Mama's Birthday

In April, I turned 34.  THIRTY FOUR.  That's solid mid-thirties now.  Like real adult aged.  You know, I think I've been waiting for this for awhile, actually.  I'm pretty sure my soul has been mid-thirties for a couple of decades now.  And this is the life:

Playdate with dearest friend and our sweet kiddos by day:

Date night with wonderful thoughtful husband by night:

And the sweetest family any girl could ever wish for.  (Plus yummy cake made by another great friend).

Thirty-four feels just right to me.  Time can stop right here.

Mama Wore That: I'm The Little Sister

Clara has my whole heart.  Like many parents expecting their second child, I'm sure, I used to wonder while I was pregnant how there would ever possibly be room in my heart for another child.  Everyone assured me there would be, and I believed them, but simply couldn't imagine how.  Clara has my whole heart.  From the moment she arrived though, it became immediately clear that Eloise also has my whole heart.  She may not yet have the full personality that Clara does and she may not be able to construct a sentence that melts me into a puddle.  She may not look at God's creation with a level of wonder and amazement that humbles and inspires me.  She may not grab onto my neck with the same force or be able to ask me for hugs or if I will play with her, but Eloise has my whole heart.  I can't wait to see who she will become and what special things I will admire and adore about the soul that God has given her.  But before any of that has fully developed I can already say with complete confidence that she is something truly special.   They each have my whole heart.

One of the things that Eloise and I will always share is that we are the little sisters.  Being the baby in a family is an important and special role and I will always understand how she feels being the little sister.  If you met me and didn't know I have an older brother, you might assume from my personality that I'm an oldest child (I chalk it up to two parents who were first borns and a family culture that was pretty type-A and driven as a result), but I'm a little sister and that's just one special thing that Eloise and I will always share.  So when Clara (unintentionally) makes you feel like you're not big enough or smart enough or cool enough, Eloise, know that you are and I get it, baby.  When she lords it over you that she has a cell phone or a driver's license or whatever the thing is in another decade that kids just have to have and you're not old enough yet, I get it, baby.   If they accuse you of craving the spotlight or needing attention or trying to always please, just know sweet Eloise, I get it, baby.  You and me, we're the little sisters.

1981:

Mama Wore That: Newborn

I know it's been awhile since I did a Mama Wore That post, so it bears repeating that I am so very very thankful that my mama saved some of these special outfits and that I've been blessed with two little girls who can wear them.  The fashions may have changed, but some of these are so classic you would never even know they were from 1981.  And regardless of how trendy they may (or may not) be, I just love knowing that my girls have a piece of my own childhood.  Most of these were so small that Clara never got a chance to wear them, so it was extra sweet to get to play dress up with Eloise.  It truly is like having a real live baby doll and I probably got a little carried away with these photo shoots, but I can't choose favorites... so many precious little expressions.  Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of photos of me in most of these, but I've properly documented the outfits this go 'round, so if they make it another generation, there will be plenty to compare!  Enjoy!

This was MY coming home outfit, bought by  my Grandma Davis!

                                                                       Chrissy, May 1981

And here was Eloise's coming home outfit, which was also one of mine.

This yellow dress is one of my favorites.

It just so happens that there was a yellow dress in Clara's size that used to be mine too, so the photos of both girls in vintage yellow dresses (on Father's Day) just about kill me.

My mom says she remembers this one being one of her favorites:

And she loved this one, too:

Chrissy, summer 1981

(I think this bonnet is the same one in the first few photos of this post)

After all those costume changes, baby girl just wanted a little naked time.  I'm sure I spent some time in my birthday suit too.

There are several more outfits to go, and at the rate Eloise is growing I need to hurry up and get a move on!  Stay tuned!