Our Two Year Old Gal

My baby girl is two .

TWO!

This is by far my favorite age yet with my Annie girl, from about 18 months to 2 years .

She is so interactive, so curious, so silly, and so incredibly sweet . She has truly become my little buddy, and even a few hours away from her makes my heart ache .

She has also become quite opinionated and independent - there are plenty of trying moments with opportunity to learn patience .
 

Am I doing well at that ?

I hope so .

Here are some shots of Annie that we took on the fourth of July :)

 

Being a mother has been far more rewarding than I could ever have imagined .

Each day is truly such a gift .

I wish that I could record every movement, remember to write down the funny little things that she says or does, or be more mindful of slowing down and really taking the little moments in .

I can feel myself growing and changing so much lately.

This is literally happening with my ever expanding belly, but I can feel myself becoming more & more the person that I truly want to be, and I owe so much of that to Blake & Annie.

I cannot imagine where I would be in life without them, and can't wait to meet our newest addition in just a few months!

What exciting things the future has in store for us! 

Stay tuned for photos from Annie's birthday and some fun facts about our sweetest girl .

- e

Just FYI:

Annie's Dress is from Old Navy & her Jellies are from The Gap!





Catch Up According to Instagram

Wowzers y'all. 

This whole blogging thing has reached a new level of pathetic, considering it's been a whopping five months since I've typed a single word on here! I got a little tired of Blake incessantly asking me if I was ever going to update it - but guess what BW?

It worked.  

  

Here is an incredibly quick and not nearly well enough explained catch up of the last several month via my Instagram photos:

There are about a million things that I didn't cover in this epically horrible catch up, due mostly to the fact that I am the world's worst at remembering to take pictures: 

our efforts to survive the unbelievably long winter, swim lessons, weddings, weekend getaways, an incredible visit from Annie's Uncle Brandon & Aunt Brittani & their kiddos, or some of our regular summertime activities (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, trips to City Creek, playtime with Annie's bestie KK, daily visits to the park, etc.). 

I know I say this all the time, but I am reeeeaaalllly going to try and be better about blogging on here consistently. I just went through all of my old posts and absolutely loved reading everything. However few and far between the posts might have been, they brought back so many memories! 

Will it happen?

We shall see ... but truly, I'm optimistic :) 

Coming up : a recap of a little photoshoot that we did on the Fourth of July of Annie, as well as photos from her 2nd birthday party!

I'm sorry what?

I have a two year old?

You better believe it.

- e

A Day for Love

Happy Valentine's Day , from our family to yours .

This was the card we put together and fully intended on sending out, since we missed the boat at Christmas . . . but I guess we'll have to look for a different occasion to send out a card!

Some day I'll get it together.

To the man and little lady in my life - I hope you know how much I love you .

I love you , I love you , I love you .

You are my everything .

When I am away from you , no matter how long , I am homesick for you .

I cannot imagine loving any two people more.

My love for you is infinite and unconditional.

And I support any day that celebrates my love for you . . . whilst encouraging me to eat sweets without guilt .

- e

Just FYI:

My Dress & Sweater : The Impeccable Pig
My Belt : Forever 21 (old)
Annie's Dress : Zara

Valentine's Printables and A Freebie!

I'm sure you've seen some of the adorable prints floating around on Pinterest .

Today I've rounded up just a few of my favorites ! 



FREE! Download here .

$17 - Available for purchase , here .

FREE ! Download here .

$22 - Available for purchase , here .

FREE ! Download here .

$18 - Available for purchase , here .

FREE ! Download here .

$25 - Available for purchase , here .

And last , a little freebie from me !



FREE ! Download here . Print is 5x7.

Enjoy !

And P.S. - here is an exceptionally terrible Instagram shot of the Valentine's Day treats that Annie & I put together for our friends & neighbors this year .

Hearts & labels made in photoshop by me.

 Straws & other crafty supplies from Pioneer Party in Lehi .

- e

A Little Fall Outing

A few weeks ago , Annie and I were lucky enough to head back to Utah for two whole weeks to be with Blake . We enjoyed General conference , BYU Homecoming , and my birthday ! Some of Blake's family were in town too which made it extra fun !

While we were there we came across this sweet little farm that had the most adorable pumpkin patch .

We also got to spend the evening with some of our favorite people : Annie's Uncle Brad , Aunt Carli , and Cousin Henry .

It was the perfect evening for our little family and especially our baby girl .



It was the best day .

And it made me realize something .

Blake and I are not originally from Utah .

We went out there for school and both ended up finding jobs and just sort of ended up , as we usually say , stuck . I almost constantly find myself looking for our next move that will take us somewhere else .

But this trip , this return "home" , felt completely different .

I realized how much , after a full month away , I really love Utah .

The weather is amazing , the scenery is beautiful , it is an incredible place to raise a family , the people are kind , and we have a unique opportunity to be surrounded by so many people with our same beliefs .

Really . . . what more could you ask for ?

So here's to enjoying the moment and not wishing away the time you have .

Appreciate it while it's happening .

Now we're back in Texas and all I have to say about that is - could the cooler weather get here already , and stay here ?

This heat is making me grumpy .

- e