It was such a treat to take engagement pictures for these two and catch up on life! Hannah is a high school friend and teammate of mine. (I remember Coach Ross having us run many “JAWS” lines in basketball, probably because I didn’t make my free throws but Hannah could!) Anyway, 10 years later, we’ve both moved half way across the state to be with our loves and beautiful Hannah is about to marry her handsome cowboy, Jared. I love the story of how they met out her family’s ranch in Western Nebraska. And, I can only imagine how beautiful their wedding will be out there, too. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for you two! Congrats!
Oh, wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. I’d love for you to meet my newest niece – Leah Marie! She is precious and tiny and just as perfect as can be. We prayed, waited and now she’s finally here! (She timed her arrival just right when she knew her Uncle Ryan couldn’t be planting in the field, so we got to meet her right away!) She was so alert when awake with big, beautiful eyes but she was quick to settle contently into her Mommy or Daddy’s arms in just seconds. We are all so in love with you, Little Leah!
Many blessings on you as you grow, sweet girl!
I think it’s safe to say she’s got her daddy wrapped around her little finger already. 🙂
Music: A Thousand Years, Christina Perri, piano cover by The Piano Guys
On this Mother’s Day, I think about the past four years and how I’ve grown
as a person, an adult, wife, daughter and, most exponentially, a mother.
Every day, my kiddos teach me how important it is to stay humble, be kind and have courage.
Happy Mother’s Day to every single one of you out there – working moms, single moms, moms-to-be, new moms, seasoned moms, grandmas, military moms, medical moms, farm moms, moms of heavenly babies, moms with heavenly moms, stay-at-home moms, moms of divided or combined families, fur baby moms, and even fathers who have to step into a mother roles as well. To the carpoolers, birthday party planners, home cleaners, PTA organizers, teachers, nurses, ouchie fixers, little league coaches, side-line cheerleaders, constant meal makers. We have all one thing in common – we love our babies, young and old, unconditionally. We all recognize the wonderful, gut-wrenching feelings we have for our children whether they are in the next room, the next state or even half way across the world. I sometimes think of motherhood as the most challenging yet rewarding volunteer gig I’ve ever agreed to take. And, I love it.
Today, like any other, we may be waking before the sun to make our own breakfast and have a moment, waking up stiff-backed with a baby or two or three in our bed, throwing in a load of laundry, planning meals, thinking about the day ahead. Our day. It’s what we do. It doesn’t matter what you do today or who does what for you (or not).
Know YOU are loved unconditionally.
And, thank you, mamas, for all the tireless child rearing you do. It’s worth it.
And because I’m so crazy in love with my little humans, here are my two I am so fortunate to have call me mommy. My greatest joy is watching them learn and grow. And just know, we’re not quite this polished all the time. In fact, my boy usually has some kind of food on his face and shirt, and my girl is a rebel about wearing pants, shoes and a pony tail. These pictures were taken in a rare 10 minute span of our day. 🙂
We’re off to make pancakes!
Hello there, Mr. Callen! It seems like just yesterday you were a tiny little newbie figuring out your days and nights and here you are sitting up like a champ and on the verge of crawling…once the floor quits high-centering you! You definitely received dimple genes from both your Mommy & Daddy which equals double the cuteness! And, your big brown eyes, I could stare at them for days!
Can’t wait to see you again, sweet boy!
Music: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Super Simple Songs Nursery Rhymes
I am always amazed at the miracle of children growing and developing when I see them come in for milestone pictures. Miss Delaney was no exception. She has gone from a sleepy, tiny pink newborn to a smiling, bright-eyed, alert 3-month-old. She is so content! I do not recall her making a sad peep the entire time she was here – just coos and smiles! And, the way she sucks in that bottom lip is just too cute! Stay sweet, baby girl!
Music: Bella’s Lullaby – Cherished Moments, Jon Schmidt
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