Irene

It's kind of funny that my last post was about those fast moving Midwestern storms.  At that point I didn't know that Hurricane Irene was on her way!  We were driving back from the Midwest when we first heard of the potential severity of Hurricane Irene.

Image via ABC News

Being a mother has made me more cautious.  At another point in our lives, Ben and I might have rushed home before the storm.  But with Arlo to consider, we decided to spend the weekend in Hershey, Pennsylvania, swimming in the hotel pool, going to the zoo, etc.  

There was no major damage where we live.  The roof of our building had some minor leaks, so we'll have some scraping, plastering, painting to do, and the building will repair the roof.  Water leaked in around our air conditioners and pooled on the windowsills, so some repairs will have to happen there as well.  But all in all, we were extremely lucky.  It's all just a little eerie after all those days obsessively watching CNN's hurricane coverage.  It's good to be home, and to have a safe and sound home to come back to.

Storm

There's nothing quite like a fast moving Midwestern storm coming in.  You can feel it in the air before you can see it.  It's exciting and beautiful and scary.

This picture doesn't do it justice.  The wind was incredible.  The clouds rolled in so quickly.  Seconds later the rain started.  Just a quick summer storm--perfectly exhilarating.

Summertime country time

A few days ago we left NYC, making a break for the country.  We drove 785 miles to Ben's parents' home in Indiana.  August in New York is hot and humid.  The city boils.  The garbage on the streets (no alleyways in nyc) is more noticeably fragrant.  We have flexibility right now with our jobs, so it seemed the perfect time to take off.

Driving 785 miles with a 2 year old isn't high on my list of things to do again soon, although Arlo was in good spirits most of the way.  But being here is great, being here in the house Ben and I got married in.  It's nice to think about all the adventures we've had since then, and how many more we're slated for.

Plus it's just beautiful here.  Trees, open sky full of stars at night.  A yard for Arlo to run around in...

But as much as I love being here and enjoying the open space, I think for now it just helps solidify what we're doing in the city, and that's the right place for us right now.  Someday we'll break free.  But no rush.  Not yet.

Summer's bounty

At this time two years ago I was in early labor.  I was preparing to transition my sweet Arlo to the outside world.  Two years later I find myself so profoundly affected by this amazing little person.  I am so very very lucky that he and I managed to somehow find each other across space and time, and choose each other for this journey.

Ben and Arlo went to the park this morning so that I could do yoga and get some work done.  This is our new routine, and I think it's divine!  Arlo came home and napped, and I had the most beautiful lunch, inspired by fresh baby lettuce and perfectly sweet tomatoes from our CSA share.  It was nourishing in every way, and I spent the greater part of my day reflecting on how truly blessed I am. 

I have taken Arlo's birthday off from work (and plan to every year) and we have plans to make a run for nature in the morning.  I want to commune with the earth on this important day, the anniversary of his birth.  In the future Arlo can tell us what he wants to do for his birthday, but for now we're feeling the draw of the mountains and the trees and the dirt and the water.

Bday present from Gramma and Grandpa Lieber

Mon petit ange, my little rapscallion prince, with great spirit, with great heart.  So many adventures await.  For now I treasure your kisses, your smiles, your snuggles, your expressions, your words, and sometimes even your tantrums.  For this too shall pass.

Snowclones

After an Arlo inspired hiatus I am making art again!  And it's a wonderful thing!
I recently was given the opportunity to show some artwork in an exhibition called Snowclones.  It's a really exciting show and has been a lot of fun.