La Vida de Katy

Half a Year Later

2012-01-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

It is a quiet night. James is out playing poker with the guys and lil' buddy is snoozing away in his crib. It has been awhile since I have felt reflective AND by myself to give time to these thoughts. So after gobbling down some peanut butter waffles for dinner, I am able to sit and soak it all in. Well first off, Jamison is 6 months old today. I think I say this everyday but he continues to amaze me with how quickly he is learning things. He now sees something he wants and reaches out to grab it. He has also ventured into the world of food, as he has now tried rice cereal and sweet potatoes. Our favorite game is who can make the silliest sound which ends up in laughter. James has proved himself to be the winner so far. Although Jamison makes some interesting sounds these days...especially out of his rear end :) His latest sound is kind of like a gurgle in the back of his throat. Almost as if he is learning to speak French. Every day is met with new things. I am trying my best to enjoy the adventure. I feel like I spend too much time and energy toward the "perfect" schedule or all the other things that I pretend I have control over but really don't. I am not sure why I think that control=peace or contentment. I think I am on to something about embracing the chaos and COMPLETELY relinquishing this perception of order. I used to think that I had a go with the flow personality. Ever since having a baby, perhaps when I got married, I have been noticing this tendency to want things how I think they should be. What kind of adventure is that? I know I want to continually learn so why am I trying to make things the same. I know that I have been able to be present and enjoy lots in the last 6 months but I also know that there is more that I am to enjoy. I am tired. Tired of putting so much effort in making things "right" or even comfortable. Today I have made a commitment to being more aware of these tendencies and I am looking forward to embracing the chaos, the adventure, the unexpected. There is something beautiful waiting for us when we can let go and just be.

Jamison's first experience in the snow...snowman and sledding!

We got these amazing alphabet cards from our housemate Liane. Jamison loves them!!

First sweet potato experience!! Can you tell if he likes it or not?!!

Goin' Private...

2012-01-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

It is time...I am going private with this blog. This is for various reasons. I still long to be transparent and share my life with others. So just become an official follower and you can read all you want!! Thanks for understanding :)

The next 365 days

2012-01-01T21:12:00.000-08:00

I am excited to begin a new photography project. My friend Ashley and I are creating together to document the next 365 days from behind our cameras. Come follow us on our new blog...booyaaa, word to your...never mind :0

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/perspective-onedayatatime

Christmas 2011 snapshots

2011-12-27T13:13:00.000-08:00

There are too many to choose from...here are a few favorites. Our holiday in Portland was filled with love, food, and unforgettable moments.

Thanks be to God.

Tradition

2011-12-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

Julekake, a Norwegian tradition passed down from my great grandmother. It was this year that the tradition would be passed to me, as my own mother taught me how to make this delicious Christmas bread. I decided to capture what I could with photographs. Enjoy!

5 months

2011-12-21T12:05:00.005-08:00

He is beginning to outgrow his clothes...I wasn't expecting this feeling of melancholy to visit so soon...I am in trouble :)

Love This Guy

2011-12-05T12:44:00.001-08:00

Yep..this is the man I chose to spend my life with.

Reminded by Toe Nails

2011-11-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

I can still hear the compliments towards my snazzy green toe nail polish the day my son was born. The day before his birth, my dear friend Melisa gave me a pedicure (while in labor) to prepare for his arrival! Now 4 months later, the remnants are fading. In the moment right before I snapped this photo, I was overwhelmed with bittersweet emotion. It was a moment that reminded me of change, of indescribable love, and an incredible story that continues on...

Rrrrolling into 4 months!

2011-11-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

I remember hearing some parents say, "This has been my favorite stage with my son/daughter yet." And then the following month they would say that all over again. I now understand how that phenomena occurs :) It is truly a miracle how fast children learn and grow. He is now a pro at rolling. It just kind of happened one day as he was laying on his play mat and next thing I know he is on his tummy. Once again, I was surprised at how PROUD I felt. I have a feeling I may be one of those "vocal" moms at my kids events. Love getting to cheer on my son as he discovers the world!

Seriously kid...what are you hiding in those cheeks? Just want to squish and kiss em'!!

First roll that I was able to capture on video!!

Thankful

2011-11-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

Tis the season
There is much to be grateful for

I have hope
A God who loves me regardless
Family
A roof over my head, soft pillow to lay my head
Senses to delight in the things of this world
The capacity to love and be loved

Random Thursday Thoughts...

2011-11-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Coffee shop..glass of red wine. What is a woman to write about under such circumstances? (Did I mention Jamison is at home with his daddy?) It has been a difficult last few weeks but today..today has been met with laughter, enjoyment, and seeds of hope. Jamison is growing so quickly. His chatter bring a lightness to my heart, reminding me of innocent beauty. My marriage is growing quickly too. It takes a gracious partnership of quick forgiveness and a commitment of constant communication to raise a family. Everyone is being stretched as we are asked to lay down our needs for the sake of the other. It is not always pretty, this new season we found ourselves in. Just like the Fall leaves, the colors of our family continuously change. Change is beautiful because it pushes me to uncomfortable places. Streeeeeetch Katy! I know that some day soon I will resiliently adapt to what has been put before me. I know this because there is a God that has my back and softly lets me know that everything will be okay. My circumstances may not change but peace faithfully comes in the midst of the storm.

Here are two pictures that I have been looking at often. To be honest, I STILL am in awe that I have inherited the role and privilege of being a mom. This thought is so tender and hits me every once in awhile. What an honor. I watch my hubby laugh, hold, and snuggle our son and I am overwhelmed. Partly because I feel anxious & depressed as well as an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am glad that my previous experiences at Mars Hill Graduate School has prepared me to hold both in my cup. I am learning to continually wrestle with ambiguity. So with that, being a mommy has brought both jubilation and heartache. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything...