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Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Hard Days & Joyful Mornings

We've had a week of ups (three 1.5 hour naps with no arguments) and downs (one fussy 20 minute nap ALL DAY).

The days without sleep are rough on both of us - the Bird is exhausted and inconsolable, and I'm exhausted and defeated. But, even in those days, I'm learning the consistent truth that joy comes in the morning.

We can go a full day and part of the night without a break, and the next morning, the sun rises and so do our spirits. We cuddle and giggle and dance, and the hard day is forgotten.


It's easy to enjoy this journey of mamahood on the good days, when smiles are plentiful and rest refreshes. However, I know I come out of the hard days better for it - I appreciate her smiles more, I hold on to cuddles longer, I love her better.

When I need a break, I've been listening to this song by Bethany Dillon over and over. It's heartwarming on the good days, but it's so much sweeter on the hard ones.


If you aren't where you can give it a listen, here are the lyrics:

Good morning
You and the sun are up before I'm ready
But ready or not, you need me
So here I am

I'm learning that in the long hard days
There is beauty
Do you know my favorite place to see it
It's when I look at you

And though I'm tired now
You're worth every sleepless night
You're worth it all, cause I know...

You're the best song I'll ever write
And we're humming and dancing through the years together
You're the best song I'll ever write
And I pray you'll hear Jesus in it when you're older

I remember when you were just a heartbeat that I heard
and now our eyes meet
Forever is not enough to love you

Every prayer for you is like a seed in the ground
Every tear I cry is like rain
And in its due season
I pray a harvest will be found
Your heart and mouth confessing Jesus' name

Your heart and mouth confessing Jesus' name

So, Momma, hear me. Whether today is a hard day or an easy day, I hope you remember that you are enough. Even when you're exhausted and feel empty, you're singing love over your little and planting those seeds in their tiny life. That is more than enough. 

I'm thankful for this song this week, and I hope it blesses someone else, too. 

Friday, December 18, 2015

The Bird: Three Months

Baby Bird,

You are three months old today! You're growing and changing so fast that Momma is having trouble keeping up.

Every morning, we get up with the sun and cuddle in the quiet living room. Mornings with you are my favorite - you share your best smiles in those sweet early hours. You let me drink warm coffee while you play with my hair and we talk about what we're going to do that day. I wouldn't trade those moments for the world.

Every day you discover something new. You've figured out how to pick up your rattle ball and almost have rolling over worked out. You know Daddy's and my voice and will turn to find us in the room. You're friendly to new people, but have a definite preference for folks you know. You hate tummy time on the floor, but will lay on my chest for hours. You giggle on occasion (especially when Daddy looks at you upside down), and the sound melts my heart. You love lights, ceiling fans, and the color blue.

Little Girl, you are amazing. There are days I just stare at you in wonder. I am so thankful I get to be your Momma.

You've changed my life in so many amazing ways. You've taught me to rest in and enjoy the quiet moments, to focus on the right now. You've made me realize how big the little things can be (and how little the "big" things are). You've both sped time up and slowed it down.

Because of you I've developed a new appreciation for God's love, provision, grace, and constancy. I feel totally out of control, but at peace with it because of who IS in control. He chose me to be your Momma, and He will provide me with the ability to do so. Great is His faithfulness.

You are a blessing and a thrill and I am so thankful you're mine. I love you endlessly, Baby Bird. I will forever.

Happy Three Months!

Love,
Momma



Monday, November 2, 2015

Newborn Photos!

Hi friends and Happy Monday! Excited to share some of our favorite shots from Wren's newborn shoot with you today! We had a great time capturing these - Julianne is amazing and SO good with littles. I just adore how they turned out. Enjoy!

Love this new little family of mine






This girl. That little smile. Smitten. 




Her Aunt Brittany made her this precious little fox outfit - how talented is she? 
We love our little fox. 


Julianne totally got on theme with Wren's name during the shoot - she put together this sweet little nest and even had a custom bird hat made for her!





Since her nursery is story themed, and since books mean so much to her daddy and me, we took along some of our favorites to include in the shoot. Love how this one turned out. 




Those eyelashes - gah


Itsy Razorback!
(Thanks for the outfit, Granmomma)



(pssst...the Harry Potter nerd in me wants to point out that she's in Gryffindor colors above, and Hufflepuff colors below...baby Gryffinpuff!)




I know I've said it before, but she's just the best thing! I'm so thankful to Julianne for taking the time to capture these photos of our squishy babe. Excited to see her grow, but so glad I at least get to keep her little in pictures.