the hardest part...

so far has been how unable I currently am to take care of my firstborn on my own.

I can't pick him up and cuddle him... or rock him to sleep... or take his hand and go with him when he wants me... and it absolutely breaks my heart.

I miss him so much, even though he is right here in the room with me.  I want nothing more right now than to hold him and rock him until he has had his fill of mommy-time...  and until I have had my fill of Bjørn time!

In some ways I feel like my body has betrayed me...  It has carried me through one of the most difficult and empowering experiences of my life, and then decided it needs it's own time to heal and regenerate.

And yes, of course my body deserves that time...  has earned that time... but my heart doesn't agree.

My heart believes the race was finished when my sweet baby was born, but unfortunately that's not true.

Yes, we did technically finish the race and we are holding the prize in our arms... but there are still several laps of cooling down and restoration left to go, and my heart just wants to be done!!

He's HERE!!!!

Haakon Andreas Thomas
was peacefully born at home in the water at 6:16am on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010!

He weighs 7lbs 15.5oz and is 20.5 inches long!

We are so excited to finally have him in our arms!  Thanks for all your love and prayers and keep your eyes open for lots more pictures and his birth story...  hopefully sooner than later!!  :o)

Hi!  I'm Annalise!

My husband, My Love, is Andrew...  He is a great friend and and amazing dad.  I am so blessed to be walking this life along side him!

We have 3 kiddos & another one on the way:

Navy is my 10 year old stepson...  He is a charming, spirited pre-teen who definitely keeps us on our toes.  Sometimes I blog about my life as a 'Stepmom'.  Most times I keep those things to myself.  But please feel free to reach out to me on this topic.  I love to talk to other stepmoms!

Bjørn is my 3 year old son... I never knew what being a mom really meant until he was born, and WOW does that change every. single. day.  I love that boy so much it hurts!  He is my challenge...  my passionate handful...  but in a beautiful life-changing way.  God is definitely using him to refine my spirit, and I am grateful every day for him.

Haakon is 18 months old, and he has an extra special place in my heart...  he was my first baby born at home!  He is so incredibly happy... I honestly didn't even think it was possible for a toddler to be filled with so much joy.  He laughs... all the time!  No exaggeration.

Baby Girl is due in August 2012...  and yes, I am absolutely ready to meet her!

This is our life:

I am a big city girl married to a small town boy. Every day is a joy and a challenge as I learn to live and love this small town life.

I am a foodie... with a deep passion for everything edible and for sharing what I love with others.  Food is my love language...  If I bake for you, I love you.  That's just all there is to it!

I spend my days taking care of my kiddos, trying to keep ahold of the housework and feeding my friends and family.


I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what in the world I was thinking getting 12 chicks when I was 6 months pregnant and dreaming about all the eggs I am hoping they will repay us with for our efforts!

I'm a wife & mom, a baker, a cook & a blogger.


We live a very real life, and eat as much real food as possible.  Classic, beautiful comfort food is my passion and filling my family and friends with delicious treats is where I find my joy.


I believe in living a very full life of moderation.  We have our cake and eat it too...  we just don't eat the whole thing at once.  Sharing it with friends means we don't have to feel bad about making a different cake tomorrow!



Welcome to my journey...  It's nice to meet you!