For good measure

Written by Shannon Leigh

11 weeks.

Ruby is now holding her head up while on her tummy and Matt and I couldn't be more proud. Every time she does it we call to the other one "Come in here! She's doing it again!" I wonder when it will get old?

We are enjoying all of her little milestones if you can't tell.

Tea anyone?

Written by Shannon Leigh

Did you know that I collect teacups? It's humble- but a collection nonetheless.

I don't collect just any teacup. I pick up a teacup from every new country I visit (Canada doesn't count). I'd like to add many more... maybe Greece, Australia... a girl can dream.

My favorite? A teacup from Portobello Road in London. It's the street where the riches of ages are stowed after all.

It's a vintage Grafton teacup made in England. It's special, just ask Matt. We searched every china vendor on Portobello Road for the perfect one. I think the little blue flower on the inside of the cup sealed the deal. Every time I see it I think fondly of our two year anniversary in London and of the previous owner. I hope she was a sweet little English lady who sipped tea out of it everyday. And no... I didn't find the second half of Astoroth's spellbook, although I looked.

I also have a handcrafted teacup from Capetown, South Africa. I adore it's little imperfections, they give it charm. My cousin Lesley has one in blue. We were there on a mission trip and spent one morning at a local market. I also bought a little wooden table with a rhino engraved on it - but that my friends I will save for another post.

And this little guy is from Costa Rica. We bought it while we were on our honeymoon. I remember wanting a big glass pitcher so bad but we were on a - just got married and we are totally broke- budget. I settled for this sweet little teacup instead. Every time I look at my little Costa Rican teacup I get sentimental and daydream about our honeymoon. Ahhh...

Speaking of teacups... when Matt and I were in London we bought my mom and mother-in-law teacups from the Cotswolds - probably one of my favorite places in the entire world. While wewere packing up the room to leave I noticed that my teacups were GONE! The maid in our hotel either stole them or threw them away. I was so upset, I am pretty sure I cried.

Guard your teacups well, I know I do.

The End.

Mother's Day

Written by Shannon Leigh

I'm a little behind on posting but I wanted share a few Mother's day things...

This year I made both my mom and my mother-in-law silhouettes of little Ruby.

She looks a little funny since she really doesn't have a neck but I think they turned out pretty cute. I also made some of Keagan and Kellen for my mom (the gift was from both Brooke & I).

They were painted on canvas and put in oval frames.

Speaking of mothers day, this is how I found my sweet little Ruby upon waking up. She even signed the card (and took me out to lunch). What a lucky mommy I am.

Melissa & Jeff - E-Session

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check out some of my faves here.

Llanceman Family Sneak Peak

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check out sweet little Ellie and her family here.

Another Woman?

Written by Shannon Leigh

Another woman has stolen my husbands heart.

I'm not sure if I should be jealous or melt into a puddle of gush.

I find them like this often. Especially on Sunday afternoons.

Yep, I'm a puddle.

Baby Kinzie

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check out Baby Kinzie here

The D Family

Written by Shannon Leigh
Check them out here.

Ruby 2 months

Written by Shannon Leigh

Is it really true? That my little bug is 2 months old?

I refuse to believe it but I am welcoming the sweet smiles and the occasional giggle that come with her getting older.

We went to the doctor for her well baby visit yesterday - complete with shots. She did great with the shots and had 2 great big snoopy bandaids covering both thighs. She is still long and skinny according to the doctor. She is 23 inches long (70th percentile) and only weighs 9lbs 8.5 oz (19th percentile). The doctor didn't seemed concerned about her low weight. She is a mover and a shaker so she probably burns extra calories.

She is getting sweeter and more smiley by the minute.

Her eyes are getting darker the older she gets, so I am now leaning more towards hazel/brown instead of blue.

When Matt takes her headband off - he calls her Rueben. (It's true, she is definitely boyish). We don't leave the house without a headband.

She kicks and splashes and smiles in the tub. She seriously has the time of her life. She screams when we take her out.

She has an "angel kiss" on the end of her nose. The doctor thinks it will probably go away. We think it's adorable. I am sure she WONT.

She talks and coos - especially after she eats.

She has found her hands and can voluntarily suck on her first.

We are putting her to bed at 8 and wake her up to eat at 11. She then sleeps until 5:30 or 6:00 (most of the time).

We usually let her sleep in bed with us after she wakes up in the morning. She is sooooo snugly in the morning - we LOVE it.

She is starting to make bubbles with her spit. Who knew spit could be so cute?

She loves to move around and doesn't like to be in one position for very long.

She falls asleep during tummy-time.

We adore her.

Karalee - 6 Months

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check her out... HERE

Mike & Maria

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check out Mike and Maria's wedding here.

When I Became a Mother

Written by Shannon Leigh

When I became a mother,

they placed you in my arms

you looked at me with big, bright eyes

and I cried.

When I became a mother,

You instantly stole my heart away

I didn't know I could love so much

your little hands, your sweet touch.

When I became a mother,

I doubted my abilities

you were so fragile, so perfect

How could you love me?

When I became a mother,

I asked God to give me grace

and patience,

and mercy.

When I became a mother,

I understood the sacrifice of the Son

I understood the pain of the Father

When I became a mother,

I was filled with purpose so divine.

your dreams became mine

When I became a mother,

I prayed fervently that you would come to know the Lord

"Please know my little girl." - I begged

When I became a mother

I was challenged and stretched

but you rewarded me with sweet smiles

I didn't know the full meaning of love,

but you taught me all about it

when I became a mother.

Thanks for making me such a blessed mommy, Ruby. I couldn't ask for more!

And now that I'm a Mom, it makes me appreciate my mom THAT much more.

Thanks Mom for all you do for me and the way you love me!

I love you.

Happy Mother's Day.

My Dog

Written by Shannon Leigh

Is currently a hairy beast.

I LOVE her like this. In fact I prefer her like this.

She looks like Snuffaluffagus... especially from far away.

Matt LOATHES her like this.

He won't let her on the bed and constantly complains about her nasty beard.

It's true, her beard is nasty. And it smells.

But I love her.

I could spend my days running my fingers through her tightly curled maine (if I didn't have a million other things to do).

I occasionally find my husband spraying her with febreze.

It makes her sneeze.

You wouldn't think it would take away the stench, but it does.

Her fur smells pretty fresh, you know, except for her beard.

She gets shaved on Sunday.