Embracing the Camera with Emily

I never saw the relevance of this until Owen entered the picture, now I understand the importance of capturing everyday moments with your children. Emily at The Anderson Crew hosts an "Embrace the Camera" weekly where you get in the photos with your family. You can read about it straight from her here.

Here we are trying out the moby for the first time.

As you can see, the jury is still out.

It's a Small, Small World

This weekend was Owen's first time at church and he did FABULOUSLY! It was our global impact Sunday.

Last year it was this service that sealed my fate with the mission trip to Africa. It's amazing how so much can change in a year. This year, listening to the service I began to tear up -- what's new, right? J leaned over and whispered that he knew I'd go to Africa one year, he just knew it. I looked at him, tears spilling down my cheeks and explained that although in June when I made the decision to go I was upset about it, my heart had changed yet again and my tears were for other reasons.

One of my favorite songs has a line that goes, "Break my heart for what breaks Yours." I've always had a heart for animal rights/safety and for adoption but becoming a mother has changed my heart again.

How blessed am I that we have health insurance? That we live in the US where we have safe and clean water? That I have heat for my home? That I have plenty of blankets and clothing for my child? That I have plenty of safe and clean fruits and vegetables to eat so that my milk will be the best for my son?

My heart breaks for the mothers who don't have those luxuries. Can you imagine that? Something as simple as no water or blankets to take care of your child's basic needs? No basic nutrition? My heart just aches for the mothers that want to have these things but simply because of the location or circumstance of where they live. How am I so lucky? So blessed?

For Christmas last year, J and I donated a newborn package through World Vision. I know that I can't do a lot but I know it meant a lot to that mother. The newborn package provided blankets, towels and clean water to a new mother. It is just hard to fathom that our world seems so small at times and yet there are still people without basic human needs being met.

It's amazing how motherhood has changed my frame of mind already. He is my small world.

My Loves

I am still in amazement that God gave me these two men to love.

I am so blessed.

Small Projects

Right now, small projects are all I can manage around this house. We have plates up in the dining room for decor. I like them but from afar you can't see the pattern because the colors are so close together.

See what I mean? Not enough color variation.

When I was at Target the other day, I saw these colorful, patterned plates that would look fabulous for an update in the dining room.  I'm leaning toward getting the turquoise ones... I like the square shape and the color that will tie into the colors of the globes in the room. I may opt for two and two but I'm not sure.

Thank goodness for quick and easy returns. Which ones do you like? I'm hoping to work on this sometime this week.

And just because he is the cutest thing ever...

Another day, another picture!

Here's another cute one of our guy.

Sorry if I'm overwhelming you with cuteness, but seriously, right now this is all my days consist of.

Did everyone have a fun Valentine's Day? We went out to lunch and cooked our traditional V-Day dinner -- the Papa Murphy's heart shaped pizza -- for our celebration.

Our New Love!

Be Mine

My loves this Valentine's Day are so lovable.

"We love because he first loved us"
1 John 4:19

Whoa, Nesting!

This is the post I had nearly ready for Wednesday, January 25th. Little did I know I'd be in the hospital having a baby instead!

Remember the downstairs office area?

I finally got around to labeling all of the boxes, baskets and bins. Now there is no excuse for someone not to know where something is!

Lovely, yes? I think so.

Here's our loaded up cradle at the ready for baby.

Here is what the bathroom shelf ended up looking like.. who knows how long it'll stay that way.

And the bathroom sink...

Here's our new bedspread, too. We love it.

And our bag and boppy at the ready!

As you can see, I was way into nesting right before I got induced! Who knew this post would sit for 2 weeks but nonetheless here it is!

The love of my life.

My son has stolen my heart. I just can't get enough of him. Sorry for my lack of posting... we've been getting adjusted to life with our little guy. 

I'm hoping to get back to normal posting soon, but for now enjoy this picture of my favorite fellow!

Owen is here!