Julianne Noelle

Our lives were forever changed in early August.  Dare I say it was a fantastic labor.  I'd been having mild but regular contractions for two days that were respectful enough to quite down at night for restful sleep in preparation for the sleepless days ahead.  We arrived at the hospital to be checked for labor and were assured that we'd be headed home as I was smiling and walking without difficulty.  To the surprise of the nursing staff we were at 7cm and 90% effaced!  After my water broke the process intensified but I was able to experience a natural labor.  Julianne Noelle entered the world screaming and it was music to our ears!  The nurses allowed Josh to give Julianne her first bath at the bedside.  We have been beaming with joy since that day :)

A Prayer Answered

After lots of soul searching, heartfelt prayer, escapist travel, and many, many, tears, we were blessed with a pregnancy. The time of trying to conceive was a long and lonely place. But I can already sense that in the rosy glass of retrospect there is a fresh perspective. The love of friends and family shines during heartache. I was fortunate to have friends who had traveled this road before me and companions along the way, as well, to share in the bewilderment of infertility. So many questions arise that cannot be answered. But what I know now is that even if we had not conceived, I have experienced amazing love. My advise to others on this journey is simple: You are not alone - reach out those in your sphere of influence - you may be amazed at the healing that begins with the words or the touch of a friend. 

During the holiday season of 2010 we found out that we had conceived. We already had plans for a three week trip in December and January, and our first ultrasound would be early. On Christmas eve of 2010 we saw for the first time our daughter, along with her strong and steady heartbeat! Joy cannot begin to describe the gift of that ultrasound!  The gift of that Christmas led us to choose her middle name as a constant reminder, Noelle.

Celebrating our final year of marriage pre-children, we took a last minute trip to Santa Barbara in the third trimester. Josh and I attended college, met, and fell in love in Santa Barbara... it's a special place. We still dream of reasons to move back to Santa Barbara!

Morocco, Portugal & Andalucia

This past New Years Josh and I were blessed to take an extended vacation. We visited with family in Morocco and explored southern Spain and Portugal. Below are some treasured moments with family and a few sights from the Fez medina (old city).

We traveled via planes, tranes, bus, moped, and good old fashioned feet! The next series of photos is from Portugal and Spain.

Drumroll Please

After a two year hiatus from blogging I'm re-inspired and determined to update more frequently (the addition of a small person in our lives has provided the inspiration...more on that later). The kitchen has been completed long enough that we no longer feel guilty about eating out :)
I'm pleased to announce that we placed 2nd in Sunset Magazine's "I Love My Remodel" kitchen contest in 2010. Some of my favorite details are the task lighting, huge and deep farmhouse sink, glass tile backsplash, concrete and recycled glass countertops, and beautiful cabinetry. Take a look at our completed digs.