productivity....

Okay, so I added some 'pages' to the blog.  I figured now that I have all this time on my hands it would be an easy way for me to keep track of our meal plans, schedule, and teaching strategies.  Of course, these nifty pages also double as a resource for you!  Feel free to check them out! I am especially proud of the the sensory page...because I love sharing with the world about just how messy Kannon and Clark get :)

I am back to life as a stay at home mom.  There is a piece of me that is thinking "what the hell did I just do" but for the most part it was the best decision ever.  I have accomplished things that have been on my to-do list for over a year.  Yes, one whole year.  The kids are getting much better about bedtime and naptime, knowing that I will in fact still be here when they wake up.  In general, our house has felt more relaxed, cleaner, and purposeful.

I made a meal plan this week.  I started cleaning up our yard, finally preparing for the garden I wanted so badly last year.  I painted a table.  I fixed our computer.  Dale got to sleep in three days in a row (huge to a man who works till 1 am everyday).  We went on walks.  I watched Kannon muster some strength to pedal his tricycle for the first time.  All in all, its been a great week.

We had family in town and it was wonderful relaxing with them.  We talked over good food, walked around downtown, and listened to Kannon and Clark share rolling belly laughs.  It was wonderful being able to spend time with them!

More to come but in the meantime, check out the "pages" on the blog for some fun stuff!

balance...

Clark enjoying the park.

We are all in search of balance.  Balancing life, work, friends, family, etc.  My search for balance has been never ending and never achieved.  Before children and marriage, I made all the decisions that best suited, well, me. Add a few kids, a husband, a dog, and two cats and I realized I make the decisions for our whole family.  What a tough job it is.  I struggle to always find the best balance in our life; the life that yields happiness and stress-free living.  We all make decisions in life and sometimes we take risks that don't work out.  I remember stressing over Kannon's sleep schedule as a newborn, overthinking his sleep routine making adjustments that proved nothing.  Eventually, we found a balance that worked.  It is all about discovering what works best for you and your loved ones.  

We went to the Burke Museum!

So, balance.  The last few months, I have felt like I was treading water to keep everyone happy.  I was trying to be a great teacher, a great mom, a great wife.  I was working tirelessly to acheive some kind of balance that left everyone happy and didn't break the bank.  Preschool was expensive, nannies were too.  The commute was rough.  The kids got sick.  I got sick.  After months of trying to make things work, I did some math.  I was paying to work.  After health insurance, childcare, gas, meals, classroom materials, I lost money working. I was sitting on this data, wondering what to do.  I decided to go part-time.  

Waiting at the hospital, this poor kid was delirious at 105.

In the meantime, Kannon caught pneumonia.  I thought his illness was over when out of the blue, he started throwing up with a 105 degree fever.  I took him the the doctor where they were stumped.  We went to Children's hospital for what seemed like an eternity to determine pneumonia.  It was a scarring experience as no parent should ever see their child in pain.  Kannon didn't move, talk, drink, or eat.  He just held on, face nuzzled in my chest, burning up.  The whole time I held Kannon waiting for nurses and doctors, I felt guilty that I left my classroom with a sub.  Then, I felt guilty for not being totally focused on Kannon.  

After a few rounds of really strong antibiotics we were sent on our merry way and ordered to do 10-days of antibiotics at home.  We went to the pharmacy where I found out that Kannon had been terminated from his insurance without my knowledge.  His medicine was going to be $1000 out-of-pocket.  What?  How? Why?  Surely, this had to be a mistake.  But in that moment, I found myself dropping to tears unsure of what to do.  I didn't have $1000.  I didn't have $100.  We have full-time jobs, we both work hard, we sacrifice so much and this is what happens?  There was an angel looking over us that day, because the pharmacist handed me the medicine and told me to go home and take care of Kannon.  She told me it would all work itself out and to be strong.  

Kannon is doing much better but still weak and tired.  He is anemic and will need some iron supplements as well as some time away from other kids until his immune system is totally recovered.  We are so blessed that he recovered so well.  The whole time he was ill, I knew I needed to make a decision about my job.  I need to find balance.  I was so conflicted, I love my classroom but I am not being fair to them right now.  How can I be a great teacher and a great mother when I miss every other week for illness or have a nanny care for my sick kids?  Something just needed to give.  I waited for an answer.

A look back, St. Patty's day, boy these kids are cute.

I rode the bus to work, excited to see my class and my co-workers.  I did everything as usual, got coffee, walked the two blocks to my building.  As soon as I saw my supervisor, my heart sank and like a baby, I started crying.  I knew the answer.  I resigned from my job.  I needed to step back from teaching for a while and focus on my family.  As soon as I said those words, I felt relief.  I felt balance.   

Everyone was very understanding and by no means is this good-bye.  I have already made plans to return as a volunteer and eventually join the substitute list known as the "Relief Squad".  I am happy with this decision.  Dale is happy with this decision.  Most of all, the kids are more than ecstatic to have their mother back at home.  

This means I have more time for all those things I mentioned in last week's blog:  living joyously, following my passions, etc.  I hope to blog more, write more, cook more.  I also officially re-launched my photography business, Happy Mama Photography, and have already begun scheduling shoots for the coming months.  We may struggle to balance our checkbook over the next couple months but I will gladly deal with that than struggle to balance motherhood and teaching and my family's happiness.

PS:  Also, I found my new blogging inspiration: teaching your children.  As I sit here and plan out our week's activities I realized that I should share my home "classroom" with you.  Obviously, children are my passion and I marvel at their wonder and accomplishments.  I often write learning stories for my children and I will start sharing those stories here in addition to our favorite activities, schedule, recipes, and more.  More to come!

March Updates....

Yes, another month escapes me.  My house is a mess, mail is stacked on our table, and we are struggling to get over a series of misfortune.  March was filled with illness, in fact we are still recovering.  Kannon had pink eye, a 7-day fever, and a rash.  I didn't fair any better with pink eye (which I got twice) and strep throat.  One day Dale lost his job the next he had it back. Clark got sick.  Dale got jumped at the bus stop. I rode the bus to work three days in a row carrying two kids on my hips because no one bothered to move. Oh, and our fish died.  Seriously, everything that could have gone wrong in March did go wrong.

On Saturday, Kannon had a 105 degree fever.  As he laid helpless on the couch, refusing to move, eat or drink.  I saw life flashing before my eyes.  I had meningitis as a child and my parents waited anxiously for me to pull through. I started wondering if Kannon had meningitis which led to a whole other kind of thinking.  I felt guilty for not being there during the day.  I thought, morbidly, what if he didn't wake up?  I kept praying that Kannon would be strong and I begged for it to go away. A couple hours later Kannon woke up fever free.  I feel like Kannon's body was trying to tell us to slow-down, stop, and remember what we are here for.  We are a family.  With all this Dale and I decided to make some changes.

1) I am going to work part-time.  I want more time with my own kids--period.

2,) The kids will no longer be at my preschool.  We found a part-time Montessori school in Ballard that is half the cost.

3,) We are going to Florida in May to visit family and reflect, rejuvenate, and recharge.

4.) We are going to exercise more.  We are an active family and spend all our working hours on our feet but we need more.

5.) We are going to spend more time with the dog.  Yes, our dog, Emma, has probably been the most neglected of all.


Alas, its almost April.  Spring?  New beginnings? Strength?  I am asking for all these things.  We were really tested last month and all the lying in bed with illness gave me time to think.  I miss the kids.  I miss living joyously.  I miss surrounding myself with passionate people.  Now is not time to focus on the negatives but rather lift our spirits with optimism and hope.

So, if you are waiting for a post-card, birthday package, current photos of the boys, please give me just a few more days to get myself organized. In the meantime, who have you hugged today?

2012:: So far....

Okay, I have been a bad blogger.  I was so committed for all of 2011 for my 365 project that I just needed a break.  I needed time to simply live and forget about documenting every detail of our life.  While I know our faraway friends and family appreciate all the updates I think they will forgive me for choosing to live my life free of the internet handcuffs.

I am in awe.  I am constantly in awe of the family that we have created, the routine we have developed, the mountains we have conquered.  Everyday I find myself wanting to hug my boys tighter and tighter because they are growing up so fast.  It has felt so good being able to focus on family but while it has been wonderful I have missed the blogging world and being able to get my words out. But I haven't quite decided on my 2012 blogging challenge.  Forgive me, but I don't know if I can commit to a weekly or monthly post.  I haven't decided if I want to use photos, words, or written love letters to my children.  I am still searching for an idea but in the meantime, here are simply some updates.

1.) Kannon and Clark started preschool in January.  I sacrifice my entire paycheck to childcare every month but it feels wonderful knowing that they are downstairs, getting social experience, independence from each other, and learning. We take the bus to work which is always an adventure but they love it!

2.) We went to San Juan Island in February.  I will include some pics here but it was a wonderful, relaxing trip that allowed us time to breathe and recharge.

3.) Dalyn, Dale's sister, welcomed baby Asher John into the family.  We drove to Spokane to see them and had such a wonderful and amusing trip.  (Ask me about the poop on 1-90 story later)

4.) We are going to Florida in May!!!!

5.) Kannon graduated from the parent and tot gymnastics class and will be starting independent gymnastic classes next week!  I am so nervous as to how they will go!!!!

6.) Clark is a music man.  He has started dancing the two step and snaps his fingers and sings at the same time...seriously, adorable.

7.) Both kids are obsessed with eating blueberries and playing with the animals.

8.) Kannon thinks he is cat and crawls around the house meowing.  It is hysterical.

9.) Dale and I started going to bed at 8pm on Sunday nights and 12 hours of sleep has never felt so deserved.

10.) While I love winter, I am ready to say goodbye to this extended bi-polar weather.  I went to work this morning in snow and was sweating in sunshine by 4pm.

There you have it.  The simplified updates in our life.  Of course, so much more has taken place that can't be just an update.  Dale and I have moved mountains together in the last month.  No one tells you how hard adulthood, parenting, marriage can be and it is a constant struggle to maintain the present while working towards the future.  The coming of spring marks new beginnings and Dale and I are waiting to see what will unveil itself.  In the meantime, we will continue to love our family, enjoy our time together, and laugh each day.

More to come soon....

Life Update

We have been less than conversational these days.  So far this year we have been battling colds, airports, work, tantrums, and adapting to our constantly changing life.  In between the chaos, we barely have time to pick up the phone, email, or even chat with best friends---we are simply too tired.  Alas, I feel an end is near as things begin to even out (for the moment!).  So here are some updates on all of us.

1.) Kannon is growing into a little man more and more everyday.  I feel so blessed to have such an incredibly handsome, gentle, smart, and funny little guy.  He jumps, dances, spins in circles, and runs across our floor.  He climbs beds, tables, couches, and anything given the opportunity.  He eats everything and loves the Trader Joe's Apple-Carrot Crushers in particular.  Kannon is using spoons and forks and drinking out of big kid cups.  He can sign "sleep, milk, water, please, change, poop, water, eat, hungry, and more".  In fact, twice this week he has signed "change me" before he even pooped!!!!  And yesterday in a moment of fussiness, he walked up to Dale and with two exaggerated hands he signed "sleep".  This kid knows what he wants and how to get it!!!  He loves his brother and has a new playmate, Pike (7 months old).  Together they have been building legos, reading books, and playing with blocks.

Side note:  I was getting Pike, Kannon, and Clark ready for bed.  Both Pike and Clark were crying while I was mixing a bottle for Pike.  I turned around and Kannon was handing his sippy cup to Pike and patting Clark's belly with a little blankie at the same time!  This kid is such a big helper already!!!

2.) Clark is the happiest baby I have ever met!  He is constantly smiling and laughing.  He laughs at the dog, Kannon, Dale, shadows--EVERYTHING!  I have met some happy babies but Clark has smile lines already from the perma-smile splashed across his face.  He knows how to roll-over but doesn't like to do it.  He has found his hands and feet and everything in between.  Clark has started eating solids (slowly) and while it has improved the sleep situation, it is still not great.  Clark sleeps from 8-8 but he wakes up at 10, 12, 2, 4, and 6 most nights.  Sometimes he surprises us with an 8-5 stretch but it is rare.  I AM TIRED!!!  But its worth it for this cutie pie!

3.) Dale still loves his job.  He recently had the pleasure of serving Dana Cowin (editor of Food & Wine mag) and redesigned the wine menu.  The chefs he works for have been nominated for another James Beard Award.  With the weather getting nicer, Dale has started riding his bike to work which has meant many more outings for the boys and me.  Dale is looking into the next level of the Court of the Masters Sommelier.  The next test is in September but its almost $600 and a lot of studying!  We have to see where things are going before we just hand over our credit card. In between work and sleep, Dale loves taking the boys for walks, tasting new beers, of course cooking for all of us starving fools!

4.)  Me.  Well, I am tired.  I have had a lot of stuff going on.  First off, I have a BIG interview next Wednesday at 9 for Teach for America.  I applied in 2008 and was not accepted but it was fortunate because I met Dale, got married, and moved to Montana.  This year, TFA is starting in Seattle and I realllly want to become a corps member for so many reasons--I wont bore you with them.  Keep your fingers crossed!!!!  If I am not accepted I will be opening my own photography studio to grow my photography business and finish the details on a little exciting project (SECRET!).  I have decided to stop selling on my Etsy site as it has become too much to keep up with.  With everything that I have going on, knitting a few hats and rolling dryer balls isnt really on the top of my list.  I have been so exhausted lately that staying up to watch/knit has become impossible.  So farewell Etsy, you have been good to me.  

See, we are good.  We have not fallen off the earth or disappeared in a snow-storm.  Our lives just never stop moving.  I dont stop moving between 8-8 and even when the kids are sleeping work is to be had.  I just got back from vacation but I am already ready for another one!!!

PS For those of you have had problems/dropped calls on our phone.  We got new phones!!!  Hopefully these will hold a charge and avoid Kannon's sticky fingers so we can talk without disruptions!  

some updates

I have been so busy blogging about our family adjusting to life with 2 babies that I have forgotten some major updates!

First, Kannon is walking!!! He still mostly crawls, but everyday he takes brave steps that are getting longer and longer.  Today, he walked almost 15 feet before he decided to give up and crawl.  Here is a video of him in action:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkiZBP_0JwI
(Please excuse the sideways video and those adorable baby cheeks!)

Kannon is turning one next week and not a day goes by that I dont think about this momentuous occasion.  Kannon can drink out of his own cup.  He can open bottles, especially my Gatorade bottles that I thought were foolproof.  He speaks nonsense all the time.  Mostly bababa's, dada's, and mama's but they are slurred together in long sentences that we are still translating. 

Our little boy who used to eat everything seems to finally be developing his own tastes.  Whatever he doesn't like goes to Emma (the dog).  These days, it has been tomatoes, carrots, and turkey.  He still loves his blueberries and while they are messy they certainly keep his diaper habits regular!

Kannon finally understands 'no' and he pouts his lips out when he say it...but he does stop whatever it was that deserved the 'no'.  He is one rolly-polly kid and spends a lot of time rolling around on the floor from the dog bed to the couch.  No one knows why.  He has transitioned fully to whole milk and the cup.  He is becoming a toddler!  What a big boy!!!! 

Did I mention he also became a big brother?????

Which brings me to Clark who is growing bigger by the day.  His umbillical cord fell off at 8 days....Kannon held onto his for 2 weeks!  Clark got his first bath.  He was hesitant at first but finally warmed up to the notion when we started rubbing his feet.  Here is a video:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xi3fXeCrkk

Clark is still eating like a champ.  He nurses during the day every 2 hours but sleeps in 4-5 hour stretches at night which is heavenly!  Kannon and Clark have very similar schedules already.  They both pass out hard around 8pm and wake up for good at 8am.  Clark obviously still spends most of his day sleeping, but he is most alert between 8-10am and 3-5pm.  Clark has his 2-week check up on Friday and *gulp* is also getting circumcised.  We will be sure to share his stats when the day comes.

I am adjusting well to life with the two.  We have made a lot of sacrifices that allow me to stay at home for the time being.  However, I am beginning to start the job search for something part-time starting in January.  We are very lucky that Dale goes to work at 5 or 6 most days because that means we have all day together with both kiddos.  The few hours that I have both boys without Dale are chaos but each day is getting better and better as I learn how to keep them both happy.....sometimes it means lollipops before dinner or 15 trips up and down the stairs to pop a pacifier in Clark's mouth.  Whew.  But before I know it, it is 8pm and both are asleep.  More updates to come.

Clark is here!

Clark Allen Pittman

10.08.10

11:24pm

6 lbs 15 oz

19 3/4 inches 

Our new little man finally arrived with a bang Friday night.  After barely 24 hours in the hospital we are home, recovering and enjoying getting to know each other.  It feels so good to be back in our own beds!

Our birth story:
On Tuesday, I was 0 cm dilated but was having consistent contractions every 7-10 minutes.  My doctor and I decided that if Clark wasn't here by Friday (41 weeks) that we would start the induction process.  I was induced with Kannon and while I had a great birth experience I was still hoping things would happen more naturally this time around.

Friday arrived and the hospital kept pushing back our induction time.  By the time we arrived, I was already having contractions 5-7 minutes apart (I couldn't feel them!) and was 2 cm dilated.  My blood pressure was elevated so they started me on the lowest dose of pitocin at 3pm to help contractions pick up.

At 7pm I was 3 cm, my doctor stripped my membranes and things picked up instantly.  They stopped pitocin and let things go naturally.  My doctor was convinced that this baby wasn't going to be born until Sunday....but I guess Clark had other plans.

By 7:30pm I was 4 cm dilated and laboring in the bathroom.  It was hard work, breathing through each contraction.  I was trying not to bang my head on the wall and curse at Dale.  For the first time, I found myself hating Dale, wishing I could stop labor, and hoping for it to all be over.  By 9:30pm I was 6cm, I caved and begged for the epidural!

I got the epidural at 10:15pm and immediately relaxed.  Dale's mom (who just flew in from Alaska) arrived at the hospital and Dale was planning on taking her home and coming back.  Again, Clark had different plans.

I called my nana at 10:40 to let her know what the progress was, we were all convinced that Clark would stay put until the 9th, my nana's birthday.  At 10:45pm I was 7cm, Dale left the room to tell his mom, and soon after our little guy's heart rate started dropping.  Dale came racing back as nurses rushed in around me.  They moved me to my side, my water broke, and at 11:20 I started pushing.  4 minutes and 3 pushes later Clark Allen was born screaming with a cord wrapped around his neck and both arms! 

Everyone was expecting an 8 pound baby but surprisingly Clark was only 6lbs and 15 oz.  He has a full head of black hair, dark (almost brown) eyes, and hairy shoulders!!!

Unlike Kannon who slept for the first 3 days refusing to nurse, Clark is hungry!  He latched on 10 minutes after birth and hasn't stopped since!  Last night he woke us up on the hour, every hour to feed! I am recovering easily...I just need some sleep!

All in all, it was a quick and almost painless birth.  Everything went well and our little man arrived healthy and perfect!  It is so easy to forget how small newborns are.  Even though we are still pretty fresh at the parenting thing, we are both amazed at how tiny Clark his.  He has tiny fingers, hands, and I am still adjusting to holding such a tiny infant again!  I am in awe, looking at Kannon, and realizing he was this tiny just a year ago.  They change and grow so fast and having two boys in my life is a reminder to enjoy every precious moment.

Kannon has no clue what is going on. He is loving the extra attention and smiles at the new baby but it is going to be a few months before he fully realizes he shares our love with Clark.  Until then, it will be chaos learning how to hold and care for 2 boys but equally rewarding with double the love.  I look forward to getting know Clark and his personality and again opening my heart to another.

mama updates:: our new adventure

Finally, we are unpacked and ready for baby #2!!!  Life feels balanced, wholesome, and I am more relaxed than I have been in 2 years.  We love our house, can walk everywhere (even Trader Joe's!!!), and I am finally back to being a mom (as opposed to being a job/house hunter, packer, unpacker, and stressed out!).

So here are the long awaited photos of our new digs.  We live in a 3-story house in Ballard.

Our good friend Jarred (Kannon's godfather) is living in the first floor with a nice bedroom and bath and using the garage as a converted man-cave.  Jarred used to live below us in our old apartment in Seattle, so it is only right to have back below our feets keeping us safe and equally entertained.

The second floor, is the kitchen, bathroom, dining room, living room, and laundry room.  It is spacious and perfect for Kannon who loves the extra crawl space.

The third floor, is the master bedroom with a full bath, and the boy's room with a bathroom.

All in all we have 4 balconies, 4 bathrooms, 3 stairwells, a patio/yard, and garage.  Oddly enough, it is pretty easy to clean despite all these stairs and toilets.

We live 2 blocks from Fred Meyer, Safeway, Trader Joe's, and Ballard Market is just up the street.  There are 2 breweries and a wine cellar within walking distance.  We can smell salt water from nearby Puget Sound.  Tug boats toot in the bay.  We have the tiniest view of the Space Needle. Dale has had the car most days but there has been no shortage of fun.  No longer are Kannon and I cooped in the house as we can walk everywhere and bring Emma along.

The updates will continue, so stay posted for more pictures and videos of Kannon!

mama moved!

I am currently surrounded by boxes, sitting at my kitchen table stealing free wireless, and gazing out at the rainy Seattle day.  Life has never felt more perfect. 

As much as I hated Seattle 2 years ago when we decided to move to Montana, I am reminded of how much I actually love it here.  I always thought Montana was home and perhaps it was to a younger me but I have outgrown that notion.  When Dale and I first caught a glimpse of downtown Seattle crossing 1-90, we both were overwhelmed with this "welcome back" feeling--a feeling of home. 

Yes, the traffic sucks, the rain sometimes dreary, and our rent stills makes me choke.  But Seattle is home.  We were greeted by friends---overjoyed by our return.  I have slept better (actually, we have all slept better) since arriving.  Even though there is still a lot of work to be done, boxes to unpack, clothes to organize, we are all relieved. 

Moving was exhausting.  Not only did we move our stuff but Jarred's as well.  But it was worth it.  We are all settled in, Jarred downstairs, us upstairs, and our dog somewhere in between.  Our bed doesn't fit up the stairwell.  Our couch came in through the 2nd floor balcony and barely fit even with the doors off.  The rest of our stuff is waiting to be hauled up to the 3rd floor so I can unpack.  It will be a whirlwind but things are coming together nicely.  

A month ago, I had images of sleeping on someone's floor or worse having a baby 400 miles away from Dale.  I thought we were doomed.  But new jobs came, houses appeared, the seas parted for us.  We are now back in Seattle---for good!!! For all those that made this possible, we thank you. 

silver linings

Dale and I still don't know the status of his job or where we are going end up moving but amidst all the chaos there are some silver linings that get me through each day.

1.) Kannon has more teeth coming in!!!!  His top teeth are growing in a bit more each day....which make him a little bit fussy but also so much more of a Mama's boy (hehe!)

2.) Kannon has also started saying "mama, baba, and dada".  He calls everything "dada"  Books, toys, the dog, everything.  He only says "Mama" when he is screaming, upset that something was taken away...or god forbid we change his diaper.

3.) Kannon and our dog have developed this interesting relationship at dinner time.  Kannon grabs a piece of food, looks over the edge of his high chair to see if Emma is there....and drops the food.  He laughs, giggles, and goes for another piece.  Yes, I should chastise both of them....but it is too dang cute!!!!

4.) Fluffy diapers.  We got a bunch of cloth diapers with some mysterious paypal money.  I usually go for broke and buy the BumGenius or SmartiPants but this time we got some Kawaii Baby diapers from Sweetbottoms Baby for half the price.  Totally adorable and loving the black tuxedo diaper that makes Kannon looks ready for a ball.

5.) New friends.  Finally, after almost a year of having no female companionship that understands what it is to be pregnant, have a kid, and survive on 2 hours of sleep, I finally found a friend.  Coffee, library and splash pad dates are just so much more fun when you are not just talking to a 9 month old.

6.) It is hot, humid, and I would rather not be pregnant right now.  But my due date is 6 weeks away and I am wishing that it was much further away....for the first time, the gestation period of an elephant is sounding good merely because I am not ready to be a mother of 2 boys!

7.)  I paid off a student loan.  It had a whopping balance of $62.

8.) Mostly, we have just been having fun as a family.  Story time and bath time our now family affairs.  Kannon actually likes to sit and read and the heat has lead all of us to the wading pool for a chance to cool off.  Kannon is so very loved!!!

9.)  We decided on a name for baby#2.  But its a secret!!!  You will just have to wait to find out!

10.) Did I mention that Kannon feeds himself 100% now.  He eats EVERYTHING from strawberries to asparagus and eggs.  What a cutie!

I apologize for the last blog that was a little more than depressing. I find it funny that its okay to talk about baby poop and vomit but talking about our problems is a little more than taboo.  I broke the rule but I am glad that everyone is at least on the same page.

mama confesses:: whew

Whew.  

Life sometimes carries you away without a chance to catch up.  Our lives have been incredibly busy as Dale embarks on new territory and I finally have a chance to pursue my passions.

We had visitors.  Kannon started crawling.  We have been rolling dryer ball after dryer ball in preparation for MADEfair.  I have been portfolio building for my new photography business.  Kannon went to bed and woke up with 2 teeth.  Our lives have been crazy, upside down, full of chaos, action, and poop.  

Whew.

I hope to get back to a more regular schedule of postings and I am going to keep this post short.  In a nutshell (or a list, as I prefer) here is our life.

1.) Kannon got professional photos taken last week with Kim Stadler Photography in Spokane.  They turned out soo cute! 

2.) We got accepted into MADEfair, a handmade arts and craft fair in Missoula.  So we are busy rolling dryer balls for the upcoming event on June 27th.

3.) My grandparents were in town for a week so we were busy visiting with them.  We had so much fun eating at new restaurants, exploring Lake Coeur d'Alene by boat, and swimming.  Kannon was especially said to see them go :(

4.) Kannon started crawling.  It looks more like a cross between drowning on land and scrambling from danger but it is indeed movement that takes him from one end of the living room to the other.  

5.) We finally got a washer, dryer and lawn mower.  We are so lucky to have an incredible amount of love and support from our family!  Now our diapers are clean and our lawn looks less like a jungle.

6.) Kannon sprouted 2 teeth.  His lower teeth came in overnight and he is freakin adorable.  He does get caught off guard when he accidentally bites himself.  Poor guy.

7.) I am nearing my 3rd trimester.  Bean#2 is really starting to kick, roll, and punch.  Not too mention, I am starting to feel exhausted!!!

8.) We have narrowed down names for bean#2, but again, we won't be sharing our final decision until D-day!

9.) My etsy site has been exploding with orders lately.  Plus, I have been branching out making newborn photography props for fellow photographers.  My fingers are starting to hurt!!!

10.) My brother Sam has been visiting and we have so much fun hanging out.  We will be sad to see him leave!

11.) Dale has had a busy month so far with New West Spirits.  He added a few new accounts, including Fred Meyer...a major purchaser of wine!!!

12.) I have been portfolio building and have given a name and face to my new photography business, Happy Mama Photography.   Since launching this week, I have already scheduled a few engagement and senior sessions.  I am starting to get nervous!!! Follow my blog and facebook page to hear more updates!!

Things are finally under control and we are so pleased to have had so much success in the last few weeks.  Despite our rough start in Coeur d'Alene, we are finally catching our breath and learning the ropes!  

mama vents:: worst week

Usually these vents come on Tuesday, my least favorite-- usually very bad day of the week.   Tuesday came and went and before I had a chance to post I watched our life go out of control.

Moving is always rough.  We were busy setting up new utilities, changing information, finding new doctors.  It has been go, go, go since Monday morning.  Dale met his new boss, which went great.  We finally found a grocery store that carries our favorite local and organic products. I celebrated my first Mother's Day....so I cant say that our week was all bad.  Until yesterday.

I am a backseat driver.  It drives Dale nuts but he loves me for it.  My backseat driving has saved us from missing exits and turns but no matter how loud I screamed "BRAKES" yesterday, we still found ourselves slamming into the back of a 4Runner in front of us. 

We drive a 1998 Ford Explorer and yesterday when we approached the stoplight Dale suddenly found himself with no brake pressure, pedal to the floor, like sliding on ice.  We slammed.  Everyone was fine, even Kannon who was mostly shaken up with excitement.  We exchanged information, got a tow home, and thought the worst of our day was over.

Our car was parked in front of our house, which is slightly sloped, but nothing that caught our attention yesterday.  We checked the mail, grabbed some belongings out of the car, and reached our front door only to see our car ROLLING DOWNHILL!!!!  The parking brake had failed!

Dale dropped everything, ran after the car, and tried to turn the wheels but ended up jumping out of this moving vehicle as it approached the busy street below us.  Thankfully, we watched our car run over a mailbox, a fence, and finally land in our neighbors front yard instead of the street. 

All in all, we are very lucky.  The brakes could have gone out on the freeway; the car could have rolled into the street; somebody could have been killed.  The damage is really minimal to all involved, but we sadly said goodbye to the Explorer today as we know we will probably not see her again.

The brake estimate is $1300 (best case scenario) and the damage sustained is at least $1000.  Our car is only worth $2700.  Our insurance company will cover damage sustained by the accident but the brakes are our responsibility.  Being as we just moved, putting nearly all of our savings into this, we are saying good bye.  Thankfully, we never sold my Toyota Camry.


I know I am 20 weeks pregnant...but tonight, I am soaking in a bathtub with a glass of red wine and welcoming the weekend. 

mama confesses:: moving

I am never moving again.  Moving was hard before but try adding pregnancy and a 6 month old.  Every waking moment was spent entertaining Kannon and packing boxes leaving little time for rest.  I am exhausted.

But, we did it.  We moved. We are so happy.

Our house feels like we have always belonged here.  Coeur d'Alene is beautiful, friendly, and full of families. 

I will keep it short, but I wanted to share a few pictures of our new home.

Our kitchen/dining room::

 Our living room/office::

Views from the bedrooms/bathrooms::

Our bathrooms (we have 2, one downstairs and one upstairs)::

Our HUGE backyard::