These Days...

What a big week we've had?! It has been an adventure, and we are receiving incredible outpourings of encouragement- thank you! We also thank those who are keeping us in your prayers- we definitely feel them! 

The day after I posted about Mac and Paisley turning 10 months old here, Mac had a tooth!! It's his bottom left, and I've yet to get a good picture. When I pull down his bottom lip, his tongue immediately comes out, and that's not such a cute picture. Okay, well it is, but it's not of the tooth. 

Paisley has started clapping! She loves when we celebrate {pretty much anything} with a 'Yayyyyy!!' because she claps with us. It's so sweet. 

Lilly Scott went to VBS at her school last week, and this week she is enjoying a gymnastics camp. She has a blast and comes home ready for pajamas and bed! We are all so proud of how well she is doing. 

We went to the pool on Saturday, and here's LS with her friend, Gracie. I failed to take pictures with my friend Megan and her two sweet girls, Addison and Emily. It was quite crazy. We had 5 adults and 7 kids 6 and under... woah.

Jordan with our duosplash float! 

 

Things are really clicking for Lilly because she's asking a lot about Jesus in our hearts. She sweetly asks about Heaven. I tell her the truth as found in Scripture, and she starts naming people that she wants to know whether 'Jesus is in their heart.' I feel so unworthy to answer such foundational questions, but this is one of those instances where I lean on Him for wisdom. Brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray for this also. The wheels are turning, and I am so grateful for the roles people have played in Lilly's life to inspire such a thirst for His truth.

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12

On a lighter note, I've got to figure out what we're going to do next week. I think we all may be climbing walls if we don't stay busy. Fortunately there are a lot of local options, but Mac and Paisley's routine keeps us pretty stabilized. We'll see. Here's a pic of what happens when we aren't busy...

Today Mac has been fussy. I don't know why. It really started yesterday evening. You know your kids are distracting when the manager and two servers at Chili's take turns offering 'anything to help.' Sorry, fellow diners. 

I ask myself, Is it his ears? Stomach? Diaper area? Is he wet? Did I eat something that's bothering him? Another tooth? He doesn't feel feverish...

Have I shared how aggressive Paisley is?? This happens several times a day... She uses Mac as a prop, pedestal, or even an obstacle.

 Saturday evening we went to a baby shower to celebrate John and Jenny's baby, Charlotte! 

Mac and me and Sarah, the hostess, and Paisley.

 

 

 I tried to get a picture of two of the three kids who would sit still... and even that barely happened.

 Sunday after church we drove to Georgia to visit Andrea's baby, Peyton Caroline! Sweet girl :o)

It's Wednesday! We're halfway there! 

xoxo,

ashley

4 + 1

Jordan, Mac, Paisley and me... our family of four. It is everything I've dreamed of and more {cliche, I know}. We are so enjoying our role of parenthood. We have had the opportunity to be surrounded by nieces and nephews that we love and adore as our own before we ever had M and P: Paxton, Lilly Scott, Caitlin and Blake. 

You know the saying "it takes a village to raise a child"? I believe it now more than ever! We have been able to celebrate births, holidays, birthdays, the first step, first tooth, potty training and the other monumental occasions {past, present, and future} in their lives. So special. 

Paxton, Caitlin and Blake have two amazing, God centered parents. Lilly Scott has been raised by my selfless and devoted mom {and dad} since birth. Looking back, Lilly's birth was in the palm of God's hand. An unexpected, teenage pregnancy that rocked all of our boats certainly transformed our family. My parents and brother Jeff and I have never been closer. We choose to be on this journey together, and we walk alongside to support and encourage. Family is such a blessing.

Our nieces and nephews have spent long weekends with us in Chattanooga, and we have made wonderful memories. Lilly has spent a lot of time here as we share a special bond-- I've had to remind myself at times that I'm actually not her mother... until now :o) 

Remember the post about the furniture we sanded and painted in our 'guest room'? It is actually for Lilly's new room. See the pictures here.

We welcomed Lilly Scott on Father's Day, and we are loving our new family of FIVE. Lilly has been surrounded with love and support her entire life, and those blessings brought her to our home!! We are excited to see what God will do in our roles as parents, Lilly's testimony, and Mac and Paisley's lives. Lilly Scott loves being a big sister to Mac and Paisley, and she's such a big helper. M and P adore Lilly. The feeling is pretty mutual. Smile.

Please lift up our family in your prayers as we enter this new phase in our lives. I am not able to do this alone- I am surrounded by His Grace to guide me when I feel overwhelmed and anxious. 

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

To Lilly,

Thank you for choosing to love us. Thank you for wanting to be a part of our family in Chattanooga. Jordan said that moving you into our home was 'like the day we brought Mac and Paisley home.' You are so much a part of us, and we are blessed to have you every day.

Studio D Spring Photos

I am so in love with the pictures we got of Mac and Paisley in April. Our friends at Studio D are great at capturing Mac and Paisley's personalities on camera. We love the great talent in Jessica and Leslie! They love on our kiddos, and Mac and Paisley trust them. Look at these sweet pictures!

We started out at a park and then went to the studio. Jess and Leslie have such cool props! I am in love with this chair!

Paisley and Mac's outfits in the top pictures made outside are by Becca at Laughing Bee. Paisley's bows are by Fairy Flowers and Bows. Kim does great custom head bands for Paisley. 

We are blessed by such talented friends! 

-ashley

My 10 Month Olds

How can this be??? I mean last week you turned 6 months, then 9 months, and just the week before that you were born. I realize I say 'I can't believe it' or 'This has gone by too fast,' but I reserve that right. Every month when I sit down to write about the month that has passed, I get emotional. My sweet babies, we prayed and prayed for you, and you're here. Now you're 2 months shy of... wait... excuse me for a second while I wipe my eyes... ONE YEAR. I can pretty much confirm that I will always be your 'mama' and you my babies. Oh my sweets. 

 Mac,

You still fold into me when I hold you. I hope you will always be my cuddle bug. Your cuddles melt my heart, and I long for you in my arms when we've been apart. You still observe everything around you, and you're hesitant to interact with your environment. Once you develop trust in someone, the smiles and giggles are unending. 

This month those teeth are being stubborn. I can see them under your gums, but they haven't come through yet. You love water and drinking from water bottles. When you're excited, your arms go out and you move your little hands. Several pictures are blurry where your arms and/or hands are. It's so cute. 

We can say an official 'good bye' to 9 month and most 9-12 month clothes... more tangible evidence of your growth. 

You're starting to scoot around as you watch Paisley crawl 90 miles a minute. I promise your personality is why you've waited to start moving. You're content watching someone play in front of you whereas Paisley was determined to get to the person and take their toy. 

You growl... like Cookie Monster. We know it means you're hungry or unhappy or just being silly.

Dada tried to get me to take your paci away last week, but we decided you're too young, sweet boy. You are so easy going- I can't take away one of the few things you want. 

Those legs are starting to thin out from your growth. I kind of wish they'd stay wrinkly longer. 

I love you, Mac Man, my sweet boy. 

                                                                 *    *    *

Paisley Grace,

Sister, you are on.the.move! You get so giddy when you're quickly crawling somewhere. I hear you breathing heavy as you crawl to the stainless steel trash can because of your reflection. I have had to put safety measures around the house because of your curiosity. You're quick to put things in your mouth: from band aids and plant leaves to what was wrapped in a diaper. Yuck. Again, you're quick. I'm already on my toes because of you, my girl. 

You've starting pulling up this month (we had to lower your crib mattress), and now you're starting to hold on with only one hand. Please don't start walking just yet. Mama isn't ready... Although I don't know if I'll ever be... 

Sometimes you crawl on your hands and feet in the 'downward dog' yoga position. 

You're aggressive with your brother. Several times a day I hear Mac fussing and find you laying on top of him. He's trapped, and you think it's funny because you giggle using your 'social laugh'. I'll have to record that laugh one of these days.

You've started being okay with cinnamon since I put it in your oatmeal. You and Mac make liars out of me because one day you'll love a food and the next you won't let it touch your tongue. 

This road with your spunky personality is enjoyable, and I am excited to see where you take us, PGA. 

The pictures below barely happened with the blocks. Holding your own blocks didn't keep you from wanting the blocks in front. Paisley's mobility made for an exciting time trying to distract you two.

I will post the traditional 10 month pictures later as well as our Studio D Springtime pics!!

-ashley

"She's off her rocker"

Yep, that was me yesterday: "off my rocker" for sure. I totally laugh at myself when this stuff happens.

I was standing in line {in public} and noticed I actually left the house like this--

Woah. For real.

Later we took Mac and Paisley for their lab work, and I waited for the elevator while Jordan changed Paisley's diaper at the car. I pushed the button... and waited... and pushed the button again... It was weird that it wasn't lighting up, but I was patient anyway. Then I saw this sign right in front of me:

Two for two... then we got this fun picture of Mac, Lilly and me while waiting for Jordan and Paisley to do the paperwork drill. {We know it well by now.}

Before the needles came out :o(

And it was downhill from here. Poor babies. I hope we can figure out these abnormal labs so these trips to the children's hospital will be in our rear view mirror. 

Happy Monday, y'all!

-ashley

Father's Day Weekend 2012

We had a great weekend! It was filled with family, food, running, and other favorites. I am better at taking pictures for keepsake since I post them. I value having pictures for our memories.

These pictures start with last Wednesday evening at our small group Bocce Ball game. Each family had a picnic dinner in the park.

Since I've been on the high chair search, our friends Rachael and Jimmy let us borrow their seat. So here's our current set up. Having two babies hungry at the same time sends me into a frenzy. It hits all of a sudden, and now I can feed both without having to hold one and seat one in the high chair. Thanks, Rachael!

Friday we went to Murfreesboro and had our own Allen reunion with Jordan's parents (Mimi and Geep) and Uncle Kyle, Aunt Courtney, Paxton, Caitlin and Blake. Slumber party!! It was so sweet to see how much Mac and Paisley are loved by their cousins. I can't believe we are the ones with babies! Crazy!

Bath time with Caitlin and Dada. 

Before we left Saturday morning, Mac and Paisley were surrounded with cousins :o) Not really sure about Blake's pose here... goof.

 Jordan and Kyle ran the RC Cola Moonpie race at the Bell Buckle festival, and we were there to cheer them across the finish line.

 

While Jordan and Kyle waited to get post race foods, Courtney and I ate a biscuit at a local cafe. Then we shopped at the different tents set up. This is my treasure: fresh kettle corn popcorn. I love love love it!! 

 

Everyone left for Nashville after the race, and I took Mac and Paisley to visit my cousin who was in town for the day. Leave it to my family to act so goofy and put a whipped topping container on my daughter's head...

 Look at this dog! It's a "medium" doxen, but he fits in a pocket right now. So sweet.

Sunday, Father's Day, we spent the morning in Nashville and headed home that afternoon. We stopped to visit with Nana and then Geep on our way out of town. 

I got stung by a stinking wasp. Jerk. The picture is of my "wound" and the rolled tobacco I used to make it stop hurting. I think it's a myth because it still hurt afterward. 

Don't judge me by my nice tan, folks. Ha!

Resting in the car. Mac got excited when he saw my phone. Big shock.

 Dinner for Father's Day!! Mac was busy eating his bread.

Happy Father's Day to my own dad! 

>>Insert a long overdue recent picture!<<

Happy Father's Day to you, Jordan! Thank you for being the wonderful, amazing Dad that you are to our kiddos :o) We are beyond blessed by you. 

-ashley