enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Morning

The past few days, I have made a point to take photos from the time when I wake up until when I sit at my computer to start working. This is usually about a 45 minute time period.

I wake up without an alarm, usually between 6:10 and 7:15. I am loving the early rise because it means I am tired at 10pm.

Morningbed

Our sheets are white. Last fall, I had a big moment where I just knew once we were having a baby we'd need white sheets. I couldn't imagine anything but white sheets. At the time, I didn't know I was pregnant already. A few weeks ago, I was hit by the urge again and bought some fairly inexpensive organic cotton ones at Target. They're soft and white. Just like I wanted.

Morninglight

I usually check Instagram from bed and encourage myself to wake up fully. I notice the pretty light in the bedroom. Paul's gotten more than a few emails with photo attachments of these windows and curtains.

The baby stirs as I get out of bed. She feels me make that big first move and it rolls her from whatever happy place she was currently occupying. My belly changes shape drastically in those first few minutes – from rectangle to trapezoid to triangle to oval. I say a silent prayer of thanksgiving for her and her movement. This will be repeated over and over and over again throughout the day.

Morningwindow
Morningcereal

I enjoy my cereal – still that nut granola – by the big windows and do more Internet & blog catch up. I've recently decreased again how many blogs I follow and I've noticed that many seem to be on a posting slow-down anyway. What used to take me hours now takes minutes. Ten maybe. I don't know if I feel glad or sad about this.

Morningcoffee
Morningcoffee2

I make coffee in the Chemex. When Paul was home we made a full pot and drank it all. Now I make about a half pot, drink half and save the rest in the fridge for the next morning. Probably not the most proper way to enjoy fresh coffee, but it's habit and working for me.

Morningtomatoes
Morningtomatoes2

I wander the outside for a few minutes to see what's new and how the veggies are doing. My tomatoes are thriving here and there is always tending to be done. My basil not so much. I don't know if I bought the wrong variety this year or if it's just been too hot?

Morningyard2

Aside from the ceilings, the best part about this house is the backyard. I never dreamed about so much space. It's quite fun to note the passing of seasons in a new place. I don't know what will bloom or how long it will stay. This first spring and summer feels like slow moving play that I won a ticket to attend, but have heard nothing about.

Morningbackyard

It's quiet. Very quiet. I don't turn on the TV or any music. I don't say anything. I just realized that now; other than the chirps of birds, it's absolutely silent of noise until I'm at my computer and remember to turn Pandora on. Or until FaceTime rings and it's Paul for our morning chat. But he usually calls closer to 9am.

Morningrobe

I am currently wearing the robe I got as a bridesmaid's gift and very little by way of PJs. My belly has made sleeptime attire super annoying and I wake up with my nightgowns in a tangled mess so I've forgone those in favor of comfy bras and underwear. Quite the improvement. I stay in my robe until it's time to change for whatever is on the agenda that morning. This week, so far, it was a Bar Method class and a trip to the post office.

My mornings are slow and savored. They are my absolute favorite time of day.

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47 responses to “i want to remember : mornings.”

  1. Ffion Avatar

    I love the atmosphere of early mornings… however I don’t like being up that early to enjoy them ^^ I prefer to sleep late if I can and tend to be too tired otherwise to be very appreciative of anything much. ^^
    Lovely photos!

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  2. Leigh Anne Avatar

    Your mornings sound like my ideal morning, aside from the baby movements 🙂 I enjoyed those and now am happy to be beyond them. But I imagine I will spend many retirement mornings exactly as you described….in about 30 years LOL.

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  3. Nicole Avatar

    Slow and savored – love this and love your perspective. I have noticed the same thing about the blogging slow down. So happy to read yours every morning. 🙂

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  4. Kelly Jean Avatar

    I’ve always been a morning person so I love the mornings. I work a regular 9 to 5 job but I still get up way early and do a ton of things before week. Its peaceful!

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  5. lisa fine Avatar

    I love the mornings too, and hope to get into waking up as early as 7 soon. I enjoy the quiet, get some work done, write some, and just dabble in what interests me.
    It’d be fun to see what your mornings look like into about two months!

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  6. Kathy Avatar

    Loved hearing about your morning and the beautiful light in your photos. I read an interesting post by Cathy Zieske a day or so ago about project life and documenting life. She was referring to her remembering college days and how she can’t really remember her life then and how project life has been so good for that. Documenting how your mornings start before baby and then you could do one after baby of that same period of time. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

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  7. Debra Avatar

    I love that you seem to be making the most of your pre-baby ‘you time’. I have to admit that I got way too impatient towards the end of my pregnancy. I should have spent more time doing things just for me.

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  8. April Avatar

    Mornings are my very favorite too. I’ve been chasing the light around our home with my camera, I can’t seem to get enough of it right now. Big smile crossed my face when I saw the photo of your bed and the body pillow. How I remember those days pregnant with both my children, that pillow was a lifesaver. Just think, soon you will be holding a tiny little one those mornings while sitting and savoring the early morning hours, oh how I miss those days of a tiny newborn. The best time of your life…becoming a mother. I’m so happy for you and have enjoyed witnessing this exciting time for you as you embark on one of the greatest adventures in your life.
    On a side note…I’m starting to sew and would love any beginner sewing book recommendations. I enjoy reading how open and excited you are to try new things and then actually get good at them! It is quite inspiring.
    Have a great day!

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  9. Kelsey McEvoy Avatar

    These reflective pieces are my favorite. How much your routine is about to change, at least for a little bit, and how I wish I’d had the forethought to document the “days just before” with all 3 of my pregnancies. The photos in this post are gorgeous, so full of life and warmth.
    Oh, and I’d be lying if I said I’m not a little bit jealous of your “slow and savored” mornings. Mine are filled with chaos (I have 2 toddlers, and 1 — the fiery redhead — is NOT a morning person) and are usually rushed, and I’m always anxious for them to end 😉

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  10. Amanda Avatar

    I loved this post, Elise. Your words felt so calming as I read them.

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  11. Stacy Avatar

    What a wonderful post! This will be so much fun for you to be able to look back on in the future. You constantly inspire me Elise!!

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  12. Michelle Avatar

    I canNOT get up out of bed unless I really really have to. Weekends I could sleep until noon! Being up early makes me feel like I am back in college pulling an all nighter.
    I’ve always wished I could be a morning person, bc once I am up and out, the light is so lovely and the morning is beautiful.
    Ugh even today, I was supposed to leave at 8:10 and I kept hitting snooze until 7:48, and then I was like “AAAAHHHHH!!!”

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  13. Jennifer Taylor Avatar

    What a beautiful post. I am a morning person to a fault, always have been, and I love them. This is a really beautiful way of documenting it. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. elise blaha Avatar

    Thank you.
    I don’t have a good general one. If you are looking to get into quilting, I always recommend Denise Schymdt Quilts. It’s my fave.

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  15. amy t schubert Avatar

    mornings are my favorite too. I’m SO looking forward to leaving my current job so I can go to bed before midnight and wake up EARLY!!
    Love this post 🙂

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  16. Melonie Avatar

    As a fellow morning lover I loved this post. I love even more how you always appreciate, document, and embrace whatever situation you are in, whatever is currently routine. YOu always remind me to slow down, savor, and be present in the right now.

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  17. Kathi Avatar

    We love mornings too… I get the kids off to school and me and my honey enjoy our coffee to the birds and the plants in our back yard 🙂 Every morning it is our routine to do that and we love that part of our routine… some things may not change as much as you think they may post baby girls arrival 🙂 Or maybe you will wake up earlier to have your own time before she demands your attention! You are blessed 🙂 and BRAVE! Kathi

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  18. Viki Avatar
    Viki

    Loved this post…enjoy

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  19. Kaisa Avatar

    Mornings are the best… Lovely photos!
    xx Kaisa

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  20. krugthethinker Avatar

    Oh Elise, this is just beautiful. Really, really beautiful. I am so glad you captured it and shared it.

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  21. Alexandra Avatar
    Alexandra

    Wow. Beautiful.
    I’m so relaxed after reading this post… seriously… one of the most serene things I’ve read in ages.
    So happy that you and your baby have such tranquil, loving mornings.
    xo

    Like

  22. Miriam Avatar

    I feel I was there with you this morning!
    Such a utterly beautiful post. I feel peaceful, rested and refreshed after reading this.
    You are creating a beautiful environment for your baby, she will be the most balanced and happy little girl ever when she comes.
    Lovely photos!

    Like

  23. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    Man, that light is magical. Amazing.

    Like

  24. Astrid Avatar
    Astrid

    I love your photos from your morning routine.
    I also love the early hours of the day. They are so quiet and without any stress of the day.
    This week I have holiday and I really like to wake up about 5.30h – without alarm – make my first big cup of coffee and get back into bed. This time I love to write all my thoughts and ideas down in a special journal. It makes me and my day more relaxed because without I have the feeling to carry them around the whole day and it works and works and works in my head …
    Since 2 months I follow your blog and I like your photos very much. They are full of calm atmosphere.

    Like

  25. Renae Avatar

    Lovely post! You have such a way with words. I’ve been working on becoming a morning person. Whenever I’m up that early and not headed straight to work I really enjoy it! Love all your pictures today! Morning light is the best!

    Like

  26. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    this is such a great post! it will be awesome to see how your mornings change with baby cripe and all the new little things you’ll love about mornings!

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  27. lindsey Avatar

    that light in your bedroom is serene! this is such a gem of a post.

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  28. Ann-Marie Avatar

    Can’t wait to come visit! Maybe you can teach me your morning person ways 😉

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  29. Elise M. Avatar

    How calming! I need to start my mornings earlier. I don’t know why but I’ve been going to bed late and getting up late for the past two weeks. It’s odd how waking up before 8:30 actually feels more energizing sometimes, at least for me.

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  30. Katie Avatar

    Elise,
    What a beautifully written post. I hope that someday my routine can include calm, slowly-awakened mornings like yours does. A question for you – where did you get (make?) the large California wood cut out? I’d love one of Iowa. If you’ve already shared, feel free to point me in the right direction.
    Thanks!
    Katie

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  31. elise blaha Avatar

    thank you so much! here is a link.. they are cutting boards, but I stuck a hook on the back for hanging. https://www.etsy.com/shop/AHeirloom?ref=pr_shop_more

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  32. sara Avatar
    sara

    Hi Elise!
    Glad to have you back in San Diego 🙂 I’m curious what platform you use to follow your blogs. I’ve been using Google Reader, but now they’re going to discontinue it, and I wonder if you’ve found a good alternative.
    Thanks! You are looking beautiful and congrats on your pregnancy!
    Sara

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  33. elise blaha Avatar

    I read blogs exclusively through flipboard on my iPad. right now it’s connected to google reader, but I heard that flipboard is “saving” the feeds so when reader goes it will still work. That’s the plan for now.

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  34. Amanda Avatar

    Agreed! Most people think I’m crazy for willingly getting up so early and I’m glad you feel the same 🙂

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  35. Martina Avatar

    What a beautiful post, I can’t wait to see how much life changes when babycripe gets here – I’m a long time follower and I love the little glimpses into normal life you show

    Like

  36. J3SS1C4 Avatar

    You’re morning looks remarkably calm and peaceful! I wish I was a morning person, but I’m just not! I know what you mean about cutting out blogs, I’ve cut down a lot too, and it does seem like there is less to read lately!

    Like

  37. Ali Avatar

    it’s so interesting reading about other’s routines. I work 8am-5pm so my morning usually starts an hour and a half before work. I love watching the sunrise!

    Like

  38. Laura A in Oregon Avatar
    Laura A in Oregon

    A beautiful blog post, Elise.

    Like

  39. Kate S Avatar
    Kate S

    Can you tell me which ipad case you have? I’m thinking about switching from the smart cover to a hard shell and I’m having trouble finding anything…

    Like

  40. Heather Johnson Avatar

    This was an awesome post. And I love, that without even realizing it, that you have savored the quiet and stillness of these last on your own days. When I had my first baby about five months before my good friend she asked me what the “one thing” I wish someone had told me about motherhood. I told her immediately it was I didn’t enjoy the stillness enough. The quiet. The calmness that goes away (quite possibly until college!) once a new life arrives. Soak it all in, and enjoy!

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  41. elise blaha Avatar

    It’s just a soft shell one from j.crew. I bought it two Christmases ago.

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  42. Julie Avatar

    Oh my gosh! Your mornings sound amazing!

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  43. katie r Avatar
    katie r

    random ?- How did you hang your CA cutting board? I got the USA from my sisters for my birthday and am trying to figure out the best way to hang it. Thanks!

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  44. elise blaha Avatar

    I bought a little triangle picture frame hanging thing thing that I nailed to the back of the board. It just hangs on a nail now. Check your local hardware store in the hanging aisle.

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  45. Cortnee Avatar

    Ahhhh. I love this. I love mornings. Everything you discribed is my perfect morning. And the light in the pictures is lovely. Makes me happy sigh just like real morning light.

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  46. Micayla Avatar
    Micayla

    Hi Elise,
    This post is very inspiring. Mornings are my favorite time of day, and I like starting really early.. 5am!!!
    This gives me time to go on a walk or run while it’s still dark out, come home and enjoy breaky and some fresh coffee while the birdies begin to wake up, and then write and plan out my day, enjoy some inspiration from other blogs etc. I love this time.

    Like

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