Brian went on a retreat for a couple of days, so Esther and Ashley came to visit and watch Abby while I worked Friday. I enjoyed our time A LOT. Well, I did not enjoy the three unsuccessful trips to the DMV, but that's not worth mentioning. It was such an amazing experience spending time together with our daughters. Pushing our "Cadillac" strollers around the mall and taking care of each other's babies as if they were our own. After I had Abby and experienced the love of a mother, I could not imagine how I could love another child with the same amount of love. Now that Ashley is in our lives, I am beginning to realize how that can exist. Although Ashley is my niece, I love her so much. The funny thing is, I feel like she is a baby girl version of Rob. Ashley looks nothing like a Blankenship and Abby looks nothing like a Henderson (besides her long eyelashes). I'm trying to soak up every moment with Esther, Rob, and Ashley since they are getting ready to move to CA. Esther tells me to think of it as if they are going off to college, since this is a 3-5 year commitment. Putting it that way makes it not seem so bad.
Grandpa Henderson also came to town for a short visit. It was really good to see him and have him see Abby walk/run. It was adorable to watch them together. He was such a great help around the house, taking Joey for walks, changing diapers, giving Abby a bath, letting mommy take a nap, and the list goes on. What a wonderful family we have. We couldn't be more blessed. After Grandpa left, I realized I did not take one picture. How did I let that happen? I guess I was too busy soaking it all in mentally.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
babies, paint and fun in Vermont!
This weekend was pretty packed, but ohhhh sooo wonderful!! Saturday we went to Rob and Esther's while they went to a wedding. Brian did a lot of painting to help them get their home ready to be put on the market in two weeks. They are moving in August :( I had the joy of watching Ashley and Abby of course. It was sooo much fun!! They ate, slept, pooped, and played. I was pretty proud of our walk. It was a great workout for me in their hilly neighborhood. Ashley was so tired from it that she conked our for two hours in her swing. I even took this picture!
Sunday, after church, we ventured up to Vermont to see our wonderful friends Rachel and Grant for the holiday. It was really nice seeing where they live and work. The 24 hour trip was too short, but well worth it. Can't wait to do it again soon.
The view from the conference room at their office.
Sunday, after church, we ventured up to Vermont to see our wonderful friends Rachel and Grant for the holiday. It was really nice seeing where they live and work. The 24 hour trip was too short, but well worth it. Can't wait to do it again soon.
The view from the conference room at their office.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
You're walking...
She took her first three consecutive steps on her Birthday and this is where she is now. Sorry to give you "taco" neck when watching. I remembered halfway that my computer likes horizontal better.
Monday, May 19, 2008
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY ABBY!!!
One year ago today, Abigail was born. WOW. Words can't explain the thoughts that run through our heads when we recap this past year. We celebrated Abby's first Birthday with all the people who were there waiting in the hospital for her to arrive. It was definitely a celebration and the guest of honor was eating it up! Literally!!! I was wondering if there is any other year in a person's life where more change takes place.
Uncle Rob and Aunt Esther gave Abby's favorite gift of all time. We have never seen her more excited to play with anything else. She loves her baby Disney princes ride.
My favorite image from her Birthday. Let the fun begin!
Once she noticed the balloons, she crawled through the cake to play with them...
then she sat in it...
and ate it...
and now a bath in the kitchen sink.
Uncle Rob and Aunt Esther gave Abby's favorite gift of all time. We have never seen her more excited to play with anything else. She loves her baby Disney princes ride.
My favorite image from her Birthday. Let the fun begin!
Once she noticed the balloons, she crawled through the cake to play with them...
then she sat in it...
and ate it...
and now a bath in the kitchen sink.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Our weekend.
It's been quite the weekend and we're ready for bed, but had to share a little before it comes to an end.
The wedding I photographed Saturday was beautiful. Our good friends, Ryan and Becca were so happy and I had the pleasure of following them around capturing their day. Here's a little taste.
She wore Converse sneakers.
Charlie is so handsome :)
Since a bunch of friends were in town for the wedding, we got together for a cookout. It was like re-living the glory days from youth group, only now we have spouses and babies. We laughed till we cried, bringing up embarrassing stories and watching way old mission trip/retreat videos. It was such a good time!
Lisa, it was so much fun to hang out with you. You have to get on facebook so we can keep in touch! ;)
Die hard youth group buddies back in the day!
After Sunday school and church this morning, we had a family Birthday party for Abby. Tomorrow is her B-day, so you can see all the fun we had and the pictures to prove it.
After the party, Brian and I drove straight to church for the night service and to photograph baptisms. As we walked into the building Brian was confronted with the news that one of the high school seniors (Matt) was in a car accident. On the way to church, his car flipped over and EMS were in the process of getting him out. Matt's best friend was going to be baptized, all his friends and family had just left a party to celebrate beforehand. Brian spent the evening with students in the prayer room and he is now at the ER. Matt is ok and the latest CAT scan showed nothing wrong. I know it shook a lot of people up, including Brian. His job definitely isn't 9-5, it's more like being on call 24/7. If you are reading this please pray for the high schoolers, their family and Brian, for the Lord to guide him during this time. Also, praise God for his protection.
The wedding I photographed Saturday was beautiful. Our good friends, Ryan and Becca were so happy and I had the pleasure of following them around capturing their day. Here's a little taste.
She wore Converse sneakers.
Charlie is so handsome :)
Since a bunch of friends were in town for the wedding, we got together for a cookout. It was like re-living the glory days from youth group, only now we have spouses and babies. We laughed till we cried, bringing up embarrassing stories and watching way old mission trip/retreat videos. It was such a good time!
Lisa, it was so much fun to hang out with you. You have to get on facebook so we can keep in touch! ;)
Die hard youth group buddies back in the day!
After Sunday school and church this morning, we had a family Birthday party for Abby. Tomorrow is her B-day, so you can see all the fun we had and the pictures to prove it.
After the party, Brian and I drove straight to church for the night service and to photograph baptisms. As we walked into the building Brian was confronted with the news that one of the high school seniors (Matt) was in a car accident. On the way to church, his car flipped over and EMS were in the process of getting him out. Matt's best friend was going to be baptized, all his friends and family had just left a party to celebrate beforehand. Brian spent the evening with students in the prayer room and he is now at the ER. Matt is ok and the latest CAT scan showed nothing wrong. I know it shook a lot of people up, including Brian. His job definitely isn't 9-5, it's more like being on call 24/7. If you are reading this please pray for the high schoolers, their family and Brian, for the Lord to guide him during this time. Also, praise God for his protection.
Friday, May 16, 2008
love this image
clearing off cf cards to shoot a wedding tomorrow. it's amazing how images accumulate with digital. i ran across this one of tim and jess holding baby ashley.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
taking it easy...
Abby picked up hands, foot & mouth disease from childcare, so we had to cancel everything this week. I think the Lord knew we needed a break. Here some pics of us chilling inside. Abby is definitely feeling better, though she is still contagious.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Before I was a Mom...
Someone sent this to me and it's so true. Thought I would pass it along for all those special moms who can relate...
Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop
the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important
and happy.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to
make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop
the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important
and happy.
Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to
make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Distractions
This morning Abby and I were at our playgroup. She was hungry, so I was giving her baby gold fish out of my hand. I was in the middle of talking with the other moms, so I didn't notice how many she had put in her mouth. I looked down and noticed she was choking on the goldfish and couldn't catch her breath. She coughed up some, but was still turning red. Just as I was about to ask, "does anyone know the Heimlich" she threw up a gob of gold fish and some of her breakfast.
I'm not saying this to scare anyone. I really didn't have time to get upset or overreact. However, it did get my attention. It made me realize how quickly we can become distracted and in that matter of time, something serious or harmful can happen. I wanted to pass this along so that other parents or caregivers can have a reminder (without experiencing it) that we need to always be cautious. It's easy to become comfortable and fall into bad habits or take chances when things are going well.
I'm not saying this to scare anyone. I really didn't have time to get upset or overreact. However, it did get my attention. It made me realize how quickly we can become distracted and in that matter of time, something serious or harmful can happen. I wanted to pass this along so that other parents or caregivers can have a reminder (without experiencing it) that we need to always be cautious. It's easy to become comfortable and fall into bad habits or take chances when things are going well.
Men have a need to tear down and rebuild.
As evidence of the men in our family, there is a need for making things look better within the home and there is no project too large to tackle. Somehow, the projects are always more work than predicted. We used to have a half bathroom, now I call it a toilet in a closet. Brian, you are doing a great job! I mean it :-)
before...
during...
before...
during...
Thursday, May 1, 2008
trip to NC
We are back from a very busy, but fun trip to North Carolina for Katie and Robert's wedding (Brian's sister). We loved seeing family and a lot of friends we hadn't seen in a long time. We drove around our college town and took a quick tour of ECU, which brought back a lot of memories. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful memories of our college years. We made such amazing friendships which continue to be strong and we know will last forever.
The Bachelorette Party
Brian's sister, Kristin, and Abby
Both of Brian's Grandmas get to spend some time with Abby :)
First Birthday Party
First time eating sugar!!
Cards aren't as exciting when you are only one.
Visiting friends. Logan, 9 months, Sadie 12 days older than Abby.
Quality time with Beth!! So much fun.
First time strawberry picking :)
Saying goodbye to grandma and grandpa H.
Relaxing trip.
Staying occupied on the 10 hour trip home :)
Checking out my handsome hubby.
Good baby!!!
The Bachelorette Party
Brian's sister, Kristin, and Abby
Both of Brian's Grandmas get to spend some time with Abby :)
First Birthday Party
First time eating sugar!!
Cards aren't as exciting when you are only one.
Visiting friends. Logan, 9 months, Sadie 12 days older than Abby.
Quality time with Beth!! So much fun.
First time strawberry picking :)
Saying goodbye to grandma and grandpa H.
Relaxing trip.
Staying occupied on the 10 hour trip home :)
Checking out my handsome hubby.
Good baby!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
