16 weeks | baby bink 2

I am finally feeling less nauseous and constantly sick which is a luxury I have apparently traded with that of fitting into my normal clothes. My heart is glad to do it though. It is funny how it's no less miraculous this second round. 

We are staying busy in preparations for you - they just look a little different than last time. Wren has been settled into her big girl room since last summer, so the nursery is simply your very first hand-me-down. First of many I'm sure. But don't worry, we will be busy working on preparations like potty training and good (better) sleep habits for Wren so she can just enjoy being a new big sister once you come home. We're not going to concern ourselves with much else - just getting excited to meet you and love you! 

12 weeks | baby bink 2

12 weeks somehow snuck by me before a reminder from a sweet friend got me started on bump progress pictures this second time around. Between chasing a wild toddler and being oh.so.sick (totally different than with Wren) I'll be trying my best to keep up with these. 

But we're no less excited for you, sweet babe. After a trying loss last year, we are confident that God needed us to learn and stretch and grow and that He just had you especially in mind for our family. We pray you continue to grow steadily and in perfect health all along the way. We love you and cannot wait to meet you!

|Big| sisters make the best friends

Wren is going to be a big sister! We'll be growing a new, little best friend until early August. Grateful down to our bones to be adding another blessing to our little family adventure!

Snow day | 1.7.17

Like any snow day, we got up early and watched through the window as we ate a hot breakfast anticipating our day's adventure. After packing and piling into the trooper with an eager pup and toddler we drove the long way to Table Rock for some sightseeing, a family snowball fight and plenty of snow angels. There was definitely whining over cold, wet hands and nearing exhaustion, but we are thankful for a day spent seeing Wren add to her experiences and seeing the years lift from Sully as he runs wildly through the snow. Easily his favorite kind of day!

After Table Rock we warmed up the trooper, hopped in our seats and shared snacks and laughs all the way to Ben and Emily's house for more playing in the snow. They are always down for snow day adventures, so they ventured out (for the second time) to treat us to some sledding down their neighborhood hill and then to warm grilled cheeses for lunch after we shucked our wet layers and snuggled up on the couch. 

Easily one of our family's favorite kind of days!

Christmas Morning | 2016

Not intentionally themed, but somehow our Christmas morning included a lot of barns. I guess since we didn't buy a farm this year after looking at several we seemed to have brought the farm to us instead (: 

We enjoyed a sweet and simple Christmas morning, just our little family, with a grateful and excited toddler. Cookies for breakfast of course, just to add to the fun. And we hope you enjoyed just as much joy with your families as well. We are forever thankful for the significance of this holiday and the blessings and purpose it offers to us year round. 

This year has been redemptive and full of growth and we look forward to 2017 with hope and expectancy for what God has for our family. 

Thanksgiving weekend | 2016

Full bellies and such full hearts after a Thanksgiving holiday with our tribe! We are grateful for this life and those that we are blessed to claim as family and friends. From sweet snail mail and gifts that make me cry, to Friendsgiving with best buds, to sugar for breakfast, favorite dishes and shared recipes, to walks through the woods, to golden hour moments with family - we remain so very thankful. This year has held emptiness, but has us fixed on the simple joys of today and the hope and purpose of all of our tomorrows.