Celebrations.

I've had this one in the works for some time but in light of the events in Boston it seemed even more poignant.  There is something about the fact that when a tragedy strikes and stops us dead in our tracks, unable to focus and continuously asking 'why', that eventually we are left with that added sense of gratitude for what we have.  For the day, for those that we hold close to us, for all that we have around us that is unique to our life and for the connection that we all share on earth.    I know personally I found myself this entire week maintaining a sense of positivity through the simple things that normally I might overlook.  Like the trail of 'things' that Autumn leaves behind after her 2 hour play period in the morning before her a.m. nap.  I'd put her down and rather than thinking there's 20 more minutes of work picking up and putting away, I was grateful that those little hands touched, played with and learned from each of those items.  There was an added jump in my step in the morning when the first daylight hit the window.  I didn't think twice if I heard a whimper from Autumn in the middle of the night and went to rub her back as she dozed back to sleep.   I felt more appreciative for the life that Chris and I have created with each of it's imperfections and flaws, there is surely a lot of love and a lot of growth still to come.  But with the future unknown, it's essential to stay in the present and be grateful for whatever it is we are doing right at this very moment.  So as I reflected on the past several weeks, I did so with a greater awareness and sense of peace.  And so I begin my thoughts.....

29 years of life on the 3rd rock from the sun.

1 more year left until a new decade begins (30...gasp!) and I continue to reflect and show thanks for all that life has blessed me with.  While the unknowns in the future continue to feel so prevalent, it's all part of the journey I know.  The ever present question looping over and over in my mind is 'what do I want to be when I grow up'.  But then again, do we ever truly stop striving for what else is out there? For what our soul work may be or what other contribution we can make unto this world.  I know I will never stop.  The abundance of change and growth is what has driven me to continue to strive to discover what else is out there that I can get my hands on.  I refuse to ever stop learning, evolving and becoming who I am.

I couldn't have asked for a better day which began with Chris making breakfast and then granting the one thing that I wanted for my birthday which was a mini-photoshoot with little A.  As many mamas know it's exceptionally hard getting photos with your little ones as you're usually the one behind the camera.  I noticed that we still had one azalea bush in our backyard still in bloom and couldn't resist capturing a few moments with my favorite little lady.

The first one perfectly captures what I expected a photoshoot with a toddler to be like.

And I absolutely love it.  The rest are just bonus pictures in my mind.  I was actually amazed at how long I was able to hold her attention by describing every little detail of the azalea.  I only hope to pass on the 'flower power' gene.  But for now, she's really more interested in eating them and pulling out their insides.  Typical and I fault her not one bit.  It's what her curious mind is supposed to be doing.

The afternoon was incredibly relaxing, laid back and then Chris surprised me with a 'date night' as Autumn's godfather Andy showed up to finish out Autumn's bedtime routine and give us enough time to head out to one of our local faves, The Fishhouse.  We had an amazing meal, some much needed 'adult conversation' although of course we talked about little A as well, and then decided since we started our evening early we could still make a movie and headed to see 'Admissions' which we both loved (huge Paul Rudd fans we are, in fact Chris does a perfect impersonation of 'slappin' the base' from I Love You, Man.)  We rarely, hardly ever go to the theaters anymore so it was definitely a treat for us.

And several days later, the celebrations continue....

7 years married to the one that I call my better half, the yin to my yang (or on some occasions the yang to my yin), the one who strives to remind me every day who I am outside of being a mama. 

We kept our anniversary low key.  Chris was able to get the afternoon off of work so we decided to head off to Destin to enjoy lunch out at a local diner we hardly get the chance to frequent, The Donut Hole.  Autumn is definitely at that age while we can skip nap and be out and about (Exhibit A)

we can not, I repeat can not skip play time.  After lunch she was ready to move.  So we stopped into Destin Commons and allowed her to let loose at the playground.  As usual, we couldn't help but be completely entertained with her antics and ability to navigate the playground with such a tenacious spirit despite being one of the youngest ones out there.

She was desperate to get into the water spouts, but Dad won that battle.  Warm weather will be here soon enough!

We topped off the evening with dinner cooked in and devouring 2, yes 2, of our favorite dark chocolate bars while catching up on episodes of Revolution (we're hooked.)

And then of course there was Easter....

Autumn's second Easter celebrated with family and friends, her first where she was able to use those precious little hands to gather her own eggs (we were too in the moment of amazement with her curiosity to snap many pictures!)  We spent the morning at one of our favorite brunch eateries, Another Broken Egg, with my mama, Aunt Lauren and Uncle Cory where Autumn devoured pretty much anything we put in front of her.  I was amazed by a blueberry quinoa dish complete with homemade granola, fresh fruit, coconut toasted banana and served with a side of coconut milk.  I could probably consume that for breakfast every day and am on a mission to recreate the blueberry quinoa.  Their blackberry grits are another one of my absolute faves.

We then ventured to the Palafox Park for a walk with the fam.  We couldn't have asked for better weather and Autumn was fairly obsessed with the pigeons.

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air" ~~R. W. Emerson

Next, we headed over to Cory's parents for Easter Dinner and entertainment.  Autumn being the entertainment of course as she collected eggs for close to an hour it felt like.  We couldn't believe how intent she was on finding them, and of course then immediately trying to devour the sweetness inside.  We're blessed to be surrounded by so many that adore her little spirit.

And then just like that, before we know it, 15 months has passed with little Autumn being earthside and she is more lively, spunkier, independent and adventurous than ever.

With each phase there is something incredible, but I am completely in love with her glowing personality and effervescent spirit at this age.  She is just so.....i don't know....awesome.  From the way she giggles when the dogs are wrestling, to her many, many new facial expressions that she has added in the past month.

Her newest morning ritual that has me feeling oh-so-proud.....so studious and focused already.  Thank you Auntie Meg for making her amazing pint size floor pillow!

And now a bit about her togs, I'm currently obsessed with this outfit combination.  The clam diggers once bright yellow and tragically stained were revived into this awesomeness by our resident tie-dye extraordinaire Willow, a fellow teacher at the yoga studio.  Please let her make it through the whole summer with these, I'm in love!  

And for the record this little girl is not shy about owning what she wears and loving her clothes already.  The lady has style. Bar none.

The truth is each new day gives us a reason to celebrate.  We all know this in spirit I believe but sometimes we find ourselves being drained by other 'life happenings' to really stop and notice the simplicity and beauty of each fresh day. Autumn no doubt is a role model to me for such.  Each morning she awakes with eyes full of possibility and wonder.  A constant reminder of a quote I have shared before that Chris and I related to her the same week that we found out she was going to make a presence into our lives...

'Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans' ~~ John Lennon

The certainty in that quote is becoming more apparent each and every year I walk this earth and each and every second I spend with our blooming little A. Rose.  You just never truly know what life has in store next and there is something purely fascinating, spontaneous, and miraculous about that.