Pink and Turquoise 11/52

I am so desperate for it to be Spring, I can't even stand it. This long winters are difficult for this Southern girl, so I'm trying to coax Spring weather into our lives by decorating the house with flowers, opening up all the blinds, and trekking all over town with the stroller, soaking up the 50 degree sunshine. But Rosalie has been helping to brighten up these March days by donning a huge splash of color. Come on, Spring! We're ready!

 

Weeks 8/52 and 9/52

I was in Seattle last week visiting family and missed out on blogging, so there will be two pictures in this post because I am a week behind. :)


Week 8/52 Seattle-Bound

Rosalie and I took a spontaneous trip to Seattle last week to visit some of Nathan's family, and although the trip (both directions) was more difficult than we had anticipated, we still had a blast while we were there! Rosalie and I bused up from Moscow (Nathan drove up to meet us later) on Thursday morning, and encountered a number of snags along the way, getting us to Seattle a bit behind schedule. Rosalie was amazing! She had a fever during the bus ride, but was still cheerful and sweet almost the entire time despite her discomfort. Kinda crazy how a child this small can still be an example to her mom, but our little Bug sure is. I am definitely a cranky sickie, and she's my inspiration ;)

Week 9/52 Pack-n-Play Antics

I was going through a difficult time a few weeks back when Rosalie was being extremely clingy whenever I was in the room. As long as I was in a different room, she was fine. I could even be in the same room cleaning or cooking. But if I wanted to work on anything quietly, like knitting or reading, or if I needed to go to the basement (where I couldn't keep an eye on her) to do laundry, etc, she would want to be held. My mom mentioned using the pack-n-play for the "play" it was intended for, rather than just for sleeping. I dubiously tried her suggestion, expecting Rosalie to think it was nap time and start crying. But instead, she adored it! Now, she begs to be put in her playpen, and will spend hours squealing and whacking things together. I'm more productive and she's learning how to entertain herself. It makes me so happy. I love her.

Playtime with Daddy 7/52

Three mornings a week, this little girl's daddy keeps her while I go to a class at the gym. It is the highlight of her day. She just adores Nathan, and watching them together is one of my favorite things to do.

6/52 Bath Time!

I cannot get over how much Rosalie loves bath time. It has been one of her favorite things since the first few days of her life, and absolutely nothing can phase her. Every time she hears the shower or bath come on, she stops whatever she is doing, starts squealing, and crawls full speed towards the bathroom, shaking with excitement, and trying to dive headfirst over the side of the tub into the water. 

This girl adores the bath so much that even when she gets water up her nose and in her eyes as she catapults underneath the surface, she just shivers and shakes her head like a dog when we grab her, trying desperately to dive under again. This makes washing her hair very easy because she could care less how much soap and water get into her eyes, but it also makes for a crazy and hilarious few minutes as Nathan and I try to hold on to her slippery limbs and keep her from swimming under water. I have no doubt that the soaked floor, wet clothes, and endless laughter that is bath time will become one of my favorite memories of our little Rosie girl.

5/52 Snow Day!

We've seen a bit of snow this winter, but not nearly as much as we expected. I remember a couple of winters a few years back where the ground was covered with some amount of snow from November-March. Not this year! It's been much more mild (for which I've been very grateful!). But this morning, we were finally able to use Rosalie's snowsuit and let her play in the snow. I was thrilled; Rosalie was less than enthused -- too much wet and cold in her face! But with her sunny disposition, I was still able to capture a few smiles! We love her!

4/52: Yogurt

Rosalie is 9 months old today. Crazy! Somehow, hitting the three-quarters mark makes her 1st birthday seem just around the corner. Her personality is really coming through now, and this past week, I introduced her to yogurt. She is just crazy about it. Normally, I have to encourage her to eat, but not when it's yogurt on the morning menu!

3/52

Our pediatrician recommended starting Rosalie on a bottle as early as possible to prevent her refusing to take one if it became essential at any point. So when she was 2.5 weeks old, we bought a bottle and were thrilled as she happily gulped it down.

During the first few months of her life, we left Rosie with her grandparents a few times when we would go out for the evening, and I always left a bit of milk to make sure she was happy all evening. But when she was about 4 months old, Rosalie started going to bed around 7 pm every night, and I stopped giving her a bottle. If necessary, I could feed her around 6:30, and she'd be set for the night. It never occurred to me to keep giving her a bottle periodically if it wasn't necessary.

About a month ago, I decided to leave Rosalie with my mom for the afternoon, and pulled out the bottle to make sure she would take it while I was gone. No such luck. She gnawed on it, crying when I took it away, but she made no progress with the milk itself. So I went on a wild goose chase, buying every type of bottle and sippy cup I could find on the Palouse, but she refused them all. I gave up on the day trip, but not on the bottle. I knew Rosalie would need to take one eventually...

Finally, on Monday, I found the magic cure -- the Soothie bottle. Rosalie has only taken Soothie pacifiers since birth, and when I heard that there was a bottle by the same company and shaped just like the paci, I thought I might have hit the jackpot.

Turns out I did, and now our little Rosalie has a new best friend.

Never Grow Up, Little Rosalie! January: Week 2 (2/52)

I never understood my dad growing up. He would scoop me into his arms, squeeze me as tight as he could and command me to never grow up. "You're getting too big! Stay little forever, ok?" he would plead. But I would writhe and wiggle until I came loose from his grasp, laughing. "I caaaan't stay little, daddy. You're silly." "Well then, I'll just have to throw you to the foxes, won't I?" More giggling. I wanted to grow up and get big. Grown ups had way more fun and I couldn't understand why my dad would want me to stay little.

Now I understand far more clearly than I ever expected to. Sometimes I grab Rosalie up off the floor, and hold her close, treasuring that particular moment or that face, thankful for her love of oranges and blocks, of crawling and pulling up, of jabbering and playing, but missing her newborn neediness, her bedtime snuggles, her 2 month old shock at rolling over, her excitement when she learned how to sit on her own, her squeals of delight when she began to pull up. I want to stop time and live in every moment for as long as possible, but those moments keep passing by and Rosalie's developing a new skill as soon as she masters an old one. I feel like somehow I'm missing out on her growing up, and I can't do anything about it. So I want to do what I can and write about her antics, photograph her expressions, and play with her, making sure to enjoy every moment as much as I can. So following in the footsteps of a few of my friends, I am going to try to post a picture a week, along with an update on what our Little Bug is up to. Maybe I'll do a better job with the blog than with Rosalie's baby book! I'm not so sure... but we'll see!

------

Since the beginning of January, Rosalie has really mastered the art of pulling up. She comes into a room and takes stock of the furniture, making a game plan for standing and cruising. The more opportunities to move, the happier she is. We flew to visit friends and family early this week, and traveling by plane was not a hit for our active little girl. If you can't pull up on a plane, what's there to do? So she wiggled and complained, begging for freedom, and squealing in excitement when we made it to our destination. We're glad to finally have a place for her to move, and so is she! :)

(I missed the first week of January, so this will be 2/52 even though it is just my first post :)).

Thanksgiving

Yes, Rosalie looks like a boy here. And yes, I guess yellow is not as gender-neutral as I thought before I had a girl, but nevertheless, this picture makes me incredibly thankful.

Almost exactly a year ago, Nathan and I were in Rome, and I was just 6 weeks pregnant. Rosalie was probably only the size of a tiny bean, but I was so excited to be pregnant, and I couldn't wait to meet our little one.

We wanted to get our baby something from our trip because we wanted to make sure that we remembered that he/she was there in her own tiny way, too. So we picked this yellow t-shirt from Rome, because we thought it would work no matter what gender our baby was (But I think the day I took this picture will be the first and last time Rosalie ever wears this little top! :)).

On the way home from Europe, about a week and a half after we bought that little shirt, I had some serious bleeding and was convinced that I had lost the baby. We were traveling and had no way of getting an ultrasound or going to the doctor, and when we arrived home in the states, it was a Saturday evening. All of the OB and family medicine offices were closed, and I was devastated.

I did not handle the situation very well at all. I was afraid, I was angry, and I didn't understand why God wanted to take away the little baby I was carrying -- who at 7.5 weeks gestation, was starting to grow her little fingers and toes. I couldn't figure out how losing her would strengthen me, and I refused to see how it could be what God wanted. Prayer was hard for me that weekend. Addressing a God I could not forgive felt impossible. I was ashamed at my attitude but struggled to change it. Saturday and Sunday were spent in tears and frustration, and on Monday afternoon, we were finally able to get an ultrasound appointment at an OB.

When the tech pulled up the ultrasound picture and showed me the little heartbeat fluttering on the screen, she broke into a smile, and I could hardly believe it. I had doubted and questioned God's goodness when I had no right to. And He was faithful despite my faithlessness. I certainly didn't deserve to be spared of that trial, but God was abundantly merciful despite my attitude.

I wish I could say that was the last time I doubted God's ability to take care of Rosalie and me during my pregnancy. I struggled throughout the entire 9 months with fear and doubt and the inability to take control of my situation. I hated that I couldn't see what was going on inside of me, that I couldn't make sure that nothing was going wrong. I had to totally and completely trust God.

Sitting here today, looking at the little bundle of giggles and smiles that God gave us in little Rosie, I can't help but overflow with thankfulness at His provision, His kindness to us, and His grace when I certainly didn't deserve it. The trials of pregnancy and fear of miscarriage helped remind me that God's ways are greater than my ways, that He doesn't work the way I expect Him to, and that even when I didn't trust Him, He delivered me.

A Move or Two...

The Last Year -- A Story in Pictures

Our second year of marriage was crazy, but wonderful! Very shortly after my last post, Nathan and I moved across town to an adorable little house near U of O. It was built in the 1940s, and we loved everything about it. Well, everything except the scarcity of outlets. Extension cords were our very close friends last year...

       About a month and a half after move-in, we found out that we were expecting our first baby!

 I still remember the thrill I felt after seeing that positive pregnancy test. We were so excited, nervous, happy, scared, thankful -- you name it! And we had no idea what to expect in the future months. The timing was crazy. The day after I found out I was pregnant, Nathan and I left for a three week trip that we had been planning for months.

We started our adventure in Avila Beach, CA with the Snider family. And just a few days in, morning sickness started to hit. I wasn't expecting it so early, but at 5 weeks I was done, and it just continued to worsen until a few weeks into my second trimester. Fighting nausea and exhaustion, we left CA after a few fun-filled days with the Snider clan, and boarded a plan to Scotland.

We spent a few days there with Brad and Rachel, touring the city and hanging out before we took off to Italy, our main destination.

Nathan and I had a fantastic trip, exploring Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and the Cinque Terre. My only regret is that my morning sickness kept me far far away from the amazing Italian food. I could only stomach McDonald's french fries and basic breads. I couldn't even stand to smell the restaurants as we walked the streets. More than once, Nathan bought food from a small food stand and sat several feet away from me until he was finished with it. I hope to go back with Nathan some day and take advantage of the gourmet food and delicious wine, but first trimester just wasn't the time.

Trevi Fountain

The Colosseum

A few weeks after we returned to the states, my parents and Emily came to visit us in Eugene! It was Autumn by then, so we enjoyed apple picking, exploring the town, walking to Starbucks, and baking pumpkin bread together. It was a blast.

 Then... 3 months into my pregnancy... a baby bump!! Aah! Little munchkin was beginning to make her appearance and I was thrilled to have something to show for all the nausea :)

In early November, Nathan and I flew to Moscow to attend the funeral of a dear friend and to meet my newest niece, Lila Grace Eifert. We were very thankful to be able to make the trip.

And then in late November, we were given the exciting news -- we were having a LITTLE GIRL!! And so began the many shopping sprees, name debates, and decorating projects to prepare for our littlest addition.

When we were there in August, Brad and Rachel asked us to be godparents for their little girl, Pippa. So we flew back to Scotland right before Christmas to witness her baptism and enjoy to holiday season with them.

 It was a blast! Edinburgh is amazingly festive at Christmas! There was even a full-blown holiday fair and market going on right in the middle of the city. We loved it :) 

Then we flew back to the states to spend Christmas with my family.

 In February, Nathan and I went back to South Carolina to attend my grandmother's funeral. It was hard, but it was also a wonderful celebration of her life, and we were thankful to be able to see family and friends  again.

Then, in March, Luke and Emily got married! They were so happy, Emily looked gorgeous, it was such a beautiful wedding, and I just loved that we could be there and be a part of it! I love family :)

Only a month till baby, and I was going crazy!! We decorated the nursery, and got everything set up...

My stomach got insanely big, and I could barely walk...

Emily came to visit a week before my due date to keep me sane. I was so incredibly thankful for her company. It distracted me from the imminent, and we had a wonderful time hanging out together -- Starbucks dates, chick flicks, craft nights, walks to the library.

And then... two days later, on April 22, 2013, after 16 hours of labor that I would prefer to forget for the rest of my life, we welcomed Rosalie June Margaret into the world. 7 lbs, 15 oz and 20.5 inches, she was perfect. I cannot get over how much love I have for our little girl.

We welcomed my family as they came and visited, enjoyed wonderful meals made by friends, spent lots of time over at Nathan's parents (Nona and Grandpa), and meanwhile, our littlest munchkin just got bigger and cuter!

 We went through a few sad, hard days when our little Rosie was hospitalized for a fever at 5 1/2 weeks. But she ended up making it through the ordeal safe and sound! We just had a very trauma sensitive girl on our hands for a few weeks. I am so thankful that memory is behind us.

 A couple days later, my friend Lizzy came to visit! We showed her all around Portland and Eugene, and she just doted on our little Rosie!

And apparently we hate to have quiet time, so we picked up and flew to Los Angeles for a fun-packed few days visiting Nathan's aunt and uncle and bumming out on the beach.

 Even Rosie couldn't get enough of the Cali sunshine!

Then we rushed home and packed like madmen with the help of family and friends. 3 days after we got back from Cali, we loaded up the u-Haul -- so full that we ended up leaving some things behind! And off we headed on a new adventure. 

And now, here we are! Settling into our new home in Moscow, Idaho.

 So far, we love it! But we miss Eugene and the Sniders like crazy! It's been a bittersweet adjustment, but we are thankful for the opportunity we have to come back to Moscow for a few years -- to enjoy being near my family and a strong church community as Nathan finishes up his last couple of years in school.

Rosalie is growing up fast, and we don't want to blink for fear of missing it! She is all smiles and loves life, and we couldn't be more thankful for our happy little girl. 3.5 months old!

Reupholstering fun!

I've been wanting to try reupholstering for a long time, so when the organization I work for stacked up some old junky furniture to send off to Goodwill, I decided to start off easy. The furniture was sturdy, so I snagged two of the chairs they were giving away to use as the header and footer for our small table when we have extra company over, and went to work. 

Before:

It took me a few weeks to finally start on them, because I just couldn't find the perfect fabric, but I decided that I could always recover them later, and snagged a simple blue and white patterned fabric that coordinated with our decor.  

(Ultimately I think I want to use this one, but I was too impatient to order it, so maybe next year? :))

                                      
We started off by spray-painting them white. The wood was beat up and didn't coordinate with any of the other woods we have in our house. Plus, white is versatile and makes me so happy. :)

 

Then, we recovered them. 6 hours, several Harry Potter chapters, 5 gazillion staples, and several blisters later, we had this:

 Nathan screwed the seats back into the frames....

And we have our new chairs!! Here's the corner where they sit :) 

Yay!

Now on to project number two -- moving to our new little rental house next month! Whoo-hoo!!

More Space!

Yes, our apartment does have two bedrooms and *is* 840 square feet, but I had bruises all over my legs and thighs from slamming into furniture as I tried to squeeze between couches and around the coffee tables. And our second bedroom, or "the den" as we lovingly call it, had become (or maybe it was always?) a dump space for anything we didn't want to deal with. I hated that room and only really walked into it to use my sewing table or to clean up whatever messes were piled all around the furniture. The den was simply there to host junk and the occasional guest on the pull out futon, but we hadn't had anyone come to stay in awhile. Nathan had gotten to the point of telling me that I was no longer allowed to say anything about how much I disliked that room until I had taken a stab at doing something about the space. So on Memorial Day weekend, Nathan and I did a complete makeover of our apartment. It's still in transition stage (a set of curtains that should have been hung in September, and some recently acquired chairs that need reupholstering), but there is space and light, and the apartment seems to have doubled in size. I love it!

                                 

Bedroom

                     

Before

After

Living Room/Dining Room

                     

Before

                                         

After

                         

                                         

Den

Before

After

:)