to love

Being a parent awakes things inside of you that you didn't even know were sleeping.  You become ultra sensitive to the situations you are faced with and the decisions you make everyday.  Before having a little one my focus was basically Me.  Me and David, but more Me.  It's a sad and honest truth.  Now that Quinne is in my life I am forced to take a look at what I represent and how I want to teach her to be a good person.  It seems simple.  Teach your children to be good people.  To accept those who are different from you and respect the view that you might not agree with or understand.  Isn't that what makes people so unique and different from one another?  It's exciting learning new things and seeing a different perspective from others.  


This week North Carolina passed Amendment One.  Now I'm not going to stand on my soapbox and preach for or against gay marriage, but I am going to say that it makes me sad.  I'm sad that there are people so against others.  That there has to be laws against people who just want to be married.  I just don't understand how allowing gay marriage will ruin the sanctity of marriage between a man and woman.  My marriage to David will not be affected in anyway by allowing gay marriage.  I believe in Jesus.  I believe in the Bible.  I'm not a Bible wizard and am not going to list a bunch of verses that back up what I am trying to say.  All I know is that we were not given the task to judge our fellow man.  That is up to God.  And we are called to love others.  We do not have to agree with them, but we do need to love and treat everyone with respect.  Regardless of sexual orientation, religion, race.  


I want to teach Quinne to be a kind person.  To look deeper than the surface when she meets people in her life.  To learn to love unconditionally.  And it starts with David and me.  We have been given the task to teach her these important lessons in life.  To raise her in a positive and loving home, teaching her that all were created equal.  All I hope for is that she will be happy.  That she will be a good and kind friend.  That she will look past the differences in others and show them love.  It starts with me and I hope that my life is an example of all these things.  


Love, 
Noelle

time with mom

For the past five days David has been away for work.  I miss him.  He does so much for Quinne and me.  We are the luckiest ladies around.  While he is away my mom has been here helping me and making sure the boogyman doesn't get me in the night.  How silly to be afraid of the dark at 28 years old.  But I still run and jump into bed when I turn the hallway light off.  Every single time.  I didn't realize how much I appreciate my mom being close to me until Quinne arrived.  Knowing that she is a short 30 minute drive away is so wonderful.  A breath of fresh air when I feel like I am unraveling at the seams.  It really is perfect timing since Mothers Day is right around the corner.  I get to spend quality time with her every night once the babe is tucked away.  Time is the best gift in life.  I'm realizing this as I get older, and since I became a mama myself.  All I want in the whole world is for time to slow down.  I would love it if I could make it stop altogether and cherish each moment at my own pace.  Soaking in all the smiles Quinne gives us, talks with my mom about her mother and her life growing up, quiet moments David and I steal late in the evening.  


I'm taking this chance to catch up with my mom.  To ask her how she is doing.  What things she wants to accomplish in her life.  What things make her sad, and happy.  I have gotten to hear so many stories I never heard about me and my sister growing up.  Watching Quinne grow up has made my mom remember little things about us when we were so small and innocent.  It's fun hearing things like that.  We laugh and remember things together while sipping wine on the deck watching the sun go down.  Sometimes I get so overwhelmed thinking that I am a mom.  That my mom is a grandma.  Life is so crazy and fast and amazing all at the same time.  I am so lucky that I get to spend this time with my mom.  I cherish it from the bottom of my heart.  It makes me extremely happy that Quinne will know her grandma so well.  I never lived by either of my grandmothers, and I was always a little sad by that.  I'm happy my little girl will get the chance to know my mom.  The woman that raised me to become the person I am today.  I will always be grateful for everything she has done for me.  
Take a second to call your mom or if you can give her a squeeze.  You will both be happy you did!


Love,
Noelle

s.o.s. with my babies

Quinne: jumper:Target/ sweater:Gap

Mama: tee:Target/ jeans:Levis/ belt and shoes:UO (super boring outfit)

Our Saturday night actually took place on Friday.  David left on Saturday morning bright and early for a work retreat up in Washington.  So we hit up San Luis for some family time.  Strolling the streets together is one of my new favorite things to do.  Quinne loves to be in her stroller, taking in the city.  Although, our city is quite small she loves seeing people and hearing all the different noises.  It's wonderful watching her take in all the new things around her.  Being a parent is really the neatest thing in the world.  And I can't forget to mention the veggie burger I got!  It's made from all local produce and beets.  Yes beets!!  I'm in heaven when I eat this thing.  The whole thing.  

I hope everyone is enjoying this weekend.  

Love, 

Noelle

happy May

Lately we have been looking at our diets and tweaking some things to make us healthier and happier.  I have to say that we eat pretty good on a regular basis, but recently I have been bad.  I mean really really BAD.  Taking every chance to eat chocolate, so much chocolate!  And, since I'm breastfeeding I'm always hungry.  I didn't know that happened, but it's true breastfeeding leaves you hungry.  I have taken full advantage of this 'diet'.  I can eat pretty much whatever and stay the same weight.  But, if I'm pigging out on baked goods and granola bars what good is that to Quinne?  She is getting all the crap that I am putting in my mouth all day long.  So it's time to revamp what I eat.  Adding more and more veggies into my daily routine and cutting out the excessive amount of carbs.  I want to feel good and it starts with my diet.  I have always believed this and try hard to be heart healthy, I've just fallen into a lazy hole these past few months.  Yep, months. 


 David and I have really enjoyed making smoothies and juices these past few weeks.  They're delicious and so good for you.  I've even made my own coconut milk.  I'm excited to be more mindful about what we are eating.  It feels good making a positive change in life.  And one day I get to share what I know with Quinne.  That's really exciting!


Here are some of my favorites we've made.  Oh and we're watching the Biggest Loser Finale right now, how appropriate. 

Good Morning Smoothie

1/2cup water

1cup green grapes

1/4cup cucumber, peeled, diced

1/2 kiwi, peeled

1/2apple, seeded

3/4cup chopped broccoli

squeeze of lemon

1/2cup ice cubes

Peach Party

 cup of water or pineapple juice 

mango(yuuuum)

peach, halved, pitted(or handful of frozen)

2 dates or 1tbs. of honey

cup of ice cubes

Sailor Man Smoothie

1/2 cup grapes

1/4 c soy yogurt(well any plain yogurt I guess)

1cup fresh spinach

1/2 banana

1/2 apple

1/3 cup pineapple

1cup ice cubes

I was too excited and dropped my glass.  Sad.

Berry Delicious Smoothie

1cup pineapple

1/4cup plain yogurt

1 banana

1cup strawberries

1/4cup blueberries

1/4cup cranberries, fresh or frozen

1/2cup ice cubes 

That was a weird one to open

yes, this I agree with.

I hope you get to try some of these drinks.  They really are wonderful and so good for your tummy and mood!  

Love, Noelle

weekend memories

This weekend feels like a big blur.  We had a lot going on and I feel pooped from it all.  Not to mention Quinne is teething up a storm and has a slight cold.  So sad.  I feel like my day is ten times longer when she is not feeling well.  And I have to tell myself to be patient and loving the whole time.  I hate how quick I become frustrated these days.  I'm happy that teething and colds don't last forever!  


From a baby shower to a birthday celebration and everything in between I'm happy to sit back and eat some popcorn tonight.  


Yummiest popcorn:
     1/2 cup popcorn
     3 tbs coconut oil
     melt oil in large covered pan with 5 kernels.  Once they start poppin add the rest and shake pan until the popping 
     stops.  Sprinkle a bit of salt if you like.  It's the best popcorn with a tiny hint of coconut.  Enjoy!

serious biting 

aLike app.  I mean really? Moby?!?

grinding gums

a reminder of true beauty

watching some wild dogs play

more chewing.  she's so cute

my friends. yay!

Love, Noelle

blogger for birth kits

I was reading one of my favorite blogs tonight.  Melissa over at Dear Baby has wonderful posts on motherhood, family, and honest moments in her life.  Tonight I was especially touched by her post.  I wanted to relay what she was sharing and hopefully shine some light on a tender, sad thing happening in Papua New Guinea.  


Fact: the rate of maternal death is 1 in 7 in Papua New Guinea


Adriel from The Mommyhood Memos is on a mission to collect clean birth kits through Medical Ships.  These kits are simple tools that will help in the labor and birth of babies in Papua New Guinea.  These tools will keep the mothers and babies safe from infections that arise during and after delivering.  They will help save these new mothers.  New mothers that have waited 9 long months to meet their sweet babies.  

The Birth Kits are so very cheap and simple.  From twine, to a piece of soap(not even a whole bar. A piece) can make a huge difference in these women's lives.  

I was so moved by this movement.  I cried reading about the struggles I will never fully understand.  My heart hurts for these women.   I can't imagine the thought of not making it through my labor.  Of never being able to hold Quinne.  I take for granted so many things, and medical attention is one of those things.  I don't have to worry about not getting the aid I need, or my baby.  I am so blessed in my life.  I have a home, a healthy baby, and loving people all around me.  How could I ask for more? 

I am so excited to be able to contribute to this!  Giving back is the best feeling in the world.  It's what life is all about.  My plan is to buy these things in bulk and invite my mom girls over to assemble them.  I hope you will check out Adriels blog for more info.  

Love, Noelle

sunshine

I guess I'm pretty into the sunshine since I won't stop talking about it lately!  Today is rainy and so I thought we should share some pictures from a sunny day.  Our friends had us over to enjoy the warm weather, and relax.  Quinne got to play with some of her boyfriends and even ride a tractor.  It was the funniest thing watching her ride it while these boys pushed her around the yard.  (They were all naked and I felt weird about putting nude pictures up of my friends kids, so you don't get to see those!)  Trust me it was really funny.   


I just love having friends with babies.  One day they will all be playing together and I can't wait to see the fun they will have.  

I'm off to make scones.  Coconut, almond, and chocolate chip scones.  Yum!  I guess having a gloomy day isn't so bad after all.  Happy Wednesday.

Love Noelle