Three Years!!!

These past 2 months have held a lot for Paul and I- the birth of Briella Rose, his graduation from college, and our third wedding anniversary. Our anniversary was actually on the 18th, but life has kept me from blogging earlier :)

We had an amazing time out together to celebrate, made possible by the Williams' generously giving us many hours away from the kiddos. We went for a bike ride at Mento Brown (one of my favorite things!). The weather was perfect and Paul planned it- he's so sweet :), had a long quiet dinner outdoors, and caught a late movie. Sooo relaxing. Our first real date after the baby.

I thought I would post a few wedding highlights :) It feels so funny to look back on that day after so much life has passed in such a short time! Wonderful memories, but I do feel a bit like I don't know the people in the photos anymore!

Quite possibly my favorite wedding picture

Check out Paul's hair! I loved it though :)

My entourage of best buddies. So much fun :)

First moments as husband and wife

Love isn't love without kissing and cake :)

I'm so glad God brought us together when He did. I can't imagine life without my best friend, favorite person, perfect match, lover, leader, and soul mate. 

Brother/Sister photos

This week we recovered our baby photos of West from my broken macbook and have had fun comparing our two monkeys. They look so much alike! If I didn't label them, could you tell which is which?

Westly in hospital

Briella in hospital

Westly at one month

Briella at one month

Couldn't they be twins?! The funny thing is as a newborn he had a definitely masculine face, and hers is decidedly feminine. It will be fun to watch them grow :)

Life update and new baby photos

Hey friends!

Sorry I haven't posted more photos of Briella. To be honest I haven't been able to take very many, but I got some sweet ones of her awake today.

I love her pretty eyes :)

We've had a rough go of it around here lately- all kind of related to food. I've been dealing with some pretty major migraines, which could be due to post-partum hormonal issues, or could be my lovely food allergies resurfacing after lying dormant during my pregnancy (oh joy). Either way, I'm having trouble fulfilling my mommy duties. We discovered this weekend that West's allergy-safe graham crackers changed their ingredients to include soy, which accounts for the mystery rash all over his legs and him being (ahem) a bit of a psycho since Paul went back to work. And our sweet Briella is beginning to show signs of a milk (or something) allergy- tummy trouble, not sleeping well, and a bloody diaper rash.  It kills me to see her hurting, but I am so thankful we know what it is this time around. I still struggle with guilt over not figuring out West's food issues earlier, my poor baby lived in pain the first year of his life. I'm dairy-free now for her, and taking this week to prepare to start on the allergy-diet for me next week.

But today was a much better day for us all. We hit magic day four since taking the soy out for West and he didn't have one tantrum all day for me; it was so nice to have my sweetheart back! I was able to keep the migraine under control and had a good meeting with my doctor, and little girl seemed to be doing a bit better. 

Also, Paul applied last night for a position as a park ranger that we are both very excited about. His qualifications fit like a glove and it's a job he'd really enjoy. And we could potentially buy a house on the salary. It will probably be months before anything really happens there, the State moves so slowly on applications, but it was still very encouraging. We would really appreciate prayer for this opportunity, and for our health issues at this point- specifically that the allergy diet would take care of them for mommy and baby. Paul has been wonderfully filling in where I can't keep up, though. God's got us here for a reason!

I'm not gonna lie; two is harder than one

Is it bad if I sometimes include "much much much much much harder"? Paul went back to work Monday, and I'd say that this clip does an awesome job characterizing my days since.



A little Westly whirlwind into which I try to squeeze baby girl:)
But the cool thing is, God is really using it. I think I've gotten too comfortable with my life for too long, and He is now bringing to life James 1:2-6,

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

When one monkey is throwing a 1 1/2 hour tantrum over taking a nap (not kidding- but then he slept 4 hours!), the other is crying because she is hungry, and I'm at a loss for how to resolve both at the same time, I am being forced to rely on God for wisdom and encouragement like I have never been before. Loving discipline of a strong willed toddler is impossible without being Spirit-led when you're running on three hours of sleep.

Overall- yes this has been a tough few days, but I am becoming continually more thankful for my God, my husband, and the good times with my babies.