Family Vacation to Outer Banks

Just like we did with Zahara, we went on a family road trip a few weeks after Asher was born. Some people think we are crazy to travel for more than a week with our three-week-old baby and three year old. But, our thought is that the baby will be eating, sleeping, and crying anywhere so why not be somewhere fun? For us, that was Outer Banks, North Carolina.

I've heard about Outer Banks for years, but have never been. This stretch of white, sandy beaches on the North Carolina shore is known for its laid-back attitude and has a cult-like following--you may have seen the OBX bumper stickers. The reason I haven't gone before is that it is kind of hard to get to. From our house it is a 5-10 hour drive depending on traffic.

We had a fantastic time! We rented a cottage by the beach which worked out perfectly. It was absolutely adorable and everything you think when you hear beach cottage. Wainscoting, seashell decor, a mermaid theme. The best parts were having our own kitchen and being steps from the beach. It was great to walk to the beach with our lunch and snacks. Unlike other east coast beaches (like Ocean City or Atlantic City), OBX beaches don't have boardwalks with restaurants and shops. There are a few restaurants scattered on the beach, but you're better off bringing your own food.

We stayed in Nags Head, but explored Carolla, Duck, and Kitty Hawk as well. Here are some of the highlights:

Beach Days
For sure this was the highlight. The beach by our house was lovely. Perfect sand, gorgeous, warm water. The only complaint is that the waves were pretty rough.

Sunrises:
Once again proving I hit the jackpot when I married Dan, every morning he would take Asher for a long walk while I got an hour or two of sleep. At least he was rewarded with great views.

Ice Cream:

We went full Rome Rules on this vacation and had ice cream every day. I regret nothing. My favorite places were Scoop's and Kill Devil's. Scoop's has tons of delicious homemade flavors like banana pudding and amaretto. Kill Devil's has a more limited selection of just three frozen custard flavors (chocolate, vanilla, and a flavor of the day), but the chocolate was out of this world.

The Sights
There isn't too much to see on the island, but we really enjoyed a couple of things in particular. Jockey's Ridge, the largest sand dunes on the east cost, was right near our house and well worth a visit. Following advice we read online, we went in the evening when the sand wasn't so hot. We had a great time running and rolling in the soft sand.

The town of Corolla was also great to see. The town is most well-known for its population of wild horses that is only accessible using a 4x4 to cross the unpaved beach. We weren't able to see the horses, but we saw the wetlands and the cute little shops. We really liked the Juice Jar's acai bowls. So fresh and delicious.

It was a great vacation and a fun way to start our life as a family of four. I can't wait for our next vacation! 

September Thoughts by Z

Here is what's going through my favorite girl's head this month:

Thought 1:

On the way to meet Asher in the hospital for the first time
Z: Daddy, you are driving crazy!

Thought 2: 
Z: We never get young. Only old. You can't say I'm young. I'm a little old.

Thought 3: 
Z: Daddy, when I get bigger I'm going to wear a bra.

Thought 4: 
After I accidentally tripped
Z: Mummy, you freaked me out!

See previous Thoughts by Z here

Mini Newborn Photo Shoot

My sister Bradi loves photography, and she's pretty good at it too. While she was here this weekend I asked her to take a few pictures of Asher to capture those newborn details. I am biased, but I think she did a great job.

I want blow one of them up to a large canvas size to put in his nursery, but I can't decide which one. What do you think? Which would you choose?

Our Village

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we are so lucky to have an amazing village of our own.

In-Laws:
I can't even describe how helpful my in-laws were. They completely put their lives on hold to drive up to DC for an indefinite period of time. Not knowing when Asher would make his appearance was stressing me out, especially as I thought about what to do with Zahara while I was in labor. Rose and Yakov solved that problem by coming up a few days before my due date and staying through the birth, and then eight days after for the bris. Since I went a full week past my due date, they were here for a total of 19 days, and didn't complain once!

They cooked me fantastic meals and took great care of Zahara. I know they must have been completely wrecked by the time they left. Caring for a 3-year-old is not an easy task.

Special thanks to my sister-in-law Amy who flew in just for the day to be at Asher's bris! That's commitment.

My Parents
My parents arrived the day before the bris and stayed for those first critical newborn days. It was so nice to have them here while I was recovering from my c-section. My dad worked his magic in the kitchen and made a phenomenal prime rib that I still dream about. Mom even got working in the kitchen! If you know her, you know that's a huge deal.

They took Z for her first movie, Finding Dory, and did a great job providing lots of snuggles for our little guy. Mom and I even pampered ourselves with some shopping and mani/pedis.

My Sister
Bradi came after the initial craziness of the birth and bris died down. She's actually here now and is already proving to be a super star. She stayed up with Ash until 1:30 am the first night and was up with Z at 5:00 am the next day. She has held Asher all day and is constantly asking how she can help. She even made me breakfast. I'm really glad she's here.

Our Friends
We've been so lucky to have friends visit and bring us food. It has been really nice not to have to worry about going grocery shopping, cooking, and making sure Z has a good dinner. So appreciated!

Zahara and Dan
Of course I couldn't do any of this without Z and Dan. My heart has grown immeasurably. Watching Zahara give her brother hugs and kisses, hearing her ask about him first thing in the morning and last thing before bed has been a real highlight of my life. Catching Dan give Asher "man-to-man" advice is hilarious and adorable. I am thankful every day for these two.

Welcome to the World Asher David!

He's finally here! Dan, Zahara, and I are excited to welcome Asher David Levin as the fourth, and final member of our little family. Asher arrived at 3:15 pm on July 27th, weighing 9 pounds 8 ounces. We are absolutely in love--especially big sister Zahara!

Just like his big sister, Asher was hesitant to come out and join us, waiting a full week after his due date. After nearly two days of labor, we finally got to meet our (not-so-little) guy. A c-section was never our ideal plan, but we are so lucky to have a healthy and happy baby and mum.We'll take that any day.

Asher is a biblical name meaning happy or blessed. His middle name, David, is in honor of Dan's late grandfather whom we both adored. So far, Asher is living up to his name. He is a calm, happy baby who brings joy to those around him.

 

We have an amazing support system of friends and family who have made our transition to a family of four much easier. I have lots more to add, including how incredible and heartwarming Zahara's reaction to her brother has been, our parents' visits, Asher's bris (ritual circumcision), and more. For now though, we're basking in the newborn glow, catching as many snuggles as we possibly can.

My Birthday

As you can imagine, this year's birthday celebration was a bit more low key than previous years. Since baby Levin was four days overdue at this point, he really could have come at any time. Spoiler alert: he didn't. He hung in there, waiting for a birthday of his own.

My morning started off great with phone calls and flowers (thanks Bradi!), and a family trip to the diner for delicious pancakes. Then it was off to the farmer's market for fresh watermelon, corn, heirloom tomatoes, and yummy chocolate milk. It was a really nice market, but unfortunately it was one of the hottest days of the year. I was dying!

We cooled off at the Silver Spring library. My in-laws took Zahara to read and play while I got some down time. Dan found me a comfy chair where I could put my feet up and read for a while. Lovely.

We capped off our day with real sushi! I figure, at this point, can a little bit of raw fish really hurt this kid? Hopefully not. We went to Red Maple in Four Corners and it was absolutely delicious. Very fresh. Dan picked up a cake for me at Whole Foods earlier in the day and the restaurant let us eat it there. If you haven't had Whole Foods' strawberry and cream cake, you are missing out. The strawberries are so fresh and the cream is so tasty. Even without chocolate, it's one of my favorite desserts.

The best part of the day was that I still get to keep it as my own forever! (There was real concern I'd have to share it with a tiny human.) Thanks to everyone who helped make this day special! Now on to the next family birthday...hint, hint, baby. Any time now.

Read about our past birthday celebrations:
2016:
Zahara's 3rd
Dan's birthday
2015:
Zahara's 2nd
2014:
Calli's birthday
Zahara's birthday
Dan's birthday
2013:
Dan's birthday
Calli's birthday
2012:
Dan's birthday
Calli's birthday

This Month's Thoughts by Z

Here is the latest installment from my hilarious little three-year-old.

Thought 1:

When staying at our friend Dani's' house for the night:
Bernadette: babbling
Z: What's she saying?
Dani: Sometimes Bernadette is talking and I don't know what's she's saying.
Z: Sometimes my mum is talking and I don't know what she's saying.

Thought 2: 

Me: One day, you can be an astronaut and visit space.
Z: No, I want to be an astronomy teacher and teach about space.

Thought 3: 

Z (after attending our friends' daughter's baptism): When I'm bigger, can I go to church and get a lollipop?

Thought 4: 

Z to mummy: Your hair is so pretty. You look like a princess.

See previous Thoughts by Z here