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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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T1 in the books

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We did it!

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Running into my Grandpa on campus was a highlight of my tri!

I’m so proud and extremely excited to say that yesterday we finished our first trimester at NWHSU. And wow, what an incredible time it was.

Ready to Change the World

When we first arrived, we were so excited, inspired and eager to see what our first trimester would bring. Our diverse class came from all paths, making sacrifices to be here and begin a new chapter.

That said, it is so refreshing to belong to a university where everyone has the same goal in mind, health. To look around the room and see each other strive to be their best, drinking teas, doing cleanses, trying new workouts, using essential oils, talking about their acupuncture session or new favorite supplement. While only those close to me understand my lifestyle, here we all fit in. It’s an incredibly rare and healthy environment.

Then it Got Real

The expectations and course load are intense and don’t allow for the simple pleasures of relaxing, hiking or chasing those beautiful Rocky Mountain sunsets. I definitely gained a new perspective, understanding the discipline of what becoming a doctor requires.

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Adventures in cadaver lab with these brainiacs!

Our classes were, for the most part, really refreshing as we’re all learning about things we truly care about. There were some classes that felt relaxing to study for compared to others (ahem Biochem, it’s not you it’s me).

During the trimester, some lost loved ones or parted ways in their relationships. Some had to be away from their families and children. Some struggled to stay healthy or balance life and school and some felt the stress of a heavy student loan lifestyle. Simply put, everyone had their own battles.

For me, this trimester was intense and difficult. I gained an incredible amount of knowledge but I also had experienced more frustration and disappointment then I was prepared for. I’m so grateful for my incredible loved ones because without their support, I couldn’t get through this program.

Collectively, by the end of the tri we were all pretty worn down and ready for some R&R.

Ready to See the Light

Meanwhile, we have an awesome class. Everyone was so supportive of each other, willing to help in whatever way they could. It felt like a little family. We’re so inspired by the upper Tri’s and can’t wait to begin learning techniques and adjusting at the end of the year.

Onto the Next

I’m thankful that after trial and error, I’m finally figuring out how I learn best and I’m excited to have a fresh start and to make T2 a more positive experience. I’m sooooo thankful for the friendships, memories and coffee dates and look forward to more of the same!

While I know our class is different in many ways, one thing is for certain. We’re all going to get through this, and we’re going to get through this together. And when we’re done, I know it will be worth it.

Xo,
Melanie

waiting for winter to pass

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waiting for spring to pass through

Not all days are good, but most are.

Some days are a little gloomy, inside and outside. And with winter slowly seeing its way out, spring has never been more welcomed. Meanwhile, I’m learning to see the beauty in the gloom and keep my eyes on the horizon for better, brighter days.

I hope that somehow you see the beauty in the storm, too.
colorado windmill

Cheers to a lovely spring.

Xo,
Melanie

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

iron and wine | better with age

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Some say things are better left alone… Well, in the case of Iron and Wine’s newest revision, I disagree.

As one of my favorite songs, Iron and Wine wrote ‘Flightless Bird, American Mouth’ back in 2007. And as beautiful as this version is, I thought it couldn’t get better.

This morning I woke to find they’ve released a slightly revised version the song. As made famous by a dreamy dance scene in Twilight, it would only be appropriate to feature the song again for the lovers’ wedding ceremony in the upcoming film.

And that’s what they did, beautifully. A pleasant case of “better with age.”

Take a look, thoughts?

View original live performance from 2008.

here i am.

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Wie ghet’s?

Hello world, here I am. About time, right?

Well, out of my passion for geekery I’ve decided it’s time to share my thoughts on the blessed things in life.

For me, that’s holistic living, d.i.y. adventures, my ever-enticing gluten free cooking dairy, all things German, and an artistic craving.

Welcome to my gingerbread destiny!