Just a little applause

Remember how much I love Design Mom? Well it turns out her mom has a blog too! And she recently wrote the best post about how meaningful blogging is for moms and how it has changed motherhood in wonderful ways. I couldn't have said it better. 

Here's to all the moms out there past and present - I applaud you!!

(Tree) Homes I love

I love this fantastic treehouse (for grownups!) spotted at From the Right Bank.

Wouldn't it make a great little guest house? (For the right type of ladder-climbing guest, of course...)

via Chicago Home + Garden

Photo magic

I love photos. There's something so fascinating about seeing a moment frozen in time. And when they're beautiful or meaningful, even better. I recently looked through Tim's photos on his iPhone and found some of me and Michael. I love them. I've been looking at Michael's face for 9 weeks now, but I never see myself holding him and even though they're not the most flattering pictures they are so beautiful to me I get choked up. I know that in years to come when I look back at them I will be transported and remember the way he snuggled up to me, his warmth, the way he smelled, and the soft sounds he made.

A quiet moment captured by Tim using Photosynth

And, a sweet and nostalgic site called Dear Photograph spotted on A Cup of Jo. Photos from then and now with sweet and sometimes funny captions. So beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Enjoy. Xoxo

"Dear Photograph,

He was a wonderful man and she grew up to be a wonderful woman."

Anonymous

"Dear Photograph,

Grandma loved this beach."

Dan Perry

"Dear Photograph, 
Dad never took a picture of me, ever. Then I noticed his reflection in the glass. 
Happy Father's Day, Dad."
Anonymous

2 months old

The time is flying right by. We love you more every day, sweet Michael. xoxo

June 16th

May 16th

A boy and his pup

During my pregnancy I spent a decent amount of time worrying about how our Ella would react to a new little creature in the house; our feisty dog had been our only "baby" for over ten years when I was pregnant. She seemed to know that change was coming, and I prayed that she would welcome the new one and maybe even find some protective instincts for him. My prayers were answered - she has been as good as gold, and Michael already loves her back. It has been the sweetest thing watching them together!

Curious and staying close

2 days

Protective mama

1 week

Michael sees Ella and smiles

4 weeks

Playing together

6 weeks

His favorite

7 weeks

Reading is fun...

...but the puppy is funner.

8 weeks

Rooms I love

decorpad via pinterest

I snapped a few pictures of Michael while we played on the floor this afternoon.

Ella took advantage of the distraction and snuck into the (clean) laundry pile to watch.

Design Mom

Have I mentioned lately how much I love this blog and Gabrielle Blair the woman who writes it? (I'm not the only one - Design Mom was recently named by Time magazine as one of the top websites of 2010. Design Mom is just one of several blogs to which she contributes.) I loved it even before I knew I was going to be a mother, and now that I am one I am more and more impressed. The blog is consistently full of great thoughts and advice about pregnancy, motherhood, family, and style. Gabrielle and her husband have six children (!) and it's obvious how much they enjoy their big family - they are currently living abroad in France for a year and fully embracing the french way of life! So refreshing and so cool! I just love this family photo (taken before baby #6). To me it's so representative of Gabrielle and her creative flair!

Blair family via Design Mom

My love

wakes with a smile

reminds me that there is a bright side

brings me sweets

plays like an otter

likes lime in his tea

remembers his roots

takes his time

is patient and kind

thinks

plans

wears boots

feels music in his soul

laughs like a kid

holds my hand

loves our son

leads us in prayer

my most precious friend

There is no one like you in the world, Tim, and I'm so thankful that you are mine :) I love you more than I can write - happy anniversary, my love!!! xoxo

Beach cabin

What a perfect combination...

HGTV via sweetie pie