Happy Ollieday!

I still cannot believe our little guy turned ONE this past Saturday! To be quite honest, I was initially tempted to skip the fuss of throwing a birthday bash. However, I eventually realized that surviving the first year is a pretty major milestone, and we certainly didn't make it through alone. Festivities were in order! We ended up having a super low-key brunch party, and it was such a memorable gathering. I'm so glad we had this time to celebrate. After all, who couldn't use a little funfetti in their life? :)

Although it was Oliver's party, this day was also a celebration of our family and friends, near and far. You know who you are :) Chris and I want you to know that your love, generosity, and encouragement have sustained us through some of the craziest highs and lows over this past year. It hasn't always been easy, but your companionship has made this journey much more fruitful and rewarding. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

I've been told it just gets crazier, but also a lot more fun. There's lots to look forward to, and it's important that we exercise gratitude and remember to savor each step, big and small. We ask that you continue to pray for us, and to keep us accountable along the way. 

Words cannot describe how tremendously blessed we are to have you as our village! This little boy is so incredibly loved, and we are deeply grateful to be able to share him with you. 

Oliver 101

Oliver Huxley Jeng was born as the sun was rising on April 1st, 2016. I can still hear his first wobbly cry. The world just seemed to stop for a moment as he laid there on top of my heart. I was delirious with joy and exhaustion. All I could do was hold him tight.

I'll never forget the first day we brought our baby home... that feeling of excitement and sheer terror. I remember sitting there crying for hours, staring at his tiny face, marveling at each detail, wondering how in the world he could be so beautiful. I was in utter disbelief that I was actually his mama. This tiny human needed me more than anything has ever needed me. There was no turning back.

Navigating the complexities of motherhood has stretched, and at times, broken me. I have never been so consumed with love, worry, and happiness. I'm constantly struggling to wrangle anxieties, relinquish perfectionism, and follow my intuition. It has been an ongoing lesson in relying on God - I've needed His grace, peace, and wisdom more than ever. This season has cultivated a newfound resilience within me. It's perplexing how one can feel this vulnerable, depleted, and empowered all at once.

My heart aches as I watch that little baby steadily ebbing away. Then it soars when I see more of a little boy surfacing with each new day. Every time another facet of Ollie's emerging personality shines through, I am astounded by how much more deeply I am capable of loving him. Riding shotgun for new discoveries, witnessing milestones, and seeing the world through his eyes has humbled, edified, and strengthened me. I wouldn't trade this time together for the world.

People frequently ask, "What's Oliver like?" This sweet little boy. It feels impossible to sum him up with a few simple words. My son is inquisitive, pensive, gentle, and completely obsessed with Wonka. Ollie can be a bit reserved, but the truth is, he's downright silly. Whenever you get a laugh out of him, it's exuberant, it's infectious, and it feels like you've won a million bucks. I constantly wonder how we ever got so lucky.

It's been a wild ride. The views are more breathtaking than I ever could have imagined. And this is just the begining.

{Photo credit: LittleBunnyNomi}

Lattitude Adjustment

You guys. Spring is FINALLY here! I know I'm not the only one who is completely thrilled at the fact that our days will soon be filled with sunshine, fresh blooms, and cuter outfits :)

After a grueling winter, Chris and I were desperately overdue for some serious downtime. Luckily, we had randomly booked a group getaway during a dinner party several months ago. Best wine-fueled decision ever! We zipped down to Mexico and spent a week far away from all the chilly nonsense. It was a short but sweet escapade with some close friends, and soo good for my soul.

We stayed in an all-inclusive resort called Secrets Capri Riviera. The luxurious adults-only resort provided a quiet, relaxing atmosphere to thoroughly unwind. There were also plenty of organized events keep us active and entertained. And let's not forget about the FOOD. Delicious snacks and meals everywhere, all the time! I must've eaten my weight in ceviche and fish tacos. We did not have a single bad meal during our entire stay.

Our days began with a run on the beach for Chris, and some oceanside yoga for me. We spent a good amount of time just lounging around the pool, and I did my fair share of just doing absolutely nothing at all. Paddling over to the swim-up bar counts as exercise, right?

I also found some solid alone time for myself where I could just sit by the water and reflect on what's been going on in life. There is something about spending time with the ocean that restores me with a profound sense of peace, joy, and inspiration. Oh, and I got to hang out with some pelicans, which was pretty neat :)

By the way, I am totally having a mini love affair with tropical plants at the moment. Their rich colors and lush textures were such a sight for sore eyes in the middle of such a crappy winter. I am definitely going to find some similar greens to bring into our home.

A huge highlight was the excursion we booked to visit an underground cave. Rio Secreto is a natural reserve located in Playa del Carmen. We had to take a long, bumpy ride through a desolate jungle to reach the sunken cave entrance of Ox Bel Ha, but the beauty we found inside was simply astounding. Here are some of my favorite shots from Emilio, our tour photographer!

We had to be careful not to disturb the delicate balance of the natural cenote sanctuary. This meant thoroughly washing all products off our bodies (makeup, lotions, hair gel, insect repellent) prior to entering the reserve.

Ox Bel Ha is the seventh longest cave in the world. It is about 112 miles long and over 98 feet deep. We hiked and swam through each cavern, being extra careful not to touch and disrupt the fragile limestone formations that surrounded us. Our wetsuits kept us buoyant and warm in the crystal-clear underground rivers. Neoprene is so hot this season.

Once we reached the main labyrinth of the cave, we turned off all our headlamps and spent an entire minute in complete darkness and silence. All I could hear was an occasional drop of water, and my own heartbeat. The experience was out of this world.

Still, the best part of this trip was the people we shared it with. I felt truly blessed to be able to savor moments of laughter, heart-to-heart conversations, and breathtaking adventures with such special, loving friends. I have officially snapped out of my funk. There are so many good things coming our way! More later :)

{Photo credit LittleBunnyNomi}