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.