Little Moments

The past 6 weeks have been a blur; a wonderful chaotic blur.  The days are passing so much faster than I remember when bringing Addisyn home.  However, I’m sure that’s because life is much busier chasing an almost two-year-old and also caring for a newborn. Still, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The days are spent wearing many hats as a mother, chef, nurse, maid, and playmate among others.  Between the household chores and baby cuddles there’s many tea parties, play dates, dance sessions, art lessons, and laughs with my girl.  Needless to say, there’s never a dull moment and I can’t believe my little guy is already nearing 7 weeks old!

This past week was a big week of firsts for Josiah, our first successful attempt at church (he did fabulous), a first bottle, a first shopping trip, first trip to the zoo with big sister, and he even decided he kind of liked a pacifier momentarily. He is growing so fast, (Justin has appropriately nicknamed him stretch) and he grows more handsome every day too.  He makes my heart skip a beat simply watching him sleep. We are all so in love with him! My favorite part is watching Addisyn with her brother.  She so badly wants him to talk and play with her, continues to be his in home doctor (checking his “heartbeat” with her stethoscope frequently), and attempts to share all of her toys and snacks.  It’s a wonder he hasn’t already inhaled a goldfish or two.

The best part of my week was getting to see the debut of Josiah’s newborn photo shoot. I am so incredibly grateful for and amazed at the beautiful work of Leah at Journey Through Life Photography.  If you are local, you’re going to want to remember that name, I promise. Leah created such a beautiful experience for our newborn session and has given us absolutely priceless memories.  I have cried looking at her work, (and it’s not the post-partum hormones!), it’s just that the photos are that breathtakingly beautiful.  The thought and time that Leah puts into her passion for photography is apparent, and it shows through our pictures.  It’s like watching love spill out of the photos as I flip through them.

My heart aches at how beautiful this slideshow of our babies is, and I admittedly have not watched it without crying.  Thank you Leah for helping us create memories that will last forever!

Baby Josiah Hall Slideshow

The little moments, they are the best.  I’ve said before that I feel like God’s purpose for my life was solely to be the mother of the children that he’s loaned to me, and that’s why I love every minute of my day.  Whether it’s tea parties or tantrums, consider it all joy, right?  Addisyn is blossoming in so many ways.  It’s apparent that she’s starting to both test her limits and also become a rational thinker.  She’s also hilariously funny and goofy and that makes being her mother so fun.  The other night, after Daddy brought home our order of girl scout cookies (YUMMY!)  I sat in the floor and presented Addisyn with her choice of cookie. (Daddy may have said no cookies because she didn’t eat her dinner…but Mommy breaks a lot of rules!)  As she gleefully accepted her Tagalong (girl after my own heart!) she sat her tiny little body beside me. She giggled and we laughed as we talked and ate our cookies.  I laughed at the chocolate mess she was making and as I went to wipe away the smear of peanut butter goodness from her sweet little face she stood up and threw her arms around me.  As I hugged her, she said happily, “You’re my best friend, Mommy!”  If only I could freeze time.  I would freeze her sweet little self right where she is.  I would freeze us in that moment together. Those are the little moments that I could live in forever!  In those moments, I don’t care how much laundry is to be done, how little sleep I’ve had, or how many crumbs are now on the floor.  In those moments, I only care about the smile on my daughters face and the sweet embrace we are sharing. Those are the little moments that make all the sleepless night, the endless cleaning, and everything in between worth it all… and that’s sheer joy.

I’m so thankful to be in these moments with my family, even when life is truly chaos at times. We’re making our spring and summer bucket lists, we’re preparing for Addy’s second birthday party, and we’re loving every minute with Josiah in our lives.  What a blessed and fun time of year. As the days get busier and pass faster, just remember to hold on those little moments that make big impacts.

A big thanks to Leah Nisbet at Journey Through Life Photography in Chesapeake, VA. Check out Leah’s work here: https://www.facebook.com/Journey-Through-Life-Photography-117645249216/.