RiverandShore

Ritual

2023-03-27T14:05:00.002-04:00

Winter has been waning here and for perhaps the first time in my life, I am wistfully wishing it would linger. The boys and I had a conversation yesterday about our favorite seasons and what draws us to each of them, in order. In the past my answer was always vehemently summer in first place, but winter is vying for a spot at the top this year. After a winter of fully embracing this season in a whole new way, with a new ritual, I find myself yearning for the comfort of my weeks in routine and in connection with people, a place, and a pattern of engaging that feels deeply primal and beautiful.

This summer I found myself joining a few intrepid women to do long, open water swims across the bay. They were meditative, beautifully connecting as much as they were also phenomenally freeing. Not to mention strengthening and centering. As the summer came to an end and we could no longer swim in the waters of New Hampshire, we decided to try our bodies at cold plunging.

With no experience and limited knowledge, three of us slowly and gradually met together and adjusted our experiences based on each that came before. We met at 7:30 PM, hours after dark and in a New England winter for a brisk walk before walking down to the river to undress on the bank. We decided that swimsuits would be an unnecessary hassle, and so we went in naked except for our knit hats. Eventually we each decided to don wetsuit booties to enhance our experience and allow us to stay in a bit longer.

One time one of us showed up with a poem to read, and thus we have read poetry each time since. One of us brought chocolate and so now we usually have a sweet treat upon completion. One member diligently checks the water and documents each dip, the participants, unique memories. We've grown and changed in numbers, with regulars and occasional add-ons. We've crunched our feet through the snow, squelched our feet through the mud, cross country skied instead of walked, and marveled at the beauty of showing up each week for a ritual, a practice in embracing ourselves, each other, the season, and being in awe of our bodies and the water, the natural world around us.

Over the course of these months we've fine-tuned our practice. We do deep breaths beforehand, releasing and preparing our lungs and body. We hold hands and walk into the river, noticing the changes in the water, the weather, looking upstream and downstream, tracing the skyline with our eyes, taking in the glow of the moon as it reflects on the ripples of the river. We've been called cold immersion doulas and this feels true. We share awes that we've witnessed and experienced, lifting our voices and uniting in songs and rounds, and we remain fully present to the moment and each other.

When our bodies tell us it is time to move out of the water, we return to our towels on the bank. We dress, marveling at the feeling of our clothes upon our tingling backs and legs, and take a few bites of chocolate before crunching our way back up the hill. And back to our homes and lives.

To return again to the river the following week, same time, same place, same ritual.

Winter, you have been a marvel this year.

Ritual

Greetings and hugs,

the familiar car doors slam.

We walk, talking up the road in the night,

taking in the stars, the glow,

watching our breath linger in the air as a cloud,

warmed and anticipating,

we return, gather our belongings,

crunch our boots through the snow,

down to the cabin by the river.

A glance at the river, is there ice today?

Will in need breaking? Oh yes!

A canoe paddle and determination,

the ice cracks and bobs,

a space made for our beings.

We stand in a huddle, the selected poems read

as we tear up and sigh.

Undressing and putting on our booties and knit cap,

wrapping our naked bodies in a towel,

we make our way to the bank.

Deep breaths of release,

we shed our towels,

and unite, hand in hand.

We walk our nakedness to our nethers

and count together before lowering to our necks.

Still hand in hand, we steady our breath,

we notice the treeline, the water,

the river upstream, downstream, the moon

We share awes,

we sing in unison and break into rounds,

we immerse ourselves as long as we can,

we celebrate, we laugh,

we return to our towels on the shore.

Our bodies tingling, our backs, a peppermint stick.

We dress, eat chocolate, and then

crunch our way back up the hill,

with gratitude and awe for sharing

such a wondrous ritual together,

held and found and known

and immersed each week

in the river.

2022 in Review

2022-12-31T13:17:00.002-05:00

Another year has come to an end and here I sit reflecting on the growth and changes, revelations and joys.

It was a year of so many new things for the kiddos. All three kids became more confident swimmers and skiers this year! Thriving in third grade, Ian is 9. Owen is enjoyng a fantastic first grade year, and Liesl is in her final year of preschool. Hard to believe these kids are all so old, so soundly comfortable in their respective classrooms and communities.

Ian LOVES the Medieval Wilderness and the campfire Dungeons & Dungeons after school activities he is involved in. He's a sound defender on the soccer field, a formidable opponent in any board or card game, and remains an avid reader. At any one time you'll likely find him with a novel from a few different series running (each with between 200 to 500 pages). Books with bookmarks, Playmobiles, Legos, and birds' eye view drawings he makes of villages and kingdoms can be found wherever he is. Still our earliest riser, he lets Leif out first thing in the morning and enjoys reading in the peace and quiet, before the rest of the house bustles and the day begins. He is a good friend and enjoys many different connections throughout his days.

Owen LOVES art and creating. It's more often than not that he gets off the bus with a new idea of something he wants to make, either something he's seen or come up with himself. And, usually, it's quite clever! He's a huge fan of Calvin & Hobbes, telling us stories of how something in our lives relates to one of the cartoons he so enjoys. He has one of the best giggles and loves a good joke! Owen played soccer this fall and enjoyed attending a few Lego clubs at the library-- something he cannot wait to start again in the new year! Scissors, paper, drawing utensils, a stuffy, the marble run, and Mad Libs or Calvin & Hobbes can often be found within his reach. He enjoys playing with many different friends and one parent told me, "We need more Owen in our life!" We feel the same-- how lucky we are to have him in our every day!"

Liesl is exuberant and determined, strong in every sense of the word! She is somehow in her last year of preschool and very eager to get on that bus with her brothers after she turns 5 this year! She's bold and thoughtful, daring and careful, and LOVES singing along earnestly to familiar songs in the car or around the house! Anything her brothers can do is what she wants to do too-- and usually she does just that! She's usually found with her "Baby" (a bear from Mama's childhood) and loves to snuggle in bed with Mama first thing in the morning. She's definitely seeming more a kid than a little one, but our babe she'll always be.

Jim had the best garden we've ever had this year! The broccoli alone would have made the garden a success-- best we've ever tasted, without a doubt! This year brought a new round of bees, an expanded compost system, and an asparagus patch! He also started venturing into cocktail-making, much to the enjoyment of our family and friends :) Surfing continues to be a source of joy for him, outside of home and office. He has a great group of guys who go out together and a running text thread of laughs and life shared.

It was a year of growth & pursuits for me too. I joined a choir that has brought song and joy into my life each week, once more! It's a group of about 150 women from all walks of life-- a source of strength and connection. I surprised myself by auditioning for & getting two solos in each of our concerts this year. I also started hiking and checking off the 48 4k footers in New Hampshire's White Mountains this year, with two down, 46 to go (Whiteface & Osceola)! With a few dear friends, I started doing long swims in the bay this summer and now cold dips in the winter, and hopefully throughout the year. Surfing, xc skiing, baking sourdough, walks, hikes, fires, time with friends-- all brought such warmth.

Our home had some changes too, with 19 trees taken down, a new roof, and new siding on a few sides of the outside. During a recent & intense storm, we are so grateful to have had these added measures in place!

We've enjoyed many a potluck, game, ski day, beach day, many a fire, many a laugh. With everyone in our family fully vaxxed now, we are feeling more comfortable and look forward to connecting and reuniting in the coming year.

Here's to a new year of new growth and joy and navigating the path together <3

love,

Käthe

Photo taken by Ama this past week

Comfort

2022-04-15T07:19:00.002-04:00

A cart full of groceries, I make my way to the registers. A cashier waves me over to her empty line and I apologize for not bringing my own bags. She encourages me that it’s no problem as she crinkles open the paper ones and double bags them.

“Have any plans for Easter?,” she asks.

“We’re going to do an egg hunt, keep it pretty simple,” I say. There's more but I do not want to overwhelm with my answer. “What about you?”

“I’m going to go see my grandparents.”

Immediately my heart floods with a sense of comfort, “Enjoy those moments for as long as you can.” It comes out of my mouth before I can hold it in.

She nods with a gentle knowing and says that she will. She tells me about how close she is with her grandma, that they love to paint together. That her grandparents are just returning from Florida for the year, so she’s excited to see them. She just got into an art school in St. Augustine and her grandma was so thrilled that she made sure to go to the campus and take pictures for her granddaughter. She will be able to visit them on the weekends during school, while they are down South. She’s really looking forward to it.

I listened and smiled with my own gentle knowing, fading in and out of full comprehension, with a long away sense of that kind of comfort.

My mind swirled with the feeling of being in my grandparents’ home, of hearing Grandma giggle, how she said my name, her warm welcome hugs. Walks on the trails my grandpa carved through their woods and my grandma clearing every stick that had fallen as we moved. Blueberry picking in my aunt and uncle’s field up the hill, and her unable to pass a good bush when it was time to go home. Sitting around her table with the lazy Susan in the center. Making my way through every photo album on their shelves and asking for stories about certain pictures. How she loved dirty jokes and swimming and her family.

As she spoke, the bags filled and were returned to my cart. My trance and dream-like state ended as I realized it was time to pay, “Enjoy and give your grandma an extra hug.”

Eyes wet, but not brimming. Throat tight, but not choked. I gave thanks for the connection of that moment & the shared beauty of having grandmas who give the feeling of warmth, just by thinking of them.

First Day Thoughts

2021-08-30T15:06:00.002-04:00

And just like that, he's off to kindergarten! Kind, thoughtful, inquisitive, clever & downright delightful. Oh, how I already miss him. He was ready and so my mama heart rallied, but I think I still need a year or two.

He won’t be waiting for me at the window with a wave, as he was when Ian went off to kindergarten. His gleeful hand swinging side to side, his body bouncing with elation. It will be forever planted in my mind as a favorite memory in this house, whenever I see that window. Each time I walk up our driveway and glance toward that pane of glass, I’ll look for three year old Owen.

Time moves relentlessly on. I love five year old Owen. He’s a blast, joy, hoot, and all around lovely person. I have been sad at times because I feel like we missed out on a “normal” preschool time when he got to make the decisions for all the playdates and activities we’ve done. And he did. And yet he also had lots of time to play with his brother and sister than he would have otherwise.

I never want him to feel like he’s getting the shaft, as the middle child. I want him to feel supported, known, pursued, loved.

He went from “nervous and excited” to “just excited” after the orientation and he maintained that all of the way to getting on the bus today. He seemed so composed and calm. So eager and relaxed. This is a huge change for him, a new teacher and school, riding the bus, new classmates. And even still, he was ready.

Ian, too. This transition back to school and second grade is more of a homecoming for him. He’s been in this school for much of kindergarten (before they went remote) and it was a place he loved and cherished, with teachers he admired and missed. He told me he was a bit nervous, but I wouldn’t have known based on how he was acting. When I asked him if he had a choice between homeschool and school last week (and it wouldn’t hurt my feelings either way), what would he choose. I was surprised that he chose homeschool. I am going to be fascinated to hear what he has to say about it after a few days of being back. But today, he was completely calm and composed with his demeanor. It felt like just a normal day.

This peace and centeredness and ease is what we hope for them. We want them to walk with confidence in themselves, with the feeling that they belong somewhere and that they are safe to move beyond our home and into the world. And then, after they’ve explored and exerted themselves, they know they have a safe place to return. A place of sanctuary, familiar and comforting.

Watching my children exist these last few days has been a wonder to me. As I scuttled about emptying and loading backpacks, labeling all the things, and making sure things were ready, they seemed completely unphased that their lives were about to change so much, so soon.

In some ways perhaps it was blissful ignorance, but in other ways I think it was (and maybe hope it was) an example for the strength and comfort they feel within themselves. They were made for this, they have been home for eighteen months, and now they are ready to go out into the world.

I am so very curious to hear about their days this afternoon.

What a change for us all. After so much togetherness, we learned so much about ourselves, about home, about school. Today was not bitter or sweet, it was calm and peaceful. It felt like we were all getting to go and be ourselves, knowing that we would reunite at the end of the day.

And in the end, that’s all we can dream for us and for our children. That we can all become the version of ourselves that we were meant to be, and then connect again to celebrate, comfort, and encourage as we move on our winding journeys.

Liesl is 10 MONTHS OLD!

2019-04-03T15:04:00.001-04:00

Liesl is 10 months old!! And what a month it was for our lovely gal.

She's mobile now, crawling everywhere & getting into everything! She started crawling on March 14th, Pi Day. That evening, Jim and I were planning on assembling some furniture and she just DID NOT want to go to sleep. For a few days she had been particularly stubborn about bedtime. Well, on this particular night, she stayed up later and mastered crawling! It was incredible to watch her figure it out and so special to have Jim right there, too. After she did it a few times, it was clear that she was content with her skills and ready for bed. We cheered her on, cooed and hugged and kissed her, and then she was ready to hit the hay. Darling girl.

This month she seems to also have shown her comedic side and LOVES to make different faces. She mirrors faces or comes up with her own. It's really, really fun! I'm grateful to have captured a few of her expressions here... she just cracks us up:)

She says "Mama" & "Papa," "hi" & "dog." And I really think she is saying "I love you." Liesl babbles the day away with new sounds and emphasis. She loves to wave goodnight, sign for milk, & be held by Mama.

With four upper teeth coming in at the same time, her sleep has been pretty rocky. She's been thrilled to get some extra snuggle time in bed with me, waking (sometimes) only to touch my face before drifting back to sleep. Talk about heart-melting. She has that effect on all of us.

Liesl Gale, you are a blessing & delight!

Happy 10 Months to our favorite lass!!

You love: making funny faces, CRAWLING, babbling and talking, petting Leif, grabbing your brothers' toys, cuddling after naptime & sleeping with Mama, almost all of the solid foods you've been given, and swinging in the swing outside.

With the warmer weather upon us, we look forward to getting out for more walks and exploration. You've really enjoyed stroller walks, carrier walks, and your forays in the great outdoors. I think you'll fit right in to our outdoor-loving family :)

Liesl is 9 MONTHS OLD!

2019-04-03T14:48:00.000-04:00

Oh my, this girl <3

This lass turned 9 MONTHS OLD!

She's babbling. giggling a'plenty, attempting to scoot and scooch, observing everything & everyone, and LOVES to cuddle.

Her favorite word is "Mama" and I swear she's starting to say more words, even "I love you"... which she certainly hears from each of us all day long.

She's one adored little gal.

She's delightful, energetic, eager, & just all-around darling.

We love you SO very much, Sweet Liesl Gale!!!

Happy 9 Months, Little Girl!!

You love: giggling, squealing, attempting to crawl and scoot, sitting and observing the world, being held, and smiling beautiful full-face smiles. We cannot get enough of you.

December 2018

2019-02-21T15:51:00.000-05:00

Always running months behind, but hey... it's so fun to look back on what we did, whenever I get the chance! And I know that one day I will look back and these pictures will transport me to memories I'd totally forgotten. :)

December was PACKED with life and family visits and our first family ski day!! Let's get started...

First up, an IKEA trip! We always enjoy a good rainy day trip to IKEA...

... and a little treat at the end :)

Our library here is AMAZING. They had a "Snowflake Social" in December and invited one of the UNH a capella groups to sing. The boys were completely mesmerized.

Liesl, too :)

The boys made rocketships out of our cardboard boxes... I foresee many creations like this in our future.

Almost every morning starts with a cuddle like this. I get surrounded by the three kiddos and eventually I get up and the three of them scoot together for a cuddle (or a squabble).

It's wintertime in NH and so she's rarely without clothes... but we adore these beautiful rolls, when they come out!!!

Ian and I went on quite a few ice-skating dates in December. He's quite fast with his milk crates and he's such a determined chap.

Our little love continued to melt our hearts. Ian enjoys choosing clips for her hair and matching them to her outfit. Her hair gets into her eyes if we don't clip it up!

Tendercrop's indoor space was fine, but these rugged guys prefer the freezing cold slides outside :)

She got her first bad cold and preferred to snuggle. Shucks.

6 month check-up showed that she's practically perfect in every way. No surprise to us <3

In December she started doing the plank and push-ups. I need to join her in her exercise routines!

Stealing moments with the firstborn during quiet time in the afternoon. He usually requested books :)

Look at her go!!!

We had brunch with our friends and neighbors. Their sweet girl wanted to hold the babe.

Jim continues to prep and read and research for the garden plot this year. This tree had to go!

We started dating December 17, 2006... so, here's a blast from the past <3

And here's our present... a fridge full of the vibrancy of life we've created together.

Before Christmas Ian said goodbye to her first school experience here. One of the last days we dropped him off in this parking lot... here he is writing his name in the steam he created :)

Just another morning in my bed :)

Our children's museum is really great. Here are a few of their favorite places...

Santa came to visit Ian's school and he was THRILLED!

My parents arrived and we went to a UNH Women's Basketball game. The boys were mostly fascinated with the mascot, but it was still a fun first game!

Will & Phoebe drove in and the holidays began!

And Zelda, their chocolate lab :)

Fuzzy and poor lighting, but Dad brought his keyboard and we were able to sing carols multiple times during the holiday!!

We went ice skating, which was a blast.

Read lots of books...

Played and made train tracks...

And, my favorite, WE WENT SKIING!!! It was such a special day. Our first ski day in New Hampshire and we spent it with my parents and Will and Phoebe. My mom graciously stayed in the lodge with Liesl and Owen, while Dad taught Ian to ski and got Owen to attempt. By the end of the day Ian was skiing with enthusiasm down the very small bunny slope. AND, Jim went skiing for the first time! He did great and, at the end of the day, is determined to be a skiing family! I'm so excited!

I got to spend most of the day skiing with Phoebe & Will and it was just so lovely! I haven't had a day to get lost in a physical/active pursuit since having kiddos and it was incredibly special.

So fun to be with these two!!

And to have lots of chats on the chairlift with my dear sister.

Best Christmas gift ever.

It makes me so excited for what's to come when my children start skiing and we can all enjoy pursuits outside together.

It's become a tradition to go for a beach walk on Christmas Eve, which is lovely.

Christmas Eve we always have a roast beast. YUM!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care....

I love watching our kids on Christmas morning <3

Jim made a big breakfast before we dove into the presents.

And then it was time for stockings!!!

I didn't get many pictures of the opening of presents... but it was a truly lovely morning. The boys slowly opened and enjoyed each of their gifts. It took them a series of days to even open all of them... I just love that. Woody, Jessie, and Buzz have gotten LOADS of use since being opened. Owen carries two in his fists at all times.

On Christmas night, our last night together, we had a big Swiss fondue. Such a nice way to savor and enjoy our last evening together!

The next morning Mom and the boys made gingerbread men before they left. A sweet tradition.

Then, a day later, Gramee & Grandpa arrived for Christmas #2!

They each received stamp kits from G&G and immediately put them to good use :)

And a few puzzles came along, which they enjoyed putting together. I love watching them navigate puzzles.

The tide was much lower during our beach walk with them.

I love how the beach is always changing, making it a fun a new playground during each and every visit.

Gramee & Grandpa left on New Year's Eve morning and that night we went and met Dan and Carole for dinner and fireworks in Porstmouth!

We enjoyed visiting the ice sculptures and the fireworks were great! Owen wasn't so sure what he felt about them at first, but soon began repeating that "it's just a loud noise and lights... they can't get to or hurt him." It was such a fun evening with Dan & Carole.

Farewell, 2018!!! On to 2019!!

Liesl is EIGHT Months!

2019-02-19T15:23:00.003-05:00

How she's already 3/4 through a year is beyond us!! She's so new to this world, and yet her soul has been here all along, it seems.

She enjoys snuggling with blankets, shawls, mama's sweaters, you name it. Perhaps she'll enjoy curling up with blankets on the couch just like her mama... and brothers!!

Liesl loves to sit and observe the world around her. It's even better when there's more action, which is not something we suffer for around here... Her brothers keep her VERY entertained by giggling with her, providing her with every single toy from her basket, singing songs, and wrestling and cajoling and bickering with each other.😂

"Say what?!" I think a boisterous brother helped capture this look :)

She's all-in for cuddles, loving to rest her cheek against mine or letting her full weight rest on my chest. It's just the best.

She's saying "Mama" quite emphatically, when she's so tired, hungry, or just desperate to be held. It melts my heart each time. As soon as she sees me or is back in my arms, she's usually all smiles. All is well in the world again (for both of us).

I think she's saying "Papa" now too. She has started to say it in the morning before she sees him. And then she catches his eye and fills with glee as they exchange a few headbumps.

Her hair has grown so long now that it needs a clip to keep it out of her eyes. It's such a beautiful blonde color, with some strawberry blonde tips.

So far, she loves all foods. And recently prefers to hold her own spoon :) One day Jim was feeding her and he said, "Oh yes, I remember this trick!" and went to the kitchen to find a second spoon. One to be used for feeding and one for playing. We did this with each of the boys and now Liesl, too. It's amazing the third time around how some things you've forgotten and then remember in the moment.

Here you can see that she was laughing because I wasn't holding the camera viewer right in front of my face :) Haha!! Love this little giggle and smile.

This sweet girl is such a gem. Eager to smile and soak in your full attention.

I don't want to choose just a few photos because I want to remember ALLLL of these faces. (AND I am having some computer trouble, so I am saving ALLLL the pictures here for safe keeping.)

"Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful?" Runs through my head when I look at this picture. Pure love.

In her eighth month she's started really enjoying manipulating toys and objects around her. This basket gets carted around the house, wherever I am, for her to play. Often it's on the floor in the kitchen during dinnertime and her toys are strewn all around me <3

She cut her first two teeth right after Christmas and just into her eighth month of life. I'm sure the blanket is giving her some relief here :)

She must have coughed or sneezed right before these pictures because she's a little red, in recovery.

Goodness, we love you sweet girl.

Just to give you a taste of what's usually happening around us while taking pictures! :)

She's started pushing up into the plank position and pushing her bottom back up over her feet. And she can often be found scooted slightly backward or turning in circles. It's not long before she's unstoppable.

We are savoring this time before this silly little grin finds herself in all sorts of fun predicaments.

These brothers are going to have their work cut out for them keeping track of her :) And me too...

We are still so grateful for how much the boys adore her, care for her, sing to her, cuddle with her, you name it. They are definitely doting big brothers!! We hope their bond remains tight.

Oh, darling girl. Eight months with you is just so sweet.

Happy 8 Months, Liesl!!!

You love: sitting, grabbing everything in site and in reach, turning in circles on the floor, pulling yourself up into plank position, saying "mamama" and "bababa" and "papapapa" and more, babbling with your brothers, cuddling close, eating all foods, watching the world around you, sleeping on your side, nursing and being with mama.

Liesl is SEVEN Months Old!

2019-02-19T14:55:00.001-05:00

This little darling turned 7 months old on Christmas Day, 2018. What a joy, what a delight! These photos were taken a few days after the seven month mark because we were so enjoying celebrating the holiday season with first my side of the family and then Jim's parents.

This little love soaked up so many lovely snuggles, giggles, babbles, and smiles from her many adoring family members. She came down with her first bad cold around Christmas and therefore also desired a lot of mama time. Because of the cold, her sleep was in flux again, but her sweet and content nature carried on regardless of her misery.

She started sitting with some assistance this month and pushing up into cobra pose.

She began saying "Mama" and started paying a lot of attention to sign language for "more" and "all done."

Aunt Christine gave her this adorable dress for Christmas and it brings out these beautiful blue eyes that keep us mesmerized daily.

She's always quick with a smile, but our camera only comes out for these monthly sessions and she spends much of the time searching for me behind the camera and wondering what the shutter sounds mean :)

She's delightful from her head to her toes. These beautiful blue eyes and her darling rolls.

Her hair remains quite blonde, with a hint of strawberry in the ends. The roots seem to be growing in quite blonde.

I love watching her hands as she navigates using her fingers to grasp things.

She still topples over while she's sitting, but is very fond of her ability to see the world around her from a higher level.

OH MY, how we love you!!!

Seven months flies by when you are TOTALLY in love <3

Oh, Liesl Gale... how we love you!!!

Happy 7 Months, Beautiful Lass!!

You love: sitting, calling for mama, pushing up with your arms into a cobra position, babbling, watching the world around you, trying new foods, hearing us sing, being worn in the carrier for outings.

We adore you!!!!

November 2018

2018-12-18T15:09:00.000-05:00

I know I'm not doing so much blogging these days. I feel some mom guilt about that. But I am really enjoying doing these monthly photo dumps. Looking back at all we did, all of these little snippets that make up our days, floods me with emotions and gratefulness and love. May our children grow to know how loved they are and may we be good gardeners for their passions & souls.

We went on our first family hike in a LONG while at Mt. Agamenticus. It was THE PERFECT time to do some leaf-peeping. The leaves were a brilliant gold, making it a magical, glowing hike.

Our little forrester was totally in his element. Cannot wait to do more hikes with him!

This was probably Owen's biggest hike to date and he was a champ!

Ian found pretty much ever spot he could to take a rest. :)

Ian was my photographer :)

We found a bear hibernating!

Mt. Agamenticus is beautiful! There's a 360 degree view at the top. You can see the ocean, Mt. Washington, and many more places, all noted in a neat circle of sculptures.

The boys got to see their first porcupines up close!! These guys didn't mind the crowd that gathered to observe them.

Liesl started solid foods & Ian discovered the joy of photography this month. I have MANY of his originals on my phone.

These three are just the sweetest.

Jim continues to be the breakfast chef on the weekends, making pancakes and crepes or eggs and bacon. We love this little tradition and the boys often enjoy assisting him.

While he cooks, we often read a few books on the couch together.

Quite rarely does this little one get a bath, but when she does... the CURLS COME OUT!!! <3

Jim harvested the potatoes and I'd say we got quite a few this year...

Liesl tries swinging at the park across the street and big brother Owen enjoys pushing her.

Ian's gotten into writing his own stories, with one of us writing the words and him drawing the pictures. This one was about Frank and Barnacle :)

When we got home from that playground outing, Owen surprised me with one of my favorite moments to date. We've been listening to Oklahoma, the musical, in the car and I was singing, "Has it really got a team of snow white horses?" To which a little voice piped up, "One's like snow, the other's more like... milk." I was so surprised and thrilled. His little voice hit every note perfectly and with the exact rhythm. Love him so.

Ama & Grumps came for a visit before Thanksgiving. We took them to the children's museum.

We got our first snow!! Ian prepared his snowballs for a snowball fight with me and was waiting for me with this grin when I arrived outside. Ha! That boy makes me laugh... his exuberance for life is incredible.

First snowman of the year! It was a team effort.

Jim came with me to an appointment and had some Liesl cuddle time.

The weather was perfect for fondue... not that we need an excuse!!

My dad was in heaven. We all were, really.

So dark, but still so sweet.

We had an early Thanksgiving feast with my parents.

And we bundled up and took them to Mt. Agamenticus :)

Two bears were there this time.

I have to say that this year Owen is so much more comfortable in the snow, making the boys great playmates!! Last year it was just a bit too hard for him to walk in the deep snow and he often didn't want to stay out for very long. This year--- not so! He wants to be out there and they played together for a long time. There's no bad weather when you have good gear!!

Owen made Liesl a "birthday cake" out of play dough :)

An Ian selfie

Ian helped me chop the potatoes for our chili. He's been into helping me a lot, which I love.

Full-on cuddle... love.

We went sledding on Wagon Hill for the first time this season and it was a blast. As soon as we arrived, Ian took off running with his sled. Up and down and up and down he went--- totally excited and independent! Owen was happy to spend the time with me going down, and riding his chariot back up :)

Liesl and Jim had a little cuddle session watching us :)

Ian gives sledding the thumbs up!

Ian always is grateful for Jim to have a day off :) Sweet morning cuddle... but don't be deceived, these normally turn into wrestling matches.

Ian tries skating for the first time and it's a hit! With each lap around the rink, his confidence grew. It's been a sweet activity for the two of us to do together on weekends during nap time for the younger two.

Gramee & Grandpa came for Thanksgiving and we had a second feast with them!

We got our tree in the morning...

And then Gramee & I spent the afternoon cooking!!

The next morning Gramee and the boys prepped the ingredients for apple baked oatmeal AND THEN Jim and I went on our first date without Liesl for the morning. It was lovely.

When we got home we decorated the house and the tree!

Owen was thrilled to wake up to the ornaments and the lights... he said, "Wow!" In the sweetest voice that only Owen can pull off. To know that boy is to love him.

Ian's into learning his letters and wanted to match the lowercase to the uppercase.

We put our nativity scene on the mantle and Ian placed the wise men looking at Jesus. When I moved them to be walking up to the manger, he quickly noticed and told me that the wise men came to "SEE" Jesus and moved them back. So, here they are... to remain all huddled up :)

Owen, Liesl and I joined our local Hike It Baby event at Great Bay Discovery Center for a chilly, beautiful morning.

I write this one week from Christmas, so December is truly in full swing. What a wonderful season it is, and especially lovely to enjoy through the eyes of your children!!

Liesl's SIX months!

2018-12-17T14:03:00.006-05:00

Happy half birthday, sweet girl!!!

And to that I say... how? How? HOW?

Liesl continues to be such a source of joy and light in our family. This month she's become more animated in her squeals, shrieks, and chatter. It's the sweetest. Today, our family piled into the van for a trip to IKEA and she was never unhappy, just shrieked with joy so loudly that my brain shook within my scull :) Apparently, she has good lungs, like the rest of the family... ha!

She loves to study her hands and her fingers, bringing them into different positions, reaching for facial features or toys, and wiggling her fingers slowly in repeated movements.

Liesl is gobbling up the solid foods now! She still makes funny faces, sometimes, but she seems to really enjoy being included at mealtimes. We've started giving her little bites of what we're eating, or pureeing the food we're eating for her. If she's not included in the meal, she's studying the food while sitting on my lap.

These boys are growing SO FAST too. I hardly ever get the real camera out these days, except for the monthly photoshoot with Liesl, so I decided to snag a few of them, too. Her biggest fans and my favorite hooligans.

2.75 years old

5 years old

6 months

This was the first month we put clips in her hair. All the heart eyes! Her hair is actually long enough to get into her eyes, so it serves a purpose and is just so sweet. The boys enjoy choosing which color she wears each day. Ian's been ready for her to wear a bow since day one, so he's definitely quick to choose one first thing each morning ;)

She's starting to sleep better again! WOOHOO! For a while there she must have hit a growth spurt and was getting up allllll night long, but now she seems to get up just once in the night. For this, I am so grateful.

We are all excited about first Christmas! She's such a sweet age, fascinated with the lights and eager to just observe, snuggle, and be with us.

She's getting close to holding herself up in a full arm pushup, leaving her hips on the ground. And her belly muscles are getting stronger as she attempts to stay sitting up on our laps to see what all the commotion is around her-- she has lots of entertainment in her brothers!

She loves to chat and babble and groan and coo.

Happy 6 Months, Darling Babe!

You make our hearts sing.

You love: listening to music, watching your brothers, working on your crunches, studying your hands and grabbing items in front of you, solid foods, snuggling with Mama, and giggling with Papa.

Liesl's FIVE MONTHS old!

2018-12-02T19:44:00.002-05:00

This girl. I tell you what.

She is SO loved.

And no number of pictures will ever be enough. ;)

Her smile stretches across her entire face. And we just melt.

Jim just left for the hardware store and snuck into our bedroom (where she still sleeps in the bassinet) to grab something. When he came out he was grinning from ear to ear and gushing (as much as Jim can gush) about how sweet she is snuggled in her bed.

Owen squeals and shrieks every time he's near her, saying "Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesl!!!! And I actually have to ask him to be a little quieter because I am worried about her ears (and the rest of ours, too). Ha!

Ian loves to check in with her and hold her. He sings, "I lalalalalalalalalalalala- I love you," as it goes on one of our song CDs that he listens to at night.

This month has been a big one for Liesl! She had her first solid food- avocado and sweet potato! Both made her face wrinkle up-- she's not to sure. That's okay, right now it's not meant to be her main source of food. Papa wants her to be exposed to foods to avoid food allergies, so that's all we're doing right now :)

She loves to jump in the jumper! And the boys like to cheer her on. Her face gets quite animated and excited and she jumps and jumps.

Liesl is more willing to sit in the stroller. Until now she always wanted to be held or worn, rather than sit in the stroller. Or, we'd have her in the carseat attachment and she was okay with that because she could see us. Now, she's more willing to ride int he stroller and watch the world around her. Most of the time she's in the stroller, it when the boys are biking on the street nearby and so there's plenty of action!!

She had her first bad cold and it's been so hard to hear her cough and struggle with congestion. Although her mood is still content and happy most of the time, her sleep definitely was interrupted. Sigh!! She's still a pretty good sleeper, but not making it through the night anymore. Who knows if it's entirely related to the cold or just the fact that she's growing.

Even when she has a little coughing fit during the night, she starts chatting to herself right after, most contentedly. It makes Jim and I giggle even in the very wee hours.

Liesl is quite chatty and talkative! Oh, how fun it would be to know what she's thinking and saying. She babbles on and on.

Oh, darling girl... We are smitten!

Happy 5 Months, Liesl Gale!

You love cuddling, smiling, listening to us sing to you, watching us, rolling over, and are questioning our desire to offer you solids :)

October '18

2018-11-28T19:46:00.004-05:00

October's rundown...

Jim cut down two trees and then the Hiltons came and helped clean them up.

September 2018

2018-10-26T15:49:00.002-04:00

Liesl and I spent the day at LL Bean on our own. So lovely!

Our own little Blue Man group :)

One of our first family walk/bike nights. So fun for both boys to be able to bike!

Doing yoga so that he can become stronger than Papa. :)

Date night. Carole has offered to watch our kids so we can go on a date night once a month. We have had no greater gift for our marriage <3

Once a biologist, always a biologist :)

FIVE YEARS OF IAN <3

Aunt Christine visited and met Liesl for the first time!

Apple cake was his birthday dessert this year! His request :) Along with apple-picking and applesauce-making.

Dirt dessert for school birthday treats (same as last year) for our little farmer.

Tinkergarten class with our bud Kasper.

Jim & Ian went camping for the weekend up on a farm in Maine during the Common Ground Fair.

Meanwhile, the little ones and I had a visit with Ama & Grumps. And we went to the LL Bean store!

And then met the guys at the fair!

Dad practicing scything.

A goat-milking demonstration- phenomenal.

Normalize breastfeeding

Owen's epic pouting position.

Liesl started rolling over!!!

Happiest little girl in all the land.

FIVE pumpkins volunteered in our garden!

Deerfield Fair with Dan & Carole. A tradition two years running!

Ian REALLY wanted to do the Ferris wheel and Dan made his dreams come true :)

Jim's building a goat/chicken/tool barn!!

Teetering Dishes

2018-10-26T14:55:00.000-04:00

When the meal is over, the boys have been encouraged (instructed seems too harsh a word, but perhaps more true) to say, "May I be excused?" and then carry their dishes to the counter. Ian has been doing this for a while now, but Owen's just started within the last few months.

Ian usually finishes first and finds a spot on the small counter space next to the sink. Depending on the day, there can be a few more dishes lined up and waiting for extra dishwasher space.

Let's be real, I wash as few dishes as possible... that's what the dishwasher is for.

Anyway, I digress.

The firstborn places his plate on the counter and soon after Owen makes his way, the four feet journey, to the counter and places his dishes there. Since his eyes can't see the top of the counter, he pushes his dishes onto the counter as best he can, navigating to one side of his brother's.

It's a process that makes me wince inside each time. Not because Owen is at all clumsy. He's actually incredibly coordinated. The boy has yet to fall while riding his balance bike, although he daringly gathers speed and turns quickly. He's quite agile, for a 2.5 year old. But it makes me wince because he's carrying glass and dishes that can actually break. And yet, he has yet to harm a single one, I need not be so concerned.

All too often, though, I walk into the kitchen and find a half-filled glass of milk teetering on the edge of the sink, threatening to tilt backward toward the floor. And his bowl or plate so carefully balanced, straddling the sink and the edge of the counter, that I am astonished it has been placed by a boy so small without falling.

Each and every time I draw in a quick breath, move the accident waiting to happen to a safer location, and then remind the culprit to place it on the counter and not the sink.

In this current phase of life, I feel like the teetering dishes are a perfect symbol. With three young children, I rarely feel like I am ahead of the game. I find myself rushing toward things that seem to be toppling all day long. Children's tears, laundry overflowing from the hamper, dinner-time approaching, and navigating new experiences and life lessons for our children and ourselves in this life.

But even when things shatter, I know we'll be okay. It's happened before and it's sure to happen again. What's important is picking up the pieces, discussing what went wrong, and starting anew.

August 2018

2018-10-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

Owen's Lymes disease bullseye

Liesl's FOUR Months Old

2018-10-10T19:43:00.002-04:00

OH, this girl!

We just adore her. Seriously.

We didn't know how much we needed her until she arrived.

Each and every one of us is better because she is here.

Her deep blue eyes quickly break into a smile for each person who will smile at her. She brings such joy, such light to any room. Although she's ALWAYS smiling, I had a great deal of trouble getting her to smile for this photo shoot. Ha! The big camera is just a little too distracting for her, I think. Scroll to the bottom and you'll see a truly gleeful Liesl smile.

And she's just so lovely and cuddly. She wants to be held most of the time and we are happy to oblige. Ian and Owen love to hold her and keep her company. Sometimes I have to beg them to give her a little space!

This month she's REALLY been into her hands. She loves to hold them, study them, interlace them, clutch them in fists, spread them to grab items around here.

THOSE BABY BLUES. I mean, c'mon. Worth mentioning twice.

Her hair continues to grow longer and curl in the humidity and after bath times. And she gets many compliments on her hair color. It's getting longer and longer. I really hope she lets me braid it, one day!! <3

I can't believe she's four months old, and yet... I can hardly believe that this little soul has only been here 1/3 of a year.

She's loves to talk and babble back and forth. But she's also willing to just chat away on her own in the carseat, or before she goes to sleep, or while she's looking at toys on the floor around her. Such a delight, this girl.

It makes her giggle when you kiss her on the cheek or touch or kiss her belly.

This is her amused face, which usually breaks into a BIG beautiful smile. On this day, she was elusive :)

At this point she was always rolling onto her side, but not quite all of the way over from back to front. Her arm often got in her way. She did LOTS of crunches, bringing her legs way up high and rocking back and forth. So strong, that girl.

She will move mountains one day. I just know it.

And the four of us will be there to cheer her on, through each milestone. She certainly has the best cheering squad I know.

She's wearing six month clothes, rarely spits up, eats & sleeps like a champ.

At her four month appointment she weighed 17 lbs, which is double her birth weight! Plus one pound :) (I need to double check her height)

She keeps her gaze on me, always wanting to know where I am. She still despises the carseat, but she's getting a little better about it. She loves watching her brothers and listening to them sing.

She LOVES it when I sing to her. Her eyes light up and she smiles and grins at me.

She LOVES attention from her papa, too. His scratchy beard makes her grin... we'll see how long that lasts ;)

And.... here's the grin from this little girl that I will always remember. This adorable, cheerful smile that brings her entire face into the expressions.

Happy 4 Months, Sweet Liesl!

You love: Mama's singing, scratchy kisses from Papa, chatting with your brothers, chatting yourself to sleep, rolling onto your side, being worn in the carrier, being carried or held, being outside, gumming on toys, watching mama, doing crunches.

You despise: the carseat, being put down on the floor by yourself. Other than those two things you are VERY content.

Gosh, we are so grateful for you <3

Ian's FIVE!!

2018-09-18T20:39:00.000-04:00

He's FIVE!

My goodness! How can it possibly be your FIFTH birthday. These years have flown by with so much love, joy, and wonder. Now, when we ask you how old you are, you beam and hold up your WHOLE HAND!

Five years ago today I was marveling at you for the first time and, truth be told, I still marvel at the incredible being you are each and every day.

You are strong, joyful, intelligent, exuberant, curious, kind, daring, adventurous, cautious, encouraging, loving, determined, sweet, imaginative, bold, articulate, devoted, and still absolutely set on being a farmer.

For your birthday this year you chose to go apple-picking again at Butternut Farm (like last year) and you wanted to make applesauce with Papa and for me to make you an apple cake! When asked when your birthday is, you always reply that it's when the apples are ripe! We love that.

This week Aunt Christine was here to celebrate your birthday with us! She got you an awesome magnifying glass :)

This coming weekend you are going on your first big camping trip with Papa! The two of you have been talking about The Common Ground Fair in Maine since we left last year. I cannot wait to hear about your adventures and visit you one of the days!

Sticking true to your farmer soul, we made dirt dessert for you to share with your friends at school today. You were excited to celebrate with your buddies! It was a rainy morning, but that couldn't dampen your spirits! We joked that we should plant a seed in the dirt, let them get some rain, and see if they grow! You thought that was pretty funny.

You continue to amaze us with your love of stories and your ability to retell them to us. You listen to books on CD each night and every week you bring home a massive stack of library books, which you pour through as soon as we get home. You really enjoy learning new words and phrases and often work them into your everyday vernacular. You love using the word "simultaneously" :)

Right now you are really getting into Legos and Playmobil toys; we just acquired a few bins of hand-me-down toys from our neighbors! You are ecstatic.

You love riding your balance bike and are so fast an agile at it now! You and Owen love your newfound independence on walks and we love living in a place that makes it easy to bike/walk around town and campus.

Lately we've watched a few new movies and you've been quoting different lines at different, pertinent moments. One of our favorites was when you ate a treat that Papa made and said, "Crunchy, yet satisfying!" You adapted a Simba line from when he tried a grub: "Slimy, yet satisfying" and it was perfect for the situation.

You are a wonderful and devoted big brother. Owen loves sharing a room with you and, when I asked you about how you feel about sharing a room, you said, "I like having a buddy in there." Heart melt.

Most mornings you can be found playing together before we wake up and almost immediately you ask if you can hold Liesl! You love making her smile and are determined that you will marry her when you are older. Ha!

Most mornings you help let the chickens out and feed Leif. On the weekends you like it when Papa makes crepes or pancakes; he lets you choose the night before. Papa usually does your bedtime routine and you watch "The Bearded Man" (Justin Rhodes- a farmer with 4 kids) and other farming or interesting videos on Youtube-- you love this time and Owen does, too.

You are very thoughtful and conscientious, holding doors for me, thanking me for meals, sometimes helping to clean up other dishes, but always making sure to take yours to the kitchen after each meal. You have a huge heart and we pray that you retain this through the years!

Ian Forrester, we are so incredibly proud of you. You are pursuing your passions, trying new things, and tackling each day head-on. You make us proud and nothing you could EVER do would be able to separate you from our love. We hope you grow to know that <3

Love you forever, dear five year old!
- Mama, Papa, Owen, & Liesl

Liesl's THREE Months Old

2018-09-12T15:12:00.001-04:00

We're already halfway through her three months of life and I haven't written the post yet! Thankfully I took the pictures on her three month birthday, August 25th, and jotted down a few notes during the month in my journal.

What a little love she is!!

I seriously cannot get enough of my sweet & constant companion <3

She's craning her neck to see whatever she can while on the floor, and following the voices of those wild brothers all around the house.

She's very content, most of the time. Liesl likes to be in the same space as other people and grins VERY big when anyone swoops over to smile and chat with her.

She'll often start cooing and chatting back, if spoken to. Sometimes she just starts chatting in hope, it seems, that someone will carry on a conversation with her.

And it truly feels like we have a mutual understanding when we're conversing. Oh, how I love her. May our chats be life-giving & loving throughout the years.

Liesl's turning over onto her side, craning to see the world around her. She can often be found doing crunchs with her belly and swinging her legs back and forth, from side to side. It almost looks like she's trying to muster up the motion to roll quickly over. Although she has rolled over a few times, she is not doing it often and with intention, so far. She can often be found in the same position she was left in, except angled a different direction on the floor. OR one of her brothers have heard her pleas for assistance and rolled her onto her belly... haha. The third child is blessed by having couple helpers!!

Her eyes in the photo below show her "cooing" expression. She often squints a bit as she's chatting with you, sincere in her conversation.

She often falls alseep while nursing and then I lay her down, but sometimes she just wants to chat a little more before drifting off. I'll sit in the rocking chair and she'll smile and coo at me until I rock her to sleep, feeling her weight more strongly in the nook of my arm and on my chest. This is one of my favorite things ever, this sweet interaction as she fully settles, resting completely in my arms, chatting and smiling her way to sleep. Oh, how deeply loved she is!

This month we tried nursing in the carrier while I was walking on Jenness Beach!! It was a new experience for me (yes, this third time around) but it was so lovely. I walked the beach and no one I passed knew I was nursing. And she nursed, was satisfied, and then fell straight to sleep. Why haven't I done this sooner?! It won't be the last time, I'm sure :)

People comment on the deep blues of her eyes and the color of her strawberry blonde hair, turning even more blonde underneath. When her hair is wet, it curls up all over her head! It will be interesting to see what becomes of these sweet curls as her hair grows.

One of Liesl's signature expressions is to tuck her bottom lip up under her top lip :)

She has the sweetest rolls!! Enough said. They are darling.

And, already she's splaying her pinky toe our like her mama. Ha!

Her sweet pudgy hand is often wrapped around my fingers and therefore my heart. I love studying her hands and bitty toes.

Here's a play by play of her current favorite activity... rolling onto her side.

Those baby blues!!! All the heart eyes. All the time.

You are still a mighty sleeper and for that we are oh so grateful!!! You fall asleep around 7:30 or 8 each night and sleep until between 4:30 and 5:30, when you wake up to nurse and then go right back to sleep. I didn't believe babies like you existed.... but you are living proof! And I am so thankful!

And she still continues to wow us with her strength. This girl. We hope and pray that you grow to know how deeply loved you are. We pray you grow to be strong, thoughtful, determined, generous, humble, confident, graceful, and steadfast. We are forever in your court, little one.

Happy 3 months, sweet Liesl!

You love: cooing, giggling when I tickle your belly, chatting with your brothers, airplanes, listening to mama sing, rolling onto your sides, being worn in the sling and the carrier, swinging on the swing outside, being held by Papa, & being swaddled for sleeping.

You dislike: the carseat, the stroller, and soiled diapers.

We look forward to the months ahead, but we are savoring the here and now. You are adored & deeply loved by each of us.

Life with Three

2018-08-11T21:14:00.002-04:00

A standard question lately is, "What's life like with three?" My answers are always feel feeble.

You'd think that I'd have plenty of time to think about such a response, since it's my life right now. That I'd be thinking about how it's changed with three.

But, truly, I don't have a good answer.

Sometimes it's beautiful, with lots of snuggles, songs, books, and outdoor time.
Sometimes it's bickering and hurts, when I'm not able to witness exactly what happened between the older two while I'm changing the diaper of the youngest in another room.
Sometimes it's shuffling three beings out the door only to discover that one laid a massive number two that must be changed before our outing.

It's navigating the beginnings of telling falsehoods and how that affects trust.
It's noticing behaviors that weren't there months before and wondering how much is developmental and how much is a result of our change in family dynamics.
It's finding moments throughout the day to focus on each child, on their own. Encouraging dialogue and listening to feelings.

It's a leaky roof and lots of phone calls with roofers and insurance.
It's a family full of wants and needs, running on sleep deprivation and limited time.
It's an insatiable appetite from breastfeeding.
It's being a short order chef of snacks and meals all day long.

It's slicing up watermelon & handing out popsicles to survive afternoons during this hot, muggy summer.
It's getting out of the house when we all need a change of pace, but savoring the ease of time at home and in our own yard.
It's the excitement of a broody hen, then chicks hatching. The joy of finding a robin's nest with a baby bird and two eggs, right next to our house.

It's taking each day moment by moment.
It's saying "no" when you normally say "yes." And learning that both words are healthy & necessary.

It's lots of smiles, tears, emotions, apologies, laughs, and hugs.
It's stretching further than we thought we could, and then a little further.
It's realizing how fast the time goes, how five years of parenthood could already have passed us by. It's wanting to stop time, reverse it, and speed it up at the very same time.

It's feeling thankful, humbled, worn, complete & full of love.

Just a Few

2018-08-11T20:09:00.001-04:00

Isn't that always what I say? Just a few photos. But really it's all of them. Life's flying so quickly with these three kids of mine. As I bounced Liesl to sleep tonight, my computer's screen saver popped up with pictures and I saw a few I'd never posted. As I looked back at my photos I realized that there are quite a few that never made it. These show some of the life those first two weeks... and I don't want to miss them.

July '18

2018-07-29T14:55:00.006-04:00

Wagon Hill Hike with Grumps!

Liesl's first hike :)

Ian added Liesl to his painting from before she was born! Love this.

Pea in a pod.

While my dad was here, he grilled for us almost every night. This was one of my favorites... steak and kabobs!

For the 4th of July we went over to Rod & Kate's house. They let us take their kayaks out for a ride and Kate cuddled little Liesl. It was a lovely evening with good friends.

Owen was the first of our kids to get stung by something with a stinger! He got two stings and was SUCH A TROOPER. I was so amazed at how quickly he calmed down and then he never complained about the pain again! What? Quite the pain tolerance, perhaps?

So, so, so hot. This summer has had so many hot days and our one little window unit just isn't cutting it. One day Liesl and I took the car to the mechanic and I was thrilled to discover that their waiting room as like a refrigerator. The desk guy kept checking to make sure we were okay... we were MORE THAN OKAY, trust me!

This was a monumental night for our family! The day before, Ian finally took an interest in his balance bike. The next day we decided to walk into town for dinner at Hop 'n Grind and he rode his bike. He loved it so much that we decided to walk all over UNH and then the paths around Campus Woods. So fun!!

9 Year Anniversary!

Happily listening to Mary Poppins :)

Lotsa sling time!

Every Thursday we go to the library and return with quite a stack of books! Ian pages through every single one of them before eating lunch, upon returning home. This month I made a new rule that he needs to be able to carry the library book bag out to the car when we leave the library. If it's too heavy for him, then we need to put a few books back. One day he swore he could carry. He heaved it up on his shoulder, and it swiftly pulled him down to the floor. Fortunately he thought it was as funny as I did because I couldn't stop laughing. We both laughed our way our of the library :)

The herbs were hung by the chimney with care...

A night out in Portsmouth with Ama & Papa.

Raspberry & blueberry picking with Ama!

Fort-building with Ama!

8 weeks

Liesl, Jim, and I went on a date to Prescott Park. We saw Gillian Welch and David Rawlings in concert and they were amazing!!

First family Candy Land game

Movie Night: Planet Earth

Blueberry Picking at Emery Farm

Two months!

Baking cookies with Owen while Ian & Liesl slept

After both boys were finally feeling better, they were so happy to be allowed near Liesl again.

Ian and John biking home from the blueberry patch.

Pitter-Patter

2018-07-29T14:25:00.001-04:00

Deep in sleep I'm awakened by the sound of thumping from the floor above. Pausing, I listen to the frequency of the pitter patter. If it's a steady, methodical gait of plodding, then it's my four year old. If it's a torrent of quick little hummingbird steps, it's the two year old.

They share a room, as of a few months ago, and it's both parts stressful and comforting at the same time. The brothers have reached an age where they can both communicate their needs and wishes. It's easier to know if they need a drink, snack, or a blanket. But with this helpful communication comes it's drawbacks: bickering, coersion, & manipulation. And at the age of four and two, it can be difficult to determine whether a shriek is joyful and ecstatic or a result of pain and injustice.

So, sometimes, when those feet hit the floor, I don't just study the pattern and methods of the pedestrian pats. I also listen for any form of verbal banter.

My hope is that those pitter-patters will move peacefully out of the bedroom, down the hall to the playroom, thus leaving the other potential patterer to continue resting. Despite lots of conversation, pleading (from our end), and training, we usually end up with one doing acrobatics, bonking the wall and the floor with limbs before finally deciding to go to the playroom themselves. Or, I peel myself out of my heavenly bed, sneaking past our sleeping newborn & my husband, past our hungry dog waiting outside the door, to drag myself up the stairs and remind the waker to move to his next destination.

By the time I do willfully wake up (at a time when normal people would deem acceptable- ha!) both boys have been playing with toys in the play room, or have spilled their way down the stairs. It's usually their clammer that awakens me as they play and the decibels get greater as their bellies rumble louder. To their cre
dit, they will often have feasted on an apple, staving off their hunger just a bit longer, and allowing this mama to rest a tad more.

I'm grateful for their independence, their ability to entertain themselves.

Weekdays I get dressed & nurse the babe before making eggs or cereal & yogurt. On the weekends, though, we eat special breakfasts of pancakes or crepes with savory and sweet toppings.

It's not lost on me that these mornings are to be savored. That life will start to move faster, our children will start school and be involved in sporting events or other extra-curricular activities on the weekends. That we'll be eager to spend full days at the beach or out hiking.

I know these days of being woken up by them won't last forever. One day I'll have to wake them up. Imagine that?

There will come a time when the house is still quiet when I voluntarily wake up. When I'll drink my coffee, read, and think before greeting their faces for the day. Perhaps I'll even get some exercise. They'll walk down with sleep in their eyes, perhaps even letting ME know that I woke them up with the sound of scraping the cast iron. I hope I'll look at them and smile, remembering a different season.

A few months ago we were eating dinner with some friends and our two year old went running out of the room. His sweet, slightly clumsy steps making that darling pitter-patter as he followed the older kids.

My friend said, "Oh, remember when our kids made that sound?"
Her husband kinda chuckled and responded, "No, I don't. It's amazing how fast it goes."
To which she said, "We will never have that sound in our house again..." Whistfully and joyfully, she said, "We'll just have to borrow it from you."

And it was then that I really started listening to the pitter-patter, observing those feet become more steady with each step.

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In the last few months I've been told I need to write a book. I haven't the ability or the slightest idea of what I'd write about, but it did get me thinking that I do want to write more. I want to write these simple details about a morning at home. If there's one thing I've learned in this journey, it's how much life plows forward. How much we grow with our kids, how much we savor in the time it's there and then how much we really just can't remember. I've documented a fair amount of our lives and I, when I very rarely look back at old posts, am always astonished that I don't remember some of the details and stories I've written down. Thank goodness for the written word. And thank goodness for the grace to move forward and the joy to be experienced in the now.

I think I'm going to occasionally start writing these little vignettes from our life. Writing brings me joy, feeds my soul, and also comforts me to know that it's in black and white.

We still have not printed any of this blog, but it holds a WHOLE lot of life. I got lost looking back through this blog a few nights ago for something in particular, and I realized that this holds memories, hardships, and joys from 2011 to the present. What a gift. A gift I plan to utilize more, if just for our little family.

For those who might read this blog, thanks for sticking with me through the drought.

2 Months with Liesl

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It's entirely bewildering to me how we could have already reached two months with sweet Liesl! I'd even been saying that she was one week younger than she was for a few weeks, perhaps, subconsciously, willing it to be so!

This month had quite a few new developments. She started locking eyes with us and tracking us as we moved around her. Then she began smiling and making great gaping mouth grins that melted us straight to the core.

She went through lots of growth spurts, wanting to nurse and grow, nurse and grow. This meant that she was extra aware of when Mama was not in her vicinity. We've spent a lovely month bonding in this way. And she has a few extra rolls to squish and cuddle. I certainly feel like she's sturdy when I'm carrying her around, both in weight and in strength.

Her neck is SO STRONG! During tummy time, she can lift herself up all of the way to look around in front of her. With all of the action of two big brothers, a dog, and two busy parents, it's no wonder you're interested in what this zoo of a household has going on ;)

Most recently she's started cooing back and and forth with us, which is just the sweetest. She coos, then we echo her, and she makes a delighted smile before cooing again. This cycle continues for as long as she'll go before she gets hungry or tired again. Darling girl, what joy you bring!

After baths her hair curls up all over her head, making her strawberry-tinged hair even that much more adorable. It will be interesting to see if those curls stick around.

Today Jim was eating a blueberry and he held it up to her eyes and said, "Her eyes really do look like blueberries!" It's true, dear one, your eyes are the deep shade of blue. We've done a fair amount of picking blueberries lately, and you're eyes match each and every one of them.

Your brothers are far away, whenever you're awake. THEY LOVE YOU! One of their common bickers is over who gets to hold you first. Not a bad problem to have! Ian likes to bounce you to help you calm down and both boys like to sing to you and speak comforting words of encouragement such as, "Mama's right here" or "We hear you.

The boys burst into the room while I was snapping these pictures of you and wanted to help :)

Liesl sleeps FAR MORE in duration throughout the night than either of her brothers did. In fact, sometimes Owen still wakes me up in the night and Liesl sleeps through! Most of the time she wakes up once around 4ish and then again around 6ish before getting up for the day around 7:30 AM. It's lovely and we'll see how long it lasts.

Oh sweet girl.... life with you is wonderful.

And we can't wait to learn more about who you are in month three.

Since it's so hard for me to choose, here are some of my favorite pictures of you from the two month shoot. Pictures always say more than words, anyway.

Happy 2 Months, Liesl Gale!

You love: cooing, smiling, being sung to, nursing, being bounced on the yoga ball, being swaddled, your brothers & Papa chatting with you, sleeping long chunks of time at night (hooray!!), being held, & being worn in the sling.

You despise: Being put down on your back on a blanket when no one's right there to talk to, the carseat, and (occasionally) the evening hours right before bed.

End of June '18

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