Dear Ava,

As of Saturday, we finally kicked a bad bug! The week before was a looong one made of sleepless nights and raw noses from all the kleenex tissues, you are not a fan of those. I'm afraid that it took a little longer for us all to finally get better because you, Brooks, and your Daddy are just too irresistible...I can't stop hugging and kissing and holding you close. But carrying you in your sling is just all around good for us I think, even if germs may be involved when we're sick.

Whether we're out and about, or at home and I'm just trying to get things done, I've held you close in the sling and you're happy. Much of the time I'm paying attention to other things around me, but the other day I soaked in the moments of it being just us. It was so precious watching you as it sank in that we both have the same facial features. Two eyes, two ears, one pair of lips, lots of teeth, one nose..."Ava's nose. Mama's nose." Little one, you have my heart. Your Daddy and I adore you forever.

Love,

Mom

Snow Cone Kisses

We've been home sick alllll week...so I'll just satisfy my snow-cone craving and itch to get out and drive somewhere by sharing these photos from a few weeks ago. It was such a sweet afternoon out with Brooks and Ava. I tell ya, 90 percent of the time, those two are either doing their own thing, or they're driving each other ca-razy. But the other 10 percent, are filled with moments like sharing snow cones and giving kisses covered in the snow cone juice. ;) They make my heart burst.

Guest Post at WhipperBerry: DIY Polka Dot Denim

I am thrilled to send you over to my first post as a member of the new WhipperBerry Creative Team! Heather over at WhipperBerry is as sweet and fabulous as they come! I feel honored to take up space on her lovely blog.

Today I shared a tutorial involving one of my favorite patterns: polka dots. They can be fun and casual, classy and bold. I've seen polka dot pants here and there for a while now, and I love them! Recently I found a pair of white denim pants with black polka dots that I couldn't help but gush over, sadly the price tag put a stop to that train rather quickly. So I made them happen with a pair of pants I already owned! And they're my new favorite pair of jeans. :) Do you like polka dots? If so, give this a try...with pants, shorts, a skirt, or really any piece of clothing you want to take up a notch!

Go HERE to see the full tutorial. xo

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^^ Sweet dreaming. ^^

^^ Those eyes. ^^

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

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^^ Brooks and his duck friend at Liberty Park. ^^

^^ All smiles with her popsicle in hand. That Ava is our little sunshine girl. ^^

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

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^^ My little boxer-brief wearing baller. Our sweet neighbors gave us that hoop! Now to get an actual basketball. ;) ^^

^^ So fresh and so clean! ^^ 

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Pizza Picnic at Castle Park

Just looking at these pictures, from a lovely night out with my little family last month, puts the biggest smile on my face. From the tasty pizza picnic, watching Adam love on Ava, goofing around with my sweet boy, and soaking in the last of the setting sun...what happiness is made of I tell ya.