The Start of Summer...

Hello Friends! It finally feels like summer has arrived around here, which I am so thankful for. Lately we have had two weddings, a garage sale, a summer festival, a visit to a new church and new small group, Nick preached in Paris, Ohio, and the first trip strolling Nora to the ice cream shop down the road from our house. What's fun about all this is that Nora has so many "firsts." And even though I get a few eye rolls from Nick, I document every single one. With all of these "firsts" we learn a lot- how much she can handle, what things annoy her, what things make her calm. I think because it's just the two of us at home nearly every day- crowds and lots of people trying to get her attention are unpleasant for her. She does fine with noise- but she prefers quiet and one on one interactions for sure. There have been moments I wanted to break down and cry. Then there are the moments, when I feel overcome with joy that this is my new life, my new reality, my new little family of three. I love every minute with her (even the frustrating ones) and wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

I am in the middle of writing out a summer leap list- all the little things I want to do this summer. For example I can't wait to take her to the zoo, swimming at my Mom's house, and give her the first little adventure in a sandbox. Most of the leap list involves little things with Nora- family things. I know somewhere in there we will have to find a little bit of time for just Nick and I. Our anniversary is in a few weeks and we are taking an overnight trip to Columbus- and my Mom is going to watch Nora. I already feel kinda sick about it- I really hate being away from her...but I know Nick and I will have a great time.

I am also thinking about taking just a little bit of a blog hiatus. Lately- well really since Nora has been born I just kinda feel as though I don't have the desire to blog. She really fills my day and I just want to focus on her. I also have a wee bit of writers block...and just feel like my creative side has been in hibernation. My Etsy shop is so neglected, I literally feel shocked when I make a sale because it's in such a sad state. The only ongoing creative thing I am doing is Project Life (it's kind of a new obsession). So Nora's entire life is documented up through mid-May currently- every first you could think of- first time to Target, first time in the Bumbo seat, first time in Jenny Jump Up, first time eating peas...I mean everything! Anyways- and as I have said before, I am really loving sharing photos on Instagram- so quick and simple, but a fun way to connect with people.

So, I am giving myself permission to take a little break from this blog. Posting will be spotty at best. I think I need to take the time to decide if I want to just shut down the blog for good, or if I can come back with a better focus and a bit re-energized. For now friends- hope your summer is starting off wonderfully! XO

Nora: Seven Months

Hello Friends. Well my little sweetie pie turned seven months old yesterday! Crazy! How can time be going by so quickly? She is changing so rapidly right now and it's so fun to watch.

Just this past month she has started sitting up on her own- still a little wobbly but doing pretty good. She is doing better at rolling. She is riding in the cart like a big girl at Target. We finally gave her the first taste of "food" - peas and she was not a fan. She is doing better at naps. She enjoys routine and familiar people. She is extremely active and always needs to be doing something. She loves strolls around the neighborhood. She loves her "Jenny Jump Up." She is barely squeezing into 9 month clothing and really is more comfortable in 12 month clothing (never expected her to grow so fast!). At her last pediatrician appointment, she measured in the 97th percentile in height and weight. Her head is still above the 97th percentile. She weighs 20 pounds. She's been to her first wedding and just heard Nick preach for the first time this past Sunday. Her eyes are still so blue and we aren't sure if they are going to change- since Nick and I both have green eyes, I really thought she would as well. Her hair is getting crazy and she's developing some major waves. She is generally pretty happy, but has a huge amount of "sass" to her. This little angel really keeps me on my toes. XO

Family Pictures

Hello Friends. I wanted to share a few photos from yesterday. Our dear friends Kristy and Keith asked me to take some more pictures for them. Once we finished up with their session, I asked Kristy to take a few quick shots of us. It was cold, cloudy, and Nora was in no humor for pictures! So, I don't know that I would say it was a success, but at least we have some half way decent family pictures that don't involve me awkwardly holding my phone out in front of us and wishing for the best! She's been all smiles lately, so not sure why she was so serious for picture time, but hey, she's a baby- she can do whatever she wants! XO

Weekend Wedding

Hi Friends. This past weekend I was the Matron of Honor in my dear friend Kristy's wedding. It was so much fun. Friday night was the rehearsal - Kristy surprised all her girls with Pandora bracelets and three charms (each symbolizing Kristy and the wedding). I have never heard of such an elaborate and generous gift for the bridal party...but that's Kristy- always giving. At the dinner that night Nick sat next to the pastor that was going to be marrying Kristy and Keith. They hit it off really well and the pastor ended up asking Nick to preach at the church in May! Pretty exciting stuff. 

Saturday was beautiful- sunny and warm. We all got to the church around one to help Kristy get ready. I forgot how nerve racking the getting ready and waiting can be. However- there was so much laughter coming out of our room- everyone was commenting on the constant giggles. The wedding itself was so sweet- just simple and lovely. And Kristy, being true to herself, made everyone giggle during her vows. Afterwards- poor Kristy nearly passed out during pictures. She refused to eat before the wedding and her blood sugar went crazy. After a coke and a candy bar- she was all smiles. We stopped off at The McKinley Monument before the reception for some quick outdoor pictures. The reception was great as well- and I managed to not screw up the toast! Being part of someone's wedding is such an honor- it was one of the biggest days of her life and I got a front row seat. I am one lucky lady....

The girls...

My handsome date...

Smooch

Essie's "Jamaica Me Crazy" matched my dress perfectly

My bouquet 

Sunday Snapshot

Hi Friends. We had such a nice day today- with tons of family time. We went to church, ate lunch out at our favorite local restaurant, got some groceries, hit up Starbucks, and when we finally got home, we decided to go for a nice long walk. Nora has been in the happiest mood all weekend and we have had so much fun. We honestly don't venture out too much during the week, so weekends when we get to be out and about, it's such a nice change of pace. Hope your weekend was wonderful friends. XO

Nora: Six Months

Hi Friends. Well my sweet baby girl turned six months old today. This morning as we snuggled in for our morning nap- I thought about the morning of her birth. I thought about how in those early morning hours I couldn't have imagined the love I would feel for this little girl. I mean I knew I would love my baby (obviously), but I never imagined a love like this. She is simply the best adventure. I still look at her beautiful face and can't believe she is mine. A baby completely changes your perspective and makes you reevaluate all your priorities.

We've had Fox news on a lot these past few days. These tragedies in Boston are breaking my heart. And then I started to think about how in her short little life we've watched Hurricane Sandy, the Sandy Hook Shootings, and now this. All the ugliness and upheaval is heavy on my heart. I think about the world she is going to grow up in. I want to shield her, I want to protect her, I want her to know no hurt. As a mother, this is the burden on my heart. However, I know it's not reality.

Anyways-at six months Miss Nora is super fun. She is making all kinds of sounds- for a few days she seemed to find her high pitched voice- and screeched a lot. She is doing great with her cereal (obviously- she's a little piggy). I can't wait to start her on some "real" foods soon. She has great hand eye coordination and is very accurate at reaching for and picking up toys. She is getting close to sitting up by herself (her poor head is so big, she really tends to tip over most tries). She kicks her legs like crazy and I swear she is ready to jump up and run away. She all of a sudden likes to "stand" on our laps- with us holding on tightly she is putting weight on her legs. She wants constant attention- if I dare walk out of the room, I certainly hear about it very quickly. She lights up when she sees her Daddy and loves to put her hands all over his face when he gets home from work. She is doing a little bit better with naps, but she isn't great by any means. She is going to bed around 8 and sleeps until about 7:30 in the morning. She has grown out of all her six month clothes and has long been out of her size 2 diapers.  It amazes me how quickly she is growing!

And just a side note- sorry for the lack of posting lately. She really is keeping me on my toes. And I have been loving Instagram lately- it's just so much easier and quicker. If you are interested in following me- search for Navarrecharm. XO

Sunday Snapshots

Hi Friends. Nick got back from his trip to Chicago Saturday night. This morning Nora was just so excited to spend some quality time with him. He brought her back a little bear wearing a Wheaton College t-shirt, which she loved. The weather here was perfect today. We were able to take Nora on her first "stroll" around the neighborhood and she really seemed to enjoy it. It was so nice to settle back into some family time before the week starts! XO

Easter & Being From A Divorced Family

Hi Friends. So obviously this Easter post is a bit overdue. I have to say Easter was exhausting and then Nick left for a theology conference near Chicago (he gets home tomorrow night- thank goodness), and I got a nasty little cold. So- once again, things have felt a little crazy around here. So, I just need to vent...

Holidays have always been tricky for Nick and I. We both come from divorced homes- which means every holiday we need to be five different places- which is miserable (not exaggerating here- literally we are expected to be at five different places each holiday). Growing up, holidays were just my Mom, Dad, Brother, and I. We never really went anywhere and no one really came over. This is what I thought all families did- they just celebrated with the people they lived with and this was my "normal." When my parents split- it added a level of complication. When I met Nick, it added many many many layers of complications. The thing about feeling obligated to be so many places is that you never really get to enjoy any place you are actually at. I am always looking at the clock, thinking about where we need to be next. And if we don't go to visit someone on a holiday I am left feeling so guilty.

I always told Nick that if we ever had kids- things would need to change. For Easter we did our best to keep it simple. We went to church in the morning- and my Mom and Step-Dad came so they could see Nora. We went straight from church to Nick's Aunt's House. Nora did pretty good, but there was a fair amount of fussing. We left there and went to Nick's grandma's house around 5:00. So, Nora had been out and about since around 9:30. Needless to say- it didn't go well. She was really upset and cried so hard (which made her Momma want to cry even harder). I think we finally left around 7...and by the time we got home, I felt like I had just been punched in the face for an hour.

Once we got Nora all settled into bed, Nick and I had a long chat. I told him how much I hate divorce. I told him how the ripple affects of it just go on and on. I told him how it felt like holidays have lost their joy. I told him that I just can't imagine continuing to put our daughter through it. I wish I could have the attitude "the more the merrier" but it just isn't the case. I have no idea how we will resolve this- I don't know what the answer is, but I know something has to change- I just can't deal with having our daughter scream her little head off for every holiday. It makes me want to take our little family and run away! And I don't mean to sound ungrateful- family, after all, is wonderful. To have so many people that would allow us into their home to enjoy holidays with them- it's a good problem to have. It just kills me to have to drag our little clementine to so many places and I don't think I am willing to put her through it again if I can help it. Needless to say- I am so glad I don't have to freak out about all this holiday stuff again until Thanksgiving! Anyways- even though it was a tough day- Nora looked pretty darn adorable...

Can't get enough of those chubby little cheeks!

Nick's family is very excited about a baby- these are just some of her Easter gifts!

Polka Dot Sunglasses

Baby Nora: Five Months

Hello Friends. It's been awhile since my last post. Things have been a wee bit hectic. For the past week or so Miss Nora has had on her cranky pants. I don't really know what's wrong- but she is fussy all day long. If I put her down, or even dream of walking out of the room, she has a complete meltdown. So, I have spent what feels like every moment of the day trying to console a cranky baby. It's been a little rough, I am not going to lie.

Nora turned five months old last week- which is just crazy. Part of me feels like she is just growing too quickly- like my days of having a little tiny baby are long gone. She's been doing a little bit better with naps these days. The catch to those naps- she usually will only nap in my arms. That can feel frustrating at times because there are so many things I want to get done around the house, but at the same time, it's my favorite part of the day. Looking down and seeing her all snuggled against me, it's really a wonderful sight. We have finally started her on some rice cereal, which she seems to be enjoying. We have also started a whole bedtime routine which seems to get her all calmed down and ready for bed. And other than the past week or so- she has been such a delight. She is constantly reaching and grabbing for things. She is so full of energy- I feel like she is bursting at the seems to get up and run around (thank God we have many more months until that happens- yikes). And I know everybody probably thinks this of their own child- but every time I look at her I am convinced she is the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world. She continues to amaze me every day- and keeps me on my toes for sure!

Those eyes...

First time trying rice cereal

Getting ready for church with Daddy

Sunday Snapshots

Hello Friends. Just wanted to drop in and share some adorable new pictures of Miss Nora. This little corduroy dress was her outfit for church this morning and oh my did she look cute! Hope your weekend was wonderful my friends! XO

Sweet little buttons all the way down the back

Disney Getaway, Part 4

Hello Friends. All good things must come to an end...as with our lovely little vacation. Disney's Magical Express was picking us up 4:45 AM, wow that felt early. I didn't sleep well, I don't know if I was afraid we were going to miss our bus, or if my sunburn just hurt too bad? Either way, I was up around 2 AM. So we got up threw on clothes, brushed our teeth, and made our way to the front of the hotel. I had that sad feeling you get when you are about to head back to reality, I sort of wanted just one more day.

We finally got to the airport and security at Orlando went much better than it did at Cleveland. We eventually got on the plane- which was running behind due to air traffic issues in Chicago (which was where we were heading). We were nervous we were going to miss our connecting flight- but every thing worked out and we arrived at Chicago with about an hour until our connecting flight took off. The reason we had to have such an early flight out was because back in November Nick got tickets to see an author speak/ book signing in Cleveland. So, we needed to be back in plenty of time for us to get home and him to head back up North. Anyways, so we make our way over to one of the flight boards only to discover that our plane was delayed by four hours!

We decided to eat at the airport Chili's- just to have a decent place to sit and relax for a bit. That airport was like a zoo- so many people and everyone looked miserable. The only good thing- there were lots of Starbucks. After lunch we walked around for a bit until we just decided to settle in at the United gate. Our flight kept getting pushed back. Our plane was apparently stuck in Salt Lake City. We finally boarded our plane around 3 Chicago time...and then we sat on the runway for over 45 minutes. The pilot got on and said they were having mechanical issues- which makes you feel really excited to fly! We finally landed in Cleveland around 6:30...and then had to drive an hour home. Nick obviously missed his author/book signing. We were so exhausted. We stopped at Chipotle for a quick dinner and got home at 8. Traveling can certainly be miserable, it can almost make you forget how relaxing the vacation was. But after a good night's sleep, you put the bad parts behind you, and just remember the good parts. And nearly every day since we have been home we have talked about how we need to start saving now to be able to take Nora to Disney in the future...

At least there was Starbucks

Nachos at Chili's

Disney Getaway, Part 3

Hello Friends. Tuesday was our last full day in Disney and it was just as relaxing as the day before. I woke up and again ate a cupcake on the balcony for breakfast, this time a gluten free/ vegan red velvet. Thank goodness I don't have such bad eating habits at home or I would certainly weigh 400 pounds. Anyways, Tuesday was pretty rainy, so I stayed on the balcony in my pajamas and continued to read "The Church Planting Wife." That book really spoke to my heart on this trip. Nick is very seriously considering planting a church in the future, so I guess I figured I better get on board and figure out what in the world church planting even means. This book gave me lots of clarity and insight...and also challenged me in many ways.

I had a 1:30 lunch reservation back at The Captain's Grille. I didn't mind being alone during most of the trip, but this lunch wasn't very fun. My waiter was odd and he kept lingering at my table. My tomato and mozzarella sandwich was pretty delicious though.The weather cleared up late afternoon and I went back to the pool. This time however, I used my brain, and sat under a covering to avoid the sunshine. I couldn't bear the idea of my sunburn getting even worse.

When Nick was all finished with his last meeting of the day we decided to have dinner. We contemplated heading to Downtown Disney for one last adventure, but I was pretty tired. We went back to The Captain's Grille for dinner (I know this was was our third trip there in our short stay, but it was just so close and easy to eat there). I had a delicious pesto pasta. I am so impressed with the way Disney handles food allergies. The chef comes out to talk with you at each meal. They were beyond helpful with Nick's diet- Chef Anthony sent Nick out extra gluten free goodies.

We ended the evening walking along the pier and boardwalk. There was a nice fireworks display over the water which was gorgeous. We grabbed some ice cream and sat by the pool for our last little bit of vacation. We had some great conversation. And I knew at that point, this trip was a success. The combination of time with the hubby, the warm Florida air, the decadent food, being able to put on make up and wear a dress out to dinner every night...all these things were so good for me. I missed Nora so much, but I needed this little trip. I needed to be refreshed.

Tomorrow I will finish with our trip home- which was sort of a mild version of what I think hell might be like. Stay tuned. :)

Yes, again a cupcake for breakfast

Nick came to visit with me during one of his breaks

Loved the scenery by the pool

Delicious Pesto Pasta from Captain's Grille 

Fireworks over the water- a perfect way to end the night

Disney Getaway, Part 2

Hello Friends. Monday was our first full day at Disney. Nick had to be at his conference starting at 8:30 AM. I swore I was going to go back to bed after he left, but I couldn't sleep. I decided to get up and sit out on the balcony and eat breakfast. Vacation is the only time you can rationalize eating a cupcake for breakfast because room service is just too expensive. I started reading The Church Planting Wife by Christine Hoover, I had ordered it knowing it would be my vacation read. To be honest- I am not much of a reader, but this book was amazing and I couldn't put it down.

Around 10 AM I hit the pool. The forecast had called for rain- but to my delight it was lovely out- a little cloudy at times, but there was plenty of sunshine. I stayed at the pool until 4- just reading, relaxing, and taking it all in. Unfortunately by the time I realized my skin was red as a lobster- it was clearly too late. I always think I can handle more sun than I can and I always burn to a crisp. You would think I would learn, but I never seem to. The result: the worst sunburn I can ever remember having. Oh, the sting (literally) of regret.

When Nick got done with the conference we went back to Downtown Disney for the evening. We went to The House of Blues for dinner. I had the yummiest goat cheese and veggie flatbread. There was an amazing saxophone player performing that we stopped to watch. We went in a few shops and just enjoyed the atmosphere. We ended the night at Ghirardelli for dessert. It was a really beautiful evening and I was so happy to be there with my wonderful hubby!

Breakfast- Gluten Free/ Vegan Brownie Cupcake from BabyCakes NYC 

My view for six hours in the Florida sun

On the balcony- waiting for Nick to be done with his conference

Disney Getaway, Part 1

Hello Friends. We made it back from our Disney getaway last night. In order to tell you about our adventure, I thought I would break it up into parts by day. Sunday morning we left the house around 5:30 AM to head to the Cleveland Airport. Driving away from our house, and our baby, was so hard. It felt so wrong to leave her, even though I knew she was in very capable and loving hands. I hadn't been to an airport in a few years and had forgotten how much fun it was to go through security. I got a lovely pat down because who knows what showed up on the full body x-ray. I was a little bummed heading into the flight because Nick and I didn't have seats together. But luckily I got to sit next to a sweet little girl- who just happened to puke during the flight (oh my). Once through the flight we hopped on Disney's Magical Express to take us to our hotel. By this point everything was feeling a tad miserable. I hadn't eaten a thing all morning and it was now going on 1:30.

We finally arrived at the hotel and I was pleasantly surprised- it was so welcoming. We went right away to one of the hotel restaurants (The Captain's Grille) and ate lunch. Things were starting to feel better. After lunch we hit the pool for just a little bit- although it was lightly raining it was still fun. After swimming we met up with Nick's co-workers and went to Downtown Disney. We ate dinner at Portobello's, sitting on the water, and I had the best lasagna of my life. We then went to BabyCakes NYC to get some gluten free/vegan cupcakes.

I felt myself finally starting to relax. I really enjoyed being able to spend some quality time with Nick. I really enjoyed putting on a dress and heading out for dinner. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Downtown Disney- the great food, the street performers, the energy of the area. It was so different from the life I typically lead. I had to come to the realization that I had to let go of my guilt. If I didn't let go and enjoy myself, then really what would have been the point of the trip? Being grumpy wouldn't have got me home to Nora any sooner.

Adam, Amber, Buzz, Me, & Nick

BabyCakes NYC

Hello Cupcakes!