Makes My Heart Happy

Our first photo shoot with Lainey and Coop. I look at these several times a day and can't help but smile. It is something wonderful to see your kiddos start to love each other. Thank you God for letting me be their mom.

For This Child I Prayed...

and the Lord has heard my cry. Blessed be the name of the Lord! 1 Samuel 1:27

Almost exactly this time last year I was asking the Lord to bless us with another baby. I was learning in my Bible study about boldly going before His throne and making our requests as we are constantly checking our hearts to make sure our motives are right. I remember the day last September that I cried out to the Lord and asked that He would grow our family. My doctor told me it was unlikely that we would get pregnant without medical intervention. We were about to begin the first step in that process when I found out that little Cooper was on his way. What an amazing moment! One of my favorite Bible study teachers, Beth Moore, describes moments when you stop wondering if God is real and you just know without a doubt that He is. This was one of those moments for me. This baby boy I hold in my arms is a gift from above. Such a precious gift. Last week, we had his baby dedication at our church. I treasured the moments as Jamie and I promised to be parents that would teach Cooper about his Creator that loves him so much. My heart is full of gratitude that the Lord has entrusted this sweet boy to Jamie and I. What a gift.

Cooper James 3 1/2 months old

With our pastor, Dr. Doug Munton

First Baptist Church, O'Fallon, IL

A Nearly Perfect Day

This was one of those days that make you love life. An apple orchard, a perfect 78 degrees, pumpkins, a hay ride, my husband, and 2 happy kiddos...pretty close to my idea of perfect.

Once again Jamie's height comes in handy. There were some great apples near the tops of the trees where no one else could reach. But the apple picking duo of Lainey on Daddy's shoulders found some great success!

Cooper was intrigued by the whole process, and loved his afternoon in the baby Bjourn.

Looking for the perfect tree to pick from.

Lainey loved this one that was "just her size" and promptly started eating.

Taking in the moments.

What we've been up to

Wow, do I love these three people! My life seems to be all about the two littlest these days. Wishing for a little more time with the big guy, but thankful for the moments we have. People have asked me how the transition from one to two has been and all I can say is that life is just a little busier than before. I must say though that I feel such joy with our little family. Something about adding another child makes it feel more like a family. So even though the messes are bigger, the laundry is more and the hours are fewer, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

One happy momma Lainey's first day of pre-school at Creation Corner. This picture was just as I was about to leave. Looking a little uncertain, but very brave.

Daddy and Lainey before the big day

My sweet girl

Can someone please tell me where little girls learn to pose like this? I promise she has never seen me do this and yet she strikes a pose in most of her pictures!

Cooper and his 10 week photo shoot

Fun Time with Family

Cooper 10 weeks old

One of the great things about having a new baby is that we get extra time with family because they all want to see this smiley guy (and who can blame them because he is the cutest thing...in my completely unbiased opinion!) We have enjoyed some wonderful time with family this summer and have lots of pictures to show it. I will warn you that this post is a little picture heavy, but so many great memories that I just couldn't choose between them.

Bowling with Nana and Papa

Jamie and Aiden having some man bonding

Lainey, and one of her favorite playmates, Silas climbing all over Nana

More bowling fun

Me and my little sweetheart

My big sweetheart snuggling with Aiden

Cooper and Papa in their matching outfits

Visiting Grandma Donna

Nothing better than popsicles in the pool with cousins and Mawny

My amazing dad and Cooper

My nieces, Jules and Maddie who are growing up way too fast

Our annual photo shoot with the cousins

In order of their ages...Julianna age 5, Maddie age 4, Ava age 3, Lainey age 3, Isaiah almost 2, and Cooper is 3 weeks

Such beautiful little girls

And such goofy little girls

The best of friends

A Few Favorites

Cooper (7 weeks old in the picture) is the sweetest most joyful baby. He is laid back, snuggly, and so happy. I really can't get enough of his little smile. If you can't tell, I am a mom who is in love. He is loving his routine and is a great sleeper. His last feeding is around 11:30 pm and he sleeps until 7:00 am. It is amazing to get more than 4 hours of sleep at a time!

A family picture a few weeks ago. We took Lainey to see Story Time Live with all of her favorite characters. Dora, The Wonder Pets, and the Backyardigans...a pre-schooler's heaven! 4 weeks old...he's got his daddy's blue eyes.

Lainey, on her new bike, which was technically a bribe. My spunky little girl had been somewhat resistant to the potty training process. OK, if I am being honest, she had downright refused to sit on the potty! She had all the signs of readiness, but just wouldn't do it. About a month ago we had a break through and she is officially potty trained! After the first day of training, she's not had an accident. So her daddy (thrilled we would no longer be purchasing diapers for two) took her to pick out a big girl bike. Sounds extreme I know...but this girl needed some extreme motivation!

My sweet sweet boy