growing like a wild weed, but as pretty as a flower...

Ryan got home from work today and I reminded him that it was Audrey's 6 month birthday. He proceeds to have a conversation with her in the midst of giving her the usual after work kisses and cuddles. He says... " So this is what you're like at half a year old! I was wondering!" So I ask what he means and he goes on to say that when she was born, he was thinking about what she would be like in 6 months. Daddy tells his girl, "you have much more personality than I thought you would!"

I couldn't agree more! 6 months ago, I was holding this brand new baby that did little more than eat, sleep, and poop. And with each passing day, little bits of her personality are being revealed. She's a talker for sure and has some facial expressions that just stop us in our tracks, leaving us wondering where she gets them from and what is going on in that pretty little brain of hers. :)

I feel like the word "amazing" is overused. But there's really no other word to describe watching your child grow and discover who they are.

I've told a few people now, rather, I've asked a few people if they can relate....sometimes I look at my child and there is such a familiarity about her. As if I've known her for years. I don't know if it's just that she phyically has some of my features or if it's because I spend 24/7 with her.... I don't know what it is. Any other moms of little ones know what I'm talking about?

Must be how God looks at us as His creation: made in His likeness, knew us before time, and loves us in our childlike state just for who we are.

Sunshine!

Audrey and I have been enjoying the summer time by hangin' out at the salt water pool in our apartment complex.

There is a shady, grassy area that has become our little oasis

who says sun protection can't be stylish??

baby is totally mesmorized by grass! and mommy is totally relieved that baby did not have any allergic reaction to said grass! :)

too cool for the pool ;)

A month in review

If there was one word to describe the past month, it would be: rainy...hands down.

But, amidst the hovering clouds and gloomy skies were glimmers of sunshine that may not have filled our lack of vitamin D, but were sure to bring some happy days all the same. :)

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:

Our little family stole away to the coastal town of Newport, Oregon for quick overnight stay. I have quickly learned that the sunny beaches of So Cal that I am accustomed to, are VASTLY different from the coastal sands of the Northwest. But both have the beautifulness that is the ocean; which evokes awe, wonder, and a healthy dose of perspective for me...

we were blessed with the opportunity to stay in a cozy room on the third floor of the Elizabeth Street Inn. TOTALLY recommend this place to anyone! All rooms have an ocean view, fireplace, and they serve warm cookies and chowder daily for the guests.

Our names in the sand :)

view from our room balcony...we could see our names!

first time needing an umbrella on the beach...kinda liked it!

Audrey and her Daddy

our attempt at a family portrait...haha

DAVIS LADIES VISIT:

This picture pretty much sums up their visit: pure sweetness. All three of these women have played important roles in my life in different seasons. I'm so blessed to call them friends and sisters in Christ. I didn't want them to go back home, but it was so refreshing to have their company for a few days. ;)

RACHEL & ADAM VISIT:

I met Rachel when I was 17 years old. We met while working together in the radiology department at a local hospital in Phoenix. It didn't take too long to realize that God brought her into my life divinely. I have seen the Lord working in her life and giving her supernatural strength to be the amazing single mom that she is. And her son Adam? He was still growing in his mommy's tummy when I first met him. I've had the pleasure of watching him grow into the fun-loving 8 year little man that he is. It's crazy to see him holding my 5 month old daughter. It feels like yesterday that I was babysitting him when he was just a baby.

They were visiting some relatives that live close by, but we got to steal them a few times. ;)

4th OF JULY:

Our little church is moving locations and we felt the need to celebrate!! We're moving into the auditoriumo of a school (Metropolitan Learning Center) that sits perfectly adjacent to a beautiful park downtown Portland. So, we had ourselves a little shin-dig on the 4th: full of good food, good word, good music, good friends (new and old).

my adorable nephew Oliver: "Mr. Independence"...as his onesie said. :)

With the passing of the month of June, we have welcomed a sunny July with open arms!! I'm convinced that days like these are the reason that people remain in Oregon. It's beautiful outside!!