Here's To The New Year

New year, new you. Isn't that what they say? Dramatic, certainly, but I'm embracing the old adage this time around. 2013 literally flew by (anyone else feel the same way?) and with it my grand plans for the blog. I barely posted here all summer then fall came & went with hardly a peep. Hopefully that'll change in the coming year, helped along by a little elbow grease and more than a few ch-ch-changes headed my way in 2014. Career. Life. Everything. When it rains it pours, right?

I know every good blogger uses year-end moments like this to reflect on the past 12 months, but good blogger credentials haven't quite made it to my doorstep yet, and this year was eclipsed by one very momentous highlight: the birth of my niece Ailey. She's absolutely changed my family in such a profoundly positive way it's difficult to put into words. When she smiles, her little three-tooth grin just lights up a room. No matter how frequent the visit, you're always greeted with a face of pure wide-eyed joy. In 2014, if I accomplish nothing else besides learning how to eagerly anticipate life's new experiences with Ailey's sense of excitement, then whew boy everything's gonna be allllright. Thank you so much for reading and lots of warm wishes to each of you for a wonderful new year. xo

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A Weekend Out West

I learned two lessons this weekend: 

1. Washington State needs to master the art of the air conditioner. 

2. Something kind of magical happens when you explore your own hometown as a tourist, especially when it's with someone experiencing all the sights, sounds, smells and seafood for the first time. 

In honor of Kev's inaugural visit to the Pacific Northwest, Seattle pulled out all the stops & threw on her Sunday best of sunshine and blue skies. Notwithstanding the slight heat wave going on (90 degrees! Constant sweat! No A/C anywhere!), all four days we were there, the sun-drenched streets and sparkling waters of the city just dazzled. Even as a jaded local, I was thoroughly seduced by her nautical charms.

Like professional tourists, we packed every day tightly with the major sights and spots the city has to offer.

Pike Place Market... where Kevin discovered the infamous "gum" wall, the first Starbucks store from 1971, and the salmon throwing fishmongers. The gum wall went over exceedingly well.

The Great Wheel...where we took in spectacular views of the Seattle waterfront while sweating bullets in the tiny ferris wheel car that had a broken A/C. We were like bugs under a magnifying glass.

The Space Needle... where we squinted our way to approximately 5,000 selfies without much success.

Experience Music Project... where Kevin reconnected with the 1990's version of himself who loved Nirvana and punk rock. Also known as 2013 Kevin.

Alki Beach... where we attempted to stage a jumping photo montage. Nailed it.

The Seattle Underground Tour... where we discovered how idiotic the founding fathers of Seattle were in building the original streets at sea level when measured at low tide. Turn-of-the-century sewage pipes are no match for the force of a rising ocean. A lot of poop jokes ensued.

The Ballard Locks... where we were able to take a good hard look at what we'd been eating at every meal the last three days (eek!).

Oh, and can't forget Kaitlyn & Dave's wedding...where we watched my childhood friend tie the knot in a beautiful ceremony and took awkward photo booth pics that probably should never see the light of day let alone this blog.

Of course, a visit to Seattle is not complete without one dip in the ocean. Or at least a feet-only semi dip.

Did we miss anything!? 

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Ailey Is Here

I'm an aunt for the first time. Feels strange to type and say out loud, but exciting in a life-changing way. Although my name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue when paired with the word Aunt. Auntie Ana? A.A.? Still working on it.

Flying into Minnesota on Thursday afternoon, after getting the call the previous night that Carly was headed to the hospital with pre-labor contractions, I was overwhelmed with nervous excitement. How am I supposed to hold her? Will she immediately burst into tears? Then what do I do? What if I drop her? All legitimate fears, I would say.

Unfortunately, the Minnesota weather gods had other plans--ones that involved lots of snow, plane delays and more snow. This is how St. Paul, Minnesota likes to do mid-April:

Ailey has a liftime of balmy springs to look forward to, that's for sure. 

Weather aside, this entire weekend has been filled with pure joy. None of my family members, including my parents who flew in from Seattle and Justin's parents who drove down from upstate MN in a literal blizzard, can wipe the smiles from our faces. We probably look like a bunch of crazies with a few screws loose. But who cares, let's cut to the chase--the BABY!!

Ailey Roselynn Anderson was born healthy as can be on Thursday, April 18th at 2:54am weighing in at 7 lbs 11 oz.

My sister of course rocked the delivery, popping that little thing out in no time. Arrived at the hospital at midnight. Baby born and nursing by 3:00am. Carly is superhuman, no doubt about it.

Once the rest of us arrived at the hospital, we quickly morphed into a swarming mass of paparazzi, little Ailey becoming a prop in the quest for the perfect photo op. But I think she enjoyed all the attention. She certainly better get used to the spoiling, because there's more from where that came from.

The grandparents!

The next day, we welcomed Carly, Justin and Ailey home from the hospital in true paparazzi form with multiple photographers and a sign!

Their dog Naddie was probably the most excited to see them back home, since they had been at the hospital for three days straight and had left, understandably, in a traumatic rush!

Of course, the first day home from the hospital was filled with a lot of Ailey firsts.

Her first wear of "real" non-hospital issued socks...

 Her first diaper change at home (as Naddie looks on intrigued)...

Her first manicure...Just kidding, we are actually only filing her nails with a mini nail filer. Yes, this is a real doctor-ordered thing!

Many more firsts to come!

Carly and Justin did an amazing job with Ailey's nursery too. I mean, just look at that rocking chair.

Can't wait for more Ailey firsts.

If you have any advice for new parents, please share, I know Carly and Justin would welcome it!

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