On Saturday, we packed up two cars (Sasha’s mom, her friend, my sister and her boyfriend were visiting) and headed to Cortez, Colorado to visit Sutcliffe Vineyards. My parents are friends with the owner, John Sutcliffe, who is definitely the most interesting man alive. Sasha and I met John for the first time a few weeks ago when he came over for dinner, and he invited us to visit the vineyard for a private tasting and we took him up on the offer. The hour and a half drive was over rolling hills, next to spectacular mountains – everywhere you looked, there was a photo opportunity. Unfortunately, Sasha was driving, so we didn’t stop once! The vineyard is centered around a tall, red tower which you’ll see on the wine labels. The fields and fields of grapes are uncharacteristic of the dry, mountainous views next to it. The wine is phenomenal – my favorite is the Petit Verdot, which you can purchase online. Isla was extremely well-behaved during the trip, except for the 5 minutes when she was hungry and refused a bottle that I had pumped earlier! We need to work on that (although I selfishly don’t mind just feeding her myself!). My favorite part of the trip was not the amazing wine, nor the gorgeous scenery, but John’s fascinating stories. The man refuses to not pick up a hitch hiker (plenty of good stories to accompany that), he rattles off detailed accounts of his eccentric Uncle Percy who lived in England and wore WWII soldier apparel around town although he did not go to war, and tells the story about the vineyard’s conception being that his architect told him grape leaves would make for a good view out of his dining room window. I mean, really? If you’re ever in the Telluride or Durango area, I highly recommend visiting Sutcliffe Vineyards and meeting John. You and your taste buds won’t regret it!
Life in Durango & Isla’s Two Month Anniversary
Our first week in Durango was very go-go-go. We’ve gotten into more of a routine by the point, which helps this feel more like home. We’ve established local restaurant favorites – Himalayan Kitchen, Grassburger, Durango Coffee Company, and Cream Bean Berry – and had a schedule for exercise, feeding, sleeping, “working,” etc. Isla is growing by the second – I wish we knew her exact weight, because I feel like she’s doubled in size in the last 8 weeks. She celebrated her two month anniversary on Monday, August 4. I cannot believe it. She is super smiley, gurgles all day long, wants to be “standing” all the time, still spits up everywhere after eating (see bottom photo), does not enjoy tummy time except for the first 1-2 minutes, and is very used to having a camera in her face. Isla’s gassiness is much better now that I’ve cut out all dairy (i.e. become a vegan – ohmygosh I miss cheese!). Her (okay, my) favorite books are Snuggle Puppy and Oh Baby, Go Baby. She is finally getting used to taking a bottle, but I am not a huge fan of pumping! Isla went on her first hike and slept through the entire adventure (typical!). She loves, and I mean loves, sleeping in the BabyBjorn carrier. We are doing CIO (ah!) and had her fall asleep without a peep the last two nights (praying it stays that way!). We’re still learning lots and lots every day. We love her to pieces.
I put together two short videos: here and here
Lastly, the Trumpette giveaway winner is Caron B! Congratulations!
Sasha’s special feeding time // Bloomers by Baby Grace // Happy little Isla
Mesmerized by the sun – I need to get her in some shades quickly
It’s hard to tell, but that onesie was covered in spit up minutes before these photos were taken
Finally taking a bottle – this is a huge accomplishment and relief to me after much resistance
Sleepy girl in my favorite J. Crew onesie // Working on tummy time // Her signature Zoolander look
Our first baby is loving Colorado (perhaps the most!)
After every feeding, Sasha tries to teach Isla to stand – he seems to think this is a requirement at 2 months… crazy man
If Sasha wakes up first, Isla will be wearing her UT onesie
Sasha’s dad drove from Texas (16 hours) for TWO days!
Getting ready for a MAM pacifier giveaway (coming soon!)
I love Baby Gap so much – this dress is one of my favorites
Two months already? How is this happening?
This face is a regular
I couldn’t get enough as you can tell!
Little Miss-chievous Isla
Working hard on that tummy time
Some iPhone snapshots
Braving dinners out on the town with this little unpredictable one – Grassburger is our favorite
Sasha’s hardcore strength training is beginning to work // And that is his repayment // My favorite face in the world
Isla’s Newborn Photos by Taylor Lord
When the doorbell rang yesterday, and Sasha came into the living room with a package, I freaked out. Isla’s newborn photos had arrived from Taylor Lord. We opened them, read Taylor’s sweet letter and immediately started looking at each photo, one by one. I love them so much. Taylor captured our happiness and Isla’s sweetness perfectly. I am absolutely terrible at editing down photos, so pardon the large number of pictures in this post, but I had to share my favorites. I love this little girl so much, and I am so happy that the Lord blessed Taylor with such an incredible talent. View Taylor’s website here and her blog here. View details about Isla’s nursery here.
PS We took these over a month ago – Isla is so much bigger by now! It’s crazy how fast they grow.
Oh, and the Trumpette giveaway ends tonight at midnight! Enter here to win a free set of adorable socks!
A Photo A Day
Every year, I create a Shutterfly book that encompasses all of the big events and trips I take. You can view 2012 here and 2013 here. I’m almost caught up with my 2014 book, and quickly realized that as of June 2014, it will be all about Isla – except our trip to Mexico in September for Paola’s wedding! I also wanted to create another Shutterfly book with one photo a day for the first year of Isla’s life. It astonishes me how much she has already changed in under two months, and I know that I’ll love looking back and seeing her grow day-by-day on her first birthday.
Have you seen other creative ways to chronicle life’s big events? Do you use Shutterfly? I know that my friend Mara does Project Life, which I love as well.
Highlights of Week One in Durango
We’ve been in Durango for just over a week now, and we are loving it. Sasha said to me yesterday, “You realize the most important and stressful decision we make all day is what we’re going to eat for dinner.” I laughed – but it’s true. We go on about four to five walks a day, as my parents live within 5 minutes of the grocery store, Main Street where all of the restaurants and shops are, Animas River, and mountain trails. My Nike Fuel Band is back in action! I wrote a Durango Travel Guide post last year, but I definitely have to update it after trying many new restaurants, juice bars and ice cream shops. I’ve put together an assortment of photos from our first week – as you can tell, I’ve been very trigger happy as of late.
What are your summer plans?
PS Happy birthday, Mum and Karine!
Isla flew from Houston to Denver to Durango and slept through every second of it (thank you, Lord!)
Walking to Durango Joe’s for morning coffee with the whole Petrovic family
Hiking and biking (while the grandparents were here to babysit!)
I finally found a bow that is semi-appropriately sized for a newborn – and a tutu dress from my sweet co-workers!
Celebrating our one year anniversary — with dinner and on a raft!
My favorite bow romper from Paola (I love Janie and Jack!) and our romantic rooftop anniversary dinner
Staring at that face all day and praying she always wants to hold my hand
Geared up for a day on the water (another Paola gift!) and a wet pup from lots of Animas River swimming
Isla’s new nap place – the BabyBjorn – and a tired tanner in her Baby Gap swimsuit from Erin
Navajo State Park adventures with the whole family (Isla slept through the entire experience)
A sneak peak of Isla’s newborn photos from Taylor Lord and I’ve finally sent all of the birth announcements!
Father-daughter bonding moments that make me heart melt
Hamming it up – and wearing her UT apparel! Girl’s gonna be a Longhorn fan, for sure