miss elodie turns *1*

Selfie of the Birthday Girl & Mommy

Birthday bath in your birthday suit :)

I like to list the milestones and idiosyncrasies of my kiddos at each age more for myself than for anyone else so that when I look back I can remember all the funny, silly, even frustrating moments and to give perspective.  Here is an update on miss elodie 12-14 months.  You are growing so fast and the time is going to quickly but we are enjoying watching you grow, seeing your personality unfold and observing your relationships with those around you.

In no specific order:

• eating: you love food (especially carbs: waffles, bread, crackers, pancakes, toast, cheerios & cereal, oatmeal) you mostly like dairy (cheese, yogurt) and carbs, some fruits (bananas, apples & applesauce and cranberries); you don't seem to like frozen fruit at all (which your sister loved) and you don't seem to like any veggies other than pureed ones like pumpkin and sweet potatoes, you occasionally like some chicken and you like eggs, we haven't introduced cows milk to you yet other than in dairy products mostly because you have had such a nasty cold for the last month and because you still like to nurse quite a bit.  You have really figured out the sippy cup and love water.  You also get jealous if your sister is using a different water bottle then you sometimes.
• sleep/naps: you vary between 1-2 naps a day depending on when you wake up.  Lately you've been sleeping close to 12 hours a night going down between 7-7:30 and waking up between 7-7:30.  You will often wake up once to either nurse or to snuggle but other than that you are mostly sleeping through the night now and are much better about self soothing when you wake up.  Sometimes you'll fuss a little and then get yourself back to sleep.  Most naps you are good to sleep in your crib although on days you are having trouble napping I still use the swing now and then.  You like to be swaddled with a blanket with your arms wrapped up and you like to sleep on your tummy.
• toys: you are starting to be interested in books more.  You like to pull all of Aven's books off the shelves in her rooms but you also look through the books and especially ones that have textures interest you.  You have started to like holding dollies and stuffed animals snuggling them up now and then (so so cute!) but mostly you like to play with cups, musical instruments and manipulatives.  You like to put things inside other things like the "What's inside" box Grandma got you for your birthday.  You do silly things like carry around extra binkys or people's dirty socks (one in each hand).  
• Movement: you like to crawl (and you are really fast), climb (the stairs, watch out) and up onto coffee table or stool. You are a mover!  You are not usually content sitting unless you are tired or snuggling.  You will walk 1-2 steps and then fall into Mommy or Daddy's arms.  You are curious about crawling up on things and into things.  A few times you've taken everything out of a kitchen cabinet and crawled on in.  You like water and love taking baths especially with your sister.  You like to watch the water and play with the toys in the water and you are intrigued by bubbles.  You like to do High 5 now and patty cake and do silly daring things when we're holding you.
• Personality: you are still a Momma's girl through and through but you really are starting to bond with Daddy more (having a few weeks off at Christmas really helped).  You like to wave to people and you like comfort like your binkys.
• Talking/Sounds: although you don't say anything recognizable yet you "talk" a lot and make the cutest cooing noises and sounds.  You giggle when you are tickled or laugh sometimes at your sister when she's silly.  You also understand words which is apparent in the way you respond to us.  You can point out Eleanor, Ethel, Mommy, Daddy and Aven when we ask you to.  When I say, "say goodnight" you wave to Daddy & Aven when I take you to bed.  You don't scream nearly as much during mealtimes and mostly because you have mastered the "more" sign which really helps.  You also use a lot of pointing which gets your point across.  This has really helped us have a bit more peaceful eating time as a family.
• Other: you transitioned into the Toddler 1 room at the Y (1-2 year olds) and are starting to venture out into the classroom and be less shy.  You love your sister and are curious about the dogs (pointing and grunting and occasionally petting them).  You are a sweet girl with a somewhat cautious and pensive personality but you also can light up your face with a smile when you're happy.

It is so fun watching you develop a relationship as a sibling and meander your way through life learning.  You are such a sweet girl and I love kissing your squishy cheeks and watching you smile.  I feel privileged to be your Mommy each and every day.

We love you Miss "E" Elodie Clementine.  Happy first birthday!

who was I before?

A new friend I just started spending some time with was asking me what my hobbies are/were and wanted to know who I was before kids.  Now, although a huge part of my identity, and certainly time, is consumed and shaped by having kids and being a Mom, I think I was someone before all that too.  Right now, it is a little hard to remember.  My hours seem to be quickly filled with cooking, cleaning, washing and folding laundry, picking up toys and picking them up again.  Basically, repeat.  I try to find "beauty" in the ordinary and the everyday and look for ways to enjoy even the "chores" and responsibilities that I have.  I try to spend time sitting with my kids being silly, playing with them, teaching them and loving them but there are always the other things of life to do too.

So, back to the original question.  You know how once you do something or have something, it is hard to imagine life without it?  That is certainly true for me when it comes to using buttermilk or fresh lemons to bake, and that is most definitely how it is when it comes to having kids.  I know I was someone before, that I felt busy and had many things to occupy my time but now it is easy to forget and I wonder why I wasn't more productive, purposeful or useful with all my "free" time before kids.  Then I think of other moms who have 4 and 6 kids and I honestly don't know how they do it!  Sure, you can get a lot done when kids are at school or sleeping but a lot of times we have to go to work too and sometimes we need to sleep also.

I guess I always liked to bake but now that I find myself in for the evening most nights by 8:30 I like to do some late night baking.  I have always loved to take pictures but my subject matter and my mediums have changed.  I started with film and then digital, blogging, camera phone and now Instagram.  I started with still life and friends, scenery and travel and architecture and I moved to my dogs and nature and now mostly my kids.  I have always liked to try cooking and doing new things in the kitchen but I am less intimidated now, my spices cabinet is more diversified and I try to find beauty in the task of cooking each and every day while still trying to nourish my family with good food.  I have always loved nature and the outdoors which was fostered in me at a young age.  I grew up on 18 acres with plenty of room to roam, explore, climb trees, hang out and garden with my Dad, play in a sandbox or roam through the meadow or play in our creek or playhouse nestled in the trees.  We spent summer vacations backpacking and camping and spending long days outside.  Now I spend time raking rainbow colored leaves from my front yard, taking my dogs on walks in the woods and sitting in the sunshine with my kids while they play in the yard giggling and playing on blankets and swings.  I always liked crafty things although I've never been too artistic in terms of drawing, molding, painting, etc.  It began years ago with my wedding album and Valentine making parties with dear friends over wine and now I decorate baby books and travel albums.  I have always loved to travel and see new things.  This was taught to me at a young age.  I even got to travel to Africa as a young girl and lived in Spain for a few months with my husband.  Now I travel the 1-5 corridor to visit my family from Portland down to So. Oregon.  Now I travel the downtown city blocks several times a week walking my kids to school while I go to work.  We try to take our kids to new places and help them experience and navigate the world around them as much as we can and we long to take them on bigger adventures as they grow bigger and older and their curiosity grows.  I've loved music my whole life and played different instruments growing up.  Now my piano sadly gathers too much dust as I compete to play it with my spirited toddler and my radio often blares kids music and silly songs about pickles and pretzels.  But I also get to share music with my kids and have after dinner dance parties with babies on my hip and hands enclosed in mine while we twirl and boogie and shake.

So, who was I before.  I was a lot of things, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, an employee and adventurer, a nature lover, a dog lover, a photographer, a baker, etc.  Now I am all these but I balance them (or try to) with the other daily responsibilities and joys that are my life as a wife, daughter, sister, friend, employee, adventurer, creator, nature lover, baker, dog lover, and MOM.  As far as I am concerned, it makes me a richer person and makes me feel all the things that I am just a little bit deeper. Being a Mom has allowed me to feel and experience the things in my life on a whole new level.  I am challenged daily to my core.  The core of who I am, how much patience I have, what I believe, what I think I know and what I question.  I am pushed to my line often and sometimes fall over.  I fail and I pick myself up.  I dream and cry and love and want and desire and hope and yearn and hate and embrace all that I'm living.

So, who was I before.  Honestly, I can't remember.  I am who I am now.  That's enough for me.  I'm being redeemed by my Maker daily and I am held in his love and mercy.  I don't cling to the past to return to it or reclaim it.  I rejoice in who I have been allowed to be and I hope for who I'll become.  And with grace and mercy and a little luck, I think it will be just a little bit better then I am today.

a jumble of words, thoughts, emotions and the like

Lately being a parent has grown exponentially harder.  My infant is starting to roll around, want to be held to standing and take shorter and fewer naps during the day and require more interaction and my toddler has required a level of interaction management that can leave me truly mentally exhausted by the end of the day.  Don't get me wrong, it is the most amazing job in the world to parent these two beautiful spirited girls and to watch them growing together as sisters and siblings;  and it is wonderful to watch my husband as he forms a bond with Elodie and as Aven idolizes and adores her Daddy.

We've just been trying to enjoy the small things in life since the days are so busy with all kinds of moments.  The other day I just laid on a blanket in the grass with my girls staring up at the blue afternoon sky and enjoying the sunshine.  Sure, I had piles of laundry and bills to pay, I'm sure there were a few spiders staking their claim somewhere in my house or a dog pooping in my yard but I decide to have a "stop and smell the roses" kind of moment and just spend time being with my kiddos.  When Abe got home we both laid on the blanket giggling and talking with Aven and smiling at Elodie. We gave the girls airplanes and stared up at the puffy white clouds as they drifted dreamily through the late afternoon sky overhead.  Two days ago I had some sick kiddos and a pretty sick Mama but I spent some time in the afternoon making a homemade quiche and skillet potatoes while the girls laid on the floor on Elodie's activity mat and interacted and entertained each other.  Taking time even if it is only a few minutes to really engage with my kiddos or to do something I like can really rejuvenate me and help me to realize that the sacrifices we give up at the end of the day are worth it.

Lately I've been inspired by this person, a mom, photographer and adventurer.  She and her husband sold their house in L.A. and are moving to Texas but before they do they are on the road traveling with their trailer and 4 kids and are really going taking this time to focus on family.  Joy's words are inspiring because she is really trying to prioritize in life and to determine daily what her priorities are.  This is the journey that I've been on specifically these last 6 months since having Elodie and trying to find my new place and identity as it as shifted more from working Mom to full-time Mom and wife and away from the career focus that I had and towards serving my family and husband each day.  The last six months have been a trying time for our family although they have reaped enormous blessings too; living with question marks in my life is not something I do well.  While I yearn for the unplanned and spontaneous and while I hope that I am not too rigid, I am a planner at heart.  When I had Elodie, things seemed to shift and I really felt that God was calling me to serve my family more, to spend more time home with my kids.  While this was also a desire of my heart too, it was a leap of faith giving up my job and asking God to provide a way for our family.  There have been changes for all of us not just going from a family of 3-4 but less time for the dogs to get hiked, another child to share the attention with and another person that needs and demands my attention.  And of course, there are all the things that existed before this new little life.

As the title states, a jumble of words (hence this rambling posting), thoughts and emotions.  I've been feeling everything lately.  Anger (and consequently how to exercise patience) at learning how to deal with my challenging 3 year old.  Fear (at knowing what the future holds for our family in terms of jobs, life, etc).  Overwhelming love (when I look at the beautiful faces of my children, when they sleep in my arms and take deep breaths or when they listen intently at a story or smile at my silliness).  Joy (when I see the sunshine and know that I will get to spend time outside with my family instead of always working).  I am thankful that I don't feel regret or bitterness or sadness.  I am just trying to figure out the best way I can be a Mama to my little ones and wife to my husband and to also make sure to feed myself and the things that matter in our life.  It has been a good start to hopefully a long journey of introspection and prioritization.  I am still processing a lot and can't eloquently put into words everything I am thinking.  At the end of the day, its a busy life and I just try to let myself relax.

Right now I can hear the hum of the swing rocking my 6 month old to sleep and her deep baby breaths going in and out.  I can hear the sweet snore of my older dog Eleanor as she sleeps off the sunny day curled next to Ethel having a doggy dream.  And I can hear the whimpering and snoring of my 3 year old who took a 2 hour nap in the middle of the afternoon and can't fall asleep.  Yes, it is a long and busy day and I'm on call all night long.

God is good;  all the time.  All the time; God is good.

He has taken care of us each and every day since we were married 14 years ago; and he always will and for that I am thankful.

For the blessings that I am given each and every day I am thankful.

And for my family and the love they give me; I am thankful.

welcome to the world little one: Elodie Clementine

Today my newborn baby turned one week old.  Little Elodie Clementine Bates was born last Sunday, December 16th at 1:15 am weighing 7lbs 14oz and 21 inches long.  She was three weeks early to the day- born at exactly 37 weeks.  She was born quickly and I can't believe a week has gone by already.  Before I know it I'll be saying she's a month and 6 months and then a year and so on!

After a busy day at work, Abe, Aven and I met up for dinner at a nearby Thai Restaurant.  We had a nice meal and it was relaxing not to have to make anything for dinner after a long day.  When we were having our leftovers boxed up to go, we mentioned that we were ready for our bill.  The waitress kindly informed us that our bill had been taken care of.  She didn't reveal who paid but we casually tried to glance around the restaurant and determine who the patrons might have been.  Neither Abe nor I recognized anyone but it was a blessing to us just the same.  After arriving home we went through the bedtime routine with Aven and as I was getting ready to put her to bed, jammies on and teeth brushed, my water broke.

The Birth Story
I learned the first time around that only about 20 percent of people have their water break naturally so I honestly wasn't expecting this to happen (since it didn't happen with Aven).  I thought maybe the baby dropped and it caused me to lose bladder control.  I had had a doctor's appointment only 4 days before and they stated that the baby hadn't dropped yet.  Needless to say I called Abe in to take over with Aven and proceeded to call the OB clinic and alert my doctor.  I realized that if it was my water that I was having a baby within the next 2 days (and I started to worry that my contractions would start coming).  Since this was happening a bit early, I hadn't packed my bags or lined out all of my plans yet, that was supposed to happen the upcoming week.  Abe and I started to gather up things to go to the hospital and then to pass off Aven.  By the time Aven was taken care of the dogs were fed and had been let out and we had gathered our things including the car seat waiting to be installed still, we got to the hospital around 9:30-10.

After doing all the paperwork and getting checked in they determined I was only dialated between a 3-4 which you have to be at a 10 to start pushing the baby out.  I thought back to when I was checked in at the hospital with Aven and I was already at a 6 that time so I immediately felt a bit discouraged and thought I was in for a long haul.  After finally getting "settled" into our room both Abe and I determined to try to get a little sleep since it would likely be a long night and I wasn't having any "real" contractions yet.  After Abe fell asleep I realized I was very uncomfortable in the bed and now realize it was because I was having quite a few contractions.  These began to increase in intensity and proximity.  The nurse came in to check on me as well as the doctor.  At that point I was handling everything okay and they left to check on me later.

After another hour or so things started to get really intense.  I was feeling more and more pain with each contraction and just tried to focus on getting through each one.  It was dark and quiet in our room except for the baby heart monitor and the dripping of the sink.  When I determined that the contractions were getting too strong I tried to get Abe by calling out to him.  He'd fallen asleep in to a very deep sleep.  After practically yelling his name 10-15 times I finally grabbed a pillow and threw it at him.  He woke with a confused start and then jumped into action to help me.

From there things went rather quickly and ramped up in intensity to a very strong level of pain.  By this point the doctors and nurses were all ready to go since I think they anticipated that delivery was quickly approaching.  Like my birth with Aven I determined right at the end that I needed some pain killers since I was feeling really intense contractions; and again like with Aven they had to check first how far dialated I was and then decided the baby was coming now!  This was about 1:00am.  In about a 5 minute window they prepped me for pushing, walked me through the breathing and pushing process and prepped everything for delivery.  A really strong and very painful contraction came and it just created in me the urge to push.  From there it was only about 10 minutes that I pushed and suffered through the most intense contractions and then Elodie was born and they placed her on my chest.

She was so perfect and small and was crying gently and I was so glad that the hardest part was over and that the contractions were done.  She looked all purple but everything appeared to be normal.  I just held her to my chest and said hello and kissed her sweet little face and patted her back.  She was here at last but also so quickly and fast with the labor & delivery.

The First Week
She has been an excellent baby so far.  We stayed at the hospital only one day and then came home to try to prepare to have a new little one a bit early.  Big sister Aven was elated at her (Elodie's) arrival and gave her many kisses and asked to see her and sit by her as much as possible.  Elodie will go for anywhere from 2-4 hours at a time without feeding and sometimes I have to wake her.  She is really starting to open her eyes and look at the world around her and make the cutest little faces (one is with her lips in a big O- it is really cute).  She likes to be held and she likes to sleep in the swing.  She is doing awesome with nursing.  She lost her umbilical cord yesterday after only week week.  It was cute how Aven kept asking about Elodie's umbilical cord and if it was an "owie."  Then Aven asked to see the umbilical cord and it was gone, this was surprising to Aven.

Because it is Christmas, all of our family is here to visit (less an Aunt and cousin) and so Elodie is getting acquainted with being held by all grandparents and Aunt Elisa & Uncle Bryce.  She is here to celebrate her first Christmas and be loved by all her family.  Many friends have already kindly brought meals and gifts and volunteered to help in any way they can.  I am feeling great and was even able to squeeze into my regular jeans today.  I feel pretty much back to my pre-pregnancy self except for sore breasts and sore ab muscles.  I am thankful at how quickly we are all adjusting to a new little one in the house.  I am sure after the family leaves and we fall into a routine things will be challenging but her temperament has made the first week go well.

In Summary
You are already such a beautiful little girl with a gentle heart and spirit, I can tell, just like your big sister Aven.  I can't wait to watch you grow but I promise to enjoy all the little moments along the way while you grow.  I also love watching you and Aven interact with each other and am excited to see how that relationship will develop as you girls get older.  I am so thankful for the blessing of you Elodie Clementine and the person that God has knitted you to be both in the womb and in the world.  I know that you are the perfect daughter and sister for this family and I am anxious to see you interact with this world.  I pray for your protection and safety and we promise to love you in all things.

(pictures to come soon)

Mother's Day

It is funny.  My daughter was born a little over 2 years ago but this is the first year I really feel like Mother's Day is important to me.  The first year she was only a few weeks old and the reality of motherhood wasn't really real to me yet.  Last year I felt it was important but this year I really realize it is a part of my identity.

Juggling a kiddo, a marriage, work, Bible Study, dog walks and favors for friends, social engagements, baby showers, exercise, grocery shopping, paying the bills, weeding and all the rest really seemed to hit me this year.  So I did the best thing I could yesterday, I ignored it!!

My poor husband.  He tries to do something nice like pick out new clothes or have a handmade bag made for my camera or something else unique and then it never really seems to work for me; this Mother's Day was no exception.  He had planned to go to Seattle for the day to all of our old haunts and visit our old apartments, walk around and see our old neighborhoods and then culminate the day with dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Rialto.  When he announced this to me, I didn't exactly jump with joy.  It was supposed to be a beautiful day and I didn't feel like sitting in the car all day with a 2 year old and 2 hot dogs.  Also I had to take care of a friends dogs in the morning and in the late afternoon which would put a time crunch on things.

Instead, we went as the day took us.  Got up early and took care of my friend's doggies, made some breakfast, walked to church in the early morning sun.  Had lunch and got my daughter down for a nap. Then I sat in my back yard in a lawn chair in the sun and read my book while sipping a delicious sparkling ginger and lemon peel water.  Afterwards, I cam inside and continued reading which then transitioned into a mid afternoon nap.  I never let myself do that, it was awesome!  Did some putzy things around the house and then picked up Beatrice & Chip (friend's dogs) and took them on a long hike with my doggies and family.

Afterwards we went and picked up Thai food from Busara and had a picnic on our lawn before putting Aven down for bed.  Curled up and watched a few episodes of Downton Abbey (if you haven't seen this BBC publication, I highly recommend it!) and curled up for the night.

I mostly just wanted to spend the day relaxing, enjoying the sun and good weather and with my family- success!

a day in the life {2}

When you are a Mama, or just a parent, every moment can be J A M P A C K E D with stuff to do!  Man, I thought life could be busy before kids but now I know it is busy when you have them.  Earlier I did a little stint of "a day in the life" and I often think about it when life gets crazy and even the most mundane and basic things take up your whole day or appear to since they are all you are trying to get done.

6:00am- alarm...then snooze...then 6:10 and 6:20 and 6:30- Daddy wakes and starts his day, Mama hits one last snooze
6:40- awake, I guess
6:42 wander downstairs, pour a bowl of total flakes into my fiestaware pottery and pour a heaping amount of milk over, sit at the table and eat between yawns
6:55, the baby wakes
6:57 go in and comfort/cuddle/snuggle the waking one
7:02- nurse her sleepy face
7:20- text my boss letting her know I'm running late!
7:22 let the doggies outside to go potty
7:25- my child squats down and has a concentrated face, she says "poop"
7:26- run to the bathroom, pull down her pants, attempt to rip off a diaper with sticky tabs, realize the pooping is over but put her on the potty anyway
7:28- 17 months of love staring me down while I dangle her over the potty
7:30- "all done"- run into the bedroom and wipe down child and reassemble her clothing
7:35- check text message- no response- call boss on phone
7:36, 37, 38 & 39- feed dogs- am getting ready in the bathroom when my child walks in with a funny face like she ate something yucky and wiping her tongue while saying "drink"- (she ate some of Eleanor's food)
7:40 put child in her bed with books and "o's" to hang out while I take my shower
8:00- get out of the shower and run and get dressed
8:05- run comb through hair, put in earrings and take child out of bed
8:07 pack things for upcoming weekend trip with Dad to Portland- books (check), onesies (check), pacifiers, blankets, pajamas, etc, etc (check, check)
8:20 drop child off at daycare while answering the phone from boss
8:29- arrive at Starbucks for meeting @ 8:30
8:30- sit down for the first time all morning and relax with a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll!
8:31- work meeting...at least I had coffee!

Sometimes I marvel at all the things that have to get done in a day and really how much I can cram in in such a short amount of time.  My lunch breaks are typically spent doing laundry, paying bills, unloading/loading the dishwasher, taking care of the doggies, checking the mail and oh yeah- eating lunch.  My evenings are just as busy with dinner prep, spending time with my hubbie and my daughter and cleaning up from the day....and then just as quickly, it all starts again...sigh.

months 15 & 16

You have changed so much in these past two months it is hard to keep track of all of the new things.  I think it is so cute and funny that most pictures I pulled up to post have you either holding a book, a toy or some sort of food.  

You really love reading books though.  You have always enjoyed being read to but now you go to your bookshelf and pick them out and bring them to Daddy or me and say "ese (please)" and rub your chest.  Then you climb up onto the couch or say "up" and settle into our lap as we read the book to you while you turn the pages.  It is super cute to see you reading books to yourself in the car (even if it is upside down) or to the doggies as well on their new bed.  They don't seem to mind.

You have been walking for about 2 months now and you are starting to do a little running.  You are very good at climbing up onto things but also pretty good about getting down too (especially chairs and couches).  You love to go to the park and when you see the play equipment even from far away you start getting really excited and pointing at the slide, etc.

You are still very good at playing by yourself and can entertain yourself for hours with the funniest and simplest things sometimes.  After your baptism party you playing in and out of a cardboard box for at least a half an hour and with some shreds of tissue paper.

You really love the doggies and are so good at interacting with them.  You love to pet and pat them.  You will gladly share your treats with them but when you don't want to share you push them away.  You like to climb up onto their bed and play with your toys or read your books sitting right next to them.  You like to take them toys on their bed and get extra kisses from them too.  Ethel seems a little more interested in interacting with you but the other day Eleanor let you sit on her while petting her!

You are such a good eater.  We went to the berry farm when visiting friends in Spokane and you ate so many berries right out of the picked bin and then did a fairly good job of picking them off the bushes as well (mostly ripe ones too!).  You are not the most adventurous eater but if Mommy or Daddy are eating something you are often willing to try it too.  You are still nursing just in the morning and before bed.  You drink a lot of water and like to drink out of a big cup (with our help of course) but you don't drink milk or juice.  You love fruit, beans & rice, salmon burgers, Ginger Cats (from Trader Joes) and your little O's cup with snacks in side like Cheddar Bunnies or the like.  

You are learning so many words right now and are almost mimicking sentences although most of what you say means nothing specifically to me yet.  You know: Mama, what's that, doggie, up, more, please, and book.  Sometimes you say duck and Daddy.  You know the signs for food, more, please, and all done. 

You are interested in all sorts of toys and always of going outside.  You seem to enjoy a variety of toys from dolls to trucks, blocks, books and other fun stackable items.  You also make toys out of random objects like this cup and car that you played with for probably 20 minutes.

You are learning so much.  It is hard to keep track of your leaps and bounds and the ways that you are interpreting the world around you.  This last weekend on your 16th month anniversary, you were Baptised.  It was a super fun day and we celebrated with family and friends at a big barbecue.  You are getting so funny and entertaining.  Sometimes I just marvel at what a miracle of a little joyful being you are.  You seem to easily embrace any situation, are not afraid of new people or places, you are easily entertained and fun loving.  You have such a loving and sweet natured spirit.  In some ways you test the waters by having my stubbornness and Daddy's patience (a challenging combination) but it will most likely be these two things working together that help you get things accomplished in life.  I can't wait to see what our next adventures will be.

We are so proud of you and love you so much Aven Lily.

Gosh, where has the time gone?

This (mostly) rainy (mostly) cloudy and overcast and (mostly) cool summer is slipping by and I have little to show for it so far.  Oh yes, I had many plans of camping with Abe and taking Aven a few times.  Going on tons of hikes with the doggies maybe even after work in the evenings while it was still light, getting a garden together for this fall or next spring and doing some major overhaul in the yard...just to name a few.  I had wanted to spend more time with friends, make more yummy recipes and finish my book club books, start running a bit and eat healthier.

Hmmm, where am I on this list?  It seems like it is going so fast and little has been accomplished.  I try not to be discouraged at what I haven't done and focus on what I have.  I have taken my dogs out most sunny days I am not working.  I have consistently mowed my lawn almost every week this summer.  I have thrown a baby shower and taken several meals to friends with new babies.  I have spent time with my Mom and Bill, with Abe's Mom and with several friends.  Life just gets away from us and all the business of life- the chores, the bills, and the kiddos all take precious time.  You have to learn to balance and juggle and prioritize all at once.  You make split second decisions about what is most important to do: spend time with my husband or clean the kitchen up after dinner....pick up poop in my yard or take the dogs out for a hike?  The few precious hours my child sleeps every day I have off are bombarded with these difficult decisions and yet even if things don't get done it is usually okay.  I just have to let the little things go and focus on the big picture.

All of this to say, life has been busy.  A few weeks ago Abe's Mom came up to visit us.  We had a great time and I know she loved hanging out with Aven.  She watched Aven for two days while Abe and I worked and she made dinner.  She was really trying to win that super Grandma award!  On the weekend, we took her to Port Townsend to do some shopping, browsing and general hanging out.  She seemed to really like it as there were many fun antique shops, clothing stores and knitting places.  We were a bit challenged on time and probably could have spent a whole other day shopping but such is life.    On Sunday I drove Ilene back to Seattle to meet up with her friends to go back to Oregon.  Aven did well but she spent a lot of time in the car being driven to and fro that weekend.

Aven is now 15 months.  She is walking everywhere and seems to really love her new found freedom.  She is experimenting more with certain "words" or sounds and is figuring out more and more how she can communicate with the world.  It is really cute.  She is understanding more things that we say daily and she is able to help pick up her toys a bit, put her dirty clothes in the laundry basket, ask for more, say she's all done and ask please when eating.  She likes her new pink shoes that finally fit her and she loves getting into the kitchen cupboards.  She is still getting in all 4 molars.  They already poked through on one side but the other prongs are now coming through.  She is a bit clingy to Mom especially when I take her to daycare.  This is a totally normal phase I know but breaks my heart a little every time.  She is perfectly happy and as soon as I set her down and begin to leave she drops her mouth wide open and inhales for a few seconds letting out a terrible cry, big 'ol tears followed by alternating screaming and crying.  I know she will be fine but it is difficult nonetheless.  She really loves the dogs and likes to interact with them when they will tolerate it.  She loves watching older kids play and when they like to interact with her.  She is really interested in her books and regularly asks me to take them off the shelf so she can read them to herself.  She continues to love music, pushing her tush back and forth to just about any music regardless of beat, rhythm or the like.  She continues to be a big eater and loves her fruit (berries especially but also pear, apple, etc), carbs and saltier things like cheese quesadillas and salmon burgers.  The other night at dinner she ate and entire salmon burger (none of it on the floor) in addition to many other fruits and snacks.  It was actually amazing!

Summer is creeping nearer a close and yet so many things unfinished.  I realize that this is a busy time in life and I don't want to look back and regret not spending more time with my family only to check things off a list.  Here's to getting a few more things accomplished while enjoying life at the same time.

family vacation & a few things learned along the way

Well, we took our first real family vacation a few weeks ago.  We went to beautiful Winthrop Washington and spent as much time relaxing in the sunshine and eating to our hearts content as we did playing outside and working hard.

The original plan had included a trip to Moab, UT where we went three years ago and really enjoyed the biking, hiking and change of scenery and weather.  We even had a great place booked but as the date loomed ever closer we realized how potentially miserable a 1,000 mile road trip could be with a 13 month old.  Then came the search to find a suitable place that wouldn't require 2 days of driving.  We wanted a place that could offer us great things to do outside (biking & hiking), sunshine and a place that we could stay with the dogs.  I considered and researched many places (Hood River, OR; Bend, OR; Boise, ID, etc.).  Finally a friend suggested Winthrop.  It was much closer (only about a 3 hour drive-150 miles or so) and typically good weather for this time of year and many options for biking & hiking.  Once we nailed down a place to stay with the dogs, we just waited for Highway 20 to open for the season.  It got down to the wire but everything was a go.

Day 1:

When we headed out on a Wednesday morning, things didn't look promising.  There was a lot of rain on the drive and looming storm clouds above.  Then as we wound up the highway towards the pass the snow was piled up on either side.  I began to wonder if I had made a mistake.  But then after beginning to wind back down the other side, I saw that all was not lost and the greater part of a sunny day lay ahead.

We arrived in early afternoon after leisurely driving Highway 20 from Bellingham, stopping at Que Car BBQ (delicious homemade honey BBQ sauce, and barbecued pork sandwiches).  We checked into our cabin on the north side of town and decided to head into "downtown" Winthrop to get the lay of the land.  Winthrop is an "old West" styled downtown with wooden sidewalks and mid to late 1800's styled architecture (most of it really is that old).  The downtown has several restaurants, gift shops and even a gas station (reminds me of Jacksonville, Or near where I grew up).  We headed over to the Old Schoolhouse Brewery for an afternoon pint and a snack.

ESB & IPA- some of our favorites!

Aven, playing the drums on the table.

After sufficiently christening their floor with food castoffs of all kinds ( and the first of many throughout the next few days), we headed out for our first hike of the trip.  Went up to the Sun Mountain Trails and took the doggies out for a much needed 4 mile hike while Aven caught some snoozes and Abe and I enjoyed the beautiful view and completely deserted trail.

There were so many unique and beautiful wildflowers growing along this hillside we were hiking along.  It was nice to get to see some new flowers & plants.

After all of this we headed to local favorite and staple since 1982, the Duck Brand restaurant.  We had a great dinner and got 2 slices of pie to go and headed back to the cabin for our first night.

Day 2:

Well, traveling with a child had many learning moments and our breakfast on day 2 was no exception.  It started with a hungry baby, a hungry mommy and an un-caffeinated Dad.  If you are not able to do the math, this can equal a real disaster in a restaurant.  Needless to say, we all survived and got going with an exciting day of adventures.  We headed up to the Sun Mountain trails again.  This time Abe and I split up.  Abe and Eleanor went mountain biking and I took Aven in my pack and headed out on the trails.  Save for a few mosquitoes and one or two bike riders, we again had the trails to ourselves.  There was a lovely breeze and I enjoyed the relatively smooth and easy trails.  We met back at the car and changed our plans from snacks at the cabin to Abe's revised plan: "take me straight to the brewery!"

We drove down the road about 7 miles to nearby Twisp and sat outside at the Methow Valley Brewing Company.  It was the perfect afternoon.  After a good hike and bike ride, we enjoyed sitting on the patio right next to the river soaking up the sun, enjoying a few pints and a delicious meal and taking in the relaxing and quiet weekday afternoon.  Abe kept saying: "this is the life; I could get used to this!"

Day 3:

The next day started out a lot more promising including a much more satisfying breakfast to kick off the day.  We went to nearby Sunflower Cafe and had some delicious Mushroom, Feta Quiche and an amazing Strawberry Scone with whole strawberries in it.  None of that spot-o-jelly type thing you typically find.  After our leisurely breakfast outside (I loved that just about every place there had outdoor seating available), we headed back to the cabin for Aven's nap and some rest and relaxation for the parents.  We sat on our cabin porch, read for hours and relaxed.  It was awesome.

One of my favorite pics from the trip, Aven playing with some
pinecones in the grassy area outside our cabin.  It was so cute.

In the later afternoon, we headed out for some more adventures outside.  Abe went to Buck Lake trail and met up with an outdoor rep who he ended up riding with.  I took the girls (Aven, Eleanor & Ethel) and we headed out to Falls Creek Falls.  After we hiked the initial 1/2 mile of relatively flat and paved trail we arrived at a misty and beautiful waterfall.  I noticed that there was a trail wrapping around off to the right so we headed on for more adventure.  We didn't make our way all the way to the end of the trail because Ethel pooped out and we had to leave her halfway on the trail but we did wind our way back closer to the start of the waterfall.  It was beautiful and again so nice to be in the warm outdoors.

After meeting up with Abe we hit up the brewery again for another delicious meal.  This time it was Friday night and the Methow Valley Brewery was hopping.  We voted again to dine outside and enjoy the river going by.  Aven caught the attention of many other diners and wait staff when after devouring most of her beans and rice she smeared it across her forehead in battle like fashion.  We could have been uptight and wiped it off immediately;  but this isn't our style- instead we let her enjoy it, grabbed the camera and shot some pics.  What a little cutie.

Day 5:

The last day had us planning for yet another kid-friendly strategy.  I voted for a family hike after breakfast, back to the cabin for Aven's nap and lunch and then splitting up for the late afternoon; Abe would bike and I would hike.  Well, to go along with the title, the best laid plans especially when it comes to kids, often fail.  It started out with a slow start in the morning....followed by a longer drive up a dirt road and then.....

A tree across the road made us stop in our tracks, literally!  We climbed out and loaded up Aven in the backpack just to see how much farther the trailhead would be.  It was really just around the corner so we started the trek up the hill.  I should mention here that I didn't do any research about how long this hike would be, the elevation, elevation gain or difficulty.  It just sounded nice: Copper Glance Lake.  Well, had we made it there it probably would have been.  We hiked a ways and then came across a wide creek with a collapsed bridge.  Abe offered to ford the freezing creek, carry the dogs and Aven across to continue on.  I didn't know how much farther we had to go or if there would be additional creek crossings so I chickened out.  I was a bit sad but the trek had already taken much longer than I thought and we hadn't brought any snacks with us.  So, we turned around and headed back.

After a late afternoon nap for Aven and Mommy back at the cabin, we headed out on our last outdoor adventure.  While it was scenic and beautiful it was a rather boring walk along a meadow and out to a river.  The mosquitoes were out in full force along with their other insect friends and the monotony of the flat land got to us at the end of a long day.  We wrapped up the evening with a truly delicious gourmet pizza at East 20 Pizza and of course, the water of vacation life: beer.  Luckily this place was across the parking lot from our cabin so when Aven started getting cranky at the end of the meal (it was after her bedtime) I just walked her over and got her ready for bed.

Day 5:

Would be a great Subaru commercial!

On the last day, we woke up when the baby did and got ourselves packed up for the journey home.  The sun was out, the pass was beautiful and we felt unhurried as we made our way back home.  It was a lovely day and we even had a chance to relax at home and get a hike in at home before the end of the day.

The Highlights & Lessons Learned:

• Going on a trip with a baby can force you to relax- there are lots of naps involved in their day, they tend to like to go to bed early and they will always make you late (it can make you anxious or you can let things go). 
• If you want to have a nightlife with a one year old on vacation, you'll be sorely disappointed.
• Trying to plan your day around the moods and naps of a kiddo can be really challenging.
• Spending time with your family is some of the best time you can have
• Be flexible, always!
• Never pass up a good cup of coffee, fresh homemade pastries or a great microbrew
• Be adventurous, often it will pay off.
• Take lots of pictures, even the ones that will embarass your kids later (Aven discovered how much fun it is to play naked after your bath or shower- we have some super cute pics of her being silly in the buff)
• Trader Joes is awesome - be sure to load up on snacks for the car ride
• If man can live on bread alone, then why can't babies live on beans & rice, honey wheat pretzels and dried cherries?

Aven's First Birthday (the events)

Wonderful day in Seattle with our little one year old!  Started the day early with 1-year check up and 5 shots!  After this we made our way to Seattle and enjoyed taking Aven to the Seattle Aquarium.  She loved watching the fish and other marine life and her attention never swayed.  Afterwards we took her to a few of our favorite haunts: Red Mill Burgers for lunch and then Herkimer Coffee (for us).  We enjoyed seeing some of the fun sights at the Aquarium such as: Java the octopus- we were apparently there during one of her more active periods; jellyfish walk through; Northern Fur Seals; seahorses; a variety of uniquely colored and shaped fish and the giant entryway tank.  Finished the day with Aven's first ice cream at Bellingham favorite Mallards.  Aven had the strawberry, me the rose strawberry ice and Daddy the peanut butter.  After all of this it was a quick to bed for the tired little one year old.  

part of the touch tank

amazing and beautiful jellyfish

"Java" the giant pacific octopus

beautiful textures & colors

up close & personal w/the fish

a delicious & healthy lunch!

always has something to say

it's my birthday & I'll cry if I want to!

Mommy & Daddy need more coffee

first ice cream- entering Mallards,
a Bellingham favorite

not sure if she likes Mommy's Strawberry Rose Ice

Happy Birthday Aven Lily, we love you.