5 years.

night we got engaged :)

honeymoon!

our first married trip after our honeymoon. a camping trip to Virginia. have I ever told you how we almost froze to death? i should someday.

soon after our engagement

baaaaabies! early college i think?

Five years ago, we made a forever commitment to one another. We shared these vows in front of our family and dearest friends.

"I, Claire, take you, Chris, to be my husband; to have and to hold  from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,  in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always."

I will be faithful to you and honest with you;
I will respect, trust, help and care for you;
I will share my life with you;
I will forgive you as we have been forgiven;
And I will try with you to better understand ourselves, the world, and God;
Through the best and the worst of what is to come as long as we both shall live."

I am so glad we made these promises. Have our five years of marriage been perfect? No. But they have been amazing. We have shared countless adventures. We have shared countless laughs. We created a little life and have worked on raising her together.

We have also shared tears, hard decisions, rough patches and miscommunications. I haven't always forgiven as I've been forgiven, but have instead held onto wrongdoings (actual or perceived) longer than I should. I have had unrealistic expectations. 

I haven't looked at our vows in a really long time, but it makes me happy to read them and know we're working at it. We are faithful to each other. We are honest with each other. Sometimes it takes some coaxing from Chris to get me to talk about what's tossing about in my brain, but we do it. We share our life. My favorite things to do and my favorite memories are with him. Through the good and easy times and the harder times, I love him.

Happy Anniversary, my dear, dear husband. I love you.

Autumn.

I want to be here. Wrapped in a blanket. Drinking hot chocolate. Wearing uggs. Rocking back and forth next to my love.

Source via Bloom

See this guy? He is the best. The absolute best. The past three weeks have felt so insane, overwhelming, emotional and stressful. And if I'm being honest with myself, none of that is going to change anytime soon. We are busy getting estimates on our move. Chris is actually starting his new job in a week. We are trying to figure out how to rent an apartment/house from so stinkin' far away. I am starting to pack some boxes. We want to be sure to see all of our friends and maintain some sort of semblance of normalcy. We want to still be attentive parents. It feels like a whole lot. A whole, whole lot.

And yet, we've hardly fought. Like not at all. Our communication has been better than ever. We are learning quickly that we process things like this big move very differently. He wants to talk, talk, talk. I want to think, think, think. Normally, we'd fight over this issue of differences, but instead we've figured out how to allow both of us to have our needs met.

I've never felt so tired. Well, that might not be true considering I had a baby a year ago, but I am seriously tired. All the emotion (and allergies) are wearing me out. Chris is in the exact same boat (obviously) but he got up with Meredith this morning and took her for a walk so I could sleep an extra hour.

I just had to put it out in the universe. My husband is incredible. The fact that I get to go on this adventure with him and have my best friend by my side every step of the way makes it a whole lot less scary. I love you, baby.

Father's Day (loads of photos!)

We had a great day celebrating Chris. We took the morning to drive up to Salem and enjoy breakfast at Chris's favorite spot. We also strolled around Salem, soaking up the sun and taking in a redcoat reenactment. It was a low-key morning, but a perfect family outing.









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she put them on like that :)

 

lunch with the in-laws :)

Happy Father's Day to my baby girl's sweet daddy. You are a fantastic father. Meredith adores you and cannot get enough of silly time with dad. One of the greatest joys of being a mom has been watching you with our little girl. I knew you'd be a great dad and you really, really are. You step in when my energy is dried up. You provide endless entertainment. You supply countless hugs and kisses. You are the greatest. We love you :)

morning walks.

as a little family of three, we've started taking morning walks. as a couple and as a threesome, we've enjoyed many walks together, mostly in the evening or on a saturday afternoon. but never in the morning. 

we only started last week, but already we feel the changes. not so much physically as emotionally and relationally. we are talking more. we are listening better. we are taking in our surroundings. we are disconnecting from phones and computers for a bit. instead of starting the day off bleary eyed and grumpy, we are getting out the door to fill our lungs with fresh air and it's making all the difference. 

do you like walking? if not, give it a try. it's amazing what peace of mind and calm it can bring you.

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love.

Chris was going through my iphone, looking at pictures of Meredith, when he came across this one of himself on our date night. He said something like, "Ugh. That's a weird picture of me," to which I replied, "Really? I love it. I set it as my phone background." He then smiled and said, "I like that you like me."  A statement as simple as that perfectly sums up so much of marriage and making it work.

I like hearing about his day at work, even though what he does, in itself, isn't one of my passions. I like going on walks with him and discovering the things that catch his eye. I like when we're having a conversation and I can tell he's not fully paying attention, but then he comes to and shares what's on his mind. I like watching him get excited about new gadgets or hobbies. I like watching him learn new things. I like him.

I like that he lets me be myself. I like that he listens to the rambles of my mostly uneventful day as if it were terribly interesting. I like that he tries new things I cook, even when I try to sneak in a vegetarian meal here and there. I like that he holds my hand and that he's still taller than me when I wear heels. I like that he tells me I look pretty when I've just woken up with smeared makeup from the day before and rats nest hair on the top of my head. I like that he hurries to do the dishes on evenings when I'm stressed. He likes me.

I like that I like him. He likes that I like him. I like that he likes me. He likes that he likes me. I think if we can keep that up, we'll be golden.

On date nights, post-baby.

For a lot of people, I think, one big fear during pregnancy is losing who you are or losing your social life once baby comes. I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't change. Because it does change. As time has gone on, though, I would say this change has been for the better for Chris and me.

Before Meredith was born, Chris and I loved going out for dinner or driving around our city. We enjoyed exploring our area, but I wouldn't say we were great at it. We would hop in the car and make plans from there, often starting off in the same direction we always started in. We had a rotation of restaurants at which we'd dine. We were happy with that. I think this was probably rooted in the belief that we could do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. This was pretty much true, but that freedom almost made us lazy. We could always try a new place another weekend.

 

Now? Not so much. We are blessed with free grandparent babysitting every other Saturday night. It is truly amazing. But, nights out sans baby are never going to be as frequent as they were pre-baby. As a result, we cherish our time as just the two of us. We take time to plan where we are going to eat and what we want to do. Never have I enjoyed date nights as much.

This past weekend we spent the evening in Harvard Square. We ate at Border Cafe (ok, so we still have some favorite restaurants). Then we did some shopping. Oh, blissful shopping without a baby! After that we got to see some stellar live music.

tim gearan

As I sat listening to the music I just kept thinking how wonderful life post-baby is. Sure I have less alone time. Chris and I can't just go out on our own on a whim, but the time we do have together? We treasure it. Now almost a year later, I think we are better for it. We don't take our dates and outings for granted, but instead suck the marrow out them.

A Memorable Date

It was a Wednesday night. June 23rd. We felt like getting out, heading into town. So we drive around for a while trying to decide on where to eat. Chris checked the to see how long we'd have to wait for a table at several restaurants, while I stood, holding my belly and my hopes for a birth. We made our way (slowly) to one of our favorite restaurants and got a table on the patio right away.



I don't remember what I ordered, or even exactly what we talked about. I do remember looking at two girls about my age who were dressed adorably and fashionably and were sharing a glass of wine. Oh how I missed wine. I remember feeling heavy and swollen and about to burst, but also radiant and beautiful and so incredibly grateful for that large tummy. I remember sitting across from my husband and best friend knowing this would be our last fancy date night without a little babe waiting for us back home.

After dinner we wandered over to a little park where Chris laid down, head on my lap and I struggled to get comfortable.



Eventually dessert came up, as it always does with a pregnant woman. Chris (finally!) agreed to brave the North End for me so I could get the cannoli I had so been dreaming of. He dropped me at the curb, I "ran" it and got two chocolate chip cannolis.



We drove aimlessly, eventually deciding on our favorite view of Boston. We found a bench. While we sat we ate our delectables, watched an assortment of people, watching me, pass by and enjoyed a peaceful sunset.





It is a date I will always remember. We were so filled with excitement and anticipation. We were loving being a couple of two, but looking forward to being joined by our baby bird. And 5 days later we were.





Linking up with Writer's Workshop over at Mama Kat's.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day, my dears. Hope today is treating you well. here in New England we are enjoying a genuinely gorgeous weather day. It's a glimpse at why people actually live here.

To celebrate the day, I'm listening to lots of lovey music. I thought I'd share. Proceed with caution, however, because I shamelessly love cheesy and makes no claims to be hip. If you share the same traits when it comes to music- Enjoy!

 photo: vintage us on valentine's day :)





   When You Say You Love Me      Josh Groban 
   Crazy Love      Ray Charles & Van Morrison       
   By Your Side       Sade    Lovers Rock    R&B/Soul          
   At Last (Single)       Etta James
    On a Night Like This       Dave Barnes  
    Love You Madly        Cake  
    Isn't She Lovely       Stevie Wonder 
    Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours     Stevie Wonder  
    Shower The People      James Taylor  
    Somewhere Out There - (An American Tail)    The Eden Symphony Orchestra    
    Cosmic Love        Florence + The Machine 
    When I Said I Do        Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black   

   More Than Anyone       Gavin DeGraw   
   Fly Me to the Moon        Frank Sinatra
   How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)       James Taylor
   Once Upon a Time... Storybook Love (The Princess Bride)       Mark Knopfler      
   The Prayer     Charlotte Church & Josh Groban
   Main Title (From "Rudy")     Jerry Goldsmith      
   "Gabriel's Oboe" from The Mission     Ennio Morricone, Roma Sinfonietta & Yo-Yo Ma                 
   Once Upon a Time... Storybook Love (The Princess Bride)      Mark Knopfler
    Fairytale      Enya     


The bottom set are from our wedding and so will always be special to me.

What is your favorite love song? Or a wedding song that is special to you?

old skool

i love the hubs. i think you all know this. but, let's be honest. the hubs has taken a back seat on this here blog to let the babe get the spotlight. so, i think he's a bit deserving of this post. i came across these old pictures while looking for craft supplies.

Clockwise starting from top: 1) My best friend and I along with Chris and his best friend, sledding during our senior year of high school. This was once we were at a "crush" phase. 2) Chris's high school graduation party. We were dating by this point. 3) My sister and me at Chris's football game in the fall of our senior year of high school. We were just becoming good friends at this point, but goodness, I thought he was stud in that uniform! 4) This was the summer before our sophomore year of college (i think) down at the river on the Fourth of July



 

I love looking back at old photos. If you told me all those years ago that we would be married with a cutie baby, it sure would've been hard to imagine :)

sushi night :)

Last night was sushi night at our house. I kept it simple (and cheaper) with just making california rolls. Though as you'll see I made lots of side dishes like steamed edamame, shrimp & broccoli tempura and even some egg rolls. There was enough food to feed a small army. We ate until our bellies were full and our hearts happy.

Do you like sushi? Do you ever make it at home? What is your favorite kind? I love spicy tuna, Philadelphia rolls and shrimp tempura rolls.