Family | A wedding

On Saturday, my cousin, Ridge, and his lovely bride, Rachel, got married. It was one of the coolest weddings I've been to. Rachel had clearly thought of every detail, and from what I hear, the entire family pitched in to help make it a fantastic affair, and with a photo booth, lemon drops on the tables, hopmemade garlands, and sunny yellow flowers galore, I would say the reception lived up to it's potential. Cheesecloth is the new tulle, FYI.

P.S. If you're wondering where the pictures are of all this wonderful jazz I've mentioned, you'll have to wait. I stole these from the photographer! But seriously, how cute is the straw couch?!

Bruno | Visits and Bruno's baptism

Cody and I aren't very good at being on top of things sometimes. We snuck Bruno in on the last possible Sunday for him to be baptized at our church before our move. And on an unrelated but hilarious note, we're pretty sure that Sebastian thinks Brad is actually Jesus, since Jesus baptizes and wears a long robe, of course. It was a beautiful service and was even more special because my mom, and Bruno's Godfather, Jeff/Buck, were there! Thanks, Katie, for the pictures!

We are so thankful to raise this little one with the help and prayers of those in our church, and friends here and elsewhere. Buck gave Bruno his first bible and book of common prayer. Bruno seemed excited and surprised.

We are also overwhelmed with thankfulness to our parents, whom we got to spend over a week with (sadly, my dad couldn't come). They were such a blessing to us and helped carve out so much time for Cody to study and write papers that otherwise would not have been available to him. My mom let me sleep in until almost noon every day! As much as I'm still very much in denial that we're leaving Durham soon, I am very excited to spend a quality amount of time with our families. Mom, I promise I'll get up with my kids when we're at home. Okay okay, at least when we're living in the apartment...

Seb | New sweater

Someone is feeling better, and looking mighty fine, if I do say so, in the new sweater Mamaw made him. Unfortunately Bruno is feeling the full impact of the virus now. While he napped for a bit this afternoon, Sebastian and I spent a little while on our balcony planting the basil plant we bought at the farmer's market last week. There is nothing like outside time to refresh this little guy.

We had a good visit with Cody's parents, despite the fact that Sebastian was very sick the entire time. I wouldn't call it "fun" but it was certainly comforting to have them with us. We couldn't have made it through the weekend without them. I actually feel pretty rested, and not very stressed, which I can promise you wouldn't have been the case without their help and encouragement. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

North Carolina | Warming up

We've  had some fairly consistent warmth for the last two weeks now, and it's been glorious to say the least. Sandals and shorts have been slowly making their way into our wardrobes, and our balcony door is being left open more and more. The heat is off, and the air smells sweet. Last Tuesday we enjoyed a picnic at Duke Gardens, and one afternoon Bruno and I enjoyed a walk there with friends. We stopped to rest in the grass for a bit, and Bruno got his first dirty feet and taste of grass (and twigs and dirt, ahem). On Sunday, Cody wore Sebastian out so much with hours of playing outside that he fell asleep on the couch for the first time in his life... stinking adorable, that's what.

I love you, sunshine.

Family | Spring Break II—Joseph arrives!

I can't even believe it, but my wonderwoman of a sister-in-law went into labor on Wednesday (the day we had all been hoping for!) when we arrived in Wilmington, and delivered baby Joseph at 1:19 a.m. on the fourteenth. Mom, Dad, Joanna and I went to the hospital around 11 p.m. to wait for his arrival, and heard his first cry. It was so fun and strange to be on the other end this time around—waiting, wondering, and you know, not having a baby! So I'm finally an aunt, and couldn't be more excited.

Welcome to the world little man!

So happy to have met you, Joseph!

P.S. Some photos by Joanna

Family | Spring Break in Cincinnati

We've been in Cincinnati since Saturday afternoon, and it's been a merry little group. Uncle Kurt and Amanda, Aunt Anna, Grandmother and Grandaddy were among the honored guests. Now we're just to the 6 of us, our little family plus Mamaw and Paw Paw, which is still pretty fun fyi. So blessed to have such a wonderful family.