for you

to our dearest, most precious girl,

you are six months old!  we love you more now than ever before.  you have us constantly laughing and most of our conversation is centered on how cute you are.

you've grown so much and learned so many things.  you are tough and persistent and you're constantly trying something new.  you squiggle and wiggle and you're always on the go.  you are full of smiles and you chatter all day.  you're favorite thing to do is laugh.  you'll laugh for hours if we keep doing the silly things you love so much.

you are such a treasure in our lives.  we are so grateful to have you in our family.

we love you, little e.

love,

mom and dad

*all accessories were homemade by myself.  all photos are straight out of the camera.  our little girl is just that cute.
*the idea for the pumpkin pictures came from my sister's suitcase

splish splash

Little e loves her bath time.  She loves hanging out with dad while she has his complete attention.  Though she won't splash in the water.  Even in the bath she keeps her hands near her head.  But she's so snuggly when all is said and done.

here's a little e love

if the shoe fits

Little e loves hanging out with her aunts and uncles.  And apparently she loves shoes.

i'm not gonna break

Why is starting over so difficult?  

A wiser man than me taught, "All growth takes place outside of our comfort zone."  And I am certainly well outside my comfort zone.  But I don't know how much I'm really growing.

Perhaps I need to be patient with myself.  After all, these things take time.  I just feel like I'm starting over in every aspect of my life.  A new town.  A new ward.  A new house.  A new (old) body.  A new attempt at exercise.  A new little baby.  A new budget.  A new job.  Trying to make new friends.  And I'm not feeling as successful as I hoped I'd be.

I'm not trying to complain.  Most of the changes are for the best.  But it doesn't make them easier.

Here's to doing better than I have been, as I strive to find balance in my new life.  Here's to learning things all over again as our lives change.  And here's to growing amidst it all.

forget me not

I loved General Conference, but was most deeply touched by President Uchtdorf's message to the Relief Society.  He spoke beautifully of the forget-me-not flower and reminded us of the important truths we must never forget.


"If you consider success to be only the most perfect rose or dazzling orchid, you may miss some of life’s sweetest experiences."

"Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life."