Happy Trails

It is no question that parenting requires certain sacrifices.  Priorities have a way of naturally shifting when you become a parent; your identity becomes closely linked with your child and your role as their parent. It's easy to see how you can lose track of who you were before parenthood set in.  Those moments when I don't have to be 'mom' or 'student' Sarah are sometimes disorienting and it's somehow easier to look around and find something to clean than it is for me to put a finger on what I would really like to do... for myself.  

Now I am not discrediting the sacrifices of fatherhood here, but I think I am safe in saying that men have an easier time maintaining their prior priorities than women do... something to do with golf (be it disc or ball) and the inability to lactate.   The one thing that I miss most since having Norah is hiking.  Somewhere in the midst of learning the ins and outs of drugs and diseases, paper writing, changing diapers, and nursing (both meanings apply here) I have had a hard time finding the time... and energy to hit the trails.  

Luckily I am in love with one of the greatest motivators when it comes getting off your arse and going outside.  So this week Greg motivated me to sacrifice a couple of naps to take a good hike with Norah while he schooled his new mountain bike on the local single track trails, just like old times.  It was fun for the whole family.  While Norah may not yet be able to appreciate the beauty of a thundering waterfall, the sound of the river calms her down and peaks her curiosity and the rhythm of walking is something she has always enjoyed.  As for me, it was positively rejuvenating to get out and do something that a Sarah likes to do... for herself!

The Alpine Trail

Trail Bunnies

One of the many forest beauties in bloom.

Magical.

Greg and his baby.

Hard. Core.

The Sahalie and Koosah Falls Loop

Koosah Falls

Have rattle-will hike.

Sahalie Falls

Hands down one of the most beautiful river trails ever!

Even Bishop was nervous crossing this bridge!

Play Time

Norah has perfected her grab 'n' gum move.  Any time something interesting catches her eye she reaches out, grabs it and pulls it toward her mouth for the final test.  She especially likes to watch me eat, and I must admit that sometimes I let her gum an apple for a couple of seconds... her eyes light up and she gives a little squeal when she realizes what a treat it is.  The downside being that it is indeed anything that you are putting in your mouth, like a cup of coffee, a beer, a messy sandwich, it's all a potentially tasty treat and as she is discovering, is well within her grasp!  She enjoys spinning around in her little 'circle of fun' and chewing on the various plastic apendages.  She also enjoys laying on her back and flapping her arms and legs.  It's a great little workout... if I could do this I would have no detectable mommy belly... alas...

Forever in Blue Jeans

So this photography thing has been really fun for me... and I like to think Norah too!  It's great to wake up in the morning and play with her while snapping some photos.  Then later on when she's about to break down I play around and edit the cute photos of her.  'Sometimes', I tell her, 'you're cuter in your pictures!'  She of course is already keen to my wit!  I hope you don't mind being subjected to another adorable photo series, this promises to not be the last.  This time the theme is classic black and white in classic blue jeans.  Enjoy!

Mother's Day Revisited

The day of my inaugural Mother's Day fell a bit short of a new mother's expectation of being spoiled to a point of embarrassment while not batting an eye because she knows she deserves it.  It was simply not meant to be.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a total wash, and Greg did indeed spoil me with a lazy morning, a hot shower and quiet cup of coffee (all priceless and rare indulgences).  But the sinus infection, the overload of material I was trying to study for two tests the next morning and a fussy post-vaccine baby made for a rough day.  

So, naturally, we took a mulligan and celebrated Mother's Day this past weekend with some dear friends at our favorite winery, Sweet Cheeks (where we are now members, which is exactly what my maternal heart desired!).  Tegan and Noah, Sean and Kelsey and Greg and Norah and I clinked glasses over a feast of cowboy caviare, wisconsin cheese curds, fresh strawberries and sweet potato pie.  It was an evening to savor!  My cheeks blush when I think about how much fun we had.... or how much wine we drank ;) 

It's not about when you celebrate it--it's about how you celebrate it!  

Thank you Greg for such a truly beautiful day!

¿Que Color?

Norah's little oculars are beginning to show signs of changing color.  In certain light they look green, when the sun catches them from the side they look almost hazel.... both of which are in her gene pool.  What color do you think they'll be?

How time flies!!!

It was a year ago today that I called Mom and told her that I had a very special Mother's Day gift for her... becoming a Grandmother!  

Mother's day is a time to stop a minute and realize just how profound the love that a mother gives really is.  My mother's love is not only a light in my life, but in Norah's as well.  It is an unconditional, multigenerational phenomenon!  It's a crazy selfless love that is easily taken for granted.  One of the best parts of being a new mom, is realizing just how much my mother gave to me.  It's truly incredible.  Thank you mom!

My first Mother's Day is brimming with a new perspective on all that mothers give... and receive.  Being a mother has given me a fresh look at the world around me.  All those amazing little details that get forgotten along the way are suddenly the most important and spectacular wonders.  A tulip in bloom, your tongue, a curtain blowing in the wind, the rhythm of walking, dipping a chip in salsa, a face reflecting in a mirror.  Norah is seeing all of this for the first time and allowing me to see it through her eyes is the best gift ever!  She is already becoming her own person, responding and interacting with the world at large.  And though I flatter myself to bear some influence, I know that it will ultimately wane and she will have her own world view and life experience and will undoubtedly teach me things I never could have dreamed!  

But I am getting ahead of myself!  As excited as I am for her to continue to grow and develop, I am more than content to watch the curtains blow in the wind and smile and laugh at our reflection in the mirror.  The simple things truly are the most spectacular!

Oh, on that note... I got the best Mother's Day gift ever..... Norah giggled for the first time! 

One happy mom.

Because there isn't anything cuter than a naked Norah...

except maybe a sleeping Norah!

Happy Mother's Day!

Study Buddy...

or Master Distracter?

You Decide.

Four Month Photos

Norah is four months old!  

We marked the day with a naked nudie photo shoot, enjoy the highlights!