Grandma's Visit

Pictures from when Grandma visited...but you won't see her anywhere because she's the one taking the pictures...

Preggo Pics

My friend Erin took some maternity pictures of me. I'm just now getting around to posting some of them. She did such a great job. I love the ones of the kid's hands on my belly.

These last few were taken at the birthing center the day I gave birth. The first two were just creative ways to get a few shots of my pink flamingo socks...dedicated to Grandma Rosie.

This is the little squirrel that had his eye on us out the front door.

And here is Oliver doing what he did often...kissing the baby. He'd say "baby....kish" then pull up my shirt, kiss my belly and pull my shirt back down. Loved it!

Friends

This is a friend of mine, Christi, from Warsaw, Indiana that happened to be in Dallas the week I was going to have Ira. We were able to meet up with her and her husband the night before I went in to give birth. We went out for dinner and had a great visit. We all were enjoying ourselves so much that the time seemed to fly by and it was 10:30 p.m. before we knew it. I can't tell you what a blessing it was to spend time with this dear friend. Our time together was sweet...a perfect way to close a season in my life and a great encouragement to reflect on as I would awake to a new one. She is truly a godly inspiration to me. I love her and miss her dearly.

These next few pictures are of my dear friend Jessica. Wow! I can't even begin to tell you what a blessing this woman has been to me since our move to Texas. The Lord has used her to bless me in countless ways. She has served my family and I above and beyond any expectations. She is a gift of grace from the Father and I am so grateful for her.

This is Ruthie Pearl, Jessica's little girl and Oliver's little friend :o)

Here's Jessica lovin on baby Ira the day after his birth.

This dear friend is Erin. She too is a gift of grace and has been a tremendous blessing to get to know. She has been such an inspiration to me....so real and honest about life and faith. The Lord uses her to challenge and encourage me. I am so thankful for her.

Here's Erin's little boy, Augie, with Oliver.

The whole gang together minus Violet...Erin's little girl...she didn't feel like getting her picture taken that day :o)

These women have taught me so much this past year...about the Lord, about trust, about being a friend, about serving, about humility, about loving others, about mothering and parenting, and about grace. When I grow up, I want to be like them.

Ira in His First Hour

Here are pictures from Ira's first hour of life. What an amazing experience. The Lord never ceases to amaze me. I am so grateful.

Ira Meets His Brothers & Sisters

I've had difficulty keeping up on making posts so I'm just doing simple ones to get caught up. These are pictures from the day after Ira was born when the kiddos came home to meet their new baby brother. Such sweet moments watching them embrace and look into the eyes of their brother they loved before they ever met him.