our life lately // vol. 10

Hello my little journal! Let me blow the dust off these keys so we can catch up a little. It's been too long!

May and nearly all of June we're a couple of challenging months to be sure. I'm not typically one to wish time would pass faster but those two months challenged my feelings about that. Navy came down with a rare collection of viruses and a terrible viral rash that though painful, was thankfully benign. It took us a while to see the right doctor who was able to finally diagnose her and calm our very frazzled nerves. Those two weeks of waiting and referrals and misdiagnosis were awful, I can honestly say. My first experience watching Navy suffer was more emotional than I could have prepared for. But instead of reliving the stressful moments which I'm so thankful are behind us, I'm finding it to be more edifying to reflect on what I've learned instead.

Most importantly, I learned that holding my breath through experiences like that does me no good. And in the beginning, that's what I was doing. We were furiously searching for answers, trying to make sure our little girl was getting the care she needed. And that was honourable and the right thing to do for sure. Other things in life pale in importance when the health or safety of a loved one is threatened. But holding my breath (literally and figuratively) waiting for this storm to pass, for Navy to be back to her usual self only added to the tension of the situation. I wanted the whole ordeal to just be behind us and for real life to resume so I could forget it and how scary it was.

But as I knew then even though it was hard to practice, and I very much know now, life is meant to be lived in each moment. It doesn't mean that every moment is easy. Far from it. But interspersed in those scary seven weeks, were beautiful moments. Every single day, there was beauty to be enjoyed if I was willing to see it. And tomorrow is never guaranteed. So regardless of hard a day might feel, I'm going to do my very best to see the good in it wherever I can. Once I started being mindful of my attitude in this regard, I found the weeks she continued to fight the viruses a lot more bearable. I also found my vision cleared and I was able to more assertively and confidently take action when I had too. My worry was replaced with gratitude for the good things and resolve to do something proactive about the challenging things. And that shift in countenance felt very good.

In early July we took a super quick trip to Vegas for the TPT Convention for my mom and my educational resource business. What a blast! We were there two days and it was a complete whirlwind. Ryan was papa on duty, ducking back to the Venetian convention centre at lunch time so I could nurse Navy in between sessions. It was the cutest. They had some serious quality time together (some shopping, sightseeing and even a solid day at the UFC Fan Expo haha :) and my mom and I left thoroughly inspired and motivated by the speakers and sessions we attended. 

We got back from Vegas absolutely exhausted in that 'soooo worth it' kind of way. Navy was amazing on the plane again, thankfully. So grateful for every flight she manages to take in stride. She's such a flexible and easy going baby. But even with a cool little cucumber of a gal, travelling with a little one in tow is certainly more work than when it was just the two of us. But we keep finding it to be totally worth it. Ryan and I were just chatting about this the other day … the adventure outweighs the inconveniences and challenges. So in that spirit, I hope we do our best to say yes to adventure whenever possible of the course of our lives. It's worth it. It really is. 

our life lately // vol. 8

When I scroll back through my blog or my Instagram account, I see I have so very many pictures of Ryan and I, Lincoln and now Navy. And oh how I love them. I realized today, however, that these digital memory vaults store a very tiny fraction of images of my friends and other family members  though, especially compared to how often we enjoy their company. We are so blessed to have a seriously healthy number of friends in our life. Many I've known virtually my whole life as well as several other's I've had the good fortune of meeting more recently. That kind of relationship security is something I count very high on my list of blessings. Knowing I have a friend or family member eager to visit virtually any day at any time, well, it makes a girl feel pretty loved I tell ya. 

Anyway, I think somewhere along the line I decided it would be ridiculous if I snapped a picture every time I met up with someone, considering I knew it was going to happen again real soon. But today! Today I broke my 'don't be crazy, snapping pictures all the time' rule and I snapped a couple pics to document our morning with my sweet cousin Danielle, who has only within the past year and a bit moved back to Calgary from Switzerland. She is a mom of four (4!! As if you could tell, given her porcelain skin and energy for dayyyyyyys) and I absolutely cherish her. She is a light to everyone around her and I am always better for enjoying her company. 

Ryan has been working pretty long hours lately, and we certainly miss him when that's the case. But I've come to understand that life ebbs and flows that way and that's ok. Because with these kinds of wonderful family and friends nearby, our days always seem to be filled with community and connection, joy and a deep sense of belonging. 

In Irish Wolfhound related news, Lincoln is a ham. The moodiest most dramatic pup, I swear. Today, as I attempted to take a couple glamour shots for his Instagram account (where's the laughing emoji when you need it, hey?) he appeared to be getting antsy for his supper. And then, I snapped this photo ⇡. It's almost like he was trying to tell me something haha. You'll be happy to know he was fed shortly after ;)

In friend/family related news, I am rethinking my 'Carli don't be silly and take pictures to document EVERYTHING' rule. Because these pics are fun, goshdarnit :)

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. 

our life lately // vol. 5

BABY SHOWER

Oh goodness! Has life ever been busy and wonderful lately. Its seems the closer we get to little baby's due date, the more our errands, conversations, interactions and events are influenced by the excitement over her arrival. A couple of weekends ago was no exception. On October 18th my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law hosted the most beautiful baby shower for our family and baby girl. So many of my family, family-in-law and friends were able to be there. And those who couldn't be there were so thoughtful in sending heartfelt messages, cards and even gifts in their absence. Honestly, it was a lot to process. It reminded me of the overwhelming love I felt at our wedding, looking out at all the faces in the church who had showed up to witness our ceremony and support us in our commitment. 

To be in a room surrounded by so many women I love and respect was an overwhelming blessing. As I did the gift opening, I remember saying 'I am going to have one seeeerrriously long and incredibly cathartic cry to myself later tonight because this is overwhelming'. And it was. The decorations were stunning, the food was incredible, the gifts were beyond generous and the genuine authenticity of beloved women of all ages coming together to wish us well in this new journey was a beauty all its own. 

Later that evening we met up at home. Ryan had had a long day and I was feeling that good ol' pregnancy tired that's been sneaking up on me from time to time on days when I've exerted myself more than normal. But regardless of how tired we both felt, something in us wanted to spend a little time in her nursery. So we sat on the floor while I recapped the shower for him. Slowly, in the low light of her sweet little nursery, we unpackaged gifts, read cards and reflected a bit on the magnitude of this little person joining our family and the many people already a part of our extended family who chose to shower her with love that day ... before they've even set eyes on her. We both agreed, we are so very blessed and grateful ♡

our life lately // vol. 4

Goodness it's been quite the week! We've thoroughly enjoyed having Ryan home for a week after missing him last week and sending him off for work again this week. Busy travel schedule for that guy lately, and though I'd love to join him, traveller's insurance for lady's with baby bumps is hard to come by it would seem. So at home with the pup I stay. Thankfully good friends, family, diy crafting sessions and long lingering walks with Lincoln keep me pretty busy so missing Ryan isn't always on my mind. 

Having Ryan home last week, we capitalized on some quality family time. We started with celebrating Ryan & his brother Kelly's birthdays with a lobster feast on Sunday night as soon as we'd picked him up from the airport.  Getting home late that night we were greeted an overly cuddly Lincoln at the door and promptly headed out for a midnight walk along the river.  Probably one of my favourite things, I'd have to say. Walking in the pitch black with my guys (and little lady too!), the moon and stars putting on quite the show as we feel our way down pathways in the night. Us together and Lincoln alternating between bounding through the forest and then back up to the pathway, threading between us often as if to check in and make sure we don't have to look for him. It's such sweet, simple time and makes up some of the very best things in life I think. 

Thursday I hosted a Pampered Chef party with my neighbour which was a total blast! Quite the shindig we were able to pull together and I don't think I could have enjoyed it more. 25 ladies attended and cooked like the pampered chefs they are. It was the first get-together we've had in the home and something about that made it really feel like our home, you know? 

On Saturday we had Ryan home all day to study for his upcoming course and that was a special treat! We enjoyed a great day as a family, Ryan studying and me catching up on some baby reading. Figure it's time I crack open a couple books ;) The day took a strange turn when we found ourselves enjoying dinner at a pub and encountered a rather rude and inebriated woman who decided to overwhelm us with her less than savoury account of the hardships of parenting after realizing I was pregnant. Feeling a little shaken up (not from what she said since her account was her own experience and ours will be uniquely our own … but more from the genuine rudeness of a stranger on a day where we had little patience for it) we decided to grab a late night donut and decompress at the Tim Horton's around the block. And wouldn't you know it, faith in humanity = totally restored. The kindest lady opened the door for us as we entered smiling wide and then the sweetest boy took our order and was sure to crack a couple jokes while he had our attention. We left Tim's feeling like all was right again in the world. As random and unlikely as that sounds, a late night donut stop just so happened to expose us to the kindest people we'd encountered all day and it was lovely. 

Early Sunday morning, after Ryan left for the airport Lincoln and I joined Crystal, Natalia, Roman the Great Dane, Eli the Irish Wolfhound & Trigger the Miniature Pincher (just the cutest pack of dogs you ever did see)  for a 10 km hike to Kananaskis.  Coincidentally it was Lincoln's 2nd birthday! So an epic hike & combined with the super tasty birthday treat his Auntie Tara dropped off for him later in the day made for a pret-ty amazing day I'd say. We got home in the early afternoon and were legit couch potatoes the rest of the day. 3 romantic comedies, 2 cookies, 1 pampered chef order and a blog post or two later and we were spent.

Now here we are … hello Monday! Looking forward to what you have in store for us this week :)

our life lately // vol. 3

1. Ryan and I in Vail, earlier this summer. A sweet pic of our favourite guy to look at while we missed him on his 30th birthday this past Wednesday. 

2. Love the view from baby girl's room and that pompom garland we've been crafting away at while watching movies might be the cutest thing ever. 

3. Sunny September walk with my bestie and her little ladies. 

4. Lincoln and I on our early morning walks down to the river. 

5. Still can't quite believe this view ♡

6. Somewhat shell-shocked wolfie post first (accidental) swimming session. He handled it like a champ though! And would ya look at that face?!

This week we were without Ryan while he travelled for work (to Vegas, the rascal :). And of course, Wednesday just happened to be his 30th birthday. BIG deal! Super sad we couldn't celebrate in person with him but we were sure to celebrate with him before he left. And, as is our fashion, we have a week of dinners planned to continue celebrating. He's, like, the most important person ever and we kinda want him to know it ;)

While he was away, Lincoln and I were busy. Lots of visits with family and friends and walks to soak up this glorious fall weather we're having. Sometimes sunny but always cold and misty in the morning, just exactly the way we like it. And speaking of the mist and things water related, Mr. Lincoln accomplished his first dog paddle this week! While out on  a walk with my dad, sister and brother in the woods near their place we encountered a beautiful, small lagoon. Lincoln was fetching in the water fearlessly, as is his nature. Not knowing the lagoon that well I threw the stick to a deep part and little buddy jumped in thinking he could run in to retrieve it. He ended up pulling a total canon ball into the deep end instead. Totally shocked, his soaked little face emerged from the water as he found his swimming legs and instinctually paddled back towards shallow ground. Admitting full bias, it was probably THE cutest thing I've ever seen. Dad, Tyrone, Brooke and I got so excited and praised him like crazy. It was adorable and like the little fearless champ he is, he was back fetching in no time. 

I was so aware this week as I enjoyed great visits with family, my sweet friends, walks in the forest near our home and marathon nesting & decor sessions around our cozy home that life is so, so good. And while I miss Ryan so much when he's away, I'm so grateful for the many special people and other blessings in our life that make time spent away from him sweet still. Maybe its the pregnancy hormones (and believe me, those babies are kickin' it into high gear these days ;) or the fact that Thanksgiving is around the corner, but I'm feeling awfully grateful these days. 

This week we plan to soak in some quality time as a little family since Ryan's work schedule has him traveling again soon. Soon we'll be a little family with baby in tow and that will be amazing. But we've got lots of adventuring to do sans baby until then and we plan to! 

our life lately // vol. 2

So the snow melted! Oh happy and reasonable September day! To celebrate we resumed our walks along the river sans winter jackets and just soaked up the warm sunshine and green grass that had been so rudely buried in snow last week. We're still enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures and I gotta think that's mama natures way of rewarding us for putting up with the little snow tantrum she threw. Whatever the case, we'll take it! 

Snapped this pic of our bed the other day because our room was so sunny and I realized how happy looking at our first big DIY project seems to make me on a daily basis. Fuel for this girl's DIY fire, really. Little moments like that seem to encourage me to keep making this house our home and I love that. 

In between work, building, sanding and painting we saw friends for catchups, cruised on over to our favourite burger joint and squeezed in some quality spoon time with a rogue wolfhound we found laying around our house ;)  Life's too short. You really gotta take a minute every now and then to enjoy the simple things. We did that this week. And it was good.