camping with my little family : part 1

I have always loved camping. So, of course when I married a "mountain man" I was very happy with the bright prospect of our future camping adventures together. We have had many of those already but now its just different and better.

 Here's why: We now have a child to introduce nature to, we live in a house - which makes it easier and realistic to have and store our equipment in, we have a car which makes for easy and convenient accessibility and we are very close to a great many campsites as we live right among trees and mountains. I'd say for the first time in a long time we actually get to enjoy camping to its fullest.

waiting for the ferry to Lopez Island, exploring with Dad

we didn't have reservations so we took a chance and scored a beautiful spot

so happy to be relaxing in the great outdoors

We had a wonderful weekend of camping together.  The first nights we camped at Lopez Island at a place called Odlin park.  We had to go there first since the name is so close to our son's.  It was so beautiful and we will most definitely be visiting again.

a place for her to sleep

We have 6 weeks to the due date.  I am getting anxious and nervous every passing day.  We are trying to get everything ready for our little lady's arrival especially because many people have said to both of us that we should be ready for the baby to come any day.  Odin was only a few days early but this makes them think our little girl will come weeks early.  Well, comments like these have me on my toes.

The last really important thing I needed to do so that we'd be prepared for her to come any second was to set up a place for her to sleep.  This is the same cradle I used as a baby.  Its pretty cool that I get to use it for my child.  As you can see, we are a little lacking in the girly linens department but its okay, cause its a cozy, clean and special place just for her.  We can't wait to meet our little girl!

reasons to celebrate in June

I like celebrating the little things in life.  So, here are the daily holidays I'll be referring to this month.  We have the arrival of a baby girl to prepare for this month and I'm sure we'll celebrate a few of these holidays also to help the time pass.  Good bye, May...  I can't believe June is almost here!

my screen door boy

These pictures kill me.  I was actually having a rough day, I guess he knew.  He came right up to the screen door and made silly squished face after face.  I was rolling in an instant and somehow managed to find my camera and capture a few of his finest.  Oh, this boy of mine is such a cutie!

wicked funny

Tom Brady's Wicked Accent from Tom Brady

Oh, man! This is funny. 

Tom Brady, Boston accent, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon... so funny!

a short week

Don't you love when Monday is a holiday?!  I definitely do since it means that its a short week.  By Wednesday, I feel as though its still Tuesday but, Wed. means its almost Thursday which means its almost Friday which means its almost the weekend!  You understand what I'm saying...

Like last week I plan to keep up the momentum this week of finding the rhythm.  This means, again, little time online and doing random things that I want to do for me during the day and more taking better care of my home and family.  But, most importantly it means more time playing with, teaching, exploring with, talking with, tickling, reading with and just being with my son instead.  Last week went great and I felt good about the results.  Of course at 34 weeks, now naps are essential for me so, that will definitely be on the schedule :-)

* image *  It was very rejuvenating being in such a peaceful, beautiful and lovely place such as Lopez Island where we camped this past weekend.  Just seeing this place reminded me of my desire to focus on living a simple and happy life caring for those I love most.  Here's to a great week!

Happy short week to you!

a lovely holiday to you

Its been a great weekend for us over here.  We visited the San Juan islands and camped there too.  We also camped with family an hour east of our home.  Both were lovely in their different ways and we can't wait to go back.  I look forward to sharing more from our weekend with you later.  But for now...

We'll be remembering the sacrifices of those who have made this country.

i want to participate

I love ideas like this.  

I am seriously thinking of participating.  

After I have this baby would be a good time. 

Wouldn't it be cool?  

You should do it too!

To participate in the Sketchbook Project go here.

To see a post all about this project go here.

anniversary date

Every 26th of the month we like to celebrate our wedding anniversary date.  We usually go out to eat or take a walk somewhere together.  Its never a big deal but it is always special.  

Happy Anniversary Date, Love.

toast soldiers

Toast soldiers are my favorite breakfast.  Lately I've been giving Odin these with a little bowl of yogurt.   Both he and I are perfectly happy with this meal of choice.  He gets all the yummy goodness his little morning heart desires and I get a super simple breakfast that is too easy to believe.

These toast soldiers are made with avocado, salt + pepper.  This is actually my favorite way to eat avocados.  Yup, I like this even better than guacamole, even though it is a very close second.  Try it sometime!

* more toast soldier posts HERE *

shopping therapy

If you saw my recent garden posts then you know I'm really happy and excited to have little things growing in my yard.  Everything above would fit right along with the working out in our "garden".   Some things are for my little guy so he can join me and be as occupied and happy as me.  

1. this hat - I love it  2. gardening journals from amazon here, here, here  3. Burt's Bees cuticle cream and miracle salve.  I've used both and love them for repairing those gardening hands and nails  4. little gardening tool set for Odin  5. gathering basket  6. kids wheel barrow - so darling  7.  klean kanteen water bottles we love and I want all three of these.  Is that too much to ask?  hehe.  

an outing with my boys

We had a really good day today.  It ended with a little family outing to the mall, of all places.  We needed to take advantage of a certain sale.  :-)  I forgot to bring the stroller but luckily Odin was just fine to walk on his own.  He followed well and even helped carry the bags.  He's at a fun and cute (most of the time) age right now.  

It was late when we finished so to get Odin to keep walking to the car, he and Zack jumped their way there.  It was the cutest thing hearing Odin say "moi" so they'd do it again and again and again.  (That's his way of saying more in case you didn't gather.)  We just love to jump, especially for the camera.  They come out of the womb jumping in this family!  --  That isn't funny considering how close we are to having another "jumping child" coming out of the womb.  hmmm--

* FYI - my plan to focus on the important things this week is so far turning out to be quite rewarding.  I'm just taking one day at a time.  I have high hopes but I am also working hard at making it a successful week.  

finding the rhythm

All our company is gone, and there is none in sight for another month.  That means its just the 3 of us and our new home and life, pretty much until the baby comes.  It has been wonderful having visitors but now its time to get into a rhythm of my/our own.  This boy needs and deserves some good time with his mama.  

Its a big deal for me but I decided to take this week to get grounded and prepare for the weeks before baby comes.  And I mean this seriously.  The key thing that will make this week different is that I will not spend much time online.  I hope to blog a bit but I won't do that until the evening after I am exhausted after I've had a full day (it doesn't take much for me to be exhausted these days).  Other than checking me email and the occasional blog post, I'll not check blogs, check google reader, spend time on my pinterest or facebook or twitter.

Its all basic "functioning household" sort of stuff that I haven't been good at doing since we've lived here (or ever really).  I am convinced that when the baby comes and our family of 3 becomes 4 that I will be much better off if I have a good rhythm for our home.  I am serious about this change/upgrade to our lives and I can't wait to experience the results in the coming weeks.

If you care to know what I have in mind here you are: 
--- There are many projects to do in the house, many of which I want/need to get done before the baby comes.  There are things I need to do so that my toddler has a better schedule.  This will include library days, park days and playgroups.  He'll be happier if I do this and that means that I will be too.  We have some fun and important things that we want/need to do as a family before the 3 of us must adjust to being a family of 4. 
--- BUT I WILL read more books (I want my son to see me reading), go on walks with my boy, take him to the library and the playgroups, visit Zack for lunch, do some little projects around the house, get bills paid and important phone calls made and appointments set, listen to music, read to my boy and color with him and play with him outside, write some letters I've been wanting to send, hopefully sew (I have just one realistic and easy project in mind), have family dinners and talk about and plan upcoming outings and events.  Lastly and most importantly and personally, I'll spend more time strengthening myself spiritually because I believe this is the absolute best way to make life better for me and my family. ---

Here's to a happy and productive week!

playing in the dirt

We had such  good time with my dad.  I was so impressed with the time he took to come visit and shop for us in between his work commitments.  He's the best.  I was so grateful that he repotted all of the plants.  I'm glad I got to help out a bit even if it was just taking plastic wrappers off the pots and then watering the potted plants like a true prissy girl.  It felt just like when I was little (minus the prissy part, that has definitely been a new - blame it on city living - addition to my mannerisms) and I'd follow behind him as he tilled the garden.  The soil under my bare feet was just so lovely, cool and perfectly ready for planting.  Ah, those childhood memories, I do cherish those.  I love gardening and it is never better than with my dad.

At 33 weeks its fun to have a new due date of sorts.  I mean that now I can look forward to 2 or so months when these plants will bare fruit.  This helps me cope with the discomfort and large size I am and will continue to deal with for the next several weeks.  I'm so glad I have this lovely distraction.

Thanks Dad for the time and energy spent!

garage sale

We had a garage sale.

We didn't sale much but it was a blast.

Have a great weekend!

* images taken with iMac photobooth.  The quality sucks but it was fun to just get us in the moment and my laptop was all we had.

getting ready for a garden

My dad set us up with our own little backyard garden.  I am so glad he did because at the rate I am going with it, there was just no way it was going to get done.  Now we have tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and cilantro to plant and arrange on my little shelf outside.  We still need to plant them and arrange them just so but I am so excited to have fresh veggies to look forward to this summer that my dad and I planted.  I love gardening with me dad!

*  Odin loved our little adventure to Home Depot.  I can't wait to get it all planted!

a thoughtful gift

My mom made me this card for mother's day.  I love it!  She is an artist but doesn't create nearly enough.  Inside the card is a list of her best mothering tips.  I think they are pretty simple and will be wonderfully effective.  Thanks mom for the lovely card and wise advice.  I think all mothers will benefit from it.

instant love

I have never used or even held an instant camera. Owning one is something I have always wanted. With a photographer for a husband, I am shocked that we don't have any. If I don't win this one then I think this would be a good gift for him to get me sometime.. (eh hem. Zack?) 

I saw this contest on Pacing the Panic Room, one of my favorite blogs. Check out their awesome giveaway going on right now, enter and then let me know later if you win. I want to get a copy of the Instant Love book even if I don't win. It sounds like a good way to start and we'd love to add both to our collection of cameras and photography books.  Can you tell we love photography in our family?

we love visitors!

This week we get to spend time with my Dad.  Odin warmed up to him immediately.  I am sure it didn't hurt that  Grandpa "Yao" came bearing gifts.  We got treats, housewarming gifts from Barb and cute things for both kids.  Odin got his very own kite.  What a treat to have him here!

... on another note, it has been so sunny and some days are even too hot!  I'll take the heat though if it means no gloomy cloudy days.  I am learning that I do so much better with sunshine.  :-)

dreaming of vacation

Its not that I am over worked and need a day off, its just that life is going to completely switch gears in the next couple of months and I want to take advantage of the "simplicity" of just the 3 of us.  I am dreaming of a little vacation.  Travel does my soul such good!

If I lived in New York still, I'd take advantage of Jetblue's sale today.  I've always wanted to go to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard and I think $39 round trip is a pretty good deal.  If I were still living in NYC I'd also take advantage of the fares to Barbados or St. Maarten for some beach side enjoyment.

The only travel on the horizon however, is a camping trip we are still trying to plan.  While I love camping, I am still dreaming of a hotel, a pool and/or beach, some place new with lovely landscape for many picture opportunities of the last days of our family of 3.

* Today my dad is coming to visit.  We'll be exploring a bit with him so I look forward to that bit of "travel".  I'm lucky that I have had so many visitors in the last weeks.  In the 6 weeks we've lived in this house we've only had one lonely week.  Visitors are always welcome!

images - from google images found under searches: Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Barbados, St. Maarten.  

Original sources unknown.

a beautiful day

* PHOTO SHOOT *

* TRIP TO THE SPA *

* CLEAN HOUSE *

* SUN + WARMTH * 

* FAMILY *

* KITE FLYING *

* BIKE RIDE *

* SMOOTHIES *

* CLEAN SHEETS *

* A COOL NIGHT *

It was a wonderful and jam packed morning then I took my family to the airport.  We met up with Zack right after work and played outside all evening.  I love summer here!  It beats rainy gloom any day, of course.  Tomorrow is another jam packed day that will end with the arrival of another visitor.  My Dad!

...  and now to watch the season finale of Smash.  Love it!

my favorite word is "mama"

I feel so blessed to be able to be a mom.  I love to hear my son say 'Ma', even if it is early each morning waking me up and over and over again.  Its the sweetest thing to hear - "mama".  I can't wait to hear it from a little girl one day soon.  My mom is here for mother's day and that is a special treat too.

Thank you, my friends who are moms or who have shared your moms with me.  I have THE BEST examples of mothers in you.

Happy Mother's Day!

lots going on this day

Last night my mom and I stayed up til 1AM just yapping away.  I'm tired today but that's okay.

Zack and Odin went to a Father and Son's camp out last night.  I was so happy to have company here with me while they were gone.

We did a Costco run and my mom and I have big plans to make lots of freezer meals for when the baby comes or for the next 2 months, really.  Freezer meals don't sound good but there are some that are really good.

This morning we all rolled out of bed so tired from our fun and late night.  Zack and Odin didn't sleep much and neither did my mom or I.  Who cares, though?!  Today is sunny and beautiful.

I'm really grateful for all the windows in my house!  It gets so bright, even if it is cloudy outside.

I got my first pedicure of the season.  Its obvious I don't get them often enough!  It was such a lovely treat especially since I have been on my feet so much this week.  I have big plans to go several more times before this baby comes.

My mom is here for Mother's Day and I feel really lucky about that.

I am reflecting on being a mother today a lot and I'm very grateful I get to be one.  I'm so grateful that I get to love and take care of my sweet Odin boy...  (I just love everything about him and his darling little self - see picture above)

I'm getting so anxious for this little girl to come.  But in the meantime I am working hard to get the house and home ready!  There's lots I want to do so hopefully I'll be able to share some soon here...

HAPPY WEEKEND, TO YOU!

two more months

I like when my mom is around and she can tell me all about how pregnancy and labor was for her 7 kids.  It gives me hope.  She was the kind of girl that had envious labors especially in the time of no epidurals.  I was born in an hour and 15 mins from the first pain!  wowza..

I look at this picture above and I wonder 'how am I so huge already?'  I still have two more months to go until my due date.  I am dealing with round ligament pain and the same dull ach at the top of my stomach that I had with Odin.  Se la vi, but it makes for many days in which I don't get much done.  I am really hoping that this baby comes a little early - don't we all hope for that.  However its okay that its not tomorrow.  I have much nesting to do and many dates with Zack to go on before our house is taken over by this sweet baby girl.

And can you believe that we are planning on going camping for Memorial Weekend?  It was my suggestion and I can not wait!

Okay, that's all for my belly talk.  Back to working and organizing!

voicemail humor

Translate this!  Our google voice account emails us the text of new voice messages.  They are always hilarious and never understandable.  This is the latest...  

Hey Bob, pitcher's by phone this message is in fact old brick it's just me calling to corporate clients give us a call at 150.0 19 1. Okay, I want to see both of you say hello and I was one. Bye. Thank you.

HERE are some other humorous messages.  Enjoy!

good times with GL and Gramps

We are loving having our family visiting and my mom is helping me get so much done.  Odin is loving all of the attention that comes with visitors.  Today, we're organizing my little "studio" space, our room and then hopefully we'll have time for some decorating of the nursery.  Making progress feels so good!

This has been such a simple and wonderful week so far...  

Can't wait for tomorrow, though.  

Nothing is like Friday!

we ate strawberry shortcake in the sun

It was only 4PM and I had had it for the day.  I decided that instead of being short tempered, tired and only thinking of my bed, I'd prepare a little treat for us both to enjoy.  It definitely cheered me up and I know he loved it too.  Homemade whipped cream does a mama good.

he climbed up to smell the "roses" while he waited for me to join him

then we dipped our cake, strawberries and fingers into the whipped cream

we were in heaven sitting together in the warm sun

this is how I'll loose it

This is a long post about my body and my plans to get it back to healthy and normal.  

I have big plans and loads of motivation right now to be healthy and look healthy.  This means that I want to eat more veggies and smaller amounts of everything else.  This also means that I want to look like I know I naturally can and should.  I never thought I would get to this point.  waaaa!

With my athletic past and good genes I don't look anything like I should or can.  My first pregnancy I was not worried at all about how I looked.  I went by how I felt and that totally worked for me.  After the baby was born even, I went with how I felt and it worked then too.  Now, 3/4 of the way through this second pregnancy, I no longer feel healthy or good.  How I feel is not working anymore.  To get over this, I decided to do the only thing that will really make a difference.  That is: I'll do a little everyday starting now to get my body revved up and ready for those hard core exercising days to come post-partum.

So, starting this morning, I'll begin my journey.

Here's where blogging comes in to play.  I don't plan on posting often about this.  Frankly, I don't think you, my lovely readers, care to follow this journey like I do and I totally expect that.  (The proof is in the pudding - or the pictures - if you ask me.)  But I did want to highlight this beginning here so that when I make progress I can refer back to this starting point.  I will surely be documenting this journey in my own diary and through pictures as well so I will have plenty to share when the time is right.

The fact of the matter is that I was never supposed to become this big girl that I am.  I'm looking forward to getting back to my naturally fit self that I know and recognize.  This is going to be fun!

*  Keep in mind that I am 30 weeks pregnant and that no one will see any changes to this body for many months.  I assure you though, that I will feel much better and that will be all I need to keep going until the time when the big change starts to show.  I plan on nursing and taking several weeks to recover before I throw my body into some sort of intense exercise regime.  I believe in letting a woman's body recover and rest plenty after giving birth.  So, unfortunately, this process is going to take a long time.  One thing is certain though, I won't be gaining inches only loosing fat and inches as soon as I have this baby and that is very motivating in itself.   


Oh! and friends, if you have any good exercises, resources, recipes or exercise plans, tips or secrets to help me get back in shape post-baby I'd love to hear it all! 


* this image is from a few weeks ago and its of the first time I've jumped for a very long time.  We, in my little family, are fun and spontaneous and we love to jump for pictures besides doing other adventurous things.  FOR THE RECORD: this jump was a turing point for me.  it was so sad how tired I got just jumping for this picture, holding my son or not.  I decided that this out of shape thing has to end so I can live and have the fun I like to have!  ...its a good thing you can't really tell how low to the ground I am.  ha!

we're welcoming visitors today

My grandfather is coming along with my mom for a good long visit.  

I am so excited to have them.  

I've had a great day preparing for them and enjoying the warm SUN here. 

sometimes i have bad days

Its true and normal (for a young - like with young kids - mom) I'd assume.  I have bad days sometimes.  And sometimes its me that needs a nap at noon.  Every once in a while I actually get that nap.  Maybe its laziness, maybe its the gloominess from all the clouds and rain here, maybe its a streak of depression, maybe I just miss my friends and my city that became such a part of me, maybe its my very rambunctious 2 year old that constantly wants my attention, maybe I just need to grow up?!  I think its a little of all of the above.  

But, when we have a Saturday like this...  nothing could get me down!  I am so thankful for a good Saturday with my little family.  Especially today where we:

woke up early, played and snuggled with a happy Odin
got ready quickly with no one putting up a fight (ahem, Odin and me)
stopped at a garage sale and scored some great stuff for super cheap
drove to downtown Redmond for some shopping and made it to the city's farmers market
snacked on pies and a yummy italian meatball sandwich (way too spicy for this heartburn prone pregnant lady)
stopped for Odin to play and watch some live music
talked about actual food for breakfast
"snacked" on some coldstone
watched my boys watch a pinewood derby (ah, I dream of the day my husband gets to do that with his son(s)
shopped for a new tent that will take us from a 3 man to a 6 man tent!  (hey, we have a car now...)
headed home and stopped at another great garage sale
unpacked and organized a ton and found some precious items in the boxes of things from my grandmothers
introduced Zack to snap peas (he loves them now, too!) this totally deserves mentioning.
had a quick dinner and gave Odin a bath and now we're ready for a lovely sunny Sunday tomorrow...

I love a good Saturday!

* images are of us snacking on coldstone... we had every intention of getting real food for breakfast, this and market snacks did just fine, though.  we walked past these car strollers that any 4 wheel loving boy would love to ride in, Zack was gone in a second and back in a few more with one of the car strollers for Odin.  our boy was pretty stinkin happy!  then they watched a random pinewood derby in the middle of the shopping area.  it will be so fun when Zack and Odin get to do this themselves... so cute!