Tag: family

A MOST SPECIAL BIRTHDAY

Posted on by Lynzie · 1 Comment

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courtesy of my favorite instagram account

Today, we celebrated 35 years of Mister Babe Elliott Baker, the most lovely human of all.

Actually, the celebration started Friday, with a leisurely date night. Just the two of us, we enjoyed an incredible meal, found this great jacket for the birthday boy, and caught a very late showing of Wolf of Wall Street. Even though I slept for more than two of the three hour film, it was our first trip to the movie theatre since 2012 and I loved every second of it. Plus, I’d already seen it (I’d like the thank the Academy for that one) so a nap on the lap of my love was pretty much perfection.

In spite of yesterday’s royal SNAFU, we managed to get ourselves good and ready to have this baby by finally ordering all the supplies for the home birth. The nesting hormones have kicked in at full throttle, and I’d have reorganized my entire house if it weren’t for this foot of mine. Why oh why did I have to break my foot? I’m still searching for the lesson in this one, though I have my theories.

We had intended to go to the museum today, but learned last minute that it is closed this week for installation! Instead, we spent the day having spontaneous adventures that included donuts for brunch, and you just can’t go wrong when your day starts with donuts, am I right? The kids and I made sure the guest of honor felt positively spoiled, and I mean, I couldn’t have had a better time if it were my own birthday. Which is convenient, seeing as today is my half-birthday.

Isn’t that cute?

03/52

Posted on by Lynzie · Leave a comment

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“a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, for 2014”

Emet: Carefully considering his next move.
Jade: This girl is obsessed with doing flips on the bars.

A lot of healing happened this week, in ways that I hadn’t expected. A walking cast magically appeared at school with my name on it, courtesy of a sweet and generous parent, and what a difference it has made in my ability to get around. Crutches are such a pain! My foot is slowly but steadily recovering, and I’m feeling confident that I’ll be good as new in plenty of time to prepare for birth. Thank goodness.

Over the weekend, I took a quick 24-hour solo trip to Los Angeles in order to attend my grandfather’s memorial service. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to go until the absolute last second, but it all came together thanks to my sweet mister. Heavens, how I love that man.

The trip was perfection. I love a good train ride, and this particular journey was exceptionally lovely, with the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean just so. Getting to spend some quality time with my dad — actually, getting to spend some quality time with my whole family, something we’ve never really done before — was tremendously satisfying and just so much fun! I look forward to more visits with them in the very near future.

The best part of it all, though, was coming home to those two sweet faces. And of course, the handsomest face of all, which happened to surprise me with a shave and a haircut, and yes, I did bury my face in his neck the moment that I saw him.

This life of mine, man. It sure is fantastic.

HELLO FRIDAY

Posted on by Lynzie · Leave a comment

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I’m trying to stay off my foot, which has officially been diagnosed as broken. A hairline fracture, but still very painful and not at all convenient. Thankfully, I’m told it should heal within three weeks and I’m receiving excellent care from my friends and family.

I did come across this buzzfeed, which I think adequately sums up life at NYU back in the day. Polar Vortex or not, I will always love New York.

This week was an eventful one, and I’m looking forward to relaxing as much as possible this weekend. Doctor’s orders!

SO THIS HAPPENED

Posted on by Lynzie · 2 Comments

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I was on the ground before I even realized that I had fallen.

Our house is split-level, meaning there are several random small flights of stairs scattered throughout our living space. One such staircase happens to be in front of my bedroom, and after getting Emet and Jade out the door in time for their carpool, I made my way back to bed for a little extra rest when I suddenly spilled onto the floor.

The good news is that I didn’t land on or anywhere near my belly; all pain and injury is located on the outside of my right foot. The bad news? I actually have to see a doctor. I’ve diligently iced, elevated, and arnica’d all day long but my foot is a throbbing, swollen mess.

Luckily, we had a previously scheduled appointment with the midwives for this afternoon, and three things were confirmed. First, I am healthy, though I need to focus on my iron levels. Second, baby sounds and feels good. And most importantly, baby is head down and ready to go! The midwives also gave us our home birth checklist and wow, we are getting close.

Which makes this a particularly annoying time to injure myself in such a debilitating way. Not being able to put weight on my foot is terribly inconvenient, but I couldn’t be getting more love and support from my cute family. My precious ten (and a half!) year old son made dinner for me, a first, and it was delicious. And adorable.

It could have been so much worse, and I know that. But really, Universe? This is not what I meant when I said I needed a break.

10

Posted on by Lynzie · 1 Comment

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image stolen from mister baker’s instagram

30 Weeks! Only seventy days left until our due date and I’m feeling very pregnant, in the best possible way.

My belly has grown quite a bit in the last few weeks, as has our baby. Body parts are recognizable, and movement has become much more pronounced. Those ticklish bumps and nudges have been replaced with large wiggles and flips, which Baby Baker performs with frequency and grace. I love love love it!

Our first real baby-related purchase arrived today, a simple sling from this adorable company, and although we’re far from prepared, I’m definitely feeling more and more ready for this little person to join our lives. This pregnancy really caught me off guard, and I’m so glad that it did, because I can’t think of anything better than bringing a new baby into this sweet family of mine.

01/52

Posted on by Lynzie · 2 Comments

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“a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, for 2014”

Emet: This boy is the sweetest, kindest, most generous, and most noble ten year old on Earth.
Jade: Never a dull moment with this girl.

I have long admired the 52 Project, and have never managed to muster the courage (or the dedication, ahem) to commit to shooting a weekly portrait series. Since learning how to take photographs is high on my list of life aspirations, I figured I’d finally just give it a go.

And lo! For my first attempt, I’m rather pleased with these shots. Snapping a few pictures with my kids this afternoon was definitely the highlight of my weekend. I’m excited to see how this project unfolds, especially with the addition of a new little face in just a couple of months.

Oh 2014, I’m in love with you already.

CHEERS

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image via

I’m not really any good at resolutions. They are far too rigid and absolute for me, a person who is quick to change direction and is easily distracted. Instead, I much prefer themes as they are flexible and allow for interpretation.

For the new year, a year that is sure to be unforgettable, I have chosen creation as my central focus. I’m busy creating a new person, so it seems fitting.

I intend to infuse every day of 2014 with the impulse of creativity, to be mindful of the myriad of ways in which I can create and to remain available and attentive to inspiration. I want to write more, to cook more, to take more photos, and above all, to make more memories with the ones I love.

My glass of sparkling grape juice is raised, and I’m ready to toast to a brand new year.

FULL

Posted on by Lynzie · 1 Comment

simmer

Hello, December!

After a much needed week-long break from school, I was jolted awake by my alarm this morning and wasn’t all that happy about it. The kids, however, were both eager to return to their rhythm and made it out the door in record time for a Monday.

This Thanksgiving Holiday was nothing short of perfect. Most of it was spent at home, which is pretty much the only place I want to be these days, and there was so much food it was kind of ridiculous. I started preparing our feast Tuesday evening and couldn’t have been more pleased with how it all came together. I even made the best pie ever, which just so happened to also be the prettiest.

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I mean.

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Have you ever hand cut leaves from pie dough with a paring knife? Because wow, that is some tedious work. Can’t wait to do it again!

Seriously though, spending quality time with my sweet family in our little nest was just what I needed. We watched some favorite Christmas movies, ate too many molasses cookies, and even managed to put up some of our decorations. The kids spent most of yesterday making and wrapping presents, and at the end of the night as we lit our first Advent candle, I was overcome with gratitude for this beautifully chaotic life of mine.

In other news, I received a few texts and messages recently of the “You’re pregnant?!?” variety, so I thought this might help clarify things a bit.

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And that’s before I started eating for three straight days.

AN ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted on by Lynzie · 2 Comments

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image via

Expect the unexpected, that’s what I always say. Which doesn’t exactly mean that I was prepared for the surprise our family received this summer.

Indeed, just one day after we celebrated Emet’s tenth birthday, we learned that a new member of our family will be joining us this spring.

My sweet mister and I are having a baby and we couldn’t be more excited!

I’m 17 weeks pregnant, and still fighting a daily battle with nausea. It got the best of me for a few months, and I blame my absence from this dear little blog on the fact that it’s been twelve consecutive weeks of waking up in the middle of the night to vomit. Yeah, baby.

Last week, our midwife proclaimed both the baby and I in excellent health. We were able to capture the sound of the baby’s heartbeat, which has been on constant repeat for the past several days.

The sweetest.

Welcome to the family, Baby Baker! We can’t wait to meet you!

LINKS + LESSONS // 04

Posted on by Lynzie · Leave a comment

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image via

On Wednesday I tweeted:

I’d like to rephrase. It was the best week. It was the worst week.

Oy vey iz mir.

But! We did have a pretty spectacular meal at our favorite Thai spot last night, and I’m wondering why I have never ordered the Fresh Rolls before? Game changer, those things.

Count that as my lesson: trying new things in familiar places might make for a whole new experience.

If your week was anything like mine, I figured you could use a little something to help you cheer up. So here is a video the mister showed me yesterday that really touched my heart.

On a similar topic, I came across this statement from Questlove regarding the Zimmerman verdict, and it’s worth a read.

Back when I was a student at NYU, a few friends and I were faithful ASSSSCAT devotees. I have always thought of that time as the heyday of the UCB Theater and when I read this interview with Amy Poehler and she mentioned the energy of the New York Comedy Scene, I sort of felt like she was talking about those days too. Ranger out!

I’m looking forward to some quiet family time this weekend, and possibly a trip to the beach. And lots and lots of chocolate ice cream.