For Daddy

Here's what we've been practicing! We love you!

Aly's New "Crib"

These are pictures of Aly's new playroom, aka our old dining room! We thought we could put this space to better use than storing a table that was nothing more than a dust collector. Who knew Daddy could be so creative... and so girly?

































































Aly loves visitors, so come play with her sometime!

Growing Up So Fast

If you are a parent, or are soon to be a parent, you know all too well that from the moment you find out that you are going to have a baby, the most common statement that you will ever hear regarding parenthood is, "Enjoy this time. They grow up so fast!" Is this just what you are supposed to say to young parents in America? I know that it's true and everyone wishes that they had spent more quality time with their children and they are trying to warn you not to make the same mistake, but frankly, I think I speak for many young American mothers when I say... I get it. Are you trying to make me sad? Because I'm not.

I know she will grow up fast. Just yesterday I was having to feed her every hour and a half so she would gain weight make it to six pounds. Just yesterday Donny and I would stare at her with camera in hand just in case she decided to open her eyes for two seconds. I blinked and she was talking, walking, singing and making her own little jokes just to make us laugh. And you know what? I love it! I consider it an honor and a privilege to get to watch her grow up, even if it happens too quickly. We have made so many memories in the past 19 months that I will never forget. (And even if I do, there will be photos, video, or I have written it down in her book, of course.) Donny and I both truly make an effort to soak in every moment that we are with her. That doesn't mean we don't have days when we really wish that she would take a nap so we can have a little break. It just means that we know she will grow up fast and we don't want to miss it, so we are trying to make the most of the time we have with her.

Maybe I should thank my friends, relatives, and the lady at the Wal-Mart checkout line. Maybe by hearing that statement so many times, I really have taken it to heart and I am trying to follow everyone's advice. It does take a lot of effort, but I really am trying to enjoy as many moments as I possibly can. The head stands, the current "What's that?" phase, and even the fact that she is climbing all over me right now, trying to type. Growing up happens fast, but can be so much fun!

More Vacation Pictures!!

What an amazing vacation!! We have had so many relaxing days of lounging on the beach, shopping, and just spending time together. Best of all, our vacation buddies, Uncle Dan and Aunt Jenn got engaged and we were there to share the excitement!! Thanks for taking such beautiful pictures of our family, Aunt Jenn-uh!! We are so happy for you.

A Perfect Day

Our little family is currently enjoying an immensely relaxing beach vacation on St. George Island, Florida. I must say, I could go home tomorrow happy even though we have only been here one full day. The weather has been perfect, the ocean water is like bath water, and I'm finally getting to spend some precious time with my two favorite people, Aly and her daddy. What could be better? You simply can't look at the ocean without finding yourself to be incredibly blessed and unspeakably thankful.





























































































After last year, we were a little afraid that Aly wouldn't go near the water or even put her feet in the sand. It took us a little while to warm her up to the idea, but once she got used to it, we couldn't keep her under the umbrella for anything. We just kept reapplying the SPF 50 every ten minutes and let her have her fun.































































After dinner, we went back to the beach just to walk around a little and ended up collecting shells for about two hours! I don't know if I have ever seen my child more content than she was as she dug through the sand looking for shells and saying, "Oh, wow!" and "Pretty!" She ended up filling an entire bucket. I haven't quite figured out how to get them all home yet, but I am going to do it if I have to leave half of my wardrobe behind. Much too sweet of a memory to let go!


I know it's been a while since I have posted, but check back soon for more vacation pics! I promise to keep them coming. Wish you all were here!

Brace yourself for this cuteness!!!

Makeup