Monday, July 7, 2014

Dearest Keeley,

Today is a very special day.  One year ago today, God gave you to our family.  We knew right away that you were (and are) someone very special - from your first moments, you had a sweet and laid back temperament.

Your dad and I love you so much and have been honored this past year to get to know you - to start to see your personality come out more and more each day...to watch you grow into a little person, and to enjoy spending each day with you.  You are a blessing to everyone who knows you (believe me...they tell us ALL OF THE TIME).

You are a lovely little girl, with the unique balance of loving headbands and necklaces to kind of being a little bruiser.  Honestly, I worry a heck of a lot more about you than your sister, because you are so curious and carefree, that you have no problem diving down the stairs or finding the ONE THING in any given space that wouldn't be appropriate for a baby to get into...to get into.  But, I love that about you.  You are fearless.

You're calculated and efficient - very systematic, and clearly very smart.  And while you're not a cuddler, you are affectionate to those whom you love - showing your affection with kisses, smiles, and excitement at their very presence.  And yes, you are going to be quite the percussionist one day.

Honestly, I'm convicted at times that I am neglectful of you because you don't demand attention.  You are content and laid back, independent and at times stubborn.  You are compliant and learn quickly, fully of curiosity and silliness.


From your first day, we have said over and over that you are just a sweetheart, because you are.  You have a sweet spirit and are literally a joy to be around.  We love you and look forward to many, many more birthdays.  Many more years of getting to know and love you.

Happy Birthday, Baby.

I love you to the moon and back,
-Mama




Sunday, July 6, 2014

Catching Up

Well, it's been a while since I've written.

Honestly, this past year and a half has been so full and at times overwhelming, that I haven't felt the bandwidth or freedom to write.  Over these past years, I've been ridiculously inconsistent, which I hate.  But unfortunately, at times I don't think there's much to share.  At times, I don't have the time...and at times, I hesitate to share what's actually going on in our lives as there have been many ups and downs.  And that's okay.
But it's time to get back to it.  Even to just to leave a record and legacy for our girls.


So, here's what you may have missed:

1. We had a baby.  A while ago.  She's really cute - Keeley.  Also, she's the sweetest thing EVER.  We love her.

2. Rob changed careers!  After several months of being between jobs, Rob found a job a year ago at a wonderful little IT company, for which we are incredibly thankful.

3. Work is good.  There's always something to do and if I wait a little while, there's always an event to plan.  So that's pretty great.

4. Keira is growing up like crazy.  She's now 3 going on 30.  She talks nonstop, is creative, emotional, and stubborn.  Fortunately, she's also caring and thoughtful to others, really (really, really) smart, gentle, and affectionate.

5. We have basked in the the overwhelming intimacy, generosity, and personal nature of God our provider.  Both in the seemingly small, insignificant details of our lives to every major step along the way, God has lovingly planned for every detail of our lives to be orchestrated to point to His provision and care of us.  In the midst of these ups and downs in our lives, in fear and anxiety, in the face of the unknown, God has mercifully reminded us time and again that He is consistent, faithful, and loving.  It's been a blessed time, watching God move in and around us.


I'm sure there's more.  But, I'll stop here for now and throw up some pictures so you can see how stinkin' cute these kids are and just get the tiniest bit jealous of our awesome family.