mother

moth*er (noun): a female parent

Really, Webster?? That's all you can come up with for an amazing woman that means so much to so many people. Well, actually, I kind of understand. It's hard to define all the things that a mother is in a short description. Your first breath took hers away. Your every need/want/desire is put above anything she could ever need/want/desire for herself. You will always be her baby. These are just a few definitions that pop into my head. I think Solomon did a better job describing a mother/wife in Proverbs 31. Read verses 10-31. Maybe Webster should rethink his definition. Thank you to all the mothers who have shaped me into the woman I am today, especially my mom for her constant support and unconditional love. 

So glad Bethany could be home to celebrate with us

Last year on Mother's Day, we shared the exciting news of this precious miracle with our families. 

Blessed beyond words by these two

Thank you God for allowing me to be this girl's mother. May everything I do lead her to you and may you get the praise. 

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." 

Proverbs 31:31

beach

At the end of April, Miriam went on her first trip to the beach. She did great in the car, and we only had to stop twice on the way there and twice on the way home. (I call that a win!) Even though it rained the majority of the trip, we still had fun. Craig's entire family went, which provided lots of extra hands to love on, hold, and play with little M. She didn't mind all the attention! We look forward to more memories at the beach house. Thanks Meme & Papa for a wonderful trip!

M's first day at the beach

Flying just out of daddy's reach.

Relaxing in the tent with Carter was fun 

as well as playing in the pool in the hot sun.

Some nights we stayed in to eat.

Other times Gentry pushed me down the street.

We smiled and dressed pretty for pictures a ton.

Mommy's hair is crazy from the wind, but it's still a favorite one.

Daddy did great capturing my smile.

He always goes the extra mile.

You know me. I'm always talking Craig into another photo shoot of our precious, baby girl. One morning we got up early...oh wait, M just woke us up and off to the beach we went. Enjoy some of our favorites of our beach beauty.

But you promised me, "I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore-too many to count." Genesis 32:12

four

Four Months Old

Miriam is blessed to have four special grandparents in her life that love her so much! These four people prayed for her for years, walked with us through heartbreak and disappointment while we waited, cried when they learned our exciting news, and now spoil her every chance they get. We wouldn't have it any other way! We are thankful for their constant support,  their generous hearts, their godly examples, and their eagerness to baby-sit. We love you Gran, Granddaddy, Meme, and Papa!

Easter Sunday with Gran & Granddaddy

Celebrating Papa's birthday

At four months, you...

weigh 14 pounds & 1 ounce

measure 25 5/8 inches long

roll from your tummy to your back

love playing in your exersaucer

sleep 10 hours at night (most of the time)

drool and chew on things, teething has begun

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

remembering

Meet my Grandma

Lois Elsie Clemmons Butler

Today would have been her 89th birthday. I miss her today. Well, let's be honest, I miss her every day. For almost thirty years, she was always there. She hosted tea parties for me and my friends when I was young. She attended all of my school programs and athletic events no matter the weather or time. I think that's what I miss most. Her presence. I wanted her to be there when my sweet Miriam was born. I wanted her to be at my house this Christmas when all of us were together for the first time in over a year. Selfishly, I wanted her to always be there just like she always had been. 

She was more than a Grandma. She taught me so much. She spent many hours in her basement showing me how to use the sewing machine, how to cut patterns, and how to sew. I know it had to be frustrating, but she never showed it. I remember sitting on her couch upstairs while she taught me how to crochet. That took even more patience on her part, but she enjoyed passing on her skills to me. My favorite recipes belong to her, and I loved watching her cook. It was hard to get the recipe out of her because she wasn't quite sure how much went into those famous dishes. I guess that's why my dishes don't turn out just like hers. She taught me how to be a big sister, not through words, but through her actions. Actually, her life taught me so much. Her simple, quiet way of living spoke volumes. 

Thanks Grandma for teaching me so much. Thanks for always being there. More than anything, thank you for being more than a Grandma and for playing such an important role in shaping me into the person I am today. I love you!

Her family was everything to her.

She was always ready for an adventure and loved going anywhere we would take her. This is from our family trip to Destin. Yes, six of us crammed into Luke's car. Fun times!

"Her children rise up and call her blessed."

Proverbs 31:28

three

Three Months Old

You experienced three specials "firsts" this month

1. Your first trip to a restaurant. We met some special friends (James, Elizabeth, Andrew, Brandon, Meaghan, Madelyn, Heather, and Maddie) for dinner at Satco for your first official restaurant outing. It was only fitting that we went to Satco. Mommy and Daddy love Satco, and it was the meal we had on the night you were born. You were a perfect angel and slept the majority of the time. 

2. Your first trip to church. We are blessed to be part of the family at Ethos, and we were so excited to take you for your first Sunday. Once again, you were an angel baby in a large group setting. We look forward to you growing up with this special church family.

3. Your first trip to Florence. We met Gran and Granddaddy one Wednesday afternoon in Columbia and spent a few days with them before Daddy joined us on the weekend. You met some of our extended family, some of Mommy's best friends (Melissa, Molly, Elizabeth, Codi, & Libby), and lots of friends at Stony Point who oohed and awed over you. 

  

At three months, you...

weigh 13 pounds

measure 24 inches

love bright lights

like sucking on your hands

kick & grab the toys on your play mat

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21

two

Two Months Old

Two beautiful, big eyes that watch us closely. Two active feet that are constantly moving. Two small hands learning to grip toys and mommy's hair. Two months that have changed our lives for the better. Two parents who couldn't be more thankful for this precious blessing. 

At two months, you...

weigh 11 pounds & 10 ounces

measure 22 7/8 inches long

smile & giggle at mommy & daddy

love time on your play mat

lift your head with great control

sleep 6-7 hours at night 

"for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is His name."

Luke 1:49

welcome

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3

Welcome to the world, Carter Truman! On February 3, we became aunt & uncle for the fourth time, and we couldn't be more excited. Once again Charlie and Ashley decided to be surprised so we did not know what this little blessing would be. Craig and I were convinced it would be a little girl, but now Miriam has a girl cousin 4 months older than her and a boy cousin 7 weeks younger. (She's thrilled, by the way!) Gentry told us the news when we arrived at the hospital. As you can tell by the pictures, he is on cloud nine! He has been so sweet with Miriam. He always wants to hold her and gives her lots of sweet kisses. He talks to her and pats her when she's upset. I know he will be a great big brother, too! Carter, you are a precious gift, and we love you so much!!

My BFF with his new baby brother

Gentry was so proud to hold both of them.