Happy New Year!

Source: stylemepretty.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

{via}

I slept through ringing in the new year, just as I thought I would. We spent a low-key evening at home. It was definitely a change of pace for us, but it was welcomed immensely!

Another year is upon us, and it's sure to be a great one! Not that the past couple of years haven't been wonderful in their own ways; we are certainly blessed. But, I'm looking forward to bigger and better things for 2013. Our family will certainly be getting bigger and better this year with the addition of Baby #2 (and the last, we're pretty sure—99.9%, that is)! 

I'm not going to make resolutions this year. Who would I be kidding? I'll be lucky to make it out with my sanity in tact becoming a mother of two. I'm realistic, this mommy thing is in no way as easy as it can seem from the outside looking in. Totally worth it in every single way? Yes. Easy? No, not at all. I know adding another to the mix is going to be a challenge. So, I'm going to give myself a little grace and have a just few simple goals for myself. These include keeping/making God and my marriage a priority, being the best mommy I can, losing the baby weight, staying healthy and active, continuing to tackle the decorating of this house and making it our home, and not overextending myself. 

Cheers (with sparkling water this year) to 2013! Wishing you all health, happiness, and prosperity! 

Two and a Half

Oh, Branner! Where did the last six months go? How are we already halfway to three (three?!)? It seems like only the blink of an eye has passed since your first birthday party, but alas, it has really been a year and a half.

You are smart. You are feisty. You are silly. You are independent. You are also sweet. You are bold. You are funny. You are amusing. You are loving. You are everything to your daddy and I.

You still love the great outdoors. You love the beach and the ocean and boat rides. You love tractors and trucks and planes and trains and cars. You love to play and do puzzles and read books. You love school and learning. You love Bailey and Chloe. You love to go to the pool. You love to run and jump and march and play. You love Curious George and Nemo and Elmo. You love morning cuddles and nighttime prayers. You love us and all of your extended family members. You love tickles and hugs and kisses.

Sometimes you are whiny. Sometimes you disobey. Sometimes things aren't easy. But, that is life. Everything isn't always perfect. But, you, my sweet boy, are perfect to us.

You bring us joy and noise and laughter. You make us thankful and happy and alive. You make us better people. You help to give our lives purpose and meaning far greater than we could have imagined. 

You are destined for great things, I can feel it in my bones. 

Happy Half Birthday!!!

Amanda's Baby Shower

Saturday afternoon, Brittany and I drove to Albemarle for a baby shower for our longtime friend, Amanda Muse. We had a great time celebrating Amanda and baby Clyde and catching up with some of our best friends! The food was delicious (especially the cupcakes!), the company was amazing and Amanda and Clyde got tons of great goodies! I can't wait until Clyde makes his debut!!!

Blowing Rock Wedding Weekend

Branner's babysitters

Hanging out downtown

View from the deck

At "our" church

This past weekend, we packed our bags yet again and hit the road to Blowing Rock to attend the wedding of Jessica Croom and Trevor Watson. We stayed in a huge house close to town with the Andrews, Kimels, Pattersons, my parents and of course, Bailey. We hung out at the house while everyone was at the Rehearsal Dinner and after party Friday night and enjoyed some delicious a Mellow Mushroom pizza. I can't wait until the new MM opens in Myers Park! Saturday, we went into Blowing Rock for lunch at Six Pence Pub, a little shopping and a little walking around downtown. We were going to take Branner to swing at the park, but that will have to wait for our next trip because Branner was ready for a nap after the morning's activities. Branner had two babysitters who entertained him while we attended the wedding festivities Saturday evening. It was a special wedding to us because both the wedding and reception were held where we had our own wedding almost four years ago. We had (a little too much fun)! The bride was beautiful, the ceremony was great and the reception was a blast. It was so nice to see lots of familiar faces! We can't wait to take Branner back to the mountains this fall! He really seems to love it there!

Fourth of July

For the fourth of July weekend, we had big, important plans. We attended the wedding reception for Barry's brother, Chris, and his partner, Shawn, in Winchester, VA. We packed all of our stuff and Barry's other brother, Jason's, up and hit the road Friday morning. After driving all day, we arrived at Chris and Shawn's mountain house late that afternoon ready for a weekend full of fun and family. We had a blast!


We enjoyed hanging out and a fire on Friday night as everyone arrived from locations throughout the world. Saturday morning, we took Branner on his first hike. The reception was Saturday evening, complete with an awesome fireworks display compliments of Lori! What a great night! We are so blessed to be surrounded with so many wonderful people who we truly love. We are lucky to be able to consider the Gardner's family!


On Sunday, we had a nice little lunch date while Branner spent time with his Aunt Kiki, Uncle J, Devyn and Courtney, we were back at Chris and Shawn's for more food and more fun. Branner, Devyn and Courtney and I ended up going back to our cabin early so that Branner could go to bed and the girls could splash around in the hot tub while I watched fireworks from two other cities on the deck.


After we finally got everything packed up, we began the trek back to Charlotte on Monday morning. All I can say is that long car rides with an almost six month old can be exhausting. I've been so tired all day. I did make another significant dent in my reading list this weekend, but I need to work on crossing a few more things off my summer to-do list this week. I think the making homemade ice cream and starting to plan my girlfriend luncheon sound like good tasks to tackle. Hope everyone had a great July 4th!