dear Logan (2 years)

10:56:00 PM Unknown 0 Comments

my dear, sweet Logan,

You are TWO!

From the moment we brought you home, you have filled our lives with laughter and smiles. Your happiness and confidence are inspiring, and I'm so proud to call you mine. The fun is never ending, and my heart grows with every passing day as your mom.

Sometimes I think that I couldn't love you more, and then I wake up the next morning and find that I do. The love you have for your mama gives me a feeling I never knew before I met you. I cherish the feeling of your arms wrapped tightly around my neck, with the weight of your head resting on my shoulder. The gentleness of your fingers wrapped tightly around mine lets me know that this is exactly what life is all about. You are proud of me in a way I never expected, and the smile on your face when you tell every passerby that I'm your mama brings tears to my eyes. You have given me more love than I ever deserved.

I want to capture the sweet sound of your voice as you learn the world around you, the silly songs we sing in the car, the sound of your bare feet running across the hardwood floor, the shrieks and cries when you can't stand the tickling any longer, every word and phrase that flows from your lips, the look of awe and excitement on your face as you discover something new, the way in which your whole body nods along to a purposeful "yes"... It's all moving by so fast and I can't hold on.

Your sister adores you in a way that only a little sister could understand (and you're quite fond of her, too). I watch the bond grow between you every day, and I know that I'm witnessing something magical. I can see the love in your eyes as you practice patience and compassion in every moment you share. You wear your heart on your sleeve. No lock or barricade could protect your sister more than having you in her life.

There aren't enough words to express what you mean to me. There has never been a moment I didn't want to share with you. You make even the most mundane days the best of my life. You will forever hold the key to my heart.

love always & forever,
Mama

2013: year in review

4:35:00 PM Unknown 0 Comments

2013 was quite the year. In twelve short months we became a family of four, built a new house, and Nick and I started new jobs. Our hearts grew, we learned patience and forgiveness, and we watched our lives fly by in a blur.

We started the year with planning and preparation for Logan's 1st birthday party. Family and friends gathered to celebrate the sweet little boy that had changed our lives forever.

In February I said goodbye to everything I had known in nursing, and began my new career as a home health nurse. It has been challenging and frustrating in so many ways, but I love it. My patients have become my family, and my heart has grown with a place for each of them.

We spent our weekends in the spring and summer celebrating new friends and watching Logan explore the world around him. The days were never long enough, but we enjoyed every minute we had together.




Nick left for annual training in July, and I struggled with the task of working full-time and taking care of a walking, energetic toddler... all while 9 months pregnant.


Logan and I survived, and Nick returned home just 2 days before we welcomed our sweet Adaleigh Rose to the family. On 8.8.13, at 2:22pm, she stole our hearts with a full head of dark hair and big, beautiful eyes.


At the end of September, we finally moved into the house we had fallen in love with over 5 months before. It had space for our growing family and touches that made it feel like home from the moment we walked in.


In October we made our annual trip to Honeysuckle Hill Farm, and left with kettle corn, pumpkins, and memories.


We celebrated Halloween with friends alongside our very own Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. It was storming and cold, but our hearts were warm and full.





 I turned 30 on Thanksgiving and celebrated the only way I knew how... by working. Nick cooked an amazing dinner to share with friends. We spent the weekend decorating, listening to Christmas carols, and visiting Santa at Opryland.




Nick left his career in security in December, and began the adventure of learning IT recruiting. With it becomes hope and possibilities that are sure to make the next year interesting.



We traveled to NC for a short trip in December to celebrate the union of Bob & Carol, and returned to TN quickly to prepare for our first Christmas together, at home, as a family of four. We spent Christmas Eve at church with friends, and started new traditions as we anxiously awaited "Ho Ho" to arrive down the chimney. Christmas lasted for days, as the grandparents arrived for the weekend with more and more presents. We took a short day trip to Chattanooga before it all came to an end.





We rang in the New Year quietly on the sofa in our new home, with sweet little ones asleep just down the hall. We made plans for 2014, and shared our dreams and goals for the new year.



Like every other day of our lives, 2013 was beautiful chaos. Here's to 2014- the year of no (new) babies!

watch me grow! (Adaleigh weeks 23 & 24)

7:58:00 PM Unknown 0 Comments