And then I fell in love

It has happened more than once. A friend will have a second child that seems to grow from a newborn into a one year old in ten minutes. For months, the new bundle is often snuggled in the carseat or quiet in mom’s arms while the older sibling is commanding the attention and smiles from everyone. People are drawn to the older child with a sparkling personality. It is easy to interact, laugh and play with someone who can count in Spanish in a teeny tiny voice.

The newborn quietly reaches milestone after milestone until people look puzzled that she is walking and drinking out of a sippy cup.

I feel I am in a special place right now where I have Hallie all to myself. I see what a gift she is and the immense blessing she has become to our family. She is something special and I know God has big things in store for her. There is only a short season I have before she is running around engaging people and they will realize what I already know. But for now, I can look down into her sweet, sweet eyes and tell her that mommy knew from the beginning what a treasure she is.

My Father, the Hero

This is in honor of the two dads in my life:

Our girls are so in love with their daddy.


Hallie lights up when she sees him and Kinsley claims him to be her best friend forever and ever. I think it would be rather easy to be a super dad when you know eyes are watching. It is the moments that Ben does not know I am listening or looking that capture what an amazing father he is. It is when I hear the sound of guitar, dancing feet and laughter from another room. It is when Kinsley shows off her hot pink nails that her daddy painted with precision. It is the gentleness he uses with Hallie when giving her a bath. It is the application, reapplication, and yet another application of sunscreen he lathers on Kinsley when outside. It is the way he prays with her. It is the pride I hear in his voice when he says that Kinsley is the funniest and smartest person he has ever known. I am certain that Kinsley and Hallie will someday be saying that exact thing about him.


Where do I start? This guy happens to be the most brilliant person I know.

Words cannot express how much I look up to him. I still seek his approval even in the small things. He may not know that my sister and I have an ongoing game in which we score a point whenever we make him laugh. He also doesn’t know how much I adore “the wave”. This is something that began in high school, continued through college and still today. As I pull away from home, he stands alone in the driveway waving until I have left from sight. Makes me cry every time.

And his work ethic? If one were to see his resume, intimidation would be an understatement. Ben still remembers feeling rather nervous meeting the head of Behavioral Sciences at the Air Force Academy---it was a Meet the Parents moment. However, my dad happens to be the most humble person I know. I have literally had to read about his accomplishments in books. I am thankful he was always able to leave work at work and could focus on being a great dad at home. And now, seeing him with his grandkids. Precious.

Happy Father’s Day!

While they were sleeping

My little beauties gifted me with some deep sleep which gave me a chance to finish making "Hawees big H" as Kinsley says. And yes, the position they are sleeping in must be genetic.

Family time

Ben and I were both treated this weekend with some lovin from out of town visitors. Ben had a boys weekend with his brother tommy and 2 great buddies. After 2 Twins games and golfing i hope he is ready to return to his reality of diapers and potty training. Sarah flew in for the weekend and got to spend some deeply needed time with me and the girls. We did more shopping than necessary (is that possible) and always fit in an afternoon tea party.

I hear wedding bells...

If you ask Kinsley who her best friends are she will tell you they are her daddy and Mason. These two little toddlers are crazy about one another and have a special bond. Mason is Kinsley's little protector and always keeps a close eye on her when in playplaces or crowded spaces. Do not miss how is arm is around her in the picture below....too cute!

The sweetest!

Hallie is one amazing baby. She is just about the sweetest thing ever and in only 7 weeks I have smattered millions of kisses on her little face. She has started smiling at us and definitely has the cutest grin in the world. She can also sit up by herself and say mommy. i kid. here are some pics taken by a friend.

I think he is secretly reading parenting books while I sleep

Over the last couple weeks, Ben has proven that he should be the one staying home caring for the girls. He has always amazed me with his ability to retain information but it usually consists of useless trivia such as knowing every lyric to any 80's TV theme song. Here are some examples of simple conversations we have had recently that show his knowledge base goes deeper than I usually give him credit.

Me: We should ask Dr. Bosley how to clean the belly button.
Ben: This is actually a controversial issue. Some people think you should clean it while others think you should leave the cord alone. To prevent infection, I think we should go around the base of the cord with a cotton-tipped applicator dipped in alcohol.

Me: I just lathered Hallie up in lotion, her skin was so dry.
Ben: I hope you didn't put any on her hands.
Me: Huh? Too late.
Ben: Infants frequently put their fingers in their eyes.

Me: Nursing has been terribly painful lately. I can barely stand it.
Ben: You probably have a clogged milk duct.
Me: Huh?
Ben: Is there a red mark where it hurts?
Me: Who are you?
Ben: You should apply a warm compress several times a day and massage the area around the clogged duct.

Me: Why are you using baking soda to clean the humidifier?
Ben: Baking soda kills the bacteria and mold that can spread into the air if left untreated.