Changed Much?!?

Last week I got out some of the newborn outfits Anna wore when we first brought her home.  Looking back at those pictures it looks like she had plenty of room to grow...but now...wow, she's busting out of them.

(and speaking of busting out - we are going to have to go up to the next size diapers - let's just say I've been using A LOT of spray 'n wash lately) #explosions

Bittersweet...she's growing and changing so much.  It's been so fun to interact with her - batting at toys and smiling back and cooing now - just makes me realize those newbie days are a memory. So glad for pictures!!

Here, see for yourself...

My Boys!

...Because I'm to cheap to pay $60 for school pictures...

I made the boys stand by our fence before they left for school...yes, on picture day.  BUT I don't think they turned out to bad :)

New School Year!!

I can hardly believe I have a 4th and 2nd grader!!  They are getting so grown up. I remember thinking how BIG and grown Trent was when he went into 2nd grade and now - with Drew - I just think he seems so young still.  It's a little weird for me to have a 4th grader...I remember sitting at my desk (as a 4th grade teacher), having deep conversations, answering some hard questions, learning, laughing, cheering on, but still reading to :) some pretty amazing kids.  I would dream about what MY life would be like when my own kids were that age.  NOW it's here and it's a bit surreal :)  Excited to see my boys continue to learn, grow, mature, and become good friends and leaders and athletes...but most importantly have a heart that desires God and His Word.

So, here's to another year...can't wait to see what's in store!

The Great

We had the chance to see my grandpa and step-grandma at the beginning of August.  They were visiting Ohio from Florida and so I took the kids on a short trek to meet up with them. He hadn't seen Annalise yet - and after all our losses and g-pa and g-ma's many prayers...it was an emotional introduction! This makes the 7th living great grandchild for them :)

2 months!

Can you tell she has grown just over 2 lbs and an inch in length?!? Annalise is beginning to coo and follows us with her eyes. She loves being talked to and we've discovered she has dimples when she smiles!! So cute.

I did a little photo shoot the evening before we left for vacation. I've seen some simple, yet beautiful pictures (yes, most likely on pinterest) of a newborn on a bed and so this was my humble attempt to capture OUR personal memories of places and spaces and sizes :)

One Month!

Can't believe it's been a month already! Time has flown and we are trying to take in every minute. We really understand the value of time after the last 6 or so years and 3 losses and I'm trying not to be too sad as we begin hitting new milestones.  We just love this girl to pieces. We are excited she is growing and thriving...just know this newborn phase is so short!

Emotionally we are doing well. Annalise is healing the hole in my heart that I never thought possible this side of heaven.  She will never replace Noah, Joanna, or Emilie. However, she has brought us some pure joy...you know that comes naturally without effort (the can't wipe the smile off my face kind), not the kind you have to choose and work at through the grief (cause that is real too)! I know the emotions will come as we hit milestones with Anna we missed out on with the other 3...but I know His grace will continue to meet us in those moments. We've actually caught ourselves more than once calling Anna, Emilie. This can throw me for a crazy, sad, teary loop...but in some ways I'm grateful for the tangible reminder and opportunity to choose to give Thanks in every circumstance! I'm working on it...

I took some pics outside yesterday :) It wasn't so hot and the natural light was nice. Although it was a bit tricky holding up the big golf umbrella (to avoid the shadows) and snapping the shutter at the same time!

So here are a few attempts from yesterday along with some photoshop fun today:)

Our Baby Girl!!

I thought I'd start something fun for me our family to look back and see how Anna has grown. I know she will change so fast! I wish time would slow down. I'll just do my best to soak in each day, each month, each stage.

Although I did a scrapbook for each of her brothers first year, I don't know if I'll be able to do that, so this is my feeble attempt at doing something creative for her. Each pic will keep track of her weight and height and then I add a couple words or phrases to describe her. Sound like fun? Ok, watch her grow with us...