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

Forever a Student

This post is a reflection of my heart today...

Life is about learning, and I continue to be a student every day. I learn to prioritize my time, handle grocery shopping, keeping a house (a constant struggle with two nuggets crawling around), which clothes should have been washed in cold water, that second helping of cereal wasn't worth it, and so on and so forth. Some lessons are important, some are trivial. 

Parenting.. ahhhh, parenting. I will admit- I was one of those childless people who claimed to know children and 'how to parent'. My friend Mary and I even joked sometimes that we could write a parenting book though neither of us were parents. I mean, I have a degree in working with children, she's a nurse, and we both grew up babysitting lots of kids. Boy was I wrong! This is a lesson I learn everyday: how clueless I was (and still am!)

Babies, kids they don't come with a manual. It's tough. My easy peasy toaster came with instructions, but kids-- yeah right, no way. I remember being so intimidated by Mac and Paisley when we first brought them home. I cried when my mom left because I was so afraid of being here- solo- with two newborns. Well, they're almost 10 months old, and while I haven't even begun to scratch the surface on being a parent, they have taught me so much! 

Becoming a mother has taught me how little I really knew before Mac and Paisley. I could profess my knowledge all day long, but until I've walked this journey, claiming to know or advise better than my peers is quite silly (and immature on my part). Whether the lesson is about developing a routine, how to dress, even discipline, I have learned to trust those who walk in their own shoes. With eyes on Him, I am humbled by my own unworthiness (of Him, Jesus, even Mac and Paisley).

I was on the outside before, and while I'm still on the outside of others' lives, I'm on the inside of a parental role. I have been blessed to have some amazing women parent alongside me. Women whom I can ask advice or suggestions about anything, and I value their insight. Most have been a parent longer than me, and I respect the experience they have.

Let's pick each other up by our bootstraps, and let's do this! It is my prayer that God's wisdom and grace continue to surround my friends and me as we embark on this incredible journey.

My heart is changed since having Mac and Paisley. I have more compassion for others, and I understand people (especially mothers) better. God has used M and P to enhance my relationship with Him, though He plants seeds everywhere.

If Mac and Paisley have taught me anything, it's how little I really know. I embrace the loving arms of the Heavenly Father who desires to teach me- even through infants. :o)

 Love!
-ashley

All In a Weekend's Work

Yesterday and today were project driven. Jordan's parents gave us one of their old bedroom suits when we first got married, and it has been in our guest bedroom ever since. I was ready for a change, and I was willing to buy new furniture. I started looking around and realized I didn't want to spend the mulah on guest bedroom furniture. So I turned to a huge inspiration: HGTV! I have seen people paint furniture, and it looks really good... I lacked confidence.

My mom is a DIY person, and she encouraged me to make the furniture exactly what I wanted. So she and my dad visited this weekend, and we took on the project! Now it's finished, and I love love love it!!! And I'm so proud of our hard work at a fraction of the cost!

We sanded the finish off the chest, dresser and night stand.

Then we painted, sanded, painted, sanded, and painted a third coat. After the third coat of paint dried, we sanded the edges and dry brushed on a glaze.

We painted the dresser white and the chest a robin's egg blue. The original drawer pulls were spray painted a satin white. We didn't have all of the original knobs so I bought {my new favorite}glass knobs :o)

Between the layers of paint drying, my dad and Jordan worked in our flower beds, and my mom, Lilly and I played with Mac and Paisley.

 Last night Jordan and I went to Dan and Shannon's wedding! We actually didn't make it to the wedding because we were putting Mac and Paisley to bed, but we had a blast at the reception! 

 Here I am with two of my dearest friends, Jill and Ellie.

They had a photo booth with tons of props at the reception. It. was. hilarious! Between Jordan, me, Jack, Jill and Mike (Ellie had left to take Levi and Izzy home), we have almost a photo album of hysterical pictures! What. a. blast!!

This morning we started on the furniture again. I was so ready to have it complete, and we were sore from all day in the sun yesterday. We waddled our way around and got started on our project. The dresser was ready except for the drawer handles and pulls. I went to Home Depot early this morning to get new pulls and the blue paint. 

We painted the chest, distressed the drawers and the chest, and finished up. 

Here's our finished pieces!!!!!

Thank you, Mama and Dad {Nana and Paw Paw} for spending the weekend with us and literally working your butts off! On top of it all, Jordan and I got a date night! Thank you, thank you!! 

This afternoon Paisley crawled to a toy, pulled up, and played! My big girl is getting so big! She was chuckling at herself :o) She was practicing sitting and standing, and of course I got her picture while she was starting to sit.

 That's our weekend wrap up! I hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!