This is How…

June 21, 2013June 21, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 9 Comments

I’ve always been an over-thinker.

When I was a kid I would think about my future a lot. I’d wonder what high school would be like, then count how many years left until I turned sixteen. My mind would continue to wander; I’d ponder what college I’d go to, what my future husband would be like, how my unborn children would look, and where we would live. Would we be healthy? Would we have a happy home?

And as these early milestones came and went in my life, I found myself thinking, “wow, so this is how my [life event] happens.” It was fun to fantasize about what the future held, then see elements of it come to fruition.

After Isaac and I eloped after just two months of dating (crazy, I know!), I found myself saying “wow, so this is how…” over and over again. One milestone after another rolled by; I changed my last name, quit my job, moved across the country and then got pregnant.

Then when Margot was born, it was the most overwhelming TIH moment.

This is my baby! This is my future! I am a mother! This is unbelievable!

It was truly a beautiful moment. I only wish it lasted longer.

That wrinkly newborn turned three-months-old this week. She’s holding her head up by herself now, and her dexterity is improving every day. Margot has become a happy, babbling, drooling bundle of joy that I can’t possibly get enough of. Our first home as a family, way out in Washington State, is full of life and love.

Just when I started to get really comfortable here in the suburbs, my husband reminded me that our move to Alaska is less than 90 days out. We’ve made our travel plans, started on the change of station paperwork, and begun looking for housing. I’ve been thinking and over-thinking about this move for a year now.

On moving day, I’m sure I’ll take one last look at our house on Stockholm Ln. and think “so this is how our Alaskan adventure begins”.

Margot in the Morning

May 5, 2013July 22, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 7 Comments

On days like today, Margot is disinclined to greet the morning sun. She stirs in her bassinet, shying away from the daylight that shines through the blinds of our picture window. Eventually she shakes her sleepiness with a labored yawn and welcomes the day with a few gummy grins for her mama and papa.

These fleeting moments are a gift every day.Because, when the memory of a delicious meal flickers in her eye, hunger conquers the occasion. That’s when I get an adorable sad face like this:

and I know it’s the beginning of another honeyed day.

Tulips of Skagit Valley

April 22, 2013July 22, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 6 Comments

There is something wonderful about having perfect timing. Last year, Isaac and I didn’t have it. We showed up two weeks too early to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mt. Vernon, WA to view the blooming tulip fields. To our credit, the festival lasts all month to allow for the temperamental flowers to arrive when they please.

The tulips were in full bloom for us at Roozengaarde this weekend. I’m convinced Isaac could care less either way; sometimes the only language he speaks is Fudge.

Margot was a delight the entire day, she’s still newborn-enough to sleep through pretty much anything, as long as she has her binky. Which reminds me, we finally broke down and gave her a pacifier. She loves it, and we’re enjoying a less fussy baby. It allowed us to visit with the friends we traveled with and navigate the muddy fields of Skagit Valley with ease.

In retrospect, I probably should have taken Margot out of her stroller for a photo-op, but I really wasn’t willing to juggle a camera and baby on such a windy day. Plus she looked so peaceful in her stroller, why mess with success?