Showing posts with label tales of husband and I. Show all posts

10 Years

My husband and I met 10 years ago today.  June 27th, 2008.  This is a picture taken that day.  It was completely random, I did not show up to my friend's birthday party expecting to meet my future husband.  But as it turns out, my friend was dating his friend, who happened to bring his entourage of guy friends along to the party.  We met at this hole-in-the-wall dive bar in a neighborhood I had never gone out in prior to that night.  I guess it was just meant to be.  

It's crazy to think it's been an entire decade.  TEN YEARS.  I remember a time when ten years felt like a lifetime, but now it feels like a short amount of time in hindsight, another reminder of how fleeting life is.  

Cheers to us!  Happy 10 years of knowing you, loving you, and watching you become an amazing dad to our kiddos.  I love you, love you!

Baby Bump #2

So...I have some news to share!  We are expecting our 2nd child in mid-October.  I realize that's not too far off and I'm a little behind in getting this news up on the blog, but I'm attributing my delays in posting to traveling and chasing my darling toddler around.  

We are waiting to find out whether the baby is a boy or girl - different than we did the first time around.  As such, deciding on a name is slightly more challenging, and we have yet to officially select names, but we do have a short list for both boy and girl names that we agree upon - most days.

We are very excited and happy to give our daughter a little brother or sister!

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Alaska

My husband and I are off to Alaska tomorrow to celebrate the marriage of two of our closest friends, who are both Alaska natives!  We're excited to see the sights and sounds; glaciers, wild game reserves, wilderness, and beyond, and are looking forward to some outdoorsy fun with friends.  

In the meantime, have a wonderful, safe 4th of July weekend!

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Celebrating Pi Day

For all you nerdy types out there - Saturday, 3/14/15 is "Pi-Day."  My husband looks forward to announcing this holiday every year.  Perfect for him, this year his engineering firm is celebrating their own Pi Day by having a pie potluck for lunch.  While I was prepared to bake this pie which has proved itself a unanimous crowd-pleaser, I'm off the hook as enough people already volunteered.  (Insert sigh of relief here) Besides...I'd rather catch up on House of Cards anyway...

However, if I was baking a pie, I might make this little diddy I saw over at Smitten Kitchen today, just for creativity's sake - black bottom oatmeal pie. I have never heard of this type of pie before, and I'm intrigued.

Happy Pi Day!

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SOMM

I've been on a documentary kick lately, my new past time during nap time, if you will.  I just watched SOMM, an inside look at the prestigious Master Sommelier exam, a 3-day test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world (only 197 have passed in 40 years!).  Pretty interesting, and insightful into a world I don't know much about as my wine standards aren't too high... especially since my husband and I recently began drinking boxed wine.  

Before you write me off after hearing those words "boxed wine,"... let me explain.  First, my husband and I have never been big drinkers, and even before I was pregnant, we would rarely polish off a bottle of wine between the two of us.  Also, since I'm breastfeeding, I'm watchful and definitely conservative with my alcohol intake.  So, basically, at present, it's not cost effective for us to spend money on wine when two thirds of the bottle go to waste in a night.  However, we do enjoy a glass to unwind after dinner. Enter boxed wine (and no, this is NOTHING like Franzia).  We're currently sweet on Bota Box, 3 liters in tasteful packaging complete with an easy on/off pour spout.  Plus, it's available in a handful of varieties (Malbec is our current fave).  This suits our 1-glass a night ritual quite well, if I do say so myself. :)

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Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to my one and only.  You are my partner in crime, my shoulder to lean on, the calm to my crazy, and the best daddy our baby could ever ask for.  I can't wait for all of our adventures to come, and am comforted to know that you'll be by my side as we continue this journey together.  
Love you, love you.

photos by angela&evan

She's Here!

She's here!  She's here!
And it was all worth the wait, just like everyone had told us it'd be. In the middle of a thunderstorm, we welcomed our sweet Riley June into this world.  She weighed 7 lbs, 13 oz. and measured 21-3/4 inches long, already tall like her mommy and daddy!  She has a full head of dark hair, and long skinny legs, arms, fingers, and toes, which she loves to spread apart, earning our affectionate nickname of "monkey feet." We had the good fortune of a fairly quick and smooth labor and delivery, and are now settling into life at home.   She has made us a family, and the feeling is so euphoric, it's indescribable.  I never knew my heart could feel so full.  We are overwhelmed with pure happiness and love for our little sweet sweet. 

June 27th

June 27th is a special day for us.  It is the day we met. 5 years ago today.  
It started off like any ordinary day. Being on summer vacation, I ran my errands as per usual, sat in bumper to bumper Capitol Hill traffic, and finagled my way into a minor fender bender on my way home.  Traffic accidents are not my norm, and my blunder definitely clouded my mood for the day (and almost kept me from going out to a celebrate a friend's birthday), but luckily I changed my mind and ended up venturing out in spite of my traffic faux pas.  And I can't even imagine how life would be had I not gone out.  That dive bar birthday turned into one memorable evening - because I met you.  Who knew that this was the night I'd meet my future husband.  

This June 27th is extra special this year because it also marks the 2-month countdown until our baby's due date.  What a journey these past 5 years just the two of us, and now we're bringing a new life into our little world, which will be a new adventure to take on together.  It has been the best 5 years, living, laughing, and loving you.  I can't wait for many, many more to come.
I love you to the moon.



Vancouver Babymoon

My husband and I are headed to Vancouver , B.C. for Memorial Day weekend for a "babymoon" of sorts.  This won't be our first visit to Vancouver, but it has been a few years since we've combed the likes of Robson Street.  So, now is our opportunity to play tourist and treat ourselves to a fun weekend away before the baby comes.

Any recommendations of things to do, places to eat, things to see?  Would love some words of wisdom from any Vancouver "experts" out there!

Wedding Weekend

Happy early weekend!  My husband and I are off to Michigan tonight for his cousin's wedding this weekend.  Looking forward to cruising Ann Arbor for the first time, soaking up some Mid-western sunshine, and celebrating Alan & Lindsay with his family.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Movement

For the past three weeks, I've been able to feel the baby move.  It truly is one of the best, most amazing feelings I've ever experienced!  My husband got a chance to feel her kick for the first time around Week 20, and now he's hooked! It's become our little ritual, waking up in the morning, laying in bed, and having a few moments of just us talking to the baby and feeling her kicks.  It's one of my most favorite times of the day.

 Most of our baby books say that babies sleep 12-14 hours a day in utero, but there are definitely times when I feel distinct movement.  For our baby girl, she is most active in the early morning and around 6:00, just before dinner.  We joke that she'll definitely be a morning person, as she is always up and ready to start the day.  Sometimes she kicks in a rhythmic pattern all in the same spot, other times her movements are sporadic and all around my belly. 

While this journey has definitely seemed more real since we found out she's a she, feeling the baby move takes the fact that we'll be parents in a few short months to a whole new level.  This is such an special time for us as we literally watch her grow before our eyes, and prepare for her arrival at the end of the summer.  

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Halfway

{me at 18 weeks}

As of yesterday, I'm at 20 weeks, the "halfway" point to 40 weeks.  This paired with the knowledge that we're having a daughter ups the reality of holding a baby in 20 or so weeks.  My husband was so sweet and sent me a surprise bouquet of flowers yesterday with a card that read "20 weeks!!!! Halfway there, Love you!" So thoughtful.

In the meantime, I've been trying to tackle my pregnancy checklist during my Spring break this week.  Thus far, we've registered, begun researching the big items; stroller, crib, and car seat, and signed up for a 6-week childbirth class at the hospital where I'll be delivering.  

In the mean time, I feel like I am slacking on my baby reading.  Aside from baby naming books and the What to Expect When You're Expecting and Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy, I haven't done much baby reading.  

That said, I am very open to suggestions and advice on pretty much anything pregnancy related. Items to register for, books to read/not read, groups to join...

It's a....

GIRL! 
Bring on the sugar and spice and everything nice!
Yesterday, we found out our baby's gender!  Ever since I saw the sweet flicker of the baby's heartbeat for the first time, I had an inkling it was a boy. My husband on the other hand, has been pretty confident from early on that our baby was a girl.  Turns out, he was right!

This ultrasound was such an wonderful, memorable experience.  After rushing in late due to heavy traffic, we were immediately soothed by the glimpse of our precious gift.  The ultrasound tech highlighted all of the body parts; the vertebrae of the spine, chambers of the heart, and sections of the brain...it's truly amazing to me how we were able to see this little life we created, beating inside of my belly.  About mid-way through, she pointed out the evidence and told us, "it's a girl!" To which I asked, "Really?!" repeating "It's a girl!" for myself, just to say it aloud. 

We saw her curl her tiny fingers, point, and do a "hang loose" hand motion of sorts.  She continued to wriggle around, kicking her little feet.  At one point we even saw her swallow and stick out her little tongue, so amazing!  It was such an awe-inspiring moment, and one I will remember always.

Afterward, we celebrated our big news over brunch at Portage Bay, and slowly let the reality of "We're having a girl" sink in.  Following brunch, we popped into Nordstrom to pick out our first little girl outfit to wrap up to tell me parents the gender.  We picked this pink polka dot outfit with a matching hat!  I think my husband was slightly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of ruffles, bows, and PINK in the baby girl...Get ready!
To tell his parents, who are back in Michigan, we called a local bakery in their neighborhood and had them whip up a gender reveal cake, with "Boy or Girl?" written on the outside, and a layer of pink frosting inside.  My sister-in-law picked up the cake after work, and brought it over for my in-laws to cut into (which she videotaped for our benefit of reliving their reactions).  Priceless.

My husband and I went to my parents house and presented my mom with our little pink outfit.  Both sides of the family were surprised but extremely excited!  My mom even had presents waiting; two outfits (one pink, one blue) all wrapped up.  We opened up the girl one obviously.  Looks like we're going to have plenty of pink in our life!
All in all - it was the best day, filled with delight, joy, and the excitement of what is to come.  Certainly one special day that I'll never forget.


Spring Cleaning Weekend

Happy weekend my friends!  It is a gorgeous day today in Seattle, blue, cloudless skies, 66-degrees, and people are out and about, soaking it all in.  This weekend, my husband and I have plans to de-clutter and clean the basement (What a perfect activity for a fair-weather weekend, right?).  We're hoping to reorganize, clean, and purge some of our old junk before we tackle the baby's room.  Then, Easter dinner with my family on Sunday, and perhaps an egg hunt too, if we're lucky!

So excited it's Friday!
What are you up to this weekend?

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An Announcement

So guys, I have some news.  
Hopefully this will explain my recent lack of posting and why I've been M.I.A. from the blog world recently.  Can you guess? 
 I'm pregnant!
My husband and I are over the moon!  I'm currently a few weeks into the second trimester.  We're so excited to welcome a little one into our family in late August!  Thanks for sticking with me through my blogging silence, I'm hoping to pick up the posting now that my secret is out!  We don't know the sex yet, but are finding out in April. 

Stay tuned...

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Two Years Ago Today...

Two years ago today, my husband asked me to marry him.
What a wonderful ride it has been!
Happy Engagement Day my love!
Looking forward to all the years to come. 143.


A Year Ago Today...

 Hard to believe it has already been a year!  
Some days it feels like 5, others it feels like yesterday.
Though today is a touch more rainy than a year ago today, the occasion is just as sweet.
Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!  We are celebrating tonight by staying in, dining on defrosted red velvet wedding cake, chicken pho, and a movie.  Sounds quite perfect if you ask me.
I love you to the moon!

Snapshots of Cork

After Galway, we headed South to County Cork to spend a few days in Cork City.  We really enjoyed Cork City, partly because it was sunny during our entire stay!  The city has a completely different feel from Dublin.  We spent our days walking along the river, shopping, enjoying the English market, excellent restaurants, in addition to our our fabulous B&B!  






Snapshots of Ireland: Galway & Around

We happened to be in Galway during the final leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, a 9-month long international sailing race around the world.  The celebration was a week long, and when we arrived in Galway, the festivities were already in full swing.  Galway's population of 85,000 swelled to just over a million for that week!  Streets were packed with people, there was dancing and drinking in the streets, and we found ourselves smack in the middle of all the action, it was crazy!  We woke up at 3 AM to cheer on the boats as they crossed the finish line for the final leg and docked in Galway Harbor.  It was quite an experience!
Foggy view from the Cliffs of Moher.
The race boats docking in the harbor after the final leg of the race.
The winning team of the Volvo Cup Race, celebrating at 5 AM!
The streets of Galway, packed after a night of celebrating.

Snapshots of Ireland: Dublin

So we've been home from our trip a week now and I figured it's high time I get to posting about our adventures in Ireland!!  My husband and I flew in and out of Dublin, and were in the country for 10 full days.   Here are some of our favorites from Dublin...
 Next up...Galway!