cortnyhelmick.com

Out and about

cortny — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:24:23 +0000

A couple weeks ago we had a major snowstorm, and the city pretty much shut down for about three days. Mike’s office was closed, our parents’ group was cancelled, and I didn’t take Elliott anywhere for almost a week as a result. During that week I swore I would be out with my stroller almost every day as soon as the weather got nice enough.

I’ve managed to get out most days in the last two weeks. We don’t really go anywhere, although once the walk satisfied a craving for McDonalds, and today it satisfied my need for tiny cupcakes.

I have also taken Elliott to the mall in Bellevue, our nicest all-indoor mall. But it’s also a zoo, and driving in that area can make me cry. Navigating a mall now is a little bit frustrating. Elevators are really hard to find, and why do malls have randomly-placed stairs? Once I got a stroller, I really started to think about how difficult many places are to navigate for persons in wheel chairs or with walkers. Most places are pretty unfriendly. At least all our sidewalks here have ramps.

We have been out for pizza, and to our weekly PEPS meetings (Program for Early Parent Support), and I took him to my recent workplace to smile at everyone there (which he did).

I feel like I’ve heard a lot of complaints about people being rude to moms with strollers. I have found this not to be the case at all. I’m constantly surprised when someone wants to open a door, or help you lift a stroller up three random mall stairs. Maybe it’s just because Elliott is so cute. (I actually think its because most people are kind.)

Not sure what our next adventure will be… something exciting, I’m sure.

Elliott’s First Christmas

cortny — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:23:24 +0000

So it’s a little late, but it only took me about a month to get Christmas photos off of my camera!

Elliott’s first Christmas was very special, spent with all his grandparents and aunt, uncles and cousins. He received lots of thoughtful and special presents — even some beautiful handmade stuff. He got lots of cute, fun little toys for us to look forward to playing with. And he was an angel on his airplane trips and at two churches and a couple of restaurants. Here’s hoping the next trip goes as smoothly.

A special day

cortny — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 04:26:47 +0000

Happy birthday to my wonderful husband, and Elliott’s Dad. Today, Elliott helped me make a cake and some homemade soup and bread for Mike’s birthday. We’re going to celebrate tomorrow with some Carne Guisada and cocktails and, probably, more cake.

Mike is teaching tonight, so he gets two birthdays because there just isn’t enough time on his actual birthday to celebrate!

Time to go put some frosting on the red velvet cake, if this sleeping baby lets me put him down…

2011

cortny — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:49:27 +0000

2011 was a pretty big year. (Literally for me, as I was quite big for most of it.) Eleven brought us Elliott of course, our tenth anniversary, Mike’s first full year at Google… It was a little sad to see it go. But, moving on!

Maybe that’s why we practically pretended that New Year’s didn’t happen. Despite being able to see the Seattle fireworks from our bedroom, we went to bed at 11:30. I think we were both asleep by midnight … (I’m sure that had nothing to do with the by the bottle of champagne we opened at 8.)

New Year’s Day was beautiful, so Mike took down outdoor decorations and we went for a walk.

I have about three weeks of pictures to get off my camera, and when I do I can backtrack and post about Christmas.

12-29-01

cortny — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:47:55 +0000

It’s been ten years, almost to the minute, since I wed my wonderful husband. My marriage has always felt like my greatest accomplishment. The next ten will be a whole new adventure, becoming parents and who knows what else. I’m looking forward to every second!