Royally Thrilled...

Much like the rest of the world, we are thrilled that Kate has finally gone into labor. We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of HRH. P can hardly contain his excitement.

C wore her fascinator to church in honor of the Royal Baby. If it's His Royal Highness we'll have to start saving so they can go to University together. If it's Her Royal Highness....we'll have to start saving for them to go to University together.

Who are we kidding...put that royal baby in the middle of these two. 

"We are the three best friends that anyone could have...."

What say you? Boy? Girl? Alexandra? Charlotte? Victoria? George? James? Alexander? 

Push, Kate. The world is waiting! 

Absolutely Crazy...

It's absolutely crazy how different life can be in 365 days. Last year we were hopping all over California having a grand ol' time. We were also mourning 3 years of failed attempts at getting pregnant and asking God for a miracle. This year, only separated by 365 days, we're rocking babies to sleep.

I had the absolute time of my life drinking wine in Napa, cruising Highway 1 seeing God's breathtaking creation, spending the day at Pebble Beach watching Dave and Dad enjoy a once in a lifetime experience, cruising the San Francisco Bay watching the fog roll in, watching Taylor chase his dreams...It's amazing how many wonderful things were wrapped into that trip.

As good as it was, that was simultaneously the lowest point in my life. I had just lost my Papa and we had found out once again that were were not pregnant.

Thankfully, my time of grief led me straight to the capable arms of Christ. (This post was written during that time.) God showed me the blessings that surrounded me. The wonderful time of travel and enjoyment with Dave. Time of growth and maturity for our marriage. Time where God was preparing us for the journey He had planned. Not the one we had planned.

I had moments of appreciation for our life at that point but I also had moments where my foot would slip. Satan would take those opportunities to make me discontent. Keep me so focused on what I didn't have that it was hard to cherish all that I did have.

Thank you, God, for your hand of provision in my life. You have showered me with blessings beyond my imagination. Thank you for the years of heartache because they allow me to relish the magnitude of your blessing. Thank you for the years with Dave because they allow me to appreciate the incredible qualities of the mate you have blessed me with. And thank you for the opportunity to "do" and "see" a few things over the last few years. I'm not sure when we'll get to get back out and "do" and "see" because our hands are a little full.

Thank you, Jesus.

Hot Fun in the Summer Time...

I love to get outside. Feel the sun against my face, hit the pool for a few laps, and then relax and enjoy a good magazine. It's where I recharge my batteries. I mean, eating, sleeping, pooping, the play mat...it can be exhausting! And don't even get me started on tummy time. I mean, would YOU want to sit there with your face in the floor trying to push yourself up? I don't think so.

The jury's still out on whether I'll be a redhead like my mom, but it's pretty much a given that I've got fair skin. Lather me in a good SPF and I'm sure to be your beach buddy. I haven't been to the beach yet but I'm sure I'll be darling with my toes in the sand. 

There's nothing like a little pool-side girl talk with a good magazine to pass the day! 

I wanted to share some of my summer essentials and a few steals, and when you're ready, I've got an extra float with your name on it.  

First of all, I love a great towel. Potterybarn has fun, soft, big towels that are perfect for the pool or the beach. They are all on sale and you can get them monogrammed. That monogram thing is perfect for me because I am NOT sharing my towel with my stinky brother! 

A good beach bag is a must since my mom now has to carry multiple towels, snacks, magazines, diapers, bottles...oh gosh, I can't even think of all the things she needs to pack. She probably needs a massage, or pedicure, or a margarita or something. 

Back to the beach bag...Y'all aren't even going to believe it when I tell you that Restoration Hardware has the perfect tote bag on sale for $24 right now. Yeah, you heard me right. $24 and $6 if you want to add a monogram. Did I mention free shipping? You're welcome. 

I'm not wearing jewelry just yet but it's never to early to start a collection. I think this anchor necklace would be perfect. My Zsa Zsa is a breast cancer survivor and when she was battling her cancer she always played the song, "The Anchor Holds." So anchors are special to her and special to my mom because it reminds her of that. 

And finally, everyone needs a good magazine top pass the time. These are two of my favorites.

 

Happy sunning! Come join me anytime :) Though I must warn you, my mom thinks she's the paparazzi. But what can I say...

 When you've got it you've got it.

Regular Programming...

I promise I will get back to normal blogging very soon. I'm not going to lie, I'll still post pictures of my kids. I'm not going to be delusional and think that I won't. But hopefully, when I gain some tiiiiiiiny portion of my life back (meaning actually leaving the house, re-joining civilization and having conversations with other adults, knowing what's going on beyond the walls of my home, etc) I might actually have something of interest to contribute. Until then, you're stuck with photos of my children.

I must also mention that I do totally amateur photo shoots fairly often. There are several reasons for this:

1. These babies are growing way too quickly. I need to remember everything.

2. Because of number 1, they are growing out of all of their darling outfits given to them by friends and family. I want to remember the special items, or the items I just could eat them up in!

3. It gives me something to do. I'm a busy body. We can't just sit around and cry, eat, spit up, tummy time, repeat. They can't really "play" yet, so we take photos. :)

4. I just can't get enough of them. Although I know you can, because they aren't your kids, so I'll attempt to curb the over-sharing.

So, without further ado...guess who's 3 months old today??

We're pretty pumped about it :) Happy Friday, friends!

Baby of Mine...

 Baby mine, don't you cry

Baby mine, dry your eyes

Rest your head close to my heart

Never to part, Baby of mine

Little one, when you play,

Pay no heed what they say

Let your eyes sparkle and shine,

Never to tear, Baby of mine

If they knew all about you,

They'd end up loving you too

All those same people who scold you,

What they'd give just for the right to hold you

From your head down to your toes,

You're not much, goodness knows

But you're soul precious to me

Sweet as can be

 Baby of mine

I've always loved Bette Midler singing that song in Beaches. I sing it to my sweet ones as I rock them. I'm crying right now thinking what a privilege it is to be able to do such a thing. A privilege that, at  this same time last year, I wondered if I'd ever have. The Lord has been so good to us and these precious babies are everything I've ever wanted. I know this is a sappy post but I simply can't help but to count my blessings.

My parents gave us these beautiful swaddle blankets just days before Parker and Caroline were born. I adore them and I don't think these two bundles could look any sweeter than when they're wearing them. Wrapped up like a package and tied with a bow...the most wonderful gift I've ever received!

Every good and perfect gift is from above... ~ James 1:17

Yankee Doodle Dandies...

We had a great 4th! It was fairly uneventful which made it relaxing and enjoyable. My sister, brother-in-law, and furry nephew came to town and we cooked out, spent time in the pool, played a few rounds of corn-hole, and grilled a few meals for good 4th of July measure.

My little firecrackers did their job of eating, sleeping, getting in a few rounds of tummy time, and entertaining us with their giggles. In new mom fashion, I can't stop dressing them up and taking photos of them. It amazes me how quickly they grow. I just want to remember every moment and take note of each stage. It seems they are different every single day, so I am doing my fair share of documentation. I'm sure our families think I'm crazy since their phones blow up with new photos each day. I've given them the "opt out" option. :)

Some people thought we might stop taking photos of the dogs once the babies got here...no such luck! ;)

I just die over these feet!

My Yankee Doodle Sweethearts

I could eat her up.

They wanted to play poolside, too!

Maggie was keeping watch on the porch :) (Or chillin' in the shade, too)

 We need more 4 day weekends in our life. Thanks to all who came and played!