My Ellie in Pictures.

Panama City Beach.

There is something about a beach. 

Captivating and inspiring.

This past weekend we were lucky enough to spend our days with a few of our dearly loved family members, meeting them in Panama City Beach to simply relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounded us. 

The wind and clouds came rolling in to pay us a visit on Saturday, keeping us cooped up inside most of the morning. While the boys kept the couch warm watching football, while Megan and I ventured out on the balcony for a fresh, salty breeze and some much needed girl time. 

Later in the afternoon, the clouds broke and blue skies peaked out. We all quickly put on our favorite pairs of flip flops and scurried down to the beach to enjoy a short stroll. 

 Ellery loved it. We all loved it, but Ellery, she'd never been so happy. 

 It was a wonderful little, weekend getaway!

 

 

Charleston by Night.

In early July, Justin and I had the pleasure of attending the beautiful wedding of Lindsey and Beau in Charleston, SC.  Rich in history and southern charm, this city captivates every part of me.

As I was cleaning off my camera tonight, I came across a few pictures from our trip.

Enjoying the Small Things.

 

 

Let the days slow down and the minutes pass slowly, for these precious moments are the ones I will treasure always. 

From the moment those fresh little lungs filled that anxious hospital room, longing to be loved, my life has been on a perpetual journey.  A journey so delightfully beautiful, and a blessing beyond my wildest dream. But admittedly, it has been a bit scarier than I imagined it would be.

I am a worrier by nature. I don't want to be, but that's just how it happened. 

On a mission to give my sweet E the best start, I hardly seem to find time to think about much else. It is counting wet diapers and fishing bugs out of her mouth. It's worrying if that's lead paint chipping in her closet, if she's reaching developmental milestones on time, and if I'm feeding her well-balanced meals. It's trying to remember that all kids develop at their own rate, and with her being in the put-everything-in-her-mouth stage, reminding myself daily that a lot of other children have probably swallowed worse.

Thank goodness for level-headed husbands. 

As time passes quickly, I'm trying to learn to step back and worry less. I'm learning to treasure every step of this journey, for these sweet moments make up our lives.