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!

A MOMENT

This summer it's all about magical moments like this.  While I am excited for the possibilities of what is to come for us in the next year (a baby, fingers crossed), for now it's all about Carson. 

We live in bathing suits. We play in the yard and go to the pool.  We paint, we color, we pretend........and when there is no energy left, we read and snuggle.

Each day feels like a new adventure.  I'm so thankful to have Carson home, all to myself.  She really is the most amazing little person, and I'm not just saying that because she is mine.  She really is awesome!

MAGIC

I have moved many times in my life, lived in many houses in many towns.  There is one place that has been constant, a comfort.  

As a young child I traveled to Marshall to spend summers and holidays.  It was something that I looked forward to greatly!  The peace and quiet, the long warm days playing in the fields.......it was magical to me.  

Now I get to see the excitement in my daughter's eyes.  It is amazing!

While we were in New Orleans, Carson was in Marshall making her very own memories.  I so thankful!

Past Marshal shots here and here.