The Vance's: July 2015

Simon's baby debut

>> July 26, 2015

Being that this was my third pregnancy, we didn't find out the sex of the baby and we had saved everything from our previous babies I knew it was unlikely I'd have any sort of baby shower. Which was okay. Life was so busy with soccer, gymnastics, preschool, work and normal life stuff that it sort of slipped past me to do any kind of baby prep at all.

So when my dear friend Jessica offered to throw me a baby shower I was so excited. We decided that a post baby debut party made much more sense so we could pass around the newest little Vance baby. I envisioned a very simple, intimate setting with some of my closest friends and family to just have some girl time together, since I don't get much of that these days.

Jessica blew my simple idea out of the water. She is so good at thinking about little details that make the biggest impression. Her decor was perfect, little bits of blue, green and gray perfect to later transfer to Simon's new nursery. The food...I can't even begin to describe how delicious it was. Homemade quiche, scones, croissants, fruit kabobs, mimosas and cucumber water. And the company was perfect.

We spent the morning having brunch, retelling Simon's birth story, passing a super sleepy baby around and filling our tummies with food. Perfect.

My sweet friend Ashley drove all the way up from North Bend to be there. We just love her and her family. Matt and her husband lived together before we got married and anytime we can spend with them is so fun.

The drinks!

Decor. The flowers were beautiful and added a special touch. She typed up the menu and put it in these frames which matched some of the other decor in the room.

Jessica made this adorable banner for the debt party too. I can't wait to hang it in his new room!

And the food. I hate to just keep talking about the food, but seriously, it was amazing. Her friend, Jarica is starting a simple catering business and made everything from scratch. And not just homemade, but ingredients like farm fresh eggs, organic pastry flour and lavender. So, so good!

My friend Amber, who was my first friend when we moved to Bothell. We randomly met at a nearby park one day when I had only been here 2 weeks and her only 2 months. I remember we exchanged emails and I was so excited to have made a friend. 3 years later we still love regular play dates together with our crazy kids!
And one of my longest friends Katy with her daughter Ava. Katy is that friend who you can go months without talking to and then just pick up where you left off. We have random late night texts over things like scary rodents in our houses or pregnancy advice or funny stories. I love her so much and am so happy she only lives 15 minutes away!

Jamie and Amber. Jamie and I met last year when our boys played soccer together, instantly hit it off and now get together all the time. She is so genuine, sweet and normal. Ha! That's a wierd way to describe it but really, she just gets it and I know is never judging me or my kids when we are all having an off day.

Gifts! I was so blessed, love my sweet friends!

My sister-in-law Joy...who is the best (and only!) aunt to my kids. So glad she could drive up for the day. She loves the kids so much and is always so excited to spend time with them.

A horrible group shot! I cropped this to get rid of that silly glare at the bottom of the picture but it just won't download properly and I have no time/patience/energy to keep fixing it. So, just imagine a much better, clearer image of all of us ladies.

And Jessica. She's remarkable. Thoughtful, funny, honest and real. She watched the kids for us for the past 3 years when I was working and her family has become a part of ours. Our 3 kids are each the same ages and genders - instant BFFs! We have shared so much in the past 3 years and I couldn't have gone through this pregnancy without her. We dropped the kids off at her place when I was in labor and even though it was almost 2 am, she welcomed them with open arms as I squatted down against her mini-van having a contraction. Ha! Love Jessica so much and am so thankful for her lifelong friendship.

It was a perfect baby debut and I'm so happy I had some time to celebrate our newest baby boy.

summertime

>> July 25, 2015

In the midst of having a newborn and going through a remodel I have found much of our time is spent packing, organizing and running to Target, Lowes or Home Depot to purchase needed house supplies. At the end of the day I often feel like it's been boring or uneventful...leaving little time for the usual fun summer activities we like to do.

I don't think we need to over schedule kids. I think it's important to have time to just be, to explore in the backyard, quietly play with toys, make arts and crafts or just get a little bored which leads to more creativity. But, I also crave that outdoor time. Those special activities or day trips or fun events. It's those moments that I tend to remember at the end of the summer.

Luckily, life hasn't been that boring for the kids. We've actually been able to get out and do quite a bit.

The other day I visited my office at work to show off baby Simon and let the kids see where I work. Since we were out in Monroe I thought going to a park and having a picnic lunch might be fun. Somehow the kids convinced me to take them to the Reptile Zoo first. I drive past this place a few times a day when I'm out visiting new moms but have never ventured inside. Carter has been wanting to go for a while so I caved, paid the $20 and prayed to Jesus I would survive this mysterious land of snakes, alligators and lizards.

Upon arriving I realized it smelled horrible. Because of the need for warm, moist habitats the place smelled like old, wet feet. So gross. 5 minutes later I had adjusted and was instead focusing on the giant poisonous snakes that were around every corner.

The kids LOVED it. They ran around seeking every little lizard, bug and snake they could find.

Then came the giant ones. A huge turtle and a giant python!

Let's not forget the super scary alligator. Eek!

After about 20 minutes of wandering around the employee announced it was "Snake Handling Time!" Oh great. Apparently it's a time to sit in these chairs, about 3 feet from 9 different snake cages as she slowly takes out each and every snake to let small children hold on their own while she then turns her back to go get another one. Umm, no thanks.

I tried to keep my cool, since I didn't want my kids to see my fear or anxiety. Carter surprisingly felt the same way. Yes, the kid who has killed 2 snakes in our backyard was suddenly too nervous to hold or touch one. But, Lucy bravely raised her hand and specifically asked for a large snake so she could hang it around her neck! What?!? My sweet little girl who screams when she sees an itty, bitty ant outside? Yes. Crazy girl.

Once the snakes were all safely back in their cages they pulled out this iguana. Apparently it likes to snap at little fingers so why not just pick it up and let small children stand in line to pet it?!? Again, Carter declined but Lucy waited patiently in line for her turn. Love her fearlessness!

We safely made it out of the reptile zoo, washed our hands with a ton of soap and headed to the park for some lunch and play time. Lucy, again surprised me. She decided to be in charge of the merry go round and run crazily around in circles spinning Carter.

Another day we decided to visit Point Defiance Zoo. We hadn't been in a few years since we usually go to Woodland Park, which is closer to our house. They have a great kid zone area that the kids love.

We spent some time feeding the hungry goats.

And no zoo trip would be complete without riding a camel!

And another day we visited Wallace Creek Swamp Park for a play date with some friends. This little creek is just 5 minutes away from our house but feels like such a getaway when you are tucked back in the trails with beautiful trees surrounding you on all sides.

It's such a great place to explore, let the kids get a little wet and cool down on a hot summer day.

Finally, out last recent adventure was a trip to the dentist. And these kids were AMAZING! They love visiting the dentist, watching movies, getting stickers and new toothbrushes. And most importantly....no cavities!!

So in my quest to provide my kids with a fun, eventful, memorable summer I guess I'm succeeding. Life isn't so boring after all. :)

1 month.

Simon is now 1 month old and I am in awe at how quickly he is growing and changing! I just mentioned to Matt last night how his newborn face is totally gone and he's a full fledged infant. Slow down! I'm trying to soak in every little phase, every change and enjoy every moment. Not easy as I try to parent 2 other kids, pack up a house and get ready for a big move (more on that later). But it's on those super crazy days that I really try to slow down a bit, spend a few extra minutes just watching and talking and try to remember how incredible this little boy is. Our family is just so in love.

His official birth announcement at the birth center!

Mornings are his happiest times, for sure. Just like his mama! He's alert and interested in what's going on around him.

I'm horrible at capturing pictures of friends who come for a visit to see Simon. Luckily I got this super cute one of our dear friend Jamie and her son Ethan, who both just adore little Simon.

But, Simon's biggest fan? Hands down, it's Carter. He doesn't just take his big brother role seriously, but he is over-the-moon obsessed with Simon. Probably more than me. He already talks about what toys he'll share with him as he grows, how they'll share a room together, how he'll protect him from bad guys, teach him sports and play superheroes together. I'm so happy he gets to have that brotherly bond he had been dreaming about for so many months while I was pregnant.