Category Archives: Baby

Inspired – Phoebe Wahl

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” -Maya Angelou

As many of you know, I am a mother. And motherhood has changed me in ways that I still can’t fully articulate. The process of becoming a mother has tangled up both my body and my soul. I feel far more broken but also far more whole. If it sounds confusing, it is. The love I have for my daughter is strong and dangerous; it has made me feel more alive, but it’s made me feel more frightened in this world. On some days, I want nothing more than to tuck her back inside of me, nestled up warm beneath the steady beat of my heart. And yet, I know that motherhood or parenthood requires you to do just the opposite: to slowly and gradually let your precious one unfold and grow. It is a messy, beautiful thing, I’ve embarked on.

And being a mother has let me love my body in ways that I never thought I could. Being a mother has taught me to reclaim my body for what it is: warmth, strength, sustenance, comfort….the list goes on.

And so, today, instead of a recipe, I’m sharing with you an artist who has captured motherhood in a way that deeply resonates with my own experience. When Ryan and I went to Portland, Phoebe Wahl was kind enough to let us into her beautiful home. There, I photographed her studio and a few of her pieces. You can find more of her work here. Phoebe is a beautiful soul, an old soul, and I have no doubt that her work will take her to places wide and far. I’ll be sharing more of her work and space on cord tomorrow.

Lucy Turns One

One year ago. Has it already gone by this fast? On the eve of your birth, I walked hand-in-hand with your papa through a nearby field. We knew you were coming soon and yet the unfolding of your arrival seemed as distant as the mountain that hovered above us.

And then, on that next hot June morning, you came. Far quicker than I imagined. My labor was intense and beautiful and calm. You were welcomed with joy and love. Open arms and open hearts. I watch the video of your birth to remember discrete moments and emotions: the determination, the fear, the exhaustion, the ecstasy, the tears. I look at these images of your sweet second-old face, and it comes back to me effortlessly. June 25th. The best day of our lives.

And so, sweet girl, we’ve known you for one year now, and yet…I now feel like I’ve known you since the beginning of time. We were knit together somewhere else, far far away and long long ago. I can’t imagine life without you in it. And so I believe, in some mysterious way, you’ve been with me all along.

We are so proud of you. You approach the world with openness, with laughter, with unashamed curiosity…and yet you still find refuge in our arms. There aren’t enough words to describe you…and most of the ones I try fall painfully short. Because our love for you is on a level that transcends nouns and verbs and adjectives. Our love for you exists in that same secret place we were knitted together long long ago.

Today, we’ll celebrate your birthday…just the three of us. We’ll go to the ocean (we’re in Portland!), we’ll pick berries, and we’ll take time to honor the special place you have in our lives…and the impact you’ve already had on your world. I love you Lucille Amelia Moutrie-Kulp. I am blessed to be your mother.

Kadi Spurlock from Up in the Sycamore photographed our birth and came down to Colorado Springs to photograph us after Lucy’s first birthday. She’s an incredible photographer and friend.

Lucille Amelia’s First Birthday Party

Lucy's First Birthday A huge thanks to Kadi Spurlock for helping me capture this special day. Also, to my sweet husband, mom, and mom-in-law: I couldn’t have done it without you!

Little One in Houston

I was born in Houston, TX, and I’ll be the first to admit that it isn’t on the top of many “must-visit” lists. When I tell someone in Colorado that I’m going down to Houston, I often get a grimace and a statement about either the humidity or the traffic. But….if you do Houston right…you’ll find an eclectic and vibrant city, full of culture, good food, and community. Ryan, Lucy, and I spent a few days there earlier this month, and we’re happy to share another Little One Travel Guide.

Blacksmith. Ryan and I look for good, third-wave coffee everywhere we go. Blacksmith happens to offer some of the best coffee in town, along with a simple but well-executed menu. Not only do they make precise and delicious cappuccinos, but they also serve their homemade square scratch biscuits. Ryan’s favorite way to eat them is with an egg, while I prefer their jam and mascarpone cheese. Lucy loves watching the people filter in and out of this bustling coffee shop in Montrose. And yes, while she doesn’t drink coffee, she certainly eats biscuits.

Neighborhoods. If you stay in the suburbs of Houston, expect traffic, chain restaurants, and big box stores. So we suggest moving inward and exploring the eclectic neighborhoods that give Houston it’s food and cultural prowess. Montrose and the Heights are favorites in our book, but there are several others that you might want to visit. Despite the heat (and yes, it’s hot), I enjoyed wearing Lucy as we walked down oak-lined streets. She fell asleep quickly and easily, which allowed for me to get exercise and for her to get a much needed nap. You will find locally owned boutiques and restaurants. Good food, great shopping, and beautiful homes to look at too.

The Pass & Provisions. This pair was listed as one of Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurants, and it’s easy to see why. Take an old Houston landmark (an Italian deli and import company) and turn it into an expertly run kitchen with a wood burning stove and you’ve got a clear winner. We enjoyed brunch late on a Saturday afternoon. By far the “fanciest” restaurant we visited, Provisions made us feel at home. Lucy enjoyed a beautiful berry smoothie and a melt-in-your-mouth baguette. Because we ate brunch at the tail end of their serving hours, the restaurant wasn’t nearly as crowded (which allowed for a much more relaxed mom and dad).

Catalina Coffee. Another Houston coffee institution. Catalina coffee was packed on Sunday morning with a line going out the door. We sampled one of their fresh fruit danishes (made by a local baker in the Heights). Once again, our little one loved people-watching (and there were a lot of people to watch in this small coffee shop downtown).

Down House. Coffee shop. Bar. Restaurant. Down House does it all, and does it all well. We came here for brunch on Sunday morning and enjoyed two big plates of food. Local ingredients and pastured eggs made for a delicious (albeit greasy) start to the day. In typical baby form: one of us took Lucy outside while we waited for our food. This often makes all the difference in a peaceful restaurant meal. It worked for us at Down House, and I have no doubt we’ll use this method in Portland and Pittsburgh later this summer.

Al Aseel. Houston has amazing food from all over the world. On a rainy Sunday afternoon, we visited Al Aseel in a small strip center near my grandparent’s house. (For really good and authentic ethnic food, you often need to leave the city center). We were warmly greeted by the owner, an elderly Palestinian man. We were seated right away and ordered some of the best hummus I’ve had since traveling to Jordan and Egypt. And the chicken kebobs? Well, they were delicious too. Some of the best food we’ve had in quite a while. The only downside? In the back, they offer hookah. The odor wasn’t terribly strong, but it wasn’t somewhere I’d want to take Lu (or a child with sensitive lungs).

We had a quick but great trip to Houston…and we’re excited that Portland is just around the corner. If you’d like in-the-moment updates, follow me on instagram. You can find us here: @cakestand.

Eleven Months of Lucille Amelia

Eleven months…and I spent most of yesterday thinking: my baby is almost one. She is becoming more and more of a little girl each day, and yet neither of us are ready to let go of her babyhood. The sweet snuggles, the night nursing sessions, the way she still loves to fall asleep on my chest…

Eleven months…and I can barely remember life without her. I haven’t slept through the night since the day she was born, and yet I wouldn’t have it any other way (well, maybe). The demands of motherhood can be exhausting at times…but they’re mere moments that quickly melt away. Her laughter. Her smiles. The way she mimics us. The pride she takes in her ability to throw a ball, to crawl, to clap her hands. This is what had made her first eleven months magical.

Eleven months…and I have so many people to thank. My mother. Ryan’s mom. My sisters. My friends. And of course, my sweet husband. Raising a child requires a village, and I’ve only come to believe this more and more. I love watching my daughter interact with her family. The delight she takes in them is only matched by the delight they take in her.

Eleven months…and she talks all the time. Mama, Papa, Dog, Cat, Chicken, Apple, Bird. The words continue to come, and each one is like a jewel to me. Nothing more precious. She crawls and pulls herself up on anything and everything, but she’s still not walking (and I’m actually quite happy she’s taking her time). She’s been ahead on the developmental milestones since birth, so I thought for sure we’d have an early walker. But I know she’ll walk when she’s ready…and then once she does…I’m sure she’ll run!

Eleven months…and I feel the deepest sense of joy watching my daughter in this world.