E.I.G.H.T. Months Old

August, already?! Come on now.

Yes, it's true...in case you hadn't heard summer is almost over and if you are like me, it seems like it just started! With that being said, this past month has brought us a whole new side to our sweet girl. A crawling and rolling all over the place, sitting up from laying down on her own, TWO teeth baring 8 month old side. Could she be changing and growing any faster? I feel like every day I am saying that she is doing something new for the first time. For instance, saying, "Da-Da!" It happened, she clearly said Da-Da last week and has not stopped since. It really is so cute and Shawn of course loves it. Every time she says it or screams it, since that is her preferred volume, Shawn comes running around the corner to swoop her into his arms.

Among all the good and exciting things that Em has developed, it seems a bit of stranger danger/separation anxiety has come along as well. This mainly rears it's head during swim lessons and when she first wakes up. With that being said, swim lessons have become a bit interesting now that she is going under water and has to be in the instructors arms at some point. Almost every time we hand her off to her instructor the tears come, but are immediately under control once she is back safe and sound in Mommy or Daddy's arms. I can't say I hate it, but I can't say I like it either. I LOVE that she feels safe with us, but don't want her to be, "that kid," that only wants to be held by us. I of course know that this is all developmentally appropriate and that one day I will be begging her to let me snuggle up with her, so maybe I should stop worrying about it and enjoy the need for snuggles while it lasts.

And the stats:

Our Nugget is up to eating 2 "meals" a day, breakfast and dinner and is still nursing 5 times a day. Her favorite foods seem to be blueberries, bananas, yogurt, squash and zucchini. We plan on starting her on lunch this week, so we will see how that affects her nursing schedule. She is taking 2 to 3 naps a day. Some days we skip the late afternoon nap depending on what all we have been up to that day and how long her previous naps were. She wears size 3 diapers, a wide array of sizes for clothes and is weighing roughly 18-19 pounds. We'll have an official weigh in next month!

Well, that's all for now!

<3, Ash

OBX - Sellers Family Vacation

For the last several years our family has made the drive down to the beautiful shores of North Carolina for a week or so away from the everyday hustle bustle of life. It's a staple family vacation and even though we always say we want to go somewhere different, I think there is just something about the OBX that will keep us coming back year after year. 

This year was extra special because it was the Nugget's first trip! All things considered, she did awesome. Her naps were great, thanks to Papa and Uncle Luke staying in the camper with her while us ladies stayed on the beach and she slept pretty well throughout the night. (She is working on tooth #2, so she was a bit fussy, but we got her an Amber Teething Necklace and it really dose seem to be helping.) Despite the change in scenery she still ate pretty well, although she was easily distracted by all her family being around. Uncle Luke even tried some creative techniques to try and get her to eat more of her dinner. Speaking of Uncle Luke...he is married and we got to hang out with him and his WIFE on the beach!! I Just love saying that. Anyways, Emerson loved the water, sand and sun! We bought baby pool and filled it with ocean water and she seemed so content just splashing and playing. I think it's possible that we may have a future beach bum on our hands and I am definitely okay with that! 

Luke and Katie say: "I do!"

This past weekend the long awaited day came for my brother to marry the love of his life. With two little words, "I do," a whole new adventure began for the two of them and I am so excited for what God has in store for their life together as Husband and Wife. 

Luke and Katie, we love you more than you know. Katie, you were absolutely stunning and Luke I could not have been more proud to see you standing at the alter waiting for your beautiful bride. Your wedding weekend was full of so much love and we could feel the presence of God surrounding us as two families became one. 

Here are a few shots from the rehearsal dinner and wedding day! :)

Love,

Ash