Tour De California

June 26, 2016

4 years, 7 months, 7 days

1 year, 6 months, 6 days

The grandparents are out this weekend and CJ and I are both working long days. Raking in some money. Cha-Ching.

I was able to actually escape the interior of the hospital for lunch - which means I am presently bathing in early summer Colorado sun. And it is glorious. The smells are intoxicating. The heat unbelievable. Was it just a few short months ago that this same table had 4 feet of snow packed on it? And the parking lot had a reverse icicle that stayed for days? Gotta love Gunni.

We just returned from an epic trip down the California coast. Baby girl turned 18 months. Baby boy...well, he's not so baby anymore. His broken leg is almost completely back to normal and I relish his joy and excitement at being mobile again. Someday he may not even remember what it was like to be casted and immobile for a month. 

Colter and Aspen are two peas in a pod. Yet they are apples and oranges. They have so much love for each other and Colter is always asking when they can start sleeping together. Seriously cute. Wherever brother goes, sister is not far behind. I'm sure she'll be bossing him around in no time but, for now, I'm loving their innocent interactions. I couldn't imagine one without the other. 

Our trip down the coast of California was marvelous. Gold Lake with the cousins...being back in the Sierras was amazing in itself. Back to our roots. Back to all the places where we first fell in love and adventured together. California will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm so happy to share it with my kiddos - the mountains, the ocean. 

From Gold Lake we spent several days in Santa Cruz with CJs sister Julie et al. More cousin time. Family time. The greatest downfall of living 1000 miles away from everyone. We soaked up every moment of family we could this trip.

 

 

And then south to San Diego! It is still amazing that I spent 10 years of my life in San Diego. I love that town. It always feels like I am going home. The zoo. Torrey Pines and Del Mar. Favorite restaurants. Hikes. The bay. 
 

 

 

Our goal while in SD? Water time. Colter is basically "pool safe" these days- he's a fish! Jumping in, swimming to the edge: we have to drag him out of the water or coax him with ice cream....we also had two glorious beach days. The first at Torrey Pines and the other at Del Mar. The air was hot, the water tolerable and not too many crowds. The thought of my babies growing up without the ocean a short jaunt away is saddening. However, I feel so thankful for our local indoor pool that we frequent at least 2 days a week. My children will love the water. 

 

 

Spending lazy days on the beach brought so much joy to my heart. At one point I was sitting on the sand watching my husband catch a wave surfing, my dog frolick in the waves and my two kids lay in a tide pool. It is was picture perfect. I'm pretty sure that moment was a little slice of heaven.
 

They say all good things must come to an end...saying farewell to friends and family is never easy. Neither is leaving a place you love. But, somehow, as the distance from it all became greater, my excitement to be home also increased. We crossed I-70 - driving through Capitol Reef- and the scenery was utterly impressive. And then on into Colorado. People. There is really no way to describe summer in Colorado, but suffice it to say that there is nothing quite like it. My senses become overloaded. It is truly awesome.

 

 

 

We turned for our final leg east and I was surprised at my eagerness and giddiness to be returning home. I haven't felt that in ages. We pulled into the driveway and all 4 of us were ecstatic. Our wildflower garden is going off and the aspen trees create an oasis around the property. There's no place like home. 

 
 

 
 

 

SAHM

August 24, 2015
3 years, 9 months, 5 days
8 months, 4 days

This morning I dropped my baby boy off at his first day of preschool. PRESCHOOL, people!  Can he really be that old?  As he was getting dressed this morning, he says to me, "Mom, you need to clean the house while I'm at school.  It's messy.  Like sweep the floors and pick up the toys."  Oh, why hello Mr. Bossy. 

His first week...

I've been primarily a SAHM (stay at home mom) for the better part of 3 years, 9 months and 5 days.  I work my one day a week shift as a nurse, but, ultimately, I'm my kids Mom.  I'm a Mom.  And a Wife.  A Homemaker.  For me it has been by far the most rewarding, challenging, crazy, exciting, depressing, thrilling thing I could have ever signed up for.  Colter and I have had so much fun: we've been on endless miles of walks, read countless books, tons of playdates, eaten way too many chocolate chip cookies and played in the ambulance and fire trucks for what would probably total a few days worth.

Happy boy

Silly face

So very excited

It's not the end, I know.  But it's a new chapter.  I admit, as I kissed my darling boy goodbye this morning the first thought that popped into my head was, "I must have done something right." He's ready for preschool.  Beyond ready, excited. "I'll make new friends, Mom.  I won't be shy."  And he's brave.  So much braver than I could ever be. He doesn't know a soul and he is charging right in.  You go, little man.

The carrot that he grew in our garden

8 months!

And then there's sweet baby girl.  Who turned 8 months old just a few days ago.  SO much personality these days!!  She crawls everywhere, pulls to standing on everything and is never too far behind her big brother.  She's taken to crawling up to me and head butting me in the legs until I pick her up.  I'm so in love. Above all, she loves bath time.  She'll stand outside the tub while I let Colter have his time to be crazy - she gets drenches and stands there and laughs the whole time.  When I finally let her in she is beside herself with happiness.

She busted 4 teeth this past month.  I'm thinking since she slept so well the first 6 months of her life, she is now making up for it by waking up hourly.  It's awesome.  But she's so adorable I forget my woes quickly...

Go, baby, go!

2 is better than 1!

Precious face.

It's been a great morning just with Aspen.  A long walk with Owen on a path I haven't done in ages.  Time to write a blog.  A few loads of laundry.  Now I'll make a huge smoothie and go and pick up the little man. 

Just in time for his nap.

Dearest Aspen

May 19, 2015
3 years, 6 months (to the day!)
5 months tomorrow

My angels

To my baby girl, my little miss, my darling, my angel, my gift, my sweet Aspen Rose:  This one’s for you.

Aspen's 5 month photo shoot!

 

You were cooing in your pack ‘n play in the laundry room after your morning nap today, so I moseyed in to grab you as so often I have.  Colter had alerted me a few minutes before with, “Mom, Aspen’s awake!”  Usually, he beats me in to greet your beautiful face.  Today he was too consumed playing lego cars and people – there were “lives to be saved”.  

Love.

So I found myself opening the door solo.  And there you were.  My darling angel girl – lying there with the most precious smile on your face.  I felt as though I were the only person in the entire world that you wanted to see.  Naturally, I started crying.  You have that effect on me.  I nuzzled my face into yours just how you love it and I was rewarded with a little chuckle.  You brought your sweet hands onto my face, searching.  Learning.  Loving.  We stayed like that for a few minutes – just Mama and daughter.  It was a beautiful moment and one I will never forget.  It wasn’t anything extraordinary – in fact, to someone looking on it would probably appear most ordinary.  Today, though, there was no big brother making you laugh or some other task more pressing.  You weren’t starving and I wasn’t rushed to get out the door or to get food on the table.  Today it was just you and I.  

Joy.

You are a total joy – always up for an adventure and eagerly learning from your big brother.  You are notorious for taking a long time to “settle-in” at night, but, once you’re down, you’re down for good.  You love sleeping on your belly – which means your poor little cheek gets raw from you squirming around. You can sit unsupported for a few minutes and love your jumper.  You’ve eaten banana and avocado – but I’m a terrible mother and am way too lazy to start feeding you with any sort of regularity.  I promise by 6 months, I’ll be better.

Chillin'.

What?

Above all,  your quiet joy in infectious.  None of us can keep our eyes or our hands off of you.  You came into our lives just 5 months ago.  I doubt Colter can remember a time before you.  I know I can't imagine life without you.  And Dad?  Well, he's just totally smitten with you. 

Hi there!

Oh sweet laughter!

It's true that you have grown too quickly.  I find myself able to savor every moment with you more than I did with Colter.  Our baby girl.  Knowing our family is complete.  I love you, darling girl.  You are my sun, my moon, my angel.    

Morning loves.

Morning loves, continued.

5 months: Aspen Rose and Colter Ramsey

Full

March 29, 2015
3 years, 4 months
3 months, 1 week

Silly girl.

The first month was exhausting.  The second month was challenging.  The third month brought routine.  And with routine?  Sanity.  I can now say with pride and dignity that I am functioning stay at home mom of two.  Just as memories of life before Colter slipped away, life before Aspen seems like a distant memory.  It's always been us.

Colter in the midst of tantrum thirty.  I smothered it with love.

Aspen's got it good.  With Colter I was a new mom - making classic rookie mistakes and being set on my ways.  Honestly, it worked great.  He was (and still is!) an epic napper and sleeper.  He is organized (as Grandma would say!).  He loves life.  He loves us.  Aspen is a great nighttime sleeper.  She wakes up usually once a night but on a few occasions, she'll just sleep a full 10-11 hours.  I can say, hands down, she is the worst napper EVER.  I'm pretty sure that's my fault.  I'm okay with it.  We take walks during naps, she sleeps in a carrier, she sleeps in the car seat, she sleeps in my arms...really, she sleeps whenever she can during the day.  It's quick, efficient and then she's up and ready to join the party (as Colter and I like to say). Because, let's face it:  Life is just way too great to spend the day taking long, epic naps. 

Owen on the shore of the Colorado River.

She is such a sweet thing.  Not nearly as outwardly smiley and laughy as Colter was at this age, but she always has a quiet joy in her eyes.  On the rare occasion I get a small chuckle out of her, it usually brings tears to my eyes.  Most of the time, she is perfectly content watching Big Brother doing his thing.  He always brings her in on his games.  Colter is such a sensitive soul and can't bear for her to cry.  So precious.  They are truly little blessings from above.

Colter. Sand.

Yesterday I did something crazy.  I spent a day on the shores of the Colorado River with my children.  It was my first "real" outing solo with two kids.  Each kid had only one freak out session - so I'm calling it a total success!  

She's so vogue.

CJ signed up to do a solo-canyoneering route out of Lee's Ferry.  He convinced me to drive out with him and spend the day on the beach.  Thank goodness my husband knows me well and convinced me to partake in this adventure (which seemed a wee bit daunting).  It was fabulous.  Sunny, 80 degrees and barely a soul around.  Colter frolicked in the sand for hours, Aspen took a cat nap, Owen paced the river and even I had some time to just sit and stare off at the canyon cliffs and river. 

Colter loves his Aspen Rose.

It's been a good week. My cup is full.  Full of the chaos of children.  Full of endless adventures with a three year old and the demands of a 3 month old.  Full of friends.  Full of family.  Full of love. 

Our beach camp.

Mama Day.

And a message from Colter :\gh hhh jsjgff lasdtl=  gd h

It's a GIRL!!!

January 16, 2015
3 years, 2 months
3 weeks, 6 days

Welcome, Aspen Rose!

My precious baby girl, Aspen Rose Malcolm, was born on December 20, 2014 at 9:18pm.  21 inches long (LONG!) and 7lb 10 oz (Colter was 21 inches, 7lb 6oz).  She was the biggest and best surprise we have ever had - since I had convinced both myself and CJ that "she" was really a "he". I am finally, almost a month later, not referring to dear sweet Aspen as a boy. 

Driving into town after my water broke.

As a mother, I feel the need to document Aspen's labor (before it all fades away)...

On Friday evening, December 19 I started having pretty regular contractions.  Because of the history of a fast 5.5 hour labor with Colter, after an hour or so of this shenanigans, we decided it would be best to drive into town.  By the time we got there around 1 am, the contractions had petered off to nothing (naturally!).  We spent the night down in town and drove back up the Canyon Saturday morning (the 20th).

I had a nice day with my boy - we walked to the post office and I even managed a 2 hour nap while Colter slept (greatest gift ever).  As I was lying on the couch & waking up from my nap at 4pm, my water broke.  Awesome.  Considering only 12% of women start their labors with the water breaking, I find it rather remarkable that both of my labors started with a large gush of "water".  Dah well.  At least it was a sign that I needed to call CJ and get to town.

We were on the road within 30 minutes and headed into town. Our dear friends, Silas and Bianca, literally live about 5 minutes from the hospital.  They were kind enough to offer up their home for me to labor at - and, I must say, it was a fabulous labor (as far as labors go...).  We drove into town and watched a beautiful sunset and the alpine glow on the San Francisco mountains. At their house, we took a stroll around the neighborhood with Owen (he spent a cold night in the truck after Aspen's birth).  I labored on the medicine ball for awhile in front of a crackling fire...and then migrated to the floor...

Around 8:45, I informed CJ I thought it was time to go.  My next contraction was a pushing contraction...so it was definitely time to go.  For those of you who have never experienced a pushing contraction: the urge to push is so uncontrollable that you have no option but to push.  Which can be rather annoying when you're attempting to walk 20 feet to the truck.  I guess that's what I get for waiting until the last minute to get to the hospital...

Laboring by a crackling fire...

A pushing contraction as I was walking to the truck to leave for the hospital...

I timed my last contraction at 8:50pm before I started to head for the truck.  By 9pm, I was hanging out of the truck (quite literally), desperately waiting for CJ to return with a wheelchair.  The nurse whisked me into the unbelievably slow service elevator and our dear sweet girl was born at 9:18pm, after 3 more pushing contractions.  The doctor didn't make it.  As a nurse, I am proud to say the nurses delivered my baby splendidly.  The doc did show up to stitch me up.  But we won't go into that...

Aspen soon after delivery...

Me and baby girl

First selfie with mama and dada

The umbilical cord was blocking her "junk" and no one bothered to say, "It's a girl!" as she popped out - assuming we already knew.  My dear husband decided to take the official peak and was, needless to say, SHOCKED.  He looked at me with a look I will remember for eternity - complete and utter happiness.  And then he said, "It's a shocker! A complete shocker!"  It took me a moment to process what exactly was going on, but by the look in his eyes I knew it could only be one thing.  In that moment, I started crying and laughing.  A baby girl.

About the time I found out it was an "Aspen".

CJ, the artist.

Grandpa visiting.

As the say, the rest is history.  The past 3 weeks and change have been a whirlwind.  Christmas came and went.  The New Year passed.  We've gone cross country skiing multiple times as a family, hiked up to the top of a local mountain and had the most splendid "Family Days".  We are so complete.  And so in love.

Grandma love.

My children.  LOVE.

Family.  Complete.

A rim walk.

At home.  With the family.

With her Mama and her namesake...

A xc ski around Mt Humphreys.

Olaf made the family photo.

We celebrate her one month birthday in just 4 days...hard to believe she was still wrapped up in my womb a month ago.  We are so glad she's out.

Sweet, sweet Little Miss Aspen Rose.