My cup runneth over.

The day I was married, I felt that there was no way my life could feel more complete or that I could experience a joy greater than marrying the man of my dreams. And then I had a daughter.

Tonight, Matthew put Charlotte to bed. She was a little wound up, so he put "their" song on the computer (Everything by Michael Buble), sang and danced with her by the Christmas tree. I stood in the doorway to the kitchen and watched my husband sing to our daughter as she stared up at him, lit only by the lights on the tree. It was that moment that made me realize how amazing it is to now be a family. My heart is so full, I feel it may burst any moment.

Love is a funny thing. I still have a love for my husband greater than almost any other love I have known, but the love for our family is a love so powerful, I tear up just thinking about how blessed I am to not only be married, but to have a child we brought into this world.

Parenthood has been challenging at times and I know it will continue to be challenging, but it is these tiny, precious moments that I know will make all the trials worth it. There truly is nothing greater than family.

Charlotte Found Her Voice!

Naked time

For those who do not understand how much fun naked time can be, I bring you the following picture.

Four Month Pictures

Yes, I know she will be 5 months on Monday, but it took me awhile to get these pictures. I've been busy!






She is wearing two outfits because we had to take the pictures two different days. As a very special 4 month birthday gift, she had her second round of vaccinations. Needless to say, she was exactly feeling the "let's take my picture" vibe.

Charlotte's New BFF

It has taken us FOREVER to take pictures off of our camera, so this post has been a long time coming. Dave and Peggy told us we could come visit the Friday after Abby was born (crazy people- take the quiet time while you can get!), so we brought Charlotte to meet Abby. Abby seemed so small; it's hard to believe Charlotte was that little. They grow so fast!

The Daddies and their Daughters

The two cutest baby girls in the world

Welcome to the world Abby!

Finally!

After nearly a month of Charlotte waking up around 2 or 3 in the morning, she FINALLY slept through the night again! Yay! And she saved it for her mommy's night, which makes Mommy very happy. A full night's sleep? Who could ask for more?

Merry Christmas!

While we were in Kansas City for Thanksgiving, we had one of my friends from high school, Meredith, take some family photos for our Christmas card this year. If you are looking for a photographer in the Kansas City area, she should definitely be on your list! I could not be more happy with the photographs.

When she posted our photos to her website (within 24 hours, amazingly enough), I was incredibly anxious to see the pictures. Not a single print disappointed. As I watched the slide show of the amazing photographs, I started to tear up. She captured my daughter and my family so well, I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for these pictures. I will treasure them forever.

As I get older, I start to realize how important pictures are for memories. I love looking through all my old pictures and being able to relive some of the special moments in my life. I think that's one of the main reasons I wanted to start this blog. Pictures can say so much and can bring so much joy. I'm incredibly envious of those who can capture the tiniest, most special moments on film. I am, however, glad that I have friends who are more than capable of capturing those moments for me!

Check out Meredith's website to see more of her amazing work.

And without further ado, a sampling of the photographs. Every picture was taken by the incredibly talented Meredith Rowley and I want to be sure she gets full credit!

We are terrible parents.

We left St. Louis for Thanksgiving and traveled to see the Western grandparents in KC (along with lots of other family and friends!). It was a wonderful trip, but the two terrible parents forgot to bring our camera. Shame on us.

So this post is a plea to any one who may have a picture from the long weekend's festivities. We are calling on all grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends who were smarter than us and took a picture of our dear little one's first Thanksgiving. Please send us your pictures! We'll be sending out an email request to those we know have pictures, but please please please send any and all pictures our way if you can. We want pictures of our little turkey!

We have a lot of posts/pictures to catch up with, but for now, that will have to wait since the pictures are on our camera. For anyone wanting an update on Charlotte, let's just say that colds with hacking coughs are not welcome around this household. Colds suck. For Charlotte, Mommy and Daddy. Come back, Smiley! We miss you!