Hello there! How has it already been 2.5 months since our little Wren was born? If you remember Bowie's birth story, this one was also like something out of the movies. It's how we do things around here. The birth was so quick (3 hours) that Hal almost missed it! I still laugh about how nothing made it out of my bag - no candles, crystals, essential oils or Hypnobabies this time around. But I'll take fast and furious over long and laborious any day. Makes for a great story, that's for sure. And we're fortunate that we had someone... Continue reading

Hi friends! For those of you don't follow me on Instagram... we had our baby! Meet Wren. He's a pretty cool little man, currently asleep in my arms as I type with one hand. Birth story coming soon! Since he arrived smack dab in the midst of the holiday frenzy, we decided to combine both events and send out a New Year birth announcement instead of our usual holiday cards. I partnered yet again with Tiny Prints / Shutterfly, because they make the process so incredibly easy. I churned them out in a matter of minutes, which is so very... Continue reading

Happy Halloween from The Red Balloon! Continue reading

Our baby boy is going to be a big brother! To another baby boy! I still can't quite believe it myself. Since it took us 3 years to conceive Bowie, I (wrongly) assumed it would take a very long time to get pregnant (and stay pregnant) again. Especially with my "advanced maternal age". But it happened during our very first month of trying, and we weren't even on fertility meds. We were shocked. And terrified. Still are! But excited beyond belief. This baby seems to be very serious about joining us earth side. It's been a smooth pregnancy so far.... Continue reading

My second Mother's Day as a mother was simple and sweet. The boys started it off right with breakfast in bed. Believe it or not, this was the first breakfast in bed I've ever received in this house... because we never had a tray table to serve it on! It was always on the "one day" list. Until Modernica came to the rescue. We received their Case Study Bentwood Tray Table just in time for Mother's Day. Design nuts that we are, Hal and I are obsessed with practically everything Modernica makes. Especially their bentwood products, which are built and... Continue reading

My birthday this year consisted of me by myself, behind the wheel of my MINI, listening to audiobooks and road-tripping up to Whistler, Canada for a solo 1-night stay at the ultra-luxurious Nita Lake Lodge. It was heavenly. Alone with my thoughts for 24-hours was something I hadn't had since the babe was born. As an introvert at heart, the idea sounded like total bliss. Hal was totally on board and agreed to keep Bowie at home - papa points! I arrived just before check-in which gave me ample time to tour the grounds. The lodge sits at the edge... Continue reading

I've been wanting to round up my favorite parenting resources for quite some time now. But of course, mama-ing got in the way. Now that Bowie is 16 months old (!!!), I figure now is as good of time as any to jot down the things, after much trial and error, that got me through that first crazy year. So here it is - the ultimate new mama survival guide. Parasol Diapers: We've finally settled on a good disposable eco-friendly diaper. First we tried Honest Company, but they were rough, didn't fit well and leaked in the middle of the... Continue reading

Our family recently took a little road trip to Seaside, Oregon to visit friends and give our little Bowie Ocean a chance to experience the Northwest surf. Normally the coast is rather cold and wet this time of year. But we were blessed with a glorious golden sun. A perfect day for Bo to practice his new walking skills and leave his tiny stumbling footprints in the sand. There's just something so inspiring about watching your child interact with the ocean for the very first time - so these photos are very special to me. Too sweet not to share....... Continue reading

In light of the current chaotic state of the world, I'm trying to focus on love this holiday season. The angels among us. The people who are working hard to make positive change. Thistle Farms is doing just that and I'm proud to be joining forces with them this week to give one of you a sweet little surprise in your mailbox. Thistle Farms is a global community of women healing from trafficking, addiction and homelessness. The company employs more than 1500 female survivors, providing free housing, medical care, therapy, education and job training to make natural products that are... Continue reading