The Pumpkin Patch - 1 Year Later

Somehow our littlest lady will be 11 months tomorrow (on her daddy's birthday). So today we kicked off the weekend with an afternoon at the pumpkin patch picking the last of the strawberry harvest and choosing some especially lovely pumpkins for our front porch. The whole afternoon had me flashing back to exactly one year ago, when Navy was our only and Willa was still snuggled up in my tummy. 

Looking at the photos from today and comparing them to this time last year, I can hardly believe that we've already enjoyed nearly one year with her in our arms! And yet, her entrance into our lives has been total, consuming magic. The kind of intense magic that needs a year to hold it, really. My heart is utterly besotted as though I never knew a time where I didn't know her and love her. Never could I have imagined such a perfect and complimentary being to join our crew. But here she is. Our gift to watch over with grateful hearts, overflowing. 

And Navy! What change and growth and coming-into-one's-own we've witnessed this past year in her! Our sweet baby-toddler in those pictures from last year has grown into a little girl it seems! Though I'm reluctant to even say that, as my heart knows she's still so little in the grand scheme of things. Still! Emotionally, intellectually and physically, the changes we've witnessed this past year have us wide-eyed and smiling nearly all the time. She makes us belly laugh regularly, swells our hearts with her kindness and generosity and routinely reminds us of the importance of focusing on those things in life which are truly beautiful and life-giving. She is a force of nature in the best possible way. She loves her sister deeply and truly and she has been the most gracious and accommodating toddler as we adjusted to having another baby in the home. Though we worked intentionally to make this transition gentle on her, she chose to cooperate freely and engaged enthusiastically. That has truly been one of the most blessed things to come of this past year in conjunction with Willa's arrival.

I never want to forget the year that Willa joined our lives. And not just for the obvious reason of Willa joining us, but more for the domino effect her presence has had on us all and between us all. Adapting to two children, getting to know Willa, learning even more about Navy, growing as parents navigating uncharted territory...it's just enriched the experience of loving this family of mine even more. The love gets deeper and stronger with each passing day and I'm so profoundly grateful for the opportunity to 'do this'. To be their mama and to do it hand in hand with my love. Life is good. 

A Day Downtown in the Sunshine

We got hit by an unexpected summer cold late last week which escalated to a scary croup situation with Navy early Friday morning. Thankfully the cold air en route to the hospital helped her breathing tremendously and as quickly as it all came on, the laboured breathing & stridor ceased. We were able to avoid a trip to the hospital in the end but rest was still very much needed. So we rested for several days but on Sunday, while not totally well yet, we found ourselves craving some time out of the house (but hoped to do so in a way that wouldn't have us sharing our germs with others ;). So thanks to some inspiration from Nanny recently, we drove into the city, parked downtown and decided to enjoy some sunshine along Stephen Avenue Walk. 

The day was gorgeous, the scenery a welcome metropolitan change from what we've become accustomed to this past year and as kismet would have it, we even stumbled upon a lively festival that captivated Navy for a solid hour. She soaked in the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling big city downtown as did we all. The day was slow, simple and perfect. 

Simultaneously, it made me miss some parts of my former life in the city while also opening my eyes to some really special attributes of the calmer, country life we're now living; quieter blessings that I hadn't really spent much time dwelling on. Always grateful for moments that reveal things when I'm not really looking. Those actually seem to be the most inspired moments, come to think of it. Anyway, overall the day left me feeling grateful for this season we are in and the many more that came before. And afterwards, Ryan and I resolved to make sure more of these simple, mini-adventures are planned moving forward :) 

our life lately // vol. 7

 CHILLIWACK 

Navy, my mom and I were THE luckiest girls in all the land a few weeks ago. Ryan was going to be out of town (in Phoenix, the lucky duck) for work one weekend. Coincidentally, it was my mom's cousin's 60th birthday party that same weekend in Chilliwack. So the three of us flew out to celebrate with our family out there and to enjoy the beautiful BC countryside. 

My mom has said, for years now, that she would love it if I made it out to BC to meet my cousins on her side (technically my second cousins). And while a couple of us had met in passing, yearrrrrs ago, it honestly felt like we'd never really spent any time together. So when my mom invited Navy and I to finally make the meet-up happen, we jumped at the very sweet opportunity, packed our bags and got ready for a weekend of family and fun. 

To say our my cousins in Chilliwack immediately felt like family is an understatement. Kindred spirits is more like it. My mom's family out there are simply the most hospitable people I have ever met. Just the most gracious hosts with the warmest hearts. 

⇡ Our little cabin at Auntie Alma's ⇡

⇡ Martha Stewart eat your heart out, Auntie Alma knows what's up ⇡

⇡ My mom's cousin's daughters, so my second cousins, my mom and I. But let's just call these girls my cousin-sisters, because sisters feels more like it. Though some of us hadn't met until this weekend and others had met only once, it turns out we are kindred spirits through and through. I just love them to bits. ALSO! Danielle has since had her baby!! A sweet little boy named Nash who we can't wait to meet! ⇡

⇡ Navy making herself comfortable in our cozy cabin ⇡

For me, the good life is all about the kind, wonderful people I'm fortunate enough to share mine with. So when you get the change to go on a little adventure and spend time with some especially wonderful people you just happen to be related to, well you gotta count your many blessings, I say. I left this weekend with new friendships forged and a deep gratitude for the loved ones, near and far, that make my life feel so incredibly rich. 

our life lately // vol. 6

It's 1 in the morning. The house is quiet and calm, still twinkling with Christmas lights and Christmas trees who should have long since been packed away except that I can't seem to part with them and the beautiful glow they've provided as I navigated my way through these first days of motherhood. Middle of the night nursing and long mid-day naps and visits with the bounty of friends and family who've come over to meet our little lady have all been made that much more cozy by these seasonal and twinkly little friends of mine. It may seem trivial, something as simple as leaving our Christmas decor up a few days longer but this warm environment…everything that went into making this house our home over the last 11 months and seeing our space all cozy for Christmas…well it's felt like a hug really. Our little nest, the very space Navy was born in and the same space that has comforted us as we learned how to comfort her, has become this treasured part of this journey. Home has never felt more like home to me than now. 

Even at 1 am. I used to hate being up in the middle of the night. It felt unsettling to be awake while everyone else was sleeping. It used to feel lonely. But now its so much more! It's precious, quiet and tender time with my baby girl. It's midnight belly rubs with Lincoln after Navy's fallen asleep. It's the feelings of a heart so full it might burst when I look at my sleeping husband, resting after his long day's work, walking Lincoln, helping clean the house and cuddling his baby girl all night long so he can have that special time with her and so I can rest in anticipation of another night peppered with nursing sessions and newborn cuddles. It's me sleepily padding out of our room with Navy in my arms, en route to our favourite little corner of the couch, our path gently lit by the cozy Christmas lights that twinkle all night long in anticipation of these mid-night nursing sessions. 

It's all just felt like an embrace. A warm, welcoming embrace into motherhood. And I know its the people who really make this house feel like a home. And the puppy too! Let us not forget sweet Lincoln ;)  But this house…this space that sheltered us we welcomed Navy into this world…this space that's provided soothing rest when we most needed it…this personalized space, that when sleep evades us, is cozy enough to provide comfort while we wait for sleep to find us…well, I'm just so incredibly grateful for it. 

Life lately, has been firmly rooted in this space. We've been intentional about taking our time to adjust to parenthood and not overly eager to rush back to the hustle of everyday life. I've never spent so much time at home in my life, and I've never been more grateful for my home than over these past four weeks. Navy was born into this home, I've healed in this home, we've navigated the first weeks of parenthood together in this home, we've laughed and cried in this home, we've been blessed by the good company and love of friends and family in this home. Right now, as we savour these newborn weeks, this physical space feels like a vessel filled to the brim with the people and the moments I love. It has bore witness to my journey into motherhood and it has provided us every comfort along the way. So while there's been the odd errand run and social gathering, the majority of our first four weeks of parenthood and of little Navy's sweet life have been enjoyed right here at home. Life lately feels nested and rooted. Rich in everything that matters, all of which has been enjoyed in the warm comfort of our home. 

Navy Maya

Ryan and I with Navy at home on the day she was born ♡

Our sweet little Navy Maya was born at home on her due date, Friday December 12th, happy, healthy and entirely perfect. She has completely stolen our hearts. Its amazing, and nearly impossible to describe, those feelings of meeting her for the first time. Part of you understands that you're meeting this sweet little being for the very first time. But there's another part, deep in your heart, that recognizes her as though you've known her your whole life. The excitement of newness and the unmistakable comfort of familiarity all at once.

These last few weeks of adjusting to life with Navy have been so wonderful and all-consuming. We've slipped out of normal life and into the beautiful and hazy space that is life after the most perfect gift has arrived. I know in the coming weeks, we'll start to carve out a new rhythm of what our normal life will look like with little Navy in the mix. But for now, we are doing everything in our power to slow down, ignore the usual daily to-do's and remain contentedly lost in this new and wonderful time with our baby girl. 

30

On November 2nd I got to celebrate my 30th birthday with this growing little family of mine and it was  just perfect. The overcast weather showed up as if by request, which may seem unusual but just makes my heart sing. Cloudy, drizzly days are one of my love languages I swear :) Ryan had asked me several times what I wanted to do for my birthday and, after jumping through a million mental hoops trying to convince myself that I wanted a big party or something, I realized that all I wanted was a leisurely day with my family. And so that's what we did and it was wonderful. 

In the early morning we went adventuring down by the river with Lincoln, all bundled up for the cold front. After that we went to my favourite little coffee shop cabin here in town and really caught up with each other. Its amazing what a couple hours of really talking can reveal about the person you spend every day of your life with. We do our best to catch up each day and make special time for one another, but every now and then, a day like my birthday rolls around where the conversation just flows and my heart could just burst with joy and gratitude as I get to know this man all over again. 

The rest of the day was leisurely and included a lovely lunch with my family (those who are still nearby that is (we miss you Chad, Karly & Miranda!)…My Dad was able to fly back from a project in Montreal to be there to celebrate for the day, which was so special). 

Overall, I spent most of the day reflecting on the immense gratitude I feel for this life I've been given. It's easy to get bogged down with everyday life and sure, I experience worries, concerns and frustrations as much as the next person. None of us are immune to those real life things. But when I really stop and reflect, I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude. And any worries or frustrations I might have been feeling seem to melt away as I consider the bigger picture and how blessed I am. Every now and then, a special day comes along that seems to engage my heart and mind in this understanding even stronger than the day before. My birthday was just such a day.

Chad & Karly - On To New Adventures

My brother Chad and his sweet girlfriend Karly (Carli's/Karly's of the world are representing in our family, woop woop! ;) have moved to Vancouver as of this past weekend. Chad and I are 16 months apart and were always so close growing up. Even as adults, with more time passing between visits because of life and general busyness, we have always enjoyed a sweet comfort in each other's presence as though no time has passed at all. I'm so glad we're so close in age and that, like all the kids in my family, we grew up as and into incredibly close friends. I love my siblings dearly, but I also really like them as best friends. I have to give our parents major credit for fostering that friendship rich environment in our home. 

Uniquely enough, all four of the kids in our family have remained in the same city until now. And we've loved every minute of it. But the time has come for Chad and Karly to pursue a new, exciting chapter in Vancouver and while we are sad to see them go, we're so happy for what awaits them. They are a truly brilliant and beautiful couple with an incredibly bright future. 

I'm thankful for the time we live in and the technology available to us to keep in touch and a part of one another's lives. Also, Vancouver is beautiful and I can't imagine us waiting long to fly out to see them and their new life :) Regardless, goodbyes are difficult. This weekend was emotional to be sure, but the happiness I feel for them far outweighs my sadness in losing physical proximity. 

Chad & Karly, we love you and wish you the absolute best on your new adventure! 

Easter Weekend

Ryan was away in Vegas for business this past week so it was definitely a treat when he arrived home for Easter weekend. It's funny, when you've lived together as long as we have now. Sometimes a little space to do things independently is a good thing. We're big believers in that actually. Nurturing our own individuality. We love how it keeps our marriage dynamic and interesting. Its fun being married to someone who cares deeply about growing and developing as a individual as well as your partner in life. In the same breath though, I sure miss him when he's gone. And I love that I feel that way. We've been together around 11 years now and married for 8. I think that's a healthy amount of time to say that I really love how much I miss him when he's gone. Time has only intensified my admiration and affection for him, and for that I feel so blessed.

We started our Easter Sunday with a walk around our neighbourhood. The river and the breathtaking forest put on their Easter best that spring morning as we welcomed the holiday weekend; our little family, happily reunited. 

a happy home.

I'm so grateful for my happy family. Sure, we experience the ups and downs of life. Everyone does. But through those ups and downs, I'm so glad we've always placed an emphasis on some important intentions: we relish in being great friends to one another, we laugh often, we focus on living a life of love, we're careful not to take ourselves too seriously and we make sure to encourage one other tirelessly in the pursuit of our passions and purpose. When I think of our little family, I feel so happy. Happy that I'm happy. Happy Ryan's happy. Happy we care so much about each other's happiness. 

It's in this state of mind I've been thinking about this new home of ours. I love to decorate. And I plan to do a whole lot of that around here. It gives me joy to play around with the decor elements that make our house feel more like our home. Its just that this time around, I really want to incorporate a lot more of us into our home. More pictures of us/our family/our friends/our travels, more quotes that inspire and motivate and more colours/patterns/textures/images that make us smile.  I'd love for the words, memories, people and experiences that edify us to surround us. Hopefully they reflect the happiness we feel in this life we're building. And if we're not feeling so happy now and then, I hope the environment we create in this home lifts us up, comforts us and encourages us to feel better when we look around and realize how good life really is. I hope it does this for everyone who walks through our doors. 

this is my desire for our home. that it will be a reflection of our happy family. that it will be a happy home.