June 23, 2011

 

Well, life has felt pretty full lately, but I'm super excited to share these with y'all. Maybe I'll become a blogger again after all.

June 23, 2011 my life changed. I wish there were a way to adequately articulate what it's been like to become an aunt, but words fail me. Maggie Beth Welch is probably my favorite person in the world. I love her so tiny little features. I love her squirmy noises. I love the way she raises her eyebrows when she's waking up. I love how her eyes are turning more blue by the day. I just love so much about her!

That Thursday evening I had the distinct pleasure of being in the delivery room while Maggie Beth came into the world. Not only was I fascinated by the start of a new life on this planet, I was so overwhelmed watching my sister and brother-in-law start a family. Seeing these two fall in love with their precious daughter the last few weeks, has put skin on Jesus for me.

The way Rachel and Charlie bless and take care of Maggie Beth is humbling to watch. Almost equal is the way they have shared her with their loved ones. 

It goes without saying that I'm a family girl. No one trumps those I consider family. Rachel and Charlie love, accept and call so many people family. It's almost like the Lord gave them Maggie, not only to show Rachel and Charlie how much he loves them, but for Rachel and Charlie to show others the love of Jesus by sharing their little family with others.

There have been more visitors to the Welch home in the last few weeks than ever before. When others have brought them meals, my chef of a brother-in-law has cooked a side and invited them in to hang out for the evening. 

In short...no doubt, I'm not the only one who knows Jesus better because of the Welch FAMILY.

To my precious MB:

One day I hope you look at these pictures and have even the tiniest understanding of how much you are loved by your Aunt Jess. You've made my world better, sweet girl.

Due to her high-risk pregnancy, Rachel and Charlie had their fair share of doctor's appointments in the last nine months. They were so thankful when Dr. Nash was able to be there for the delivery.

Itty Bitty Teeny Weeny

Here's a teensy tiny glimpse of what's to come.

This little punkin' has changed my life in the last four days. You can call me the proudest aunt on the planet!

Margaret Elizabeth "Maggie Beth" Welch

Born Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 6:32pm

6pounds 11ounces, 19 inches

Christmas Babe.

It's Christmas Eve. Can you believe it?

With It's a Wonderful Life playing in the background, joined my fabulous family I'm so so blessed to celebrate in Tennessee this year. The trip has been wonderful...I'll share photos sometime soon.

Flipping through the photos for this post, I'm reminded how crazy it is that Jesus came as a helpless baby a couple thousand years ago. What a creative savior we have. I love the picture of King Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes...so tiny and helpless yet powerful and planned for greatness.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, friends. Enjoy memorable time with your family tomorrow!!!

Now for baby Dane...

I love babies! 

I seem to have broadcast a lot of them on this outlet lately. I'm starting to really enjoy photographing them. I hope you're still enjoying seeing them.

Sweet baby Dane is just six weeks old and already a knock out. I stopped by his home in Katy to get some photos of he and his siblings. Mom needed these for a baby announcement and we were able to do double duty for Christmas card photos. Those'll come soon...

Let me know what you think of these:

Merry Christmas!

charmer

I was talking to my roommate last night about this season of life. We talked about how it feels real uncharted. 

I never planned my twenties – like not at all.

I didn’t really think about what I would be doing or how it would feel to be 26 and have a career. Maybe I thought/dreamed about my forties or even fifties and sixties (I get fired up about family reunions when my kids are grown – I know I’m weird. I blame The Family Stone and Dan in Real Life), but twenties are all new. And for this dreamer that’s unheard of.

Mostly this is totally great. Every day is new and exciting. There’s no room for disappointment when you don’t have a plan. Sometimes, though, I stop a second and realize that it’s getting away from me. Like time’s flying by so fast that soon the twenties will be over. People and things are growing up and changing around me at a bazillion nauts/sec. Before I know it, I’ll be sixty with grandkids coming home for the holidays.

It’s not uncommon for the words “How did we get here?” to come from my mouth these days.

My friends are moms. A lot of them are moms of two or three kiddos…

Shouldn’t the bell ring any minute sending us off to 4^th period Texas History class with Mrs. Christopherson?

How did we get here?!

I’m not really sure. But I think I love it…

Speaking of friends being moms…Ashlyn is one of my very best friends in the universe’s baby girl. You’ve heard me mention the six chicks (see, we tried to stay in 4^th grade as long as we could). Well, Ashlyn’s the first baby to come from these fabulous friends. And, man, has she spoiled us.

Unfortunately for chick kids to come, Ashlyn is happy, easy and ridiculously charming. She smiles 90% of the time and only whimpers if she needs changed or fed. These photos only half capture AK’s perfect little personality.

Lauren and Brice, you’ve done well! I already love Ashlyn like family. Thanks for letting me spend a couple nights in your home…even with a little cold. She’s precious even when I can’t touch her.

Ashlyn, I can’t wait to watch you grow up, little princess. I love you so much already!

Brice's sweet Aunt Jodi loves her some AKH.

Stella Jane.

I've got the greatest friends a girl could ask for.

I know, I know, you've heard it from me a million times but I'll say it again -

I have the best friends in the world! Seriously. If there were a contest I'd have 26 trophies (one for each year of my life). I'm serious.

A couple weeks ago I crashed one of said great friend's home in Louisville, Kentucky. She and her husband have lived there for three years and just had their first babe.

While the timing of my trip may have been less than impeccable, spending time with this two week old miracle and her family was one of the most memorable things I've ever done.

How often do non-mothers get to spend nearly 72 straight hours with a brand new newborn? It was a gigantic blessing for me.

I feel like Stella and I are bonded for life now. I mean that kind of time together in such a crucial time in life has got to secure our future. Do you think she'll remember how I soothed her tummy of gas bubbles when she's 17? I sure hope so, because I already love her to pieces.

From her naturally feauxhawked do down to her oh so long toes, I'm totally attached to this littly bity human.

Lindsey and Drew were so so great to host me and let me do all that I could to help with Stella. (Turns out, as adorable as they are, babies are not easy).

I took a few photos while I was there. So I hope you enjoy a peek into the Lewis' life.

::Yes, Drew managed to balanced his 2 week old daughter in one hand::

::and...the pretend argument that ensued...I think Lindsey was secretly proud::