Oh, sweet Nora. Has it really been eight months since you joined our family? You bring such joy to our lives with your bright smile and little giggles. Each day is more fun than the last. You are constantly squealing and babbling and blowing raspberries. You sing to your wubbanub, and you love to have screaming matches with Sam —... Read more
One of my biggest concerns when starting Whole30 was how to feed the kids. Could I coerce them into trying zoodles and cauliflower rice? Or would I need to prepare separate meals? And how could I possibly resist their cupboard stocked with Goldfish and graham crackers and gummy snacks? Surprisingly, the transition has been easier than expected for the entire... Read more
Five years ago, we stood together in a garden on the banks of the Susquehanna River. We held hands and exchanged rings and promised to love each other in sunshine and in rain. This is the man I chose to be my partner, my traveling mate, my sous chef, my champion, and the father of our children. He surprises me... Read more
I first learned about Whole30 earlier this year when my girlfriend started the program. It seemed so restrictive and impractical. No cereal and milk or cheese and crackers or pasta and garlic bread? No cream and sugar in my coffee? No chocolate chip cookies after the kids go to bed? Basically, no fun. But then she started to see and feel... Read more
I decided to take the kids (and Lucy, too) and spend a week at my parents’ house between Laura’s bridal shower and her bachelorette party. Poppy really appreciated having his little helper there to assist with deck painting. And every night Sam helped Nini to water the flowers. Stephen took Sam for a long hike to the creek; they picked... Read more
The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (founded by wife of local golf legend, Arnold Palmer) is a 20-minute drive from our house, and they host a fantastic preschool program called Tiny Wonder Time. The program runs year-round on the third Wednesday of every month and costs just $1! Each session includes a story, a craft, an interactive activity, and an outdoor... Read more
I love that Sam is approaching the age that he can participate in sports and science camps and organized activities. Yes, he still has a short attention span, but Schramm Farms does an incredible job entertaining and educating kids with their Little Sprouts summer program. We participated in 4 of the 12 weeks: Trucks and Tractors; Barnyard Friends; Strawberries; and... Read more
Dear Nora Kathryn, Seven months is tons of fun! You have grown and matured so much this month. Sometimes I feel sad that you are no longer my cozy, cuddly, cooing infant, but I love watching you explore the world around you. You are still very calm, content, and easy-going. Though you have become more confident and more vocal this... Read more
It’s very rare that I’m able to take a break from my motherly duties. But I thought my sister deserved a weekend without interruptions from a toddler and a baby. So I left the kiddos with my parents and led our caravan down to West Virginia for some fun! Laura requested not to spend her bachelorette party at the bars,... Read more
The Summer of Laura continued with her bridal shower in June. We rented the Classroom Building at Codorus State Park in Hanover, PA for the festivities. It was the perfect location for Laura! Not only does she love the outdoors and the water, but it’s also where Stephen proposed. When we arrived that morning, the circular building was completely empty.... Read more