Swept Away

11/2

2018-11-03T23:48:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my dad's birthday. I always anitcipate it coming. I know that I won't be able to predict how I feel when the day arrives. And then I look for signs. Signs that it's all ok.

Yesterday was a teacher work day which meant I cleaned my house and worked hard at home, distracted by Greer saying "hold me" fifteen X 11 times. She's recovering from being sick and only wants me. It's ok. I read a post the other day about rememering to watch your babies sleep, etc. They grow so fast. So I held her a lot and while she napped, I took down fall decorations and worked on what felt like a months worth of laundry. I thought that the day felt calm, happy, easy. I didn't feel teary.

Andy got home from work early and I eventually made it to the grocery store. I can honestly say that in my adult life, girls nights out(a rarity) and solo trips to the grocery store(another rarity) give me life.

I slowly gathered my necessities (dog food, milk- all I really came for) and waited in line behind a very old man who struggled to find his cash. I didn't mind of course, because when mom alone time hits, it can go as slow as it wants. The man finally paid and made his way out of the store. The man was so old and slow. He had a cane and shuffled. He reminded me of my Padaddy. He was trying to make his way to his car, but it seemed that his feet marched in place and his body wouldn't move forward. The cashier and I watched and commented that the precious old man needed an automated buggy. I made my way out of the store and felt a pull to ask him if I could assist to which he obliged.

My sign. I don't know why.

I walked precious Charles Wilson to his truck as he held my buggy until we got to his truck in which he held on to the side and walked around. I felt the urge to hug him and tell him I loved him. I got in my car and thanked God.

My forever fear with my dad was that he lost his mind because he didn't understand that he was loved. I know that I am probably wrong, but I have worried over this for years, even before. If my dad knew he was loved by his Creator, his Father in Heaven, maybe it would cover the mental illness. Maybe it would cover all of the bad. I still pray that in death he would know that my God loved him.

So yesterday, I passed my love on to Charles Wilson. I teared up in my car. I thought about what I wouldn't give to have walked my frail, old dad to his car. What I wouldn't give to hug him. You can't hug away a mental illness, but Lord knows, if I could, I would die trying.

(My Grandma Ruth with my girls)

Greer baby gone wild.

2017-07-07T22:44:00.000-04:00

Twice this week I have looked over to Greer after she's been hard at playing to find her with her "ninnies" out. It's so funny because Drew knows how important it is to cover hers. When she sees Greer she yells "Oh no mommy! Greer is showing her ninnies!" Sometimes she will get on to Greer as if she should know better. She will say " Greer, cover them up!"

This has made me laugh so much lately.

So anyway, I give you a morning of following Greer and trying to keep her straps up.

Knock knock, anyone still there?

2017-05-30T00:08:00.002-04:00

My mom told me that someone asked about my blog recently and when I would begin again. I felt like saying when I get a grip on life. I am here tonight. Still no handle on life. Frankly, I don't know that I ever will!

(Insert picture of me in the typical trending mom tee captioned "need more coffee," "#momboss," "tired like a mother," etc., etc., etc.)

I finished grad school! (Hence why I have a spare minute to be present here.)

So a quick catch up on Greer baby:

She's 1! (And I never got through month three of her monthly stickers:(#badmom)

She crawled around month 9 and is walking as of last week.

She enjoys grabbing her sister's hair, pretending she wants to hand you a toy and then snatching it away, and walking the same route in the house like an old lady at the mall. She has a signature walk- it's like a mix between a zombie and a salsa dancer. She says "dada," "nana," and very rarely "mama." She is happy and smiling 90% of the time.

Drew loves Greer so much. She gets easily annoyed with her, obviously, but generally she loves her. She loves to tickle, squeeze, and make her laugh. Greer's feelings are mutual. She thinks Drew hung the moon, or light fixtures in general because she's pretty fascinated with those as well.

Drew just finished up 3 year pre-k. She loved her school and teachers. I could never express my gratitude for her sweet school and all that she learned. Just this weekend she told Andy, "Daddy, you're not the boss of everyone, only Jesus." Tell em, girl.

This girl is so darn smart, but I am learning you have to be careful about what you say and how you say it. Drew says the best stuff all the time and this is something else that sticks out..

I ask Drew to buckle herself into her car seat every day. It's her way of helping me move faster and I think it's good for fine motor skills (Am I right teacher friends??) The actual process takes her a good minute. The other day she was getting ticked off with her seat belt and said "Mommy, it's not coperating!) I mean, hello, did my baby just say cooperating?? One minute Drew, and I'll get that stinkin seat belt to coperate for you.

Andy and I celebrated 9 years of marriage at the beginning of May. 9 years is so long! We've been through some real thick, but more thin. I love him more today than yesterday and the many days before. I miss him more than ever as well. As I write this, he is on a plane to California for the third week in a row. He has been traveling each week basically since January. For the most part, he's only gone two to three nights during the week, but due to some changes at work, he's been gone the entire work week the past month. We are thankful he always makes it home for the weekends and we pray that he can get some time at his actual office so we can visit him all summer.

Andy, we love you! You are the BEST! The best!!

Speaking of 9 years, I can't help but think about how fast time flies and how fast these babies are growing up. As I was cleaning up the camper while Greer napped earlier today, I thought about how one day, I will be picking up after two teenage girls. I was thinking about how one day, I will be spending the holiday weekend with them knowing they won't be going home with me, but will be going back to college, or to their own families.

Heartbreaking stuff and yet, I did it to my own mother. Growing up is wonderful and sad all wrapped up in one.

I say that, but I don't take their growing up years for granted. I pray hard the Lord gives us all many years to watch each other grow. Time can feel cruel with its haste to grow up squishy babies, but oh how I want them to live and grow and learn to love even more than they know how to now.

Some days this motherhood can be so overwhelming and even underwhelming, and I forget to pray for His plan in it all. I recently found myself wondering how God will bring forth His glory from my little family. In the haste of this life, I don't want to forget to pause often and reflect on His path.

So here is my reminder and yours too, pause and reflect on His path. I'm going to go do that now:)

Thanks for reading if you made it this far!

Peek-a-boo

2017-01-09T21:33:00.000-05:00

Greer's favorite game.

She also loves it when sister jumps in her crib.

I see you little teethies!(6 teeth- the top 4 came in while I was in Virginia!)

snow fail

2017-01-07T20:03:00.001-05:00

Drew was upset to wake up to yard without snow. I think we all were, right?

We told her Elsa turned the snow to ice and froze the land. She loved that. She ran to her room to put on her Elsa dress and spent the morning pretending to ice us. We finally got outside this afternoon and she was pleased licking the ice and crunching it with her boots.

And since there was no real snow... I improvised.

three

2016-12-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

Santa brought Drew a bike and Andy and I were excited to take her to ride it. Today was warm and overcast and a perfect time to learn.

But when I think things should be perfect they are often the opposite.

Drew felt insecure on the bike and kept wanting to get off. We wanted her to try it out and wanted her to understand that the training wheels would prevent the bike from falling over. We didn't get far before what seemed like no end to the crying and whining.

As a mother of a three year old, I try to remember that this is her age. Part of me though, thinks that maybe she's giving up at the first feeling of fear. That worries me a little. Of course, then I worry that I shouldn't be worried over a tot learning to ride a bike. Parenthood is hard. There is no right and wrong answer.

We encouraged her to stay on the bike until we got to this pretty gazebo and then walked the bike back. We praised her for trying and cheered when she remembered to use the brakes. We were frustrated over the crying mainly as so much is a whiny issue these days. Is it age? I have heard from so many that two and three are hard ages. I don't want to be to hard on my girl, but I also want to encourage her to be brave and to try things knowing mommy and daddy are right there with her.

I could ruminate on these thoughts for way too long.

I was playing with Drew at the park yesterday and pretending with her and I thought to myself how fast she turned into a little girl with such a huge imagination. I thought about how quickly Greer would do the same.

I hope I can give this girl grace when she needs it and know when to hug her hard for all of her three year old frustration.

the princess dress up rack

2016-12-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

I've had a bunch of people ask me about this so I thought I would post about it.

I asked Andy to build Drew a princess dress up rack for Christmas. If you know Andy, you know he doesn't do anything without 100% effort and commitment. Kind of why I like him.

I had something simple in mind as Andy has been traveling so much and I knew he wouldn't have any time but a weekend or two to complete it. I searched Pinterest for ideas and e-mailed them to him.

I should have known he would veer off the Pinterest path and do his own thing. He raided his barn wood stash and sanded and cut a few pieces. I helped him pick the stain, rope, and copper pipe. We saw a swing for holding shoes on one of the links I sent him so he made one for Drew.

I ordered the sparkly clothes hangers from Etsy.

I love it! I am not sure Drew knows what a treasure she has in this beautiful piece her daddy made, but she will someday.

I should have taken pictures of the progress, but the finished product is pretty amazing.

I love you, Andy! You always go above and beyond. You're the best.

Babe in the bath

2016-12-27T20:00:00.000-05:00

Greer baby, you are growing so big! The last doctor visit you weighed in at eighteen pounds.

You would rather eat real food than baby food and though you have only three teeth, you seem to make it work.

You aren't crawling yet, but you do this awkward looking flying squirrel thing that makes everyone laugh. If you see something you want, you roll to it. Sometimes you get there, sometimes you just tick yourself off.

You get mad when your sister snatches toys out of your hand and I get mad when sister snatches. An endless cycle I am sure for years to come.

You are still a twelve hour sleeper. I'm going to pray that you are a fantastic sleeper while I am completing my student teaching this Spring.

Your sister on the other hand..

On Christmas at 3:23 am- I woke to your sister at the side of my bed whispering that she heard Santa's jingle bells and we needed to go see if he ate the cookies. I wish I could say that this was just Christmas eve excitement, but no.. your sister is three and up one or two times a night.

You are the squishiest, happiest, biggest smiling baby there ever was.

My Christmas Baby

2016-12-26T22:35:00.001-05:00

Finally getting around to loading up Christmas pictures

2016-12-26T22:08:00.002-05:00

Drew Doodles heading to her class Christmas party.

"What are all of these words on my shirt??"

Christmas angels on Christmas Eve

Setting up for Christmas morning was more fun than ever this year. Drew is at the best age. She asked for a toy catalogue, princess dresses, and a princess baby doll.

We went to Santa at McGees a couple of weeks ago and Drew told him that she wanted a toy catalogue. He said "A toy Cadillac! That's a fancy toy you want young lady!" She corrected him, "no, a toy cat-a-logueeeee"

Dream big girl.

Finally! A non-pregnant, non-hospital-just-gave-birth, family photo!

Oh yes! Aunt Britt and Emmy took me and Drew doodles to Callaway as their Christmas gift. It was so much fun! The girls loved it and I vaguely remembered going as a kid.
I experimented with my camera and a copper pipe and the results were.... blurrrrry! But filled with sweet memories.

Lastly, the few pictures taken from Christmas morning.

Drew picked her outfit. Actually, she was mostly naked or in a princess dress all of Christmas.

Snuggly time in front of Mimi and Pawpaw's tree.

Nana and Greer baby watching Christmas movies.

Hehe- one of Greer's new faces.

Learning to ride in her spandex. This kid.
We had the best Christmas. Not pictured were Aunt Jenny, Uncle B, and Abigail and the musical instruments, Easy bake oven, and giant unicorn they gave Drew for Christmas. Don't worry guys, I will get you back. Also not pictured were Padaddy, Uncle M, and Kyle, Aunt Linda, and Uncle Dale.
We love you guys! Had the best Christmas with all of you.

Pajama Baby

2016-12-18T23:09:00.001-05:00

I am obsessed with Nancy Tillman books. I think they're the perfect sleepy time book and they are so fanciful and dreamy.

I read them to Drew and I save them for our last book at bedtime because they set the sweetest tone for a sleepy toddler.

We are reading The Wishing Tree and Drew wanted to know how you could wish to fly or be invisible. She has the best imagination and is learning so much.

Tonight at bedtime, Andy asked Drew to say her prayers. She thanked Jesus for her room, for birds that sing, and threw in a "Merry Christmas to all of Avalor!" We may or may not have been watching a little too much of Elena.

Greer baby is on the cusp of crawling and not yet able to escape my camera practice. Tonight, I give you the ring of fire. I am through with school until another trip to Lynchburg in January! Which means I will be snapping away in front of all the Christmas lights.

Long Beach Day

2016-11-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Overload of pictures! This was a day full on the beach. Determined to make a long beach day, we headed out after breakfast and built a fire to enjoy near the end of the day. Drew kayaked with daddy in the ocean and thought that was the biggest deal. She giggled the whole time. Too bad I don't trust myself to carry the camera on my kayak! The water was almost as calm as a lake and I thoroughly enjoyed trailing along beside Andy's kayak as he fished. Towards the end of the day, Andy caught a whiting on the beach and went to show it to Drew. He threw it at her and she flipped. I somehow snapped some funny pictures of it. I am an annoying camera mom, for certain!

Breakfast in Pajamas

2016-11-25T18:30:00.000-05:00

You can't tell she's the center of attention around here, can you???

We like our babies where we can see them. Right smack dab in the middle of the table.

My Heart

2016-11-24T19:08:00.001-05:00

We spent a few hours in Port St. Joe before we headed to the Cape and discovered a cute little shop with women and children's swimsuits. I didn't even pack a swimsuit for Greer, not sure that I even have one for her. I found these adorable matching polka dots and they made for one sweet looking pair of sisters. They have been the best girls this trip! I will be sad to go home, but have enjoyed making the memories.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

cold and windy day at the beach

2016-11-23T08:39:00.001-05:00

Happiest Baby in the World

2016-11-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

All she wants for Christmas is her two front teeth..

and mashed potatoes, cheese grits, icing, and everything else!

Who me?

I would take a picture of Drew, but that would require her to sit still.

I can't explain how thankful I am for this week away. Andy said it's nice to see me smile! Not that I don't normally smile, but the last couple of months have been a crunch for school work. Advice to everyone: do not go back to school with babies! Get it done before babies or when they're bigger.

But more power to you if you can do it. I'm doing it and some days I feel like my brain is total mush and some days I feel like I'm wearing a fancy freakin cape with a big "M" on the back. M is for mom and this mom is doing it, oh yea!

(This post brought to you by two glasses of wine and two hours of economics homework)

Rolls for days

2016-11-20T22:11:00.002-05:00

Pass the butter!

Greer baby has the BEST rolls.

Is it ok to be really thankful for a chubby, squishy baby?

It's November and we're at the Cape with two sweet babes.

I am still studying away this week, but I have more time to do it with all of these extra hands. I have the BEST family..

and the best babies.

I'm feeling extra thankful this Thanksgiving week.

11/2

2016-11-02T22:09:00.003-04:00

Today was his birthday.

I thought about him all day.

I prayed some. I prayed that God could forgive him.

I prayed for many years that God could heal his mind and restore him to who he once was.
I know God doesn't answer all of our prayers.

I will never know why.

I see the joyfulness in Drew and Greer's smiles and the sunshine that beams from their faces and I can't imagine how anything in this world once so close to my heart could ever be so dark.

I know that I can't take any days for granted.

I get caught up in worry. Worrying about Andy's traveling, worrying about what is best for the girls, worrying about my own heart and if I am giving it to the Lord for all of the harshness last year brought. I worry for the hearts of those who are right there in the mess of it, too.

Our hearts need tending, all of us.

And even though some days feel frustrating and I dwell on things I have no control over and why God doesn't do what I ask Him to..

I know, undoubtedly

He still loves me. He loves me every day when I pick Drew up from lunch bunch and she runs to see me like I am literally her very own Disney princess. He loves me through my amazing family who sees me frazzled, trying to complete my studies, and scoops my babies out the door to entertain them, lovingly for hours. He loves me with a really hard working husband who spends too much time on airplanes and on the road, giving me the opportunity to go back to school and chase my dreams. He loves me with a sleeping baby, a smiling baby, a really loving baby.

I felt sad today, but I also felt like pulling myself out of the mud and looking at the beauty God surrounds me with. I am so thankful for this life. So thankful that God chose to give me the "best" girls and the duty of being a mother. God really is good even when His plans are not ours. I type it because it's true but if I am honest, I pray that God would give me complete peace with this truth.

I wish I could've shard this truth with him. You were good to me, many years you loved me more fiercly than I think some dads know how to. There was a time when you loved me because you knew God loved you.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

James 1:2-4

Almost Halloween!

2016-10-29T22:38:00.002-04:00

I feel certain Greer has been super grumpy the last three days because of an ear infection. Although, I didn't put that together until today. The ENT will have to wait till Monday and the poor girl is struggling. She napped while Drew doodles partied.

Kitty Tiger and her Clown bestie.

One day they are going to be so happy we took soooooo many pictures of them.

I thought we were going to have a cry session over the clown costume, but she surprised me! She wore it and the wig!

I do think it made her feel a little funny because she didn't seem to want to look at anyone today. She also avoided speaking to some of her pre-school friends on the square. I think she was feeling a little self-conscious. You go Drew! You rocked that pink wig.

Britt, Emmy is a spotlight kind of girl. Literally, every picture I took she was perfectly still and smiling. Earth to Drew......

Trunk or treating on the square was not our jam. Way too long of a line. We hit up a few candy stops and then went to watch Emmy dance in the Fever show.

I think Drew snuck a looooot of candy out of her bucket today. At one point she started to unwrap bubble gum, but we're cruel and have told her that's only something you can have when you're five.

Sweet Lillian!

Sweet Lillian tried to follow directions to take a picture with her friend, but said friend was still not looking people in the eyes and fumbling with her balloon.

Ya happy mom??

Ditched the wig!

Found some more leaves.

Wait! Look at this one!

Drew is super in touch with her fall side. She's been singing a song about falling leaves and acorns. We love her hearing her sing. We love that she is learning so much at school.

Tonight, I picked Drew's Halloween books to read at bedtime. I told her we had to read them since Halloween would be over on Monday. I opened the book to the first page and she said, "Mommy, you skipped the title page!"

She has also been worrying over "spooky" things like shadows and walking into dark rooms alone. I think her growing brain and the season are getting the best of her. Love this sweet stage of three-year- old. Love you Drew Doodles!

Happy Halloween you guys!

Greer Baby

2016-10-16T18:30:00.000-04:00

This post is for you, Greer.

Since your sister is always in the spotlight.

And you were looking super cute in your daddy-o's lap this morning.

What a happy, smiling girl you are!

When we first bought the camper, we would worry about Drew waking in the middle of the night or way too early.

You wake in the night, but you just need someone to flip you back over and you go right back to sleep.

Such a perfect little girl you are.

Drew has been sleepwalking like crazy.

We have a monitor that keeps a 30 day video history and we watch how Drew's night went every morning.

Twice this week Drew has gotten up in the night, left her bed, and gone to sleep on the floor.

Once in her bedroom floor and once in the hallway.

Does anyone else's children do this??

It scares me a little. I don't want her to sleep walk out of the house.

Greer baby sleeps alllllllllllll night.

Sometimes she rolls over and if she gets on her back she can't go back to sleep.

I will wake at 4 or 5 in the morning to her giggling in her crib.

Rarely does she fuss because she's uncomfortable.

I just roll her back over and she puts herself back to sleep.

I know I am going to regret telling this because she will probably stop tomorrow.

Or when she turns 9 months. Isn't that what babies do??

We spent the weekend at Wedowee to take the girls to Bennett Farms.

Seriously, the cutest pumpkin patch I've seen. So many fun things to do and places for pretty pictures.

Drew didn't have any kids to play with this year though and I think she would've enjoyed it more if she had.

Fun to think that Greer will be able to play with her this time next year!

Greer baby, is that blonde hair, I see?

Maybe this baby will look like me:)

Hope you all had great weekend!

Phone Dump

2016-10-15T00:12:00.003-04:00

I am currently uploading 6,797 pictures to my computer. I kid you not. I have a PROBLEM. My first problem is that I take too many pictures. The second problem is that I let them sit on my phone for two years. You know what will make you cry? Watching baby Drew pictures and videos. She is growing so fast. Knowing this, I look at Greer every day and will myself to love all of her babyness. Her smell, coos, soft fuzzy head, squishy arms and legs, and even her spit up. I remember last fall, LAST FALL, reading this quote about how when you put your child in a high chair for the last time, you may never even realize it. And I got to thinking the other night.. when was Drew's last time in a high chair? I mean, I threaten to put her in it a few times a week if she doesn't sit still while she's eating her dinner, but man. In all reality, my first baby will never sit in one again.

So it's fall again. This time last year I was beginning my program and wondering how fast I could get through it. Pregnancy with a toddler and trying to keep my eyes open to read slowed me down. This fall is such a change. I have energy! I am getting things done! I am also taking 6 courses before January to finish and student teach in the Spring. Yep, I have to student teach for 15 weeks to graduate with my Master's. I am excited though and am already anticipating how I will feel about leaving my girls all day to go to work. I also have to go back to Liberty for another week in January. I could write a book about how much I love Liberty. I have enjoyed every bit of my experience at this school. I have met so many amazing people and learned so much about my field, and myself.

Enough text..I love snaps from my phone because they are the best reflection of daily life with these two girls.

We visited daddy-o at work this week. Also, the girls are dressed alike which doesn't happen often. I'm not a matchy matchy mom, I'm a cool mom!

While in Alpharetta, we popped by Jaime's house to leave a goodie bag for Weston and to tinkle in their yard. Johns Creek housewives would be appalled.

Drew's new thing and no she didn't learn this from me. "ooooh faancy!"

Oh you know, just walking the baby. Love carrying my sack of sugar around the greenbelt.

Bossy banana picking out her "moms."

5 second before this she was screaming to get away from the Home Depot scaries Halloween aisle.

This was an awful attempt at representing trips to the grocery store. That's Greer's head and orange bow. Also, Drew is holding a bath and body bag with her new pumpkin spice body spray. She really needed it.

Pumpkin decorating. Why haven't I snapped a picture of what she did to these after I took this picture. Yikes.

We've been potty trained since summer and only want to wear out panties when we get home. What is she? A grown man? This day I told her, at least keep your Halloween shirt on to decorate the pumpkins!

Too soon for a bonnet?? It was cold this morning!

SOMETIMES we get out of the house to enjoy a beautiful fall day and it makes us feel good inside.

And sometimes we get out of the house get halfway into our walk and we have. to. tinkle. now. now. now. Please don't report me to child services.

Drew loves to hear the band play so much so that she remembered walking by and hearing them last fall. So this is a new fall activity. Stalking the band. Those kids have to be wondering what mother brings her kids to band practice for entertainment.

Band members or baby sitters?

Show them your dance skills, Drew! Give em a little robot!

That one weekend we got away to the lake and I studied on the deck and drank warm coffee and snuggled Mr. Broome.

Morning routine: Wake sister in crib. Stop toddler from bouncing sister out of crib.

The normal "have to go potty" routine as soon as mommy even thinks about getting a lick of exercise. "Why you gotta exercise, mommy??" Good thing the Greenbelt has a bathroom.

Someone might walk into the bathroom and think that I was insane. What an odd place to stage a photo shoot. Nope, just remembering the times when a run is hard because one day these girls will go to college and I won't have them to run with me. Or maybe I will drive to their colleges and make them run with me.

Sometimes I tell Drew we are going on a "leaf hunt" to get her out of the house. She's quickly catching on to me.

"When you're not looking I will attempt to suffocate the cat."

Another snap from date weekend. Loveeeeeeee Wedoweeeeeee.

"Share your sunglasses, mommy"

I love Drew's little lunchbox. I secretly couldn't wait for lunch bunch to begin so Drew could carry a Lulie lunchbox every day.

My big baby! Greer is a healthy, growing girl

Enough with the pictures mommmmmy.

Greer baby is a talker just like her sister.

Rolls for days. I would have her no other way.

Visiting Nana's school and found a rocking chair in the copier room.

First day daddy-o got to take Drew doodles to school. So proud when daddy-o takes her anywhere.

Meanwhile for memory's sake, but mommy looks like she rolled out of bed. Probably because I did.

We spend so much time at the camper and both girls love a good sink bath when we're there. I love giving it to them too! I will be HEARTBROKEN when they no longer fit in that tiny sink.

Cheeseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

This phone dump is taking us back to summer. Daddy's first mate on the pirate ship.

Bringing her Dr.'s kit to the ENT. And for the record, I had never been to an ENT until Drew was born.

"Mommy, listen. You be the class and I'm the teacher."

Typical attempting to reign Drew in and occupy Greer at the same time.

What would we do without mimi and pawpaw's pool?

Riding dude.

We swim now. I tried so hard show her diving this summer but she's instead mastered the belly flop.

On Drew's actual b-day she requested Olive Garden. Ha! She had been there maybe twice before.

LOVES her kyle. Even though he is attempting to grow a man bun.

When the turban isn't posed.

Balloons are ALWAYS a good idea.

Blue is your color, my girl!

Little mermaid b-day attire.

Tubing for b-day fun!

Agh! I don't know how to put a bunch of heart emoji's here, but know that's what I'm thinking.

Blurry camper snuggle time with my favorite ladies. Attempting to put the two nuts in the middle to sleep.

When the turban goes all wrong again.

B-day cake ball dinglehoppers. And I took some awesome pics of her party, but that would require me uploading my camera too, sooooooooooooo.......

Sofia and camper sink bath.

I see you, Andy.

"Mommy let me hold Greer! Ok, move her, please."

Cousins are fun!

"Get in my play house mommy! No, get out!"

"Stay still while I straighten your hair" (With kitchen tongs)

Poor Greer baby. Do you get to have any fun??

5 seconds after this picture she slipped in goose poop. Endless tears. Poop on elbows. Let's go home now.

Sweet Greer baby.

Attending her first boat rave.

Oh hey Mr. Broome! This was another lake night and we had both babies on the boat. I look super happy but I remember being realllly ready to get Greer back on dry land. Mom probs, right?

besties foreverrrr

I just noticed Greer in this picture haha

Love Aunt Jenny!

Precious girl, lots of heart emojis. Also, this wasn't taken with my phone.

Basically sums up life. No complaints here. More heart emojis.

Reading to her babies. But really practicing telling them all "no" and "listen to me."

Sundays!

Snuggling my newborn. These pictures are old.

I just posted this picture because I like my shoes.

Butter those rolls! Agh!

Once again.. life.

More heart emojissssssss

Cannnnnonnnnn ballllllll

Snaps I send Andy. And he's all, "why do you have a dog on your face?"

I don't even know, it just felt necessary. Greer, your mom is wierd.

Lots of snuggles this summer. I'll never have time with these girls like the last year has given me.

Look, we dressed Greer up too!

A week in July at Liberty- made a thousand times easier with a sweet new friend.

And tubing down this crazy mountain.

Agh, why don't we have one of these at home? I would go weekly.

Hey Lauren!

I studied so much that week. Bleh. My brain is tired from studying so much. I wish I could visit this amazing library every day.

Liberty you are so prettttty.

Facetime Drew doodles and she asked every time.. "Are you coming back??" Insert crying emoji.

First day on our 4th of July trip and Andy cut his knee to the bone after slipping on a boat ramp.

He survived. I was a little worried. This was the week they were saying there was dangerous bacteria in the water.

So much fun, let's go back!

Another July pic. Took Drew to have lunch with daddy-o and to visit my Alpharetta friends.

So wish we got to see these sweet faces more often.

Mommy Drew date day. (These are the best Drew Doodles!)

Who's looking?? No one.

Ok, I'm done. Obviously this isn't 6k+ pictures, but I literally can't upload them all here. I wanted to remember the special things. I treasure every last one of these moments! Also, this post took me days to just get the pictures loaded so I make no claims for correct grammar, spelling, or sense.

Clara Greer

2016-10-12T14:50:00.000-04:00

Sweet Clara Greer,

At a time when the world felt like it was falling apart and we realized we were about to take a new path in life, the Lord gave me a feeling.

You know, for a week or so, I went to bed every night feeling sick. It didn't alarm me, I didn't really think much of it. Life had taken some drastic turns and I didn't feel like myself as it was. But one night, I couldn't help but acknowledge that maybe just maybe the nausea was something else. For some bizzaro reason I had a pregnancy test in the bathroom and I took it.

There you were in a very faded pink line and I immediately felt sicker and cried. I walked in our room and told your daddy. He was completely confused and teary. The good kind of teary. It was late, it was unpredictable(sort of), and it was unbelievable timing. You see, I had just taken this huge leap to quit my job and stay home with your sister while finishing my Master's degree.

So you can imagine our confusion. A baby? All of these changes at once?

We announced the news to the family at your sister's second birthday party. I am pretty certain no one believed us at first. And because it was so memorable, everyone asked if I was pregnant at your sister's third birthday this year.

Fast forward to April. You know, it's a hard thing to prepare for a little person when you've never had one of your own before. It's even scarier when you've had one and you're worried the next will be just like their colicky sister. (We love you, Drew!)

I was prepared. I knew well how to rock a colicky baby. I knew what remedies would help. I knew the Lord would give me sanity for the hard days and harder nights.

You came at night just like your sister. I laid in bed for maybe an hour before I told your daddy I felt like it was the night. I had timed contractions that seemed to be getting closer together. They hurt and I didn't want to miss my opportunity to get to the hospital to get an epidural. We called the Dr.'s office and low and behold Dr. Dodson was on call. Literally, we love her so much and really only wanted her to deliver. Dodson had her doubts that I was in "real" labor, but told us to come in anyway. We knew just where to go. Through the emergency room and wait for them to send us up. Nurses began checking my vitals, the pain grew exponentially, they wanted to wait to give me medicine, I cried and cried, and your daddy says I was fist pumping the air like I was at a rave. It was all a big blur.

Until they handed me my sweet baby girl. Quiet and unassuming were you, Greer. No dramatic entrance, a few pushes and there you were. I had significant trouble nursing your sister. I feared I would with you too. You latched on perfectly though and nursed forever. You slept on my chest for hours, literally hours before they moved us to a room and took you to the nursery. We had to wait for a room to be available so they left us together in the delivery room. I snuggled you so much and soaked in your sweet new scent and napped off and on. Your daddy and I talked about how sweet and calm you were. Each time you would come from the nursery, you had the sweetest little look on your face. You nursed and snuggled and did it all so quietly. We sure missed our Drew during our hospital stay, but we loved the quiet time with our mysterious new baby. The hospital stay was actually fun and we were kind of sad to leave. You and I had the BEST nurses. One who let us in on the secret that unlimited popsicles and Sprite were available across from our room. It was like a vacation. I am not even joking. Andy, can we go back?

We predicted you would be like your sister. Quiet in the hospital but screaming when we got home.

Completely the opposite, Greer. It took us a minute to figure out you would be a belly sleeper like your sister, but once we learned this.. let's just say I won't talk about how amazing a sleeper you are. I won't say it out loud because that would just be CRAZY. But really. 12 hours is your minimum. Girl has to get her beauty sleep!

You are generally happy. You cry in the car, but maybe you're getting a little better about that. You smile when you wake and we roll you over. You smile at your sister. You smile at the baby in the mirror. You smile all the time.

I thank the Lord for my sweet, smiling Greer. He knew just what we needed that we didn't know we wanted. You have been a dream, sweet Greer. I pinch myself sometimes. Is it real that this happy, babbling baby is mine?

Your sister loves you too. She loves to kiss your face and rub her cheeks against yours. She's learning that you are delicate and that you can't be carried across the room like one of her babies.

Your daddy loves your babbling. We hear you from your play mat yammering on and we both look at each other and giggle. What a joyful sack of sugar you are. I look at you sometimes and wonder where all of the joy comes from. It just pours from your grin, your bright eyes, and your wiggling, kicking legs.

We love you so much, Greer. You fill our world with so much happiness. I couldn't have predicted my heart could grow to love another little girl, but God is good and my heart explodes. You and your sister are our everything. There is nothing in the world that could stop us from loving you two.

In a year where I doubted God's love for me, you came. You, Greer, an immediate reminder that I am truly loved and cared for by our Lord. I hope you will always know that.

Love,

Your Mama

Almost Three

2016-08-16T17:04:00.000-04:00

I am a terrrrrible mom. Here I am posting about Drew when I haven't introduced Greer to the blog. She's next.

It's just that Drew is just growing so fast and turns three next week!

I wanted to put a few things on the blog for memories sake.

Drew LOVES dressing up. She has princess attire at home and at the lake. Some mornings she wakes up and before she ever comes out of her room, she puts on a princess dress. When she finds me, she stands there without saying anything, just holding the skirt of her dress. She needs an immediate "Oh wow, look at the princess!" before the morning can begin.

And as much as she loves being a girly princess, she loves pretending to be a pirate, too. She has a sword that she likes to whack us with. We are working on teaching her to be kind in her pretending!

She says the best things all the time. I mean the best. So many times I wish I could record our conversations. She is such a smart girl and has the best vocabulary for such a little person. I am partial to thinking she's the smartest, of course!

A few funnies:

On the way home from our sweet sitter, Mrs. Michelle's house, I asked Drew to tell me about her day. She said, "It's a long story." I asked her to tell me what she played and if she had fun. She said, " I told you it was a long story, mom!"

Drew is successfully potty trained and swimming almost the length of the pool underwater! She has had a big summer. She's still in a pull up at night though and sometimes she fusses about it. One night recently she was deliriously tired and long past the point of exhaustion. I told her we had to put the pull up on and she started crying. Through dramatic tears, she asked me "Mommy, do you have to wear a pull up too, just in case??" Some days I have to leave the room so she doesn't see me laughing.

One morning we were on the way to Mrs. Michelle's and Drew randomly asked where her ninnies(her chest!) came from. I told her God gave them to her along with all of the other body parts. She was quiet for a minute. Then she asked, "what about the trees?" I told her God made those too and named some other things in nature that God created. She then asked if God had a magic wand or a magic finger.

Drew repeats everything. Nothing misses her ears. Sometimes you don't know she's heard something until much later, though. I think she has a little storage bank of words and phrases she doesn't understand to pull out at random times. One day we were sitting in her room playing and it was quiet. She had become busy doing her own thing. All of a sudden she looked at me and said, "Mommy, are you thinking what I'm thinking??" I don't know where it came from, but it was almost the perfect thing to say for the moment.

There are more, but Greer is staring at me from her swing, probably wondering why I haven't written about her! You're next sweet Greer baby!

toddler drama and Jesus

2016-02-09T21:33:00.002-05:00

Two is a really fun age and I can list a bunch of reasons why, but I kind of want to talk about toddler tudes instead.

Is it just me or do tots know how to really confuse a situation? One minute ready to throw down the gantlet when asked to pick up toys and the next crying hysterically and desperately needing a hug. It literally happens just like that. For instance today, I told Drew it was time to eat her lunch. This was after giving her a good bit of time avoiding lunch to play with her toys. I try to understand that she probably doesn't want to be hurried and I make an effort not to continually herd her from one thing to the next. But this kid wouldn't eat most days unless you shoved food under her nose. She would much rather be realllly busy with Peppa Pig and playing her favorite "jam song" or coloring markers in the wrong places and hissing at the cat. Two-year-old priorities right?

So today, after much persuading, she wasn't giving in. She said, "I no eat right now!" But we had pushed the time and I really needed her to eat before napping. I fussed at her, "Drew, it's time to eat!" To which she started rolling on the floor screaming "no" and kicking her toys around. Which of course aggravated me. I calmly attempted to pick her up and she went limp. Ugh. Literally, Drew, my belly is getting so big, bending to pick you up not only looks awkward but is seriously uncomfortable. Never in my life have I had to worry about my bottom hanging out of my pants as I do when attempting to wrestle a toddler while pregnant. I'm most terrified when this happens in Target. Because where else does an embarrassing toddler melt down happen??

I grow more annoyed. I tell her about why "we need to eat our food to grow" and "how it will soon be nap time and she will be hungry."

She argues more, pulling away from me. Then just as swiftly as the obnoxious behavior began, it ends. She comes to me open arms and needing a hug. She puts her head on my shoulder just crying.

All of this over lunch, really.

Really?

We hugged for a long time. We rocked for a minute. I felt my tenseness subside.

I get it. I can relate, Drew. Some days I feel so overwhelmed and stressed out and I know how it is reflected back to you and the people I love. I can be a real witch some days. That's how we get sometimes. I mean people. I think it's a tendency in some people, maybe all, I'm not sure. To hold things in, go about your day holding it in, whatever it is. Then someone says something and you're ready to rip them apart. I find when this happens to me, I end up crying to your daddy. I will fuss at him or argue over nothing and then cry.

And your daddy will be all, "Who is the highly emotional animal I married??"

I'm kidding. He's always forgiving and willing to let me hug on him too. Maybe you should just curb your emotional, mama-like tendencies to him. He's good at it taking it all in and for what it is. Just yesterday I cried to your daddy about the whale of a girl I've turned into. About how I've become this big, awkwardly and slow moving, sloth of a lady. He looked at me like I had gone crazy and said, "You're pregnant and I still think you're pretty!"

In all truth though, I am trying my very best to think about what Jesus would do. I need one of those bracelets, or maybe a tattoo, that would be way cooler. WWJD? Agh. He would be so much better at this than I am. Discipline and parenting issues aside, Jesus would love on me. He would meet me where I'm at and genuinely seek to understand where my heart was at. "What's bothering my girl today," He might say? And so Drew, some days, I try really hard and say the same to you.

You still didn't eat your lunch. You did ask for orange slice gummies. I negotiated with you for a peanut butter banana instead. You're pretty great, even when a grumpy girl.

things she says

2016-02-01T15:36:00.003-05:00

January was a long month. I spent a week away by myself in Virginia for a Master's class while Andy spent the same week in Florida for work.

I enjoyed the quiet time, made some sweet friends, and learned a lot about education and my faith. It was, all in all, a great trip, but I wasn't happy to miss my little girl for so long.

Mine and Andy's flight departed at the same time so he was able to get us there early and walk me to my gate. And watch me cry. I hate goodbyes. I never fly. I was scared of the entire experience.

Of course, it went so well and it was the same reminder I get ever so often from the Lord. Sometimes we are pushed out of our comfort zone and forced to rely on Him a little bit, or a lot more.

My flight arrived later than Andy's on the Friday we came home after being stuck in the Roanoke, VA airport for 6 hours. After the long week away, I was dying to be home.

Andy picked me up with Drew who was ever so happy to see her mama! Made me feel good.

She is one fine mess these days. Obsessed with Princess Sofia and always asking for stickers.

Drew usually sits with us for the beginning of the church service on Sundays until they send the children out. This past Sunday Andy had given her money for the offering. I asked her, "are you going to put your money in the offering plate?" She replied, "No, I give it to Jesus."

We got a good laugh out of that, but yes, Drew, you were right. That's who you were giving it to.

I put Drew's hair in a high pony on top of her head last week and told her to look in the mirror. She said, "I look like the Grinch!" I said, "Don't you mean Cindy Lou Who??" She said, "yea! Cindy Woo Who!" So later in the evening after she had had a bath and was in her bed, she felt her head and made the observation that her ponytail was gone. She said, "Mommy, I no wook wike Cindy Woo Who anymore." Then proceeded to cry.

She says the funniest things.

She loves her cousin Abigail, and her best friends, Brittney and Emmy.

And though I worried a lot that she would always like her daddy more than me, I feel certain we are in a tie now:) She likes to tell everyone, "No, mommy do it!"

I can't believe how close we are getting to adding another baby to this mix. I'm already wondering how my sanity will handle the change. It's so funny how clueless you are with your first. I am hoping my knowledge from the first go with an infant will carry me through with another!

I have 6 friends who were pregnant as of a month ago. Five of them have had their babies- all in the month of January. Four of those babies were their second. Each birth was different and each newborn has been different. I'm already anticipating what this birth will be like and if this baby will have colic. Fingers crossed?

We will love her no matter what. And assign Drew night time duty if we must. Payback right? :)

We have decided on a name for the new girl and Drew already knows how to say it. You can ask her, what is your baby sister's name? She says, "baby sister."

I will post about the name soon!