time with Gwyneth before she had to head for home. 

Gwyn LOVES her Nana!

Once my Mom headed out, I started getting ready for our Oscar Party!  I freakin' love cozying up on the couch and watching the Academy Awards.  I sarted making this fantastic vegetarian chili that I make every year (if you make it do not add more than the recommended amount of chilis!  It's super spicy just the way it is!  Serve it with sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese and cilantro to cool it down) and...

...normally, I would make these yummy cornbread muffins.  

But this year Kyle wanted to make baguettes!  They turned out so good!

I got out the Oscar books...

...printed up the ballots for voting...

...got out the tiny oscar...

...and started admiring the red carpet fashion!

When my Dad and Stepmom arrived they got right down to business picking their winners.

"Dude, Mom, you are soooo weird.  Plus, it's not fair to take advantage of my reflexes by making me hold this thing!"

We had such a nice evening watching the show, eating chili and fresh baked bread, cuddling with the babe and sipping wine.  I hope you all had a lovely little weekend too!

So, I actually think Valentine's Day is pretty silly and very Hallmark-y.  But I'll use any excuse for extra cuddle time and a good bottle of wine.  Poppy and I had all day together and we decided to make silly Valentine art and brownies!  We used the Test Kitchen Classic Brownie recipe and popped them in the oven.  While they baked we made our cards.

First Poppy painted her thumb...

and used it to make a circle stamps.

After a quick blast with the hair dryer...

she transformed them into her "famous" circle people.

Then I helped her to write her messages of LOVE!

Then she helped me make one for Kyle.

By the time we were done crafting, our brownies were out of the oven and cooled.  We cut out heart shapes from a piece of paper and laid them over our brownies before dusting them with powdered sugar!

Yum!

After Pops headed home to devour her brownies with her folks, Kyle played with G while I whipped up my Baked BBQ Chicken (recipe coming soon) and Test Kitchen Macaroni and Cheese which, for the record, actually isn't as bad for you as I thought it was going to be!

We opened a nice bottle of wine...

To end the evening we all curled up on the couch to watch Casablanca!

Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

I had such a nice weekend with my family and friends.  It was really fun to have my first birthday as a Mama.  Here's a look at our weekend!

Saturday...

8:00 a.m. 

I LOVE waking up to such a happy baby!

9:00 a.m.

Headed out for a quick shopping trip with my friend Danelle.  Found these cut jammies for Gwyn!  

10:00 a.m.

Happened across this bridal magazine with Danelle on the cover!  She had no idea they selected her photo to use as the cover shot. 

11:00 a.m.

Dressed and ready for a full day on the town in Portland.

12:00 p.m.

Driving.

1:00 p.m.

Lunch at Olympic Provisions. Delicious! 

2:00 p.m.

I love Gwyneth's little "tuft" of hair.

4:00 p.m.

A quick stop at Barista for a pick-me-up for Kyle.

5:00 p.m.

We met up with my twin brother for a little joint birthday dinner at Fire on the Mountain.  Gwyneth loves her Uncle Ryan.

8:00 p.m.

We got home just in time for Gwyneth's last meal of the day.  Kyle gave her a bottle for a change.  In this picture I think she's glaring at me.  She's not a huge fan of the bottle yet.

9:00 p.m. 

Opened a couple of birthday cards and had myself a hot toddy.

Sunday...

10:30 a.m.

Kyle made me breakfast!  French toast and bacon from Olympic Provisions! Yum.

11:30 a.m.

Bath time for G.  I LOVE it and so does she!

11:35 a.m.

Bath intermission because someone pooped in the Tummy Tub!

11:45 a.m.

Bath part two.

2:00 p.m.

Kyle bought me these for my birthday!  I've wanted them for years!  Thanks honey!

5:00 p.m.

Dinner with family and friends!

Thanks everyone for the nice birthday wishes.  I had a wonderful weekend.

The past two weeks have been so full of joy. Here's a peak at what was happening around our house.

Amazing rainbow through our front window.

Calypso's starting to accept that Gwyneth is here to stay.

Hee hee.

Working on her pout.

We took Baby G up to Seattle for a long weekend to meet the members of her family who hadn't/weren't able to make it down to visit us.  We headed up on Thursday afternoon and Gwyneth did great on the four hour drive!  We spent Thursday night having dinner with Kyle's parents and Nana (Great Nana to our little bird).  In the last three weeks Nana has welcomed three great grandchildren!  

On Friday morning we took Gwyneth to meet our friend Leah who's a midwife in Seattle and has been a huge source of advice and support for us over the past 10 months.  After coffee with Leah, Kyle stayed home with the babe while Erika took me to the mall in search of nursing bras.  Um... where the hell are you supposed to buy nursing bras?!?!  We went to Nordstroms (they had three choices "in the back"), we went to Macys, Sears and Victorias Secret who didn't have any, we went to Motherhood Maternity who didn't have my size (is a DD that strange?), and I've already been to Target and couldn't find any!  Ugh!  If you have any suggestions I'd be happy to hear them.  In the evening we headed over to my Grandpa's house so that he could meet his first great grandchild.  He was clearly smitten and amazed by her!  He held her for a long time and referred to her as "amazing" and "a viking princess" several times.  My Great Aunt Helen was there too.  She was so happy to meet her great great grandniece.  It was so wonderful to see four generations together.  

We were pretty exhausted from such a busy day.  We stayed the night with Meghan and Rob and they had picked up Thai food take out for us for dinner.  Perfect! 

Saturday was a big day.  We had a make up baby shower for Gwyn at my sister's house since we'd had to cancel the last one due to the preterm labor scare.  It turned into more of a "meet the baby shower" so we had lots of family and friends there.  Gwyn slept through the whole thing!  

Linda, Mom, Dave and Rob enjoying the baby.

Jody and Michelle.

Kyle chatting with his Nana and "Nan" (Gwyn's honorary Grandma... what a lucky girl to have four Grandma's!)

Hanging with Uncle Ryan.

Yummy Macaroons from a local bakery. 

We got some really lovely and thoughful gifts for her from everyone.  After the shower, Kyle and I left the babe with Meghan and Rob so we could zip down the street for lunch at our friend's Puerto Rican restaurant, La Isla.  Then, in the evening we joined our friends Jeremy and Tara for a yummy dinner of enchiladas at their place in Fremont.  

We spent Sunday morning wathcing the Seahawks game lose at my Mom's house with her boyfriend, Mike and Meghan and Rob.  We headed home around 1:00.  Gwyneth slept the whole way home (other than the half hour we spent feeding her at a rest stop)... I even managed to sleep for an hour which is amazing for me!  I am doing my best to become a napper!  We got home just in time to watch the Golden Globes in our pj's.  All in all it was a busy but wonderful weekend.  

Today is the first day the baby and I are home on our own because Kyle had to go back to work... although he did come home long enough to take her to her two week appointment.  She had to get a heel poke and a Hep B vaccination.  I've been there when other kids that I've nannied for have gotten shots but it was soooo much harder to watch her get one.  I cried.  The doc says she's growing great (she gained half a pound, grew 3/4 of an inch and her head is 3/4 of an inch bigger).  She's in the 80th percentile for height and the 15th for weight.  Now we're back home and she's asleep on the couch and I'm going to attempt my first Post-Pregnancy mat workout before it's time to feed her again!

Gwyneth Rosemary Bennet Larsen

Gwyneth was born at 1:37am on December 31st, 2010.  She weighed 6lbs 11oz and was 20.5 inches long.  We had a successful home labor and natural childbirth.  I will share more photos and the full story in the next couple of days.  We are so happy and blessed to be ringing in the New Year with a healthy, beautiful newborn.  Thank you for all your love and support over the last 39 weeks!  

Calypso's favorite spot to sit.  

Our Christmas tree.

Kyle's parents sent down our Christmas presents!  It's a wonderful little slice of home.  

Cozy morning in my new favorite jammies.  I tore my old favorite pajamas when I hadn't realized I was too pregnant to be wearing them (Kyle found this episode extremely funny)! 

Frisky Calypso.

I thought the vertical stripes might make me look slimmer, but they didn't. =)

Ribbon and kittens don't mix.  She spent all day attacking the ribbons on the presents and then she threw up in the middle of the night.  She's not the brightest kitten in the litter.

Poppy and I spent an entire day making cookies using an old fashioned Mirro Cookie Press.  Kyle's Mom makes cookies this way every year, so it was nice to have some familiar cookies around.

We made green trees....

purple flowers and pink butterflies!

Then we whipped up some frosting and decorated all of them!

Rudolph and I had a wonderful, sugar filled day.

There comes a point in pregnancy when you are feeling pretty...

chubby...

grumpy...

frustrated...

a little batty...

delusionally tired...

and a little emotional.

It's hard to remember what you used to look like.

All you wanna do is overindulge...

and wave your white flag.

But, then... you're family comes to town and gives you a good reason to laugh.

Meghan, Rob (and Kyle) at the local bakery.

Now... as I've mentioned before, my belly button (while not inside out) has spent the last month looking suspiciously like a cat's behind.  I'm sure someday it will return to normal, but in the meantime it's a lesson at learning to laugh at yourself even when you feel "all done".   Meghan and Rob came over with my Dad and Stepmom for dinner and we "forced" my Dad to put his artistic skills to work in order to provide us some much needed laughter...  

Heee heee heeee.

Sometimes (even after eight years), Kyle is forced to question the family he married into.  We like to keep him on his toes.

Rosellen Newhall

October 1, 1923

December 10, 2006

It's been four years since my Nana passed away.  She was the most loving, funny, generous Nana that anyone could wish for and she is greatly and constantly missed by myself and all of her children and grandchildren.  I have spent a great deal of time over the last four years scanning about 500 photographs of her from her childhood through the final years of her life.  It's been quite a long process that I've just recently finished. Although at times it seemed never-ending, it was a pleasure to look through the photographs and revisit moments of her amazing life.  

Here are a few of my favorites...

Lovely. 

Nana in a sanitarium in Shoreline, WA where she spent a few years in confinement (on bed rest) suffering from tuberculosis.  She was discharged with six months to live and was told not to marry or have children.  She insists no one ever told her she was going to die so... she didn't!  She met her husband here (he was also a patient) and they would communicate by "talking" in morse code through the pipes.  

With her friends while working in Alaska on the Alsakan Highway (she's in the white blouse).

With my mom, Eileen, their first of five children.

We spent long, wonderful summer days having adventures on her farm.

Reading with Meghan.

Nana holding me when I was a newborn.

Meghan, Ryan and me with Nana. Look how much bigger Ryan was than me!  What a porker! He insists he was simply "closer to the camera".

I'm not sure what holiday this was but I appear to have chocolate all over my face.

We loved our couch time with Nana.  We had many "apple parties" with her which consisted of her cutting up apples with a paring knife and us devouring them.

Nana loved it when we would "help" her with her crossword puzzles.

With Nana on her farm.

Nana loved nothing more than having us (all the cousins) all causing mischief together at her farm during the summers.  She LOVED her grandkids.

Me with my Nana.  

Her favorite Irish blessing:

May the roads rise up to meet you.

And the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face.

And the rains fall soft upon your field.

And until we meet again

May the Lord hold you in the hollow of His hands.

I can hardly believe that today is Poppy's fifth birthday!  I have spent four years with the remarkable Miss P and today she leaves the land of tots and officially becomes a kid-lette/micro kid.  Poppy is a loving, sweet, silly, kind, ridiculous, conscientious little girl and I am seriously blessed to have her as a part of my life.

Two!

Three!

Four!

Over the years she has kept me entertained with...

Her WONDERFUL optimism:

"I have my shoes on because they make me want to dance.  I knew I wanted to dance today!"

"It's sprinkling.  I think someone turned on the rain because they wanted to play in it."

"What a beautiful day it is today!"

"Someday, I want to try everything!"

Her inquisitiveness:

P: "How did the baby get in there?"

K: "Uhhh... that is a great question for your Mom!"

P: "Why?  Did she watch?"

"Do boys eat frog legs?"

"How did that lady get so fat?!

Her knack for speaking the truth:

"The longer you take, the less time you have."

"It's not nice to show people your panties unless they ask to see them."

"My Dad is my owner."

"If you had one humongous ear, you'd probably topple over."

"I'm like a little fat person!"

Her love for her family:

"My Daddy knows how to fix everything."

"My Mom is the cutest!"

And, her... uh, uniqueness:

"I'm just being silly.  It's what I do."

" 'Member when I pooped in your bathtub?  I don't know why I did that."

"Man, I LOVE beans!"

"I like to craze it up!"

Opening presents (Alice in Wonderland and a sous chef apron)!

Making cookies!

This weekend was wonderful!  We should have been packing, we should have been organizing and we should have been doing things to prepare for our move/baby.  But, instead, we spent the entire weekend reading and relaxing and watching movies and making pumpkin cupcakes!   We spent most day on Saturday in our pajamas, on the couch reading books and magazines, although we did get out of the house for lunch with friends and a short stroll around town.  I found the perfect birthday present for Poppy! Then we came home, put our pajamas back on and made chili and watched Project Runway. On Sunday, we went grocery shopping for the week and then came back home, watched football and Kyle helped me bake up these delicious Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting (recipes below)!  We took a few to our lovely neighbors and brought the rest to dinner at a friend's house.  They were really, really yummy and sweet. All in all, it was a fantastically simple and relaxing little weekend.  It was just what we needed after the last few weeks.  

Into the oven!

The frosting station.

My cute family watching the Seahawks win for a change... although I don't think Calypso was too invested in the game.

Yum!

and yum!

Happy Birthday Kyle!

Today is Kyle's birthday and as we are both swamped with work and school we celebrated over the weekend with dinner...

Kyle wanted gourmet burgers and Caesar salad.

And dessert!

I made a Devil's Food Cake with buttercream frosting from the America's Test Kitchen cookbook since Kyle love's chocolate!  I served it with Java Chip ice cream which was the perfect compliment.  Between the caffeine in the chocolate and ice cream, I did't sleep at all that night but it was all so good!

In the morning I got up and made coffee cake and we read HP (Harry Potter) in bed and had fresh cake and coffee! 

A typical view from my side of the bed. I love it!

Mary Jo McMackin

Grandma's memorial yesterday was truly lovely.  It was a beautifully sad day.  As my Dad said, "Today is a day for tears".  The remembrance was full of warmth and beautiful stories and quite a few tears.  We drove in a police escort from the funeral home to the cemetery and that too was a profound experience.  People along the way paid their respects by flashing their lights and one bus driver even stepped from his drivers seat and removed his hat in honor of the procession.  Once we arrived and at the same cemetery that holds her parents and sister, the grey air was palpable with sorrow and love.  Finally, as we laid her to rest by sprinkling bright pink rose petals from her garden onto her elegant pink coffin, I began to feel a shift from sadness to acceptance that she is gone.  The memories of her will certainly live on in the hearts, minds and lives of everyone she touched.  My own personal memories with her are countless and simple.  She loved to spoil her grandchildren and she really and truly loved us completely and never failed to tell us that.  With all the sadness that the last week has brought, I am equally overwhelmed with gratitude.  One thing that I realized this week is that we are lucky to feel so heartbroken over her departure.  Lucky because to feel so sad means that we were so blessed with her life, so fortunate to have her and to have shared so much love with her.

Yesterday morning my Grandmother passed away.  Her warmth, kindness and compassion made the world a better place, touched everyone that she knew and inspired me.  She was truly beautiful inside and out.  She is deeply missed and loved.

What a wonderful day!  Today is the final day of the torturous Summer quarter which ends the school year for me.  In one year I have somehow managed to complete 64 credits (normally 29 would be the goal for one year)!  It feels so great to be done and have a month and a half off of school! 

Relaxing at the Troutlake Art Festival.

During...

After...

With my sis.

With Kyle (obviously).

My two Moms. (Biological Mama on the right).

With my Pops, Meghan and Ryan.

With my husband. =)