7 months old!

I woke up today to find the most beautiful little 7 month old in our nursery! I can't believe Emma is growing so fast! I've already started planning her 1st birthday party! I know it will sneak up on us! We are savoring every day and loving on our little girl so much!

Emma is rolling over and scooting around but no immediate signs of crawling yet. This past week Emma learned how to wave...and she loves it! Seriously, this girl waves all the time. Such a smart girl! Our petite lady is still in 3-6 month clothes. (I did pull out the 6-9 month clothes in preparation, but I think we still have awhile.)

This month Emma started solids...she now eats bananas, peas, sweet potatoes, and apples. In addition to nursing, I decided to make Emma's food at home. I completely support people who buy formula and store-bought baby food, but for our family I decided I would make it for Emma. It's super easy and I know exactly what's going into her little body. And this little baby loves to put on her slick bib, sit in that high chair...and she loves to eat too!

Our girl is so happy and loves to laugh and smile. She babbles and coos and keeps us well informed of everything happening in her world! Emma's favorite time of day is when Daddy comes home and scoops her in his arms, throws her in the air and gives her kisses. We're definitely looking at a Daddy's girl and we love that!

We're so proud of our Emma and are eager to see what developments come with each new day! Mommy and Daddy love you, sweet Emma!

{MSP}

Christmastime!

Christmas was a very festive and busy time at Patterson Place! We celebrated in Louisville with the Sills side and then had our own little celebration and rounded out the holiday with a visit down to Clarksville to see the Pattersons! We missed getting to spend time with all the Mississippi folks, but look forward to next year!

Emma, of course, didn't have a clue what was happening, but loved playing with lots of wrapping paper. We loved getting to help her play with all her new toys. We are immensely grateful for everyone's gifts and love seeing Emma enjoy her new things.

Little Emma had a hard time adjusting to her new sleeping quarters at the Patterson's in Clarksville. The biggest plus to that was when she woke up early on Christmas morning I got some alone time with my sweet girl!

Daniel's sister, Kimberly, is a budding photographer and took some darling Christmas pictures of Emma for us! (If you'd like to book her to take some photographs for you, I can hook you up!)

Isn't this what every child should look like on Christmas morning?

Emma with her Great-Grandaddy!

All in all, we had the best Christmastime with the sweetest little baby girl in the world! We hope that you all had lovely Christmases and wish everyone Happy New Years!

{MSP}

2nd Anniversary

When I think back to our dating days, it both seems like a lifetime ago and like I could be getting ready for our first date tonight. Yesterday (December 11), Daniel and I celebrated two glorious years of marriage. I can't believe how wonderfully blessed I am! Seriously yall, sometimes I feel guilty for having the most perfect husband ever. But then I just bask in the warmth of our love and don't feel guilty one little bit!

I remember getting ready for our wedding two years ago. The craziness of wedding planning, starting my first full-time job, graduating with my masters degree (the day before the wedding), and setting up our first home in time for Christmas was ever so stressful but when December 11, 2010 dawned, I was the happiest girl in the world. A bride on the brink of heaven. I woke up early to finish a project I had been working on for Daniel (a journal filled with my thoughts from our dating and engagement days) and got to work on my appearance with my best friend (and maid of honor) Claire. Together with her and Jennifer (another dear friend and bridesmaid) I somehow got my hair washed and dried (to go to the salon later), toenails painted, went to a different salon for my manicure, got my makeup on, and eventually my gorgeous wedding dress.

When the photographer was taking my pictures I kept asking if it was time to see Daniel. That's all I wanted. To be with my Daniel. Finally the moment came, and it was perfection!

The moment I had been waiting for all my life was just around the corner. And then, like the first snowfall of winter, my magical winter wonderland wedding was in full swing. Daddy, my first love, the man who had led me to the Lord, baptized me, and prayed for my husband all my life, gave me to my Daniel forever. And I was the happiest I had ever been in my life. 

The reception was divine. There were stars in both our eyes the whole evening. The dance hall was filled with merriment and warmth and all of the people in the world that we loved. And I was Mrs. Daniel Lane Patterson.

Two years have passed. We now have the most darling little girl in the world. We've moved once and gone through a few jobs. I thought that December 11, 2010 was the happiest I'd ever be. But I was wrong. I'm happier and more in love with my Daniel now than I've ever been. I grow more in love, happier, more grateful, and more excited to see my husband every single day that passes. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

{MSP}