Lake Michigan | 2020

In a surprisingly good turn of events amidst these stay home/quarantine times during covid-19, Ryan and myself found we had a long weekend off together after his scheduled drill weekend was canceled. Originally, we had plans to go stay at my favorite interior designer/nursing school bestie’s lake house in Michigan a few weeks ago and had to cancel due to Michigans strict rules of no travel at the time. Now with this new time off together, I checked with her if the lake house was open; AND IT WAS, cue the happy dance. With Michigan lifting their strict travel ban, we headed north to go spend some quality isolation/stay home time but with a change of scenery…(one with a view). Brittanys lake house sits right on Lake Michigan in an area called Lake Leelanau on Michigans famous Highway 22. We really enjoyed lounging around and cozying up by the wood burning fire while also supporting locally and ordering some of the areas best take out food. For two days in a row we went about 30 minutes north just past Northport and hiked a really easy 1 mile hike to the shoreline to go play on the sand dunes. The first day was pretty foggy with little visibility and the next day was bright sun, which made for two completely different experiences despite “doing” the same thing. We are home now and so glad we took the leap to take the long drive north.

We can’t express how thankful we are to have had the opportunity to get away while still feeling safely socially distanced. If the house catches your attention, check out Brittanys interior design services over at Will+Blu, she has always been my go to inspiration on styling my home and can’t recommend her enough.

Photos by Grace E Jones

My husband Ryan and myself took a couple days to decompress and enjoy each others company. We stayed down at the Boho Box in Hocking Hills, see post about our stay here. While we were there I had my photographer girl crush come do a couples photo session. Grace of Grace E Jones Photography was so inviting and easy to work with. She kept everything light hearted, full of laughing and cuddling. Im obsessed with all our photos. Photography is an investment and worth every penny.

4th Annual Progressive Dinner | Valentines Day 2020

Our 4th year of celebrating Valentines Day progressive dinner style has come and gone. Dinner was delicious and the company was sweet. Always enjoy an excuse to spend time with this crowd.

Boho Box | Hocking Hills

For Valentines Day, I reached out to my best friend Emily and check if her airbnb rental, the Boho Box, was available for a couple nights. Sure enough it was, so my sister took the toddlers and we headed southeast with the baby for a couple days to rest and unwind. If you haven’t heard of The Box Hop, you’re missing out. These dreamy shipping container rentals are located just 45 minutes away from Columbus. Once there you are a short drive from all the Hocking Hills attractions. This getaway we ventured over to Ash Cave. To get to the cave/waterfalls is a short easy hike from parking. Guys, this place was awesome. The waterfall was full from rain all week and since it was the middle of the week in the winter, there was no one around. So naturally I set up my tripod and made Ryan and Baby boy take a million pictures. While at the container we did a lot of normal day to day things, made food, (pancakes for breakfast & heart shaped pizzas for dinner) watched TV and SLEPT, slept IN might I add. To top off all the ways to relax and unplug, there is one king size bed, hot tub, and huge soaking tub.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee | 2020

It’s a new year. Some people shun new year resolutions and some kill it. I personally love the excuse to chat with my husband Ryan about what our goals are individually, as a couple and as a family. One thing we miss as a couple is the ability to run off somewhere new. So we decided to attempt more family vacations and maybe a couple kid free, when possible. We are not ashamed to admit we are home bodies and don’t need long stretches away from home. Every once in awhile we get itchy for a change of scenery. Earlier this week, we were driving to pick up our girls from pre-school and talked about our week plans. Somehow it hadn’t been on my radar we had the whole week off together?!? Generally I’m very on top of our schedules but the shuffle of the holidays had me living more day by day lately. So... we decided to head south and figure it out on the way. We landed on a family trip to Gatlinburg, TN and it was perfect. Warm cozy cabin in the Smokey mountains was the perfect setting for our first getaway as a family of 5.

Baby Colley | Farm Baby Shower

So as some of you may have noticed, I had a baby recently (3 weeks ago). Not long after we found out we were pregnant, my little sister, Amelia, also found out she was having her first baby. This news was nothing but exciting for me, knowing this meant cousins close in age who could grow up together (and be mandatory best friends). I found out what gender we were having ahead, my sister however, decided to wait to find out. (Proud of you Daltyn, you have stood your ground on this one.)

My sisters baby shower theme was barnyard. The babies nursery is a farm theme so made it easy to decide on a theme. We rented my friends photo studio which ended up being the perfect blank canvas and had all of our family and friends come celebrate baby Colley who will be joining us in just a few short weeks. We served warm soups, “pigs in a blanket”, baguettes, deviled eggs, “carrot” chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes and cookies.

Event Details:

Venue- Ashley West Studio

Cookies- Jamis Custom Cookies

Halloween | 2019

The annual halloween party has become a favorite around these parts., I guess you’re never too old to dress up, especially at the sake of hanging with friends. This year we opted to do something unique and collaborative, a masquerade halloween party. There were maybe some that weren’t overly excited about it, but others were happy to not have to think up an idea this year and just get a mask to fit in. The Madsens opened their home to everyone and one by one the masked friends arrived. It was really surprising to have to take a double glance to figure out who had arrived and more than once I heard people comment, “this was a good idea.” Overall, it was a fun but intentional time spent with friends in the spirit of the season. Happy Halloween, until next year.

Knox | Newborn Photos

We were graced by Naida at Milk Shop Photography with her talents and sweet spirit. She came to our home and did newborn pictures of Knox and got some family photos while at it. She captured the twins holding their brother for the first time, little fingers and toes and the whole family in one frame. I couldn’t be happier and more grateful for her work.

Knox | Fresh 48

We were lucky enough to have a photographer friend come visit us in the hospital and snap some fresh 48 photos of our new family of 5. She even captured the twins meeting their new baby brother for the first time. Funny, because as I went through the photos; it seems like it went well. Truth be told, they investigated and then quickly retreated away stating, “no”. I’m happy to report we have come a long way from saying “no” anytime we mention baby brother, but still have a little work to do. Very grateful to Lindsey Scholz Photography for snapping these photos. (edited by me)

Knox | A Birth Story

This past week has been a whirlwind. Baby Matthew Knox has officially joined our family and we couldn’t feel more complete. His birth story starts last Tuesday night, Oct 8th. I headed to work, 39 weeks pregnant and fully hoping that the evening would be busy with lots of walking to help kickstart some labor. For those who don’t know, I am a part time ICU nurse. I had what appeared to be one of the lower acuity assignment but as with any ICU patients, they are unpredictable and my night got busy. With the help of my co workers we had settled the acute situation going on and I was working on catching up on my charting when I heard a pop and felt the much anticipated “breaking of water”. I had been having what I thought were Braxton Hicks contractions for weeks and for a slight moment thought in the midst of the action over the last couple hours, “I think I might be having regular frequent contractions?” Not being sure and with a lot of work at hand, I brushed it off and continued working.

When my water broke, it was 3am Oct 9th. I quickly changed gears and wanted to head to triage (at the same hospital I work). I called and woke my husband, worked on a childcare plan for our twin toddlers at home and was wheeled over to triage.

After my water broke, the contraction intensity picked up big time. I let my nurse know I was ready for an epidural. This is actually encouraged when doing a VBAC in case my delivery needs to change to an emergent c-section. A VBAC means attempting vaginal birth after previously having a c-section. The biggest concern with this is uterine rupture. Initially the epidural dropped my blood pressure a little too much so they backed off on the amount, I still felt contractions it just took the edge off. In a way, retrospect, I kind of liked having to “labor” and work through contractions instead of being pain free the whole time.

Over the next several hours of labor I really leaned on my support team in the room. My husband held my hand or rubbed my back from the beginning to the end. My best friend Emily served as my doula and never missed a contraction to calmly and quietly remind me to relax my muscles and breathe through it. My other bestie Michaela documented the day and kept me encouraged throughout the labor and pushing. Around 430pm they checked me and I was fully dilated and effaced. Baby was still higher up than desired which just meant to plan for lots of pushing. However, to everyones surprise, especially my midwife, we started pushing and about one hour later, Baby Knox was here in all his 8.6 pounds and 22 inches of glory.

To be transparent, my first delivery had major complications and in a way left me with a bit of “PTSD” (read Hattie and Hazels birth story here.) When baby Knox was placed on my chest I quickly took note that he was breathing (crying), rooting and was a beautiful pink bundle of goodness. So my attention switched back to watching my midwife and asking a few times; “Am I ok?” “Am I hemorrhaging?” She reassured me I wasn’t and everything looked good, but I still needed to hear that more than once. Eventually I relaxed and realized, I am indeed ok. Baby is ok. We are ok.

This experience couldn’t be more opposite of my first delivery, although I don’t think its fair to compare the experiences. There are a lot of uncomfortable parts to healing after a vaginal birth, but it has been quicker and more tolerable than recovering from my c-section. (Plus, one baby verses two- that is a game changer.) So far for us, the toddler twins are still the more challenging part of parenting than adding a newborn into the mix. I loved each and every health care worker we had on our team over our couple days at the hospital and really felt like they were destined to be a part of our story.

We are home now and adjusting to life as a family of five. The twins initially were not interested or fond of the idea of this “baby” that is requiring mom and dads attention. We are still working on this balance but the girls are starting to warm up to their new baby brother. They wake up asking “where’s the baby?” and like to help say “shh shh shh” when baby brother is crying. Hazel likes to help place his pacifier and Hattie, well she is still keeping a distance but at least is acknowledging his existence. And Ryan, he couldn’t be more smitten with having a son. I don’t think he even knows how transparent it is. He has been the best partner, support and father to our children through this process. He has had to take on the energy of our girls all day while I heal and breastfeed and refuses to sleep through the night if I have to be up too, being on diaper duty, grabbing me water or whatever need he sees.

I know all too well how quickly this newborn stage will be over and his birth story will start to feel like a hazy memory. This is why I love this space. Documenting the pieces I don’t want to lose. The days are long but the years are short and I don’t want to take for granted this sweet time in our family. As the song linked to the page says;

“Let’s not forget these early days

Remember we begin the same

We lose our way in fear and pain

Oh Joy Begin.”

My Mini Maternity

Last minute I decided to try and do a mini shoot at home with my girls and a couple last portraits of this pregnancy. If it’s not obvious in the chaos of the pictures, let me just clarify; it was chaos. These two are starting to look at the camera and say “cheeseeeeee” which is awesome and a step in the right direction but they are definitely only interested in picture taking for about 0.2 seconds. Overall, I’m happy to have taken the time (and energy) to document this last stage of our family as it is and the end of this pregnancy.

Special thank you to my girl Michaela Creed for taking the photos.

Baby Knox | Nursery Edition

Baby boy is due in just a couple short weeks. His nursery is ready and I wanted to share some pictures of his space that will be only his. The girls love to go in and ransack everything and I’m sure that will continue to be a theme in his life, but for now this still images leave me excited and wondering all the things about this new little life about to collide with ours.

We live in an old house and I wanted to embrace the old charm and utilize it instead of try to hide it. All the old wood trim and small space ended up being the perfect shell to work with.. I knew big furniture wouldn’t fit well so I decided to do a smaller storage cabinet and turn the “closet” area into usable exposed closet storage.

I wouldn’t credit this room to a specific theme of any sort but I did want little pieces of myself and especially Ryan to be evident. I tried to include this by using a few vintage toys like a toy tractor ( because I grew up on a farm) and some military influence in the room with a vintage army toy truck, picture of Ryan static line jumping and a cute little US ARMY hat Ryans mom gifted us and a single little spray painted gold army man from Ryan and Is wedding. Lastly, a vintage first aid book since Ryan and myself are both nurses. I knew this room wouldn’t need a lot of knick knacks or it would quickly look cluttered but just a couple of open shelves to house these treasures did the trick.

Any piece of furniture had to serve a purpose with the space being small. So I decided the only things we needed for now was a crib, rocker and the small storage chest mentioned earlier. The crib was re-used from the girls room, I just painted it green to give it a fresh new feel. Sourced a cozy rocker and put up some hooks for all my favorite baby things to display. Obviously, embracing the fall time baby with all fall inspired colors.

This room wouldn’t feel nearly as ready without all the special pieces gifted or sourced from loved ones. All that is missing is baby Knox himself.

Also, I have to credit my dear friend over at Will + Blu who always helps me streamline design ideas.

SOURCES:

Crib- IKEA

Exposed Closet Solution- IKEA

Rug- Etsy

Storage Cabinet- World Market

Rocker- Target

Curtains- Anthropologie

Rattan Hooks- Urban Outfitters

Chair Pillow- Etsy

ABC Mat- Gathre

Baby Knox | Baby Shower

I might be the luckiest girl. At least, that’s how i’m feeling after being given the most beautiful baby shower for Baby Knox. My bestest friend went above and beyond putting on a beautiful shower and that topped with being surrounded by the most amazing friends and family. I’ll be honest, right before I was suppose to leave for the shower, I had some pre-eclamptic signs pop up and rattled me a bit. I decided with my blood pressure only being borderline and the headache being mild, I would head to the shower and try to relax/distract myself. I am so glad I did. Of course the food was wonderful, beautifully displayed, the gifts were so special but when it was all said and done, this amazing group of women surrounded me with love and prayed over me and Baby Baker. It was just the presence, peace and reminder I needed that I am cared for and loved greatly. I can’t thank this community around me enough, they are simply, the best.

Summer | 2019

Summer has come to an end and Ive really become fond of documenting life through few words but a lot fo pictures. Having two 3 year old toddlers keeps me busy and typically don’t get to photograph them as much as id like to. Not to mention their favorite pose when the camera is out is to turn their backs to me and run away. Any other mamas out there relate? Regardless if I don’t have all the “perfectly” documented photographs, life is worth taking a moment to recap and remember. This is my summer 2019 summary of memories.

My little sister got married this June, and also shared that she is expecting this November. Her wedding was beautiful. We all got ready at the most adorable airbnb in Mt Vernon, Ohio and the ceremony/reception was held near by at the Ariel Foundation Park in Mt Vernon. It really was a beautiful wedding and my favorite part was seeing little Hattie and Hazel be flower girls for their aunt. For the first time and prob last, they had sponge rolled curls and despite having fallen asleep on the way to the venue, they actually nailed walking down the aisle. Hattie kind of quickly ran down, but Hazel (who had been having a bit of a meltdown right before) seemed to understand exactly what was happening and slowly walked down throwing her little flower petals. I was so relieved and fond of this memory.

Also in June my little girls turned 3, how could it be? To be honest, I love event and party planning. I originally hoped to host a big party with some girly theme. It ended up not working out this year so instead, we had a small morning get together with all their buddies and had donuts. They loved it and didn’t seem to notice any different. Lets be honest, at this age the themed big party was prob more for my love of creating it than it is that they care.

We announced back in the spring that we are expecting our third baby this Oct. Ryan and myself both have December birthdays and I was super happy to hear we would now be adding a fall time baby to the yearly celebrations. We also are pumped that its a boy to help balance the household some. They say that your second time around in pregnancy you show much quicker and that I think has been the case for me. I joke that my uterus is confused after carrying two babies previously, leaving this baby all the room he could imagine.

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This summer Ryan and I managed to sneak away again with our pals to West Virginia and its always a much needed retreat. There was a more relaxed, (we are all getting older, kind of feel). Which I was totally on board for, especially being pregnant. We spent most our days at the pools and ate meals the best way, together.

Summer has been good to us, but man, this fall has some big things happening that we are stoked for. Thankful for this last season as just a family of 4 as we get ready to welcome baby #3.

Lake Leelanau, Michigan | 2019

In April we got away with our besties, The Britts, for a long weekend to northern Michigan to a friends lake house. Its located in Lake Leelanau area and couldn’t be a prettier setting. Michigan really is a beautiful escape with all kinds of beautiful little lake towns along the shore. We explored some neighboring towns, wineries and relaxed at home with the kiddos. To end the trip we did a gender revealing for baby baker #3.

3rd Annual Progressive Dinner | Valentines Day

3rd Annual Progressive Dinner is in the books. As usual the decor was beautiful, the food was delicious and the company couldn’t be beat. First stop was the Goubeauxs for drinks and appetizers. Andre is a bit of a wizard at crafting cocktails/mocktails and the finger foods were exactly what everyone needed to get appetites wet. Lauren from over at LACE made the beautiful geometric heart on display. Any party needs-she your lady.

Next stop was dinner at The Britts. Emily has the most hostess heart of anyone I know and man does that lady know how to cook. Per usual, she made, wedge salads (homemade salad dressing/bacon bits) bacon wrapped asparagus, mashed potatoes and steak with a tarragon compound butter. This part of the night is always nice because everyone has to sit around the same table and the whole crowd gets to mingle and there’s something about eating around a dinner table with your best friends that feels like home.

Last stop, The Thompsons for desserts. Chocolate cake, chocolate covered strawberries and eclairs to round up the fell course meal. The last stop includes a photo opp. This year I made a fringe garland backdrop and let my friends go to work, couples, friends and even babies this year all had fun getting their photos taken. This tradition along with a couple others is one of my favorites and Im already excited for next years.

Halloween | 2018

I love holidays! Halloween, to me, is the kick off to the best time of the year and always a fun one to go all out for. This year I teamed up with my favorite custom events planner, Lauren over at LACE. We decided to do an intimate dinner party for all our closest friends. Lauren is always so creative and easy to work with. I highly recommend for any custom party or event planning. I loved how this party turned out and as always loved photographing the night. We did dark charcuterie boards, warm soups with bread and had caramel apples and cherry crumble for desert. Laurens husband was the "bartender" for the evening and had even made his own spiced bitters beforehand. I bought mini smoke bombs to have some fun photo opportunities. Overall, it was a fun night and really any excuse to hang out with my favorite people is a win in my book.

White Sulphur Springs | West Virginia

Every year for four years now, a group of close friends get away, adults only, to West Virginia. One of the couples parents own a house on a mountain in White Sulphur Springs and have been kind enough to allow us to all go retreat together. The mountain homes are part of The Greenbrier Resort which adds this whole extra piece of experience to the trip. The mountain views and quietness of the elevation is a perfect vacation on its own but then you add the visits into Lewisburg and to The Greenbrier and the trip becomes this whole slew of experiences. Ryan and myself went the first year but then missed a couple summers so we were very ready to get away with everyone. As cheesy as it may sound, spending the time with our "framily" is what makes it all and wouldn't be nearly as special without everyone.

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Holden Beach | North Carolina

I grew up going to Holden Beach in North Carolina with my family. We would go every other year and aunts, uncles, cousins and our grandma would all go. The last time I went was 10 years ago. So my mom inquired last winter about trying to go back to HB this summer. We found a house and made it happen. This was also the first time that Ryan and myself took a whole full week off for a vacation. As nurses we tend to try to work a couple shifts at the beginning of the week and take off for a "long weekend" somewhere. I was excited to go and start our own traditions as a family at the beach I grew up going to. Hattie and Hazel loved the beach. Hazel would sit in the shallows and let the waves hit her while Hattie took off exploring up and down the beach. Spending this much uninterrupted time was a nice break from the day to day hustle and I hope to make this a repeated trip in the years to come.

The Twins Turn TWO

Can it be possible that these spunky free spirit twin girls of mine have grown another year older? The years are going fast while the days seem to stay long. Hattie and Hazel can, sometimes, be exhausting to put it lightly. They are curious, full of energy, ready to venture into the next scene (opposite directions) all the while not taking a notice to an adults warning cry. They have their own language that only they get to share in. They don't share often but when they do it warms my soul. They love to "brush" their teeth and any warm day spent outside is their dream come true. Like their mama, they love the water and would permanently live in a pool if possible.