Grateful

As I put Naomi to bed tonight and turned out the lights, a huge sense of gratitude fell over me for what the good Lord has given us in this life we share.  We are so very blessed to have this beautiful light in our lives - one who keeps us laughing and keeps us on our toes - teaching us new things about love, parenting, and what being a family is all about on a daily basis.  

opening an early birthday present from Gramama and Papa

This Mother's Day, we will be celebrating the birth of the most precious child, our sweet Naomi Garner.  I am constantly reminded of the blessings we've been bestowed with each and every day - just being her mother and being able to spend precious time with her as a full-time mama are privileges I cherish more than anything - but tonight, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of warmth, love, and gratitude on a much larger scale than ever before.  

Naomi is turning two tomorrow, and as I reflect on the past two years, they have been the best years of my life, and I know Andrew would say the same.  Naomi has grown so much in the past two years, and it's inspiring to watch her discover the beauty and splendor of the world around her.  Everything is still so new and so big and exciting for her, and we are excited to see what two will bring.  New places, new faces, and new skills to take along with her on her walk through this wonderful life.

What could it be?!

testing out her new patio furniture inside due to the rain

Gramama's so thoughtful. Flowers for the centerpiece.

She's tickled by her new playset! She feels so grown up, and we ate breakfast, lunch, and snacks there too.

"Naomi, how old are you going to be?" "TWO!" ..still working on the fingers! haha

In the next few days, we will not only be celebrating our daughter turning two, but we will be spending time just the three of us on outings that we know she will enjoy.  It will only be a family of three for a little while longer, and we want her to know how truly blessed we feel for her to call us Mama and Deddy. 

remind me again of life before Naomi? Nah. Forget it.  I can't even imagine! :)

Naomi's First Haircut

This past Monday, I caved in and finally scheduled Naomi to have her first ever haircut - just 4 days shy of her second birthday.  KK, a good friend's mama, set it up in her home - perfect since Naomi is familiar with her home and absolutely loves KK and her Aunt Sheppie.  KK sat her up on an overturned pot on a dining room chair and got to cuttin'. Naomi did so well and even got to take the sea animal cape home (along with a few locks for my baby book). 

before.

Naomi's got the cutest little bob now. It's best to keep it short until it thickens up a bit.  I was a little sad to see the curls go, but I'm so delighted that my baby is starting to look like the big girl that she is.  If you don't believe me, just ask her. "Naomi, how big are you?" "Sooo big!!" with arms reaching to the sky. :)

discussing the new do with Auntie Sheppie

KK carefully placing her baby locks to the side for me :)

"look down at your toes"

hold still...

Aunt Sheppie spoiling her with a blowout.  She loved it!

finished product = happy girl and happy mama

perfect cut (especially since she won't accessorize with anything but hats these days)!

In Good Company

We feel so, so, so very blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people on a daily basis.  These remarkable people - friends and family that make our lives truly complete - provide us with countless wonderful memories that last lifetimes.  Our cups overflow, and we are forever grateful!

Uncle Alex joined us at the lake a couple of weeks ago.  Naomi now refers to him as "Uncle WaWa."  Wawa? Alex? Close enough! :)

soaking up family time with the ones I hold closest to my heart!

Last weekend, our beautiful & talented friend Shannon and her super sweet daughter, Lily, came to stay with us. Man, did we have fun, and we didn't want them to leave!  Shannon and Lily are exceptionally lovely people and inspire all around them to be the same  - beautiful from the inside out, and we among everyone else who knows them are truly blessed to have them in our lives. 

Shannon is a true talent behind the camera and was sweet enough to get some of the best photos of the youngins while they were here.

she also snapped a few candid shots of us too. Look how handsome Naomi's Deddy is, would you?  His smile is one of the best around!

Naomi and Mama

Cinco de Mayo fun with Uncle Jason and Miss Gina.

finished off our Cinco de Mayo fun at the pool. Naomi had too much fun - and now to think she will be TWO in less than a week!! Time sure does fly. :)