a year ago today....

A year ago today, we arrived at the hospital with
excitement and anticipation of meeting our little baby girl.
A year ago today, she entered our lives and changed it forever.
A year ago today, we started our family.

How was it already a year ago, today?

Evie's nursery

The day of her arrival:

Evangeline,

You entered this world at 11:37 am on Thursday, February 13th at 7 pounds 14 ounces and stole our hearts. I have never felt a love like this before. You made me a momma - you made us a family. It has been a wonderful year of learning about you and how to be the best mommy I can be for you. You are such a loving, sweet little girl. Your love of reading and music is a perfect mix of me and your dada. I am ecstatic that I get to share each and every day with you because every day I learn something new about you. I can't imagine any other place I'd rather be than by your side. Thank you for all that you are and all that you will become. Here's to many more birthdays, my precious baby bug!

I love you forever,

Momma

the 3 birthday girls...

We hosted the 3 birthday girls in our family - DeeDee, Mamaw, and Leslie. Can you believe they all share the exact same birthday? December 18th really kicks off the holiday season for us. Once this birthday occurs the days really start rolling and all of a sudden it is New Years! Luckily Tison had the day off work so he and Ali did most of the cooking. The menu: spinach dip, buffalo chicken dip, sausage meat balls, southwest eggrolls, mini pecan pies, Good Eats strawberry salad, and poppy seed ham sliders.

Leslie and Cuan arrived from Zimbabwe on the 17th - just in time to share in the birthday celebration. Also- can you believe how big Hudson and Andrew are getting? Although they are picky eaters, they love love love "dips" and bread. Even if you just call something a dip, they will try it. Right now Evie likes everything we give her, but I know that day is coming soon where she refuses what we serve her. Lauren has such amazing patience - I'm so happy she became a mom first so I can learn from her. Speaking of - Merrick baby #3 is due in April. THREE babies! Ahhh!

Family Time = Good Times

The red velvet cupcakes from Buttercups  served as individual birthday cakes so everyone could make their own wishes. We ended the night with a few gifts for our guests of honor; the grandkids helping out with present opening was priceless. Happy Birthday to all! Thanks for letting us host your special day.