First Smile

McKinley cracked her first smile playing what has now become her favorite game... "Motorboat". We have tried other means to get her to smile... but this is the only one that works so far.

Slowing Down

McKinley is fascinated by lights and her own reflection...
The amount of time she spends in front of the mirror is most likely leading her to be a vain child.

This little girl has come into my life and changed me for the good. Already she has taught me to slow down and enjoy life's little pleasures. And oh how I do! I simply enjoy watching her stretch to wake up, the little "McKinley" noises she makes in her sleep, and teaching her how to "play" in hopes of getting her to crack her first smile. I have to pull myself away and say "Michelle let's be productive." Because in reality I could just watch her all day and be completely content and at peace.
I love that that my life is no longer dictated by a "To-Do List", or by pressures from others to get something done, or by my own drive to be successful. Those have all been put aside for this little girl. Her need to be held, rocked or be fed now dictates what I do. If she survives the day... I am successful! =) If I am graced with a "Mom Moment" it's a point for me!


This could be confused with the grunting and stretching of a good ol' poo... but it's actually her "wake up" routine.

Thankful for great family

Relaxing with Dad at the pool

McKinley's Sun Outfit

The transition to motherhood has been eased by two people in particular. Nick, who has proven to be a great husband & dad. They are one in the same to him. I believe I have no say in the fact that our daughter will grow up a "Daddy's Girl". If you have been able to pay us a visit in the past month... Nick will answer the door with McKinley in hand ready to show her off. It's not me who is often carrying McKinley from place to place or the first one up to answer her cries. In fact, Nick changed all her diapers the first few days of her life and even had to teach me how to swaddle her. It has been a blessing that we are both home in the summer to share the parent duties and to enjoy this time of McKinley's life together. It allows me to be a better wife, mother and friend, as well as keep a great balance in my life.


The other person is my mom. Who is now called, "Granny". Since being born McKinley has had weekly granny dates. This has allowed Nick and I to also have "dates". We have been able to go out golfing, out to dinner at King Estate's Winnery and just recently we went Mtn Biking down the Deschutes River Trail. Having family in town, in particular my parents, is going to be a huge blessing. I can already tell that going out to "Granny & Bapa's" is going to be a huge treat to our young kids as they explore with the grandparents and enjoyed being spoiled. Already Granny spoils McKinley with extra rocking and feedings =)

I was told... "No exercise for 6 weeks"... Yeah, right!
I know my body... and I need physical activity!

Nick along Deschutes

Kicking around in Sunriver

Lake Time

This past week we sneaked out of town and our house to escape the heat at Fall Creek Reservoir.

Daddy relaxing in the sun with McKinley.

Inspired

I found some great resources as I seek to find out what kind of experiences I can give my daughter. This book is GREAT! It is the "How to" guide for all adventurous parents, who are seeking to give their kids outside experiences from a young age.


I might not be quite here... but not too much further as I am itching to get out on the Crag. (The picture taker is the babysitter =)

I also found some great websites and blogs that reassure me that I am not the only parent seeking adventure and the outdoors with my kid.

www.adventureparents.com

Has a great article...

5 Rules Rock Climbing Moms Live By

http://outsidemom.com/