Fall Leaves

It was so fun letting Everett play in the leaves. We pass some really beautiful homes on our walk each morning and I just couldn't pass up this one that had the most amazing trees with leaves to play in. Sometimes I get pretty bummed out that we don't have a yard for Everett to play in every day. He loves the outdoors so much. It was a perfect moment watching him play in the leaves. We had so much fun we stopped again the next day.

Family Pictures

Where to even begin this post. Right now I am sitting on the couch listening to church hymns, smelling a delicious pot roast in the crock pot, and the Christmas tree is lit. Stephen is still at church. He is teaching today and Everett couldn't last all three hours so I took him home early to take a nap. It is cold but sunny outside. Not all of the leaves have fallen yet so the trees outside our window still look beautiful. The birds are enjoying their food outside but they are running out and I keep forgetting to buy more seeds for them. It is one of the first chilly days we have had this fall. I feel so peaceful sitting here typing. We had a nice slow and relaxing morning. Stephen got Everett out of bed and I could hear them in the next room reading stories and playing. Everett loves Stephen so much. They have such a special bond and Stephen is so good with him. Whenever I watch them play together I can't help but get a little jealous that parenting comes so easy for Stephen. He teaches Everett something new everyday without even realizing that he's doing it. He is such an amazing father and I don't tell him enough.

We decided to have these family pictures taken at Morgan Falls Park where we spend most of our afternoons. I love getting family pictures taken. I stress to much about what to wear for them and I stress to much during them. But I love them so much afterwards. This session in particular I will cherish forever. A picture to me tells a story. This session is telling me an incredible story. The expressions in each photo tell a little more about what our lives are like right now. This season of life is hard. We are busy and exhausted. We are also happy and feel so complete. We have struggles just like everyone else. Stephen and I have a beautiful marriage and are raising our perfect little boy the best we know how. I have such faith in the future and know that it is going to continue treating us well. These pictures were taken while we were both 28 years old. Everett was just a couple weeks away from being 18 months. We've been living in Atlanta for a year and a half. Our medical school journey is almost done. Soon we will be starting a new chapter of our lives. No matter the struggles that will come our way we will continue to have courage and be kind. Life is going to keep moving forward. I hope to make the most of it and live as happily as I can.

Everett: 18 Months

18 month check up: Height 2'9" at 75%. Weight 23lbs 10oz at 50%.

16 month favorites:
Started giving us kisses. Open mouth super wet kisses but still so sweet.
Pointing to things.
Started using the sign for more and thirsty.
Uses a fork sometimes to eat.
Loves to pee in the tub and also sometimes outside of it onto the floor.

17 month favorites:
Wiping your nose on our hands when we are holding hands.
You got your own broom and love sweeping the house.

18 month favorites:
It is adorable how you bring books over and sit in our lap to read them.
Your favorite book is your green truck book.
Every time you see a construction truck or car you get so excited. We have visited a few construction sites and just love watching them work.
The funniest thing ever was when grandma and I walked in the door and dad had you tied up in bungee cords from head to toe.
It literally melted my heart a little to see that you put two tiny books and your baby pumpkin in your bike basket.
You've started pretend playing with your dump trucks and cars.
I will always give you kisses when you're drinking anything because you are so sweet.
You love your stuffed dog and like to pretend give him a drink.
Just like your dad you both have one squinty eye and it is my favorite.
Any time you see a dog you get so dang excited.
You are officially in nursery at church.

Everett you make my soul so happy. I can't believe how smart you are even if you haven't started talking yet. You love to help with any and all chores around the house. You are very independent and at the same time starting to get pretty shy around other people. Being your mother has caused me more stress and hurt than I like to admit. You have taught me so much about patience and love. Sometimes I don't think I will be able to contain all of my love for you anymore. You make our little family complete. Thank you for being our perfect sweet boy. We wouldn't want life any other way.