Savannah at 14 months

Today our littlest love is 14 months old. I can't even believe how much she has grown and changed lately. She walks everywhere and even runs to try and keep up with her big brother. She adores him. His squashing hugs, not so much. She loves to wrestle and play with him! They are definitely starting to "argue" and fight over toys a lot more than we have seen yet, which doesn't usually end well, but she is learning to hold her own and is becoming quite a feisty little thing! She is mamas girl all the way lately! Mama cannot leave the room without the tears flowing! She is cutting teeth faster than we can keep count. She has the bottom and top front two and is cutting at least 3 others right now. Yikes! We have a lot of frustrating meals lately, but when her teeth aren't bothering her, we still see the same happy, silly Savannah that we love so dearly. She is a girly-girl all the way! I painted her toenails this week and she loved it! Sat still watching the whole time! She loves to have bows in and always pays attention to what clothes we pick out for her. We aren't seeing her be preferential about her clothing yet, but it won't be long, I'm sure! She loves her baby dolls and stuffed animals! Her favorite Christmas gift was her pink Care Bear. She has become quite a picky eater! She enjoys any kind of fruit, green beans, bread, cereal bars, applesauce, and yogurt. No cheese or meat at all! She isn't one for trying new things, yet. We see her personality develop more each month and she is so fun to watch! We are going to have our hands full with this opinionated little princess, but we wouldn't change her one bit! We love you  Savannah Joy! 

6 years and counting

Yesterday, my handsome groom and I celebrated our 6th anniversary. I knew when I married him that he was hard-working, loyal, loving, and would make a great dad someday. I had no idea just how true all those things would become. I fall more in love with him every year and love watching the way he loves our babies. I love being your wife, honey! I look forward to many more adventures and anniversaries together! 

Thanks to Nonni, Papa, and Auntie Em watching the babies, we were able to go have a whole day to ourselves. We just didn't hardly know what to do with ourselves and no children for that long! We had lunch at The Local Taco. A first for us, and we will definitely go back! We were able to go to the mall and actually shop. In grown up stores. You know, the kind without toys?! Crazy, I know!! And finished our day with dinner out to Barley's, our favorite downtown spot! Two childless meals in one day! I was beginning to look around for someone that needed to be fed, my newfound independence was baffling!! I can't even express how truly grateful I am to get to enjoy this beautiful life that our love has created, by The Lord's grace. Happy Anniversary babe! 

Christmas- in pictures

What a blessed, full Christmas we have had this year. I am so thankful for the blessing of having so much family nearby. We have celebrated several different times with different sets of family and the kids and us have had a blast! We have opened presents and eaten good food until we are ready to stop eating for a while! Porter has been hilarious about presents this year. This is the first year he has really gotten into gifts all that much. Once the gift opening started, he did not want to see it end! Our children are very blessed to have more clothes and toys than they will probably even know what to do with! I'll give an abbreviated recap of our Christmas events, for memory's sake. On the 14th- we went to Charlotte to celebrate with Becca, Jeremy, and Skylar. On the 15th- we met Marc, Stephanie, Emma, and Olivia in Charlotte and went to Chuck E Cheese and exchanged gifts. Monday, the 23rd- Dad, Debbie, Jesse, and Tim came over for dinner and to exchange gifts. Tuesday, the 24th- John, Rosalind, and Ciara came over for lunch and to exchange gifts. On Christmas Eve, we had a family date night to Chilis and to see the lights at the Ag Center. On Christmas morning, we opened gifts and had a special breakfast. Christmas night, Mom, Todd, Emma, Will, Jesse, Tim, Nana, and Grandaddy Frank came over for dinner, to celebrate Mom's birthday, and exchange gifts. This weekend, we celebrated at Nanas with extended family and will do the same next weekend in Knoxville at Mammaws. And that was the short version, whew!! Lots of fun, gifts, and food...and we are now ready for rest and salads ;) Now for the picture version...

(Ag Center lights)

(Reading the Christmas story)

Savannah's first haircut

Earlier this week, we decided it was time for Savannah's first haircut (trim, really). Even such a small cut makes such a big milestone! Our girl looks a lot more toddler and a lot less baby with her shorter hair, which is bittersweet! 

Before...

After...

Charlie

My heart is breaking even now, but for memory's sake, I want to have some thoughts and pictures written down. Yesterday, we had to say a tearful, unexpected goodbye to our beloved chocolate lab, Charlie. Charlie was a graduation gift to me when I finished college in 2007, and the first dog I ever owned. He kept me company many nights alone in my apartment the summer before I started teaching and the fall before Sean and I got married. He was the easiest puppy I could have asked for. He slept all the time and rarely ever had potty accidents. He didn't beg for food and I never once heard him bark. He rode in the back seat of Sean's car the night we drove to Charleston to get engaged. He sat under the table the day we celebrated my college graduation. He went to the park with Sean and I countless times to run and play frisbee. He moved with us many times. He waited excitedly at the door to greet baby Porter and baby Savannah when we got home from the hospital. Charlie has been a part of our family for as long as we have been a family. Having never owned a dog before, I had no idea what to expect losing a dog might feel like. It feels horrible. It is gut wrenching sadness that you couldn't possibly prepare yourself for. Our home feels like something is missing and there is a hole in my heart with a sinking feeling because I know we won't see him run and play here again. Our other dog, Lola, is grieving with us. She is completely lost and so are we. I had no idea what a big part of our family he was until he was gone. I know that time and The Lord will heal our hearts, but we will miss Charlie forever. He was an amazing dog. Charlie had a wonderful life filled with people (big and small) that loved him so much. I am so thankful for the time we had with him and the memories we were able to make. But what I wouldn't give to have had him around longer. I hate so much that the dog that made our kids love dogs is one they won't remember. I had so many pictures in my mind of the kids running and playing with him and being able to take him for walks as they got older. I hope he knew how loved he was! If you're reading this and have a dog, go give them a treat. Just for being a loyal part of the family. We love you Charlie!

Donuts with Daddy

The kids and I are so blessed to have a sweet man in our lives that is willing to take time to have a morning donut date with us. What a fun way to start a Friday morning! We love you Daddy!

Toddler selfies...