Category Archives: family

A Letter to Our Little One

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Baby Wessels,

IMG_9298It’s hard to put into words all the excitement and anticipation your Dad and I have for your arrival and the start of our bigger family. We’ve waited you for a long time and every single day we talk about how excited we are to meet you in just 3 short months.

While our adventure together is just getting started, it’s so fun to think that you’ve already been around through so much:

  • At 2 weeks we went camping and climbing together in Taylors Falls.
  • At 1 month you joined us for your first [Macklemore] concert. IMG_0113
  • At 2 months we took our first road trip to Iowa.
  • At 3 months you visited South Dakota.
  • At 4 months you started seeing patients with me in clinic.
  • 5 months we took our first gondola ride to the top of the slopes together (and then your Dad built a fire to warm us up).
  • At 6 months you tagged along while I took the 2nd part of my National Chiropractic Board Exams.

And today, as we begin our 3rd trimester together, we’ve never been more excited to get to hold you in our arms.

My Hopes and Promises 

IMG_0775I can’t wait to take you climbing to teach you how to rise above your fears, to watch you grow as you find your passion in life, to take you to church so you can find joy from above, to show you how to love and take care of animals and simply just watch you be you.

I promise that we’ll start and end our days showering you with love so you always know how much we care about you. I promise to share with you the value of family and loved ones, even if our loved ones are spread across the country. I promise that even though we may be busy working, we’re working hard to offer you a creative life filled with adventure. I promise to help you appreciate the beauty of nature, especially the breath-taking Rocky Mountain sunsets. I promise that as long as you try your best, we’ll support you and be proud of you no matter what you do with your life. I promise that I won’t be perfect, but I’ll always strive to be the perfect mom for you.

Regarding Your Dad

Melanie+Nick-5707You’ve already heard him talk to you and wish you goodnight and I just know you’ll love him from the moment you lay eyes on him. From the second we knew you were coming, he’s worked tirelessly to help take care of us and prepare our home and our life for you.

He’s going to be your rock, so even though he’s really tall, looking up to him will get you far in life. (Just a heads up, he’ll probably put you in Cubs gear as soon as possible so I hope you like red and blue.)

And From the Dogs

IMG_3316The furballs said they are happy to share their toys as long as you share yours. They also apologize in advance if they bonk you over and smother you in slobbery kisses (both of which are pretty much guaranteed).

I say this often because I mean it and it’s especially true regarding you…. the best is yet to come!

We can wait to meet you!

Xo,

Mom

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love your life

losing who you are…

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I’ve had a lot of conversations in the past few months with friends regarding people “losing themselves,” being defined by whatever is going on in their lives… children, animals, fitness, etc. Conversations, social media outlets, photos…they all so accurately reflect our current fascinations.

And these expressions seem to really gets on people’s nerves for some reason.

Somehow, I find myself really defensive when this topic comes up. It’s probably because I know it’s something I do as well… dating, my dog, marriage, running, divorce, God…you name it. I quickly let my identity be overtaken in the excitement of whatever new chapter is upon me.

Guilty as charged.

Their Highlights v. Your Behind-The-Scenes

I post tons of photos of my dog and talk about him all lot. I feel guilty after I post a photo from a run but I just want to share the beauty along my path. And, honestly I don’t like feeling bad about it.

Nor do I want to feel guilty not blatantly posting the bad in my life. I believe in good energy and don’t want to bring others down for no reason. So, while I’m not hiding any secrets, I still remember to never compare my life with other’s, and vice versa.

But why is this so bothersome to some?

I can’t quite figure it out.

Are you obsessed because you’re posting baby photos to your Facebook feed (or dog photos <–guilty)? Have you lost yourself in your relationship because your profile picture is you and your partner (rather than just you)? Are you vain for posting fitness photos on Instagram?

No.

I’m realizing that it doesn’t mean you’re losing yourself at all.

Rather, you’re finding yourself in your present journey.

It’s defining the person that you are today, your passions, loves, and struggles. It’s being present in the moment, regardless of what others think about you. It’s embracing your beliefs and simply, embracing you.

And, it’s sharing your life with the world.

So cheers to loving the life you live, and letting other’s lose their way onto their newest path,

Xo Melanie

love your life

my favorite things | 2011

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Raindrops on roses…

It’s here already. The nearing of the new year, and end of a very eventful 2011.

Looking back on my experiences I’ve gathered my favorite-things list for the year to remind me of all my blessings and cherished moments of 2011.

My 2011 Favorite:

concert: bon iver

restaurant: the spot

experience: local farmers markets, nose piercing, blogging, tears of joy

geekery: new glasses

advice: if you compromise on everything, you’ll never be satisfied

proud moment: my hubby making music

discovery: eucalyptus essential oil

old habit, relived: playing guitar

book: the 5 love languages

test of patience: saving for new apartment and four-legged friend

blessing: my parents health

thing to share: lash love and auroshikha incense

routine: morning tea

trips: 4 weddings

date night: dodger game (complete with dodger dog and a beer)

introduction: meeting my amazing co-workers (in person)

So, cheers to all of your experiences, accomplishments, and memories of the past year, and for those yet to come…

Xo

tradition | the holiday necessity

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Tradition | It’s as simple as that, or as complicated as that, anyway.

During the Holiday months of November and December I find myself greeting my friends and asking “how’s your Thanksgiving” or “are you having a nice Christmas?” I’m surprised that often people aren’t enjoying the Holidays as much as you’d think. And then I ask myself why? Isn’t Thanksgiving and Christmas supposed to be a cheery, cozy, celebratory time of year?

Well of course it is.

I then realized it usually comes down to the little things that make the Holidays special. Holiday traditions… and the necessity to keep their spirit alive.

As easy as it is to stay in, stay warm, and avoid holiday crowds and traffic to experience your traditions, sometimes that exactly what you need to make it feel like the holidays.

I’ve found that my Christmas seasons keep getting better and better, and it’s because of all of traditions I’ve worked to keep, and those we’ve added (like our annual “Classy Christmas Party” where we gather our friends, holiday beverages, bring our cheer, and enjoy the city view together in a limousine- one of my newest, and most favorite traditions).

It’s these holiday traditions that have made each Christmas better than the last! I’m thankful for those friends and family that have helped make such wonderful memories…

So take the time to enjoy your Holiday season- whether enjoying these traditions or creating your own list… and make this year a Christmas to remember.
tis the season

Christmas Traditions To Enjoy In Cheer:

  • attending an annual holiday party with your friends
  • looking at your city’s historically lit neighborhoods
  • running the annual holiday 5k with friends (dressed in holiday attire of course)
  • baking your holiday cookies
  • enjoying a silent night… fireside
  • making homemade eggnog
  • watching the Christmas Parade and attending the Parade Of Lights
  • attending the Christmas Mass or church service
  • visiting your local cafe’s and bookshops to enjoy the festive scenery (while sipping a peppermint mocha or eggnog latte)
  • listing to the holiday music channels
  • deck the halls (with decor and lighting)
  • making snowmen
  • jingle bells (or attach one to your dog’s collar)
  • watching your favorite Christmas movies (on repeat)
  • sending out holiday cards
  • reading the story of Jesus’ birth or ‘The Night Before Christmas’ with your family
  • donating to your favorite holiday charity
  • experimenting with Holiday recipes and mulled wine
  • hanging mistletoe in your doorway (and making the most of it)

xo, Melanie