BURTS

Each year our holidays officially begin with a drive out to Burts Pumpkin Patch. (2011 & 2012 )

Sunny and warm, there are rows of beautiful pumpkins in every variety.  We wait in line for the hay ride through the patch, and load a wheel barrow full of pumpkins to decorate the house with.

It is always a special day for our family, but his year it meant even more!

The last trip we made out there was a bit difficult for us.  Sad over the loss of the first adoption, we were still feeling fragile.  Seeing all the babies propped up on the pumpkins reminded us of what we had just lost.  It was a challenging day.

Sunday we celebrated our sweet Sawyers first birthday, and brought her out for her first trip to Burts.  We proudly pushed our double stroller around and took hundreds of photos of our girls.  Sawyer hobbled around between the pumpkins and bounced around in the hay as we rode through the fields.

It was a beautiful day!

It is crazy how quickly things can change.  Just days after last years visit we got the call... How lucky we are!  How incredibly fortunate we are to have a healthy and happy baby!

US

A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to be part of a photo shoot for an amazing cause.

Swell Forever is a line being launched by a local to Atlanta gal that is passionate about Adoption, spreading the word and helping families afford their Adoption dreams.

Swell Forever designs and manufactures ever after heirlooms. Our limited edition Forever Blankets are Made in USA and come with the option to stitch a custom messaged tag into each gifted blanket. Each purchase contributes to our adoption fund.

Learn more and check out some extra photos of my sweet girls here.
I will be sure to let you know when the full site launches and our story is shared on their lovely blog.

all images:  Alan Matthews

CARSON LANE

Where does the time go?

In just two days our sweet Carson turns five?!
I am not sure that I am handling as well as I should.

This mornings conversation:

HER:  Mom (squirming to get away)

ME:  Just stay a minute (trying to hold her close)

HER:  But I'm busy (clearly annoyed)

ME:  Just one hug and one kiss (sounding far to desparate)

HER:  OK, fine (tolerating me barely)

ME:  Just one more minute..... I love you (feeling surprisingly choked up)

HER:  I know so let me go (as she pulls away)

Ugh.  The words hit me hard.

How did she grow up so fast and could it possibly already be time to start letting go?  It's kind of feeling like the beginning of the end and that is completely terrifying!  Emotions I plan to address later.

This weekend we are having a nonstop celebration of Carson.  Party Saturday and Birthday Sunday.  There are far too many gifts hidden away that need wrapping.  In between festivities we will be looking back at all the pics and videos from the year and I will be filling out the last year of her baby book.

As sad as it is to see her grow older every year, I am incredibly excited to see what the future holds.  She is truly the smartest, kindest, sweetest, funniest kid I have ever known.  I am so proud to be her momma and so lucky to be a part of her life!

Follow along in the fun here.
Also, wanted to share this interview I did with Hello Society here.
Have a great weekend!

LITTLE BALLERINA

Is there anything sweeter then tiny little ballet shoes?

With everything that has been going on these last few months I have had little time to mess with my camera or enjoy my new computer.  Last weekend I dumped almost a thousand images onto my new laptop, so I have lots to share.

These are from one of Carson's recitals in May.  She has been taking at the Atlanta Ballet for the last two years, but they are very strict and forbid cameras into their short and formal recitals.  This performance was held at CLD's school and we were allowed to take as many pictures as we wanted!

There is something about your little one being up on a big stage, bursting with excitement and slightly unsure of themselves......  It just breaks your heart!  No matter their level of coordination or grace, you beam with pride.

I can not believe that in just a few short weeks Carson will be five years old.  Where has all the time gone?  She is just the best little person I have ever met and I am so lucky to get to be her momma!