six months old.

Nell turned six months old on January 19th. It feels like a significant marker for us, to have known this little bean for half of her first year of life. So much has packed into these six months, for her, for us. Our lives our different because of her and alongside of her. We wanted to celebrate.

Although a bitter cold day, we bunddled up to stroll out. Papa D had high hopes of treating Nell to a frozen hot chocolate drink at Serendipity Cafe on the UES. Unfortunately - no strollers allowed. So Patsy's Pizza it was! Delicious.

We followed that treat with a stroll through Central Park to see the ice skaters. What a day! Happy six months, little Nell!

first christmas

party girl

great gram . mom. nell

little miss santa & dad

great grandma gwyneth - little peter & little nell

grandpa & his trains

The first Christmas. Even in Nell's simple delight with being enjoyed, she somehow invited us all to enjoy - one another, the space and time together, something different, newness. I continue to be in awe of what I learn from this tiny person. She welcomes strangers with uninhibited enthusiasm. She giggles over small wonders. She rests when necessary. She starts the day with a smile. Christmas was full of wonder for her without fully understanding why. Somehow she just knew it was a special time. Somehow she just knew it was important to be together.

rain.

When you think of Seattle, you think of rain, right? Well rain in Seattle is not like rain in NYC. Seattle rain is fondly considered misty, gray foggy-like conditions that block the sun from shinning. Rarely is there a rain downpour in Seattle, and rarely do you actually need an umbrella!

To our surprise, rain in NYC is different. When out strolling one afternoon, we were unexpectedly greeted by a downpour. Nell had her stroller cover, which is sealed tight around her. Derek and I had one umbrella and one raincoat. We were both soaked, head to toe, by the time we got home! We're off to buy rain boots. Seattle, keep your secret...your rain isn't so bad after all!

off to the 'right' coast

We have made our way east after saying goodbye to our temporary home retreat on Bainbridge Island. Presently that world feels so far behind us; it seems so much has changed in the few short weeks since we arrived in NYC. The worlds are as different as can be. I am thankful for our peaceful start as a family of three. Thankful Derek was able to be a part of the daily, moment-by-moments of the first three months of Nell's little life. Thankful for a small community to begin the steps of spreading our wings. It is wild to have left one island for another! And it turns our Bainbridge Island is the same size as Manhattan Island! Instead of open space, Manhattan welcomes us with vibrant energy that is both contagious and intimidating.

Our home is mostly unpacked and Derek has begun his new job. We are grateful for the friends who have welcomed us here already - the Crawford family, Keith & Gina. We have also begun connections in our new church family. I know starting over is a process, yet I get impatient. I miss the familiar of both friends and places. I miss a rhythm of life that is more predictable. And yet simultaneously it is exactly that spontaneity and unknown that propels us forward to embrace this new life we have chosen. I am confident New York has so much to offer us. It is ironic that we come here, to this crazy city that never sleeps, to slow down. Nell slows us down, helps us to appreciate the journey and steps along the way, and reminds us to welcome new sites and sounds with anticipation and awe. She is radiant as we stroll around town. She has already taught me a lot in her innocent desire to live presently and transparently.

NYC, we are here!