this and that

Oh, hey there.  Is anyone still reading this thing?

The break from blogging was somewhat intentional and unintentional at the same time.  This year so far as been filled with some good personal changes for me.  One of which involved simplifying wherever possible, and so the urge to feel like I had to regularly fill this blog space with something currently happening in our lives has faded.  As well, life is so busy raising kiddos right now I wouldn't have much time to blog even if I wanted to.  That being said, I feel like I might someday regret failing to document at least a bit of this time in our lives.  I am planning to write an Oliver update soon, hopefully after his first birthday in a couple of weeks.  Likely to follow that will be random, less detail-y joint updates on both kiddos.

I think it was back in January when I read "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up."  It was my long overdue dive into what I currently think of as modern minimalism.  Maybe it was the fact that I was home all day with two tiny humans in the dead of winter slowly going a bit stir crazy, or maybe it really was the overwhelming feeling that comes with owning too much stuff, but either way something sparked inside of me that decided it was time for a change.  I spent nearly every spare moment for weeks (months?) going through every drawer, cabinet, closet, and room using the Marie Kondo method of removing all the contents, laying everything out on the floor, and then basically throwing out every item that "no longer brought me joy."  Four SUV-packed loads taken to the thrift store and several bags of discarded trash later, and I was feeling physically lighter and less cluttered than ever before.  The desire to "lighten my load" overflowed into other areas of my life as well.  I deactivated all my social media accounts with the exception of Instagram.  I stopped following all blogs and stopped writing on here as well.  I went through my phone and removed digital clutter - apps that no longer served me and hundreds of photos of the kids because really, in 20 years I will not need 3,000 photos of Arlo at age three.  I will want perhaps 20-50 of the best ones, which I have kept.  I am certainly not a true minimalist.  Not even close.  We still have far more "stuff" than we will ever need.  The biggest takeaway from the whole experience was the learning to let go of things.  With the exception of a few sentimental items - photos, plants I have had forever, projects I have made and cherish, I could part with just about anything I own now.  Getting rid of things has become easy, and gone is my tendency to hoard items that I "might someday need."

Shortly after Oliver turned six months, I went back to work.  I felt ready months before I actually went back, but the desire to keep him out of childcare was stronger than my urge to get back to being a nurse.  I started with one day a week and then eventually went back to two, which feels like just the right work/life balance right now.  I truly enjoy my job, working in general, and seeing my coworkers who are also my friends.  The boys stay with one of two stay at home mamas who I found to care for them, and they both love going there because of the existence of friends and new toys that are found at each location.  I have become friends with both of these mamas, and they are now people we meet up with for playdates on that days that I am not working.

Around the time I went back to work, I also joined the gym.  Those two things have been game changers for me.  The ability to have a day or two a week to go be "Kendra the nurse" combined with an hour or two to myself on the days where I am not working, has done wonders for my happiness (and sanity.)  I am a much better mom when I am able to get some time to feel like I am getting to be me.  I am not going to lie, kids are hard.  Between the three-year-olds emotional meltdowns and a teething baby, the days can be long and stressful if not approached with some type of survival plan.  I don't mean for it to sound all bad - these challenging moments are interspersed with times the boys will play nicely together in the playroom, have a living room dance party, or laugh wildly as they chase each other through the house.  I'm thankful for these times and they are some of my most favorite moments, but the truth is some days the hard ones seem to out number the easy ones.  Those are the days that I don't know how I would calmly get through if I wasn't able to get some de-stressing time for myself.

When Erik approached me with his idea that joining the gym would be of some huge benefit to me, he presented it to me as something I could attend without even working out since the childcare is available for anything you want to do while on site.  Our gym has a sauna in each locker room, as well as a lounge area that many moms use for relaxing/catching up on social media/making those phone calls that are impossible to successfully make with small humans in the room.  I liked the idea of having those options available to me and he did get my attention by mentioning them, but once I got back into it I realized how much I missed the intense workouts I so used to enjoy (and to this day I still haven't even used that sauna.)  After Arlo was born I never really got back into running, and certainly didn't spent any time doing strength training outside of a semi-regular yoga practice.  Now I am back to doing both, as well as spin classes and other intense strength/cardio classes.  As apprehensive as I initially was with taking a six month old to group childcare, it went far better than I anticipated it would.  Oliver is a favorite of the staff, and they all know the boys well since we are there most days of the week.  The boys both get some energy out playing with toys and friends and I basically get to do the same, my toys being the gym equipment.  I am thankful that Erik encouraged me to get back into it, and while my body will certainly will never look the same as it did before growing two humans (nor do I ever expect it to) I am as feeling as fit and as strong as I ever have been.  Which feels pretty damn good.

At the end of May, Erik and I took our first trip since Oliver came into the picture.  My parents came to stay with the boys, and Erik and I went to Puerto Rico for six days of kid-free adult time.  I remember the first full day we were there, laying on the beach overcome by this feeling of true relaxation that comes only with having zero schedule, zero responsibilities, and no one to answer to but ourselves.  After nearly a year of being "on duty" nearly every minute of everyday, the feeling was foreign and only then did I realize how much Erik and I really needed the break together.  Our days were filled with swimming, surfing, quiet date night dinners, and drinks in the middle of the day just because we could.  I can't wait to go back someday.

Puerto Rico, May 2017

In July we took our first big trip as a family of four.  We had road tripped up to D.C. a couple weeks prior, but the trip to Michigan was the first time flying with both kids.  Overall, the travel went well, but it was still a lot of traveling.  We stayed with Erik's parents for a few days, then drive four hours north to Alpena for part two of the trip.  My family reunion was the main event up north, and it was great to see all the family who I only get to see every two years.  I was able to connect with two of my childhood friends, and meet their kiddos who I had not yet met.  It was a wonderful trip, and one I would consider a great success considering the logistics of traveling so far with a three year old and toddler. 

The summer so far here in North Carolina has been mild and enjoyable.  We missed out on a week long extreme southern heat wave when were in Michigan, and the temps in the high 80's/low 90's have allowed for a lot of outside time with the kids.  At the beginning of the summer we refinished our back deck, giving it a fresher look as well as creating a space that is much more kid friendly.  We've gotten a ton of use out of our $9 plastic kiddie pool and water table, and Oliver is now at the age where he can enjoy most of the same outdoor activities as his big brother.  He was an early walker so trips to the park are great for keeping the boys busy and entertained, and the library is still a frequent destination especially on rainy days.  It's only early August but somehow it feels like summer is almost over.  Our local grocery store put out their Halloween decor two weeks ago and the teachers and kids seem to be prepping for their return back to school already.  I'm not quite ready to give up summer yet though and am looking forward to at least another month of swimsuits and sticky watermelon hands. 

Arlo (3.5 yr) + Oliver (10 mo), June 2017

So, I guess that's a quick snapshot of 2017 so far.  There is more of course, there always is, but I suppose these are the main events.  More on the kiddos and what they are up to in a later post...

Michigan 2015: part 4

Continued from part 3.

Saturday was the day of the family reunion, a traditionally lazy day that had always been spent lounging, playing cards with relatives, and when I was much younger - participating in the kids games.  Now that I have a kid of my own, a toddler at that, "lounging" was not really part of my vocabulary that day.  We didn't arrive until mid afternoon as we wanted to make sure Arlo got in a solid nap that day, but when we got there the little man was full of energy.  He was just a little too young to participate in the kids games, but still very mobile, so we took turns chasing him around and finding things for him to play with, trying to keep him disinterested from the nearby lake that surely looked appealing to him. 

Now, pictures!

all of us!  but only about 1/5th of the entire reunion.  photo credit goes to my Uncle K

the B family!  photo credit Uncle K

us, the Parental Units, and the newlyweds - Megs & Mitch.  photo credit Uncle K

us again.  photo credit Uncle K.

Here are the photos I took with our camera between chasing after Arlo and making sure he was fed snacks every 20 minutes...

After hanging out with everyone for a while, and the traditional group photos were taken (see above,) Erik, Arlo and I sneaked out to head back to downtown Alpena to eat at a restaurant (vegan options/organic options/local options!) we had discovered earlier in the week.  We finished the day walking around downtown picking up a few souviners for family, and then took a trip down to the beach.  It was a lovely way to spend the last evening in Alpena with my lil' family...

Arlo did NOT like the feeling of sand on his feet and refused to walk on it!  It was so hard not to laugh at the poor kid.

The following morning we celebrated my cousins daughters second birthday with a puppy dog tea party in my Grandma's back yard.  Afterwards, we packed up and drove back downstate to stay one last night at Erik's parents house.  The following morning we hopped on a plane back to sweet sunny NC, where Lucy was happily collected from the pet sitters house and the cats were given some much needed attention.  All in all, we couldn't have asked for a better time spent "back home" with family.  We will let The Mitten state turn cold again, and visit when the temperate weather returns next year.  I certainly can't go another four years without going back, my Meijers addiction simply won't allow it.  Thanks for everything, home sweet Michigan!

Michigan 2015: part 3

Continued from part 2.

Friday the 17th was the day of Megan's wedding, and what a lovely day it was.  The weather started out a bit rainy, but it was just enough rain to count as good luck, because by the time that the noon ceremony rolled around, the rain clouds had moved on and things dried up for the most part.  The ceremony was held right in my Grandmas beautiful backyard, and the ceremony was officiated by one of Megan's best friends. The flower boquets were put together by our Aunt Wanda, from flowers freshly picked from Grandma's garden.   Erik and Uncle Kirt played photographers during the ceremony, and then I took some candid shots of Megan and Mitch in their requested locations later in the day.  Arlo was the ring bearer, and was walked down the isle with my Mom:

I was the maid of honor, and the best man was another "Erik with a k," one of Mitch's best friends.

Here comes the bride!  Megan and Dad:

Wedding party:

Wedding party plus the parental units:

And some pictures I took later in the day, Meg and Mitch on Grandma's swing set:

Arlo and his Grandpa:

Rings:

Arlo on the teeter-totter (isn't that what you call this thing?):

My Mom and her two sisters:

Down at "Grandmas Beach":

Later on, Erik taught Arlo to ride a bike.  Pretty sure Erik had been waiting for that moment since the day Arlo was born!

And one of my favorite ever photos of my boys...  Taken in Grandma's garden:

Arlo discovering his love of freshly picked sugar snap peas from the garden:

I was so happy that we were able to be a part of Megan and Mitch's special day!  Arlo did a great job as ring bearer, and will get to play the part again in just over a month when Erik's brother gets married.  The day following the wedding was our family reunion, another event that I am going to give it's own post... But don't worry, it's the last in my Michigan 2015 blog post installment.  Ha!  Stay tuned for the fourth and final part...

Michigan 2015: part 2

Continued from part 1.

After staying with Erik's parent downstate for five days, we headed up north to visit with my family.  Most of my family is pretty spread out across the country, but every two years we all meet in Alpena for our family reunion.  I missed the last one two years ago, but have been to every single other reunion since I was just a wee one.  My maternal grandma still lives in the same house she has for well over 50 years now, and some of my fondest memories growing up were spent at her house, which is located just four blocks away from lake Huron.  Heading to her house was like a trip down memory lane, reminiscent of so many summers spent there in my childhood.  It was around a four hour drive to get to my Grandma's house, but one I thoroughly enjoyed as I was able to spot all the landmarks I used to look forward to as a kid.  Highlights of the trip always included driving over the Zilwaukee bridge, passing by the small lake-side towns of Tawas and Oscoda, driving past Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, and finally the 45th Parallel (halfway between the North Pole and the Equator) just before arriving in Alpena.  Arlo slept for most of the drive (thankfully), so I will just have to point out all of those landmarks to him on our next visit!

The first day in town was spent visiting with everyone who had already arrived at my Grandma's house, and greeting all the incoming family members as cars from Ohio, downstate Michigan, and even Coloraro made their way into town.  In the later afternoon, we took a quick trip down to the beach to dip our toes in the water and let Arlo burn off some energy at the playground.

The next morning we went to visit with one of my best friends from my childhood, and his family.  Justin grew up in the house next door to my Grandma and he was always the first person I wanted to visit when we arrived, sometimes I would even yell to him through the open windows to see if he could come out to play, ha!  I have pictures of us as tiny kids playing on the swing set that still stands in her backyard, and others of us hanging out at the beach when we were old enough to swim in the lake.  I hadn't seen Justin for probably something like ten years, and in that time we both went on to get married and start our own families.  It was so awesome to meet his family and introduce him to mine.  It's crazy to think that we played together as kids, and that during our visit, our own kids got to play together.  It's all circle of life or something like that, ha!  Here's the fun group shot we took at their awesome house:

Later that day Erik and I went on a bike date to downtown Alpena.  These are the Schwinn bikes my grandma has had at her house for ages, they are older than I am! 

That same night, we took my sister, Megan, out for a little bachlorette party, as her wedding was the next day!  The photo below is us at a little pub downtown.  I wasn't prepared to do shots, and honestly can't remember the last time I had anything other than wine or a mixed drink.  But, when in Rome... or Alpena... that's what you do!  Needless to say after two I was feelin' pretty good.

When we returned back to my Grandma's, it was obvious before we even got out of the car that there was a party going on in the garage.  My uncles had spent the day clearing out decades worth of lawn implements, bikes, and trash cans and turned the garage into a party zone in anticipation of the wedding the next day.  Flashing Christmas lights were hung, tulle covered the walls, music was playing, and the men had started up a pretty serious game of poker.  Party at Blanche's house!!  :D

The following day was Megan's wedding, an event that I think deserves it's own post.  Stay tuned for part 3!

Michigan 2015: part 1

Vacations always seem to go by so quickly, don't they?  We recently returned from ten days in Michigan, where Erik and I were both living when when we met.  It's almost hard to believe, but this trip was only our second time back in the state since we moved down south nearly six years ago!  We each still have a lot of family there, so we were able to include in our trip both a visit with Erik's parents downstate, and my family up in northern Michigan.  Since a single post to cover the entire trip seems a bit ambitious, I am going to focus on the first few days downstate in this post.  Also, since I took a lot of photos on the trip (somewhere in the neighborhood of 700!) I am going to let the photos tell most of the story...

Here he is the day we left,  chillin' in his new car seat we bought specifically for the trip:

At the airport watching planes take off and wearing his very appropriate airplane jammies:

Luckily on both flights to MI (we had a short layover in Baltimore) the middle seat between Erik and I was empty.  For the first leg of the trip, Arlo was very interested in everything on the plane and didn't want to sit still, so we used his flight vest to keep him seated between us.  He didn't like that very much.  But really, which 18 month old ever wants to be restrained against their will?  None that I have ever met.

During our layover in Baltimore, we met up with Papa (he works in Baltimore and travels home on the weekends.)  We then all took the same flight to MI and Papa drove us to their house.  

During the second leg of the trip, we brought the car seat right on the plane and put it between Erik and I, which worked like a charm to put the little man to sleep!

Memere ("Mim-ay"), Arlo, and I all went sidewalk sale shopping on our first full day in town.  The weather was amazing during our trip, although the Michiganders were complaining it was too cold.  If you ask me though, 70's and sunny was a lovely departure from the high 90's we had been having down south.

As a surprise for Arlo, Memere and Papa bought a huge inflatable pool and we set it up in their backyard.  Also, I am giving myself credit for inflating this thing with just a tiny foot pump and the power of my lungs.  It took forever but I counted it as my workout that day.  And Arlo loved the pool, just as much without water as he did when it was filled up!

One of the things I was most looking forward to during our vacation was a long overdue trip to Meijer.  Or Meijers as I like to call it.  I never appreciated this store to it's fullest extent when we lived up north, but I sure missed it when we moved away.  Memere and Papa watched Arlo one morning while Erik and I escaped for a toddler-free outing, where I happily walked down nearly every isle just for fun.  Ha!

We also visited a petting farm which Arlo loved.  He seemed to really enjoy seeing all of the animals, but what really grabbed his attention was a big yellow tractor.  Here he is staring at it in motion:

Family photo at the petting farm:

We also found a playground near the farm, I think Memere enjoyed playing as much as Arlo did!

And here is a really terrible picture of me (but a great one of Erik) standing outside the Starbucks where we met exactly seven years ago. 

And twice while we were downstate I was able to sneak away for some early morning yoga.  One class was outside at the downtown amphitheater, which was a really cool experience.

We had a great time downstate visiting with Memere and Papa, and I know Arlo had a blast at their house.  We are already talking about returning next summer! 


And finally, a few fun Arlo facts!  On our trip, Arlo:
took his first plane ride (and second, and third, and fourth!)
stood up in his very first wedding
got to meet great-grandma J!!  She is my maternal grandmother, and my last living grandparent.
had two new teeth come in, both "two year" molars on the bottom
learned to go up and down 1-2 stairs at a time without holding on to anything
started giving us kisses on our cheeks and lips, and has since started coming up to us unprompted just to give us random kisses... awwww  :)
discovered his love of freshly picked sugar snap peas from great-grandma's garden


next up, part 2 of the trip!