The Window

Every morning I stand at this kitchen window to make my coffee.

While the water boils, I admire the African violets that remind me of Momaw Jiggs, that also grow in her very own planters. When the coffee is ready, I drink it from my Momaw Bertie's cups. I think about things that they used to say and do. And I pray for my Popaw Deb and Popaw Lucian who are missing them fiercely, but pushing forward.

It's sacred time for me.

I used to marvel at how this corner window was the only place in my house where things would grow well.

Now, I don't wonder anymore. It's growing me, too.

Waiting for the sun to shine

My early bird. My happy girl. Charlotte is up with the sun, always cheerful and always hungry. 

This morning she opened our door and said she couldn't find Baby. So I stumbled around bleary-eyed, looking under her covers, under beds, in their closet... until I remembered that she had fallen asleep in my arms last night before our guests left. I had carried her to bed and covered her up, sweet girl, and pulled her mosquito net around her, without remembering to tuck Baby in with her. Luckily, I found Baby "playing hide and seek" behind a couch cushion, and we averted tears and a crisis. She even snuggled back in between Chris and me and we all dozed off for a few precious minutes. Hallelujah.

When Chris kissed us goodbye this morning, Charlotte was still snoozing. She woke up just a minute after he'd gone and immediately asked for him. I told her that Daddy had kissed her cheek before he left for work. Darling and literal as she is, she felt around for his kiss on her cheek but couldn't find it. :)

She saw light coming through the blinds and asked me to open them so she could watch the sunshine come up over our neighbor's house and the big oak tree out back. So we watched. And waited. In her beloved little orange polka dot dress (thank you, Laura) that she has worn for the past five days in a row. I choose my battles wisely, folks.

This girl is such a gift. Unexpected as can be, she is beautiful proof that God knows what He's doing, even when we do not. 

It is such a pleasure to have this bit of alone time with her this summer, while my older two sleep the morning away. I may not always be happy to be awaken before the sun rises, but this little gift of ours is just so darn sweet, that I can't help smiling at her every time she climbs into our bed. 

Have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love, my friends.

The Good Stuff | Tampa Bay Lifestyle Photography

I just delivered prints to this family, and then I realized that I hadn't shared them here on the blog. :)

I absolutely LOVE this type of session... in a client's home, relaxed, with plenty of time for snacks and snuggles. Cuddled up in bed with blankies for soothing, thumbs for sucking, and goldfish for nibbling. A newborn baby in Mama's arms, and toddler tickles and funny faces with Daddy.  These are the days, aren't they?

I hope these two darling brothers will always know how much they are adored. 

Downtime

Just a little movie watching on Bubby's bed before dinner. They were quiet and still for a few minutes of Mary Poppins while I finished up some work. 

I can't believe summer is almost over and the two big ones will go off to school next week. Charlotte will miss them so much.