First Trip to Beech

We hadn't made a lot of firm summer plans before Eloise was born, in part because I couldn't bring myself to really believe that we'd be skipping the many weeks in the NICU part and bringing a baby straight home and in part because I just didn't know what kind of baby she would be and whether travel would really be an option.  Lucky for us, she's the best kind of baby and there was no NICU for us.  So, we started planning a few little long weekend trips here and there.  The first one though was to Beech Mountain.  It was Clara's first trip away from home too and so it was fitting that Eloise also travel there for her first road trip.  She slept the whole car ride (well, really, the whole weekend, let's be honest) and we enjoyed some much cooler temperatures and beautiful sunsets.  I have a few random photos from the weekend which honestly don't look much different from our lives at home, but it was still nice to have a change of scenery while nursing, burping and rocking this bundle of love.

Mountain breakfast...

 Hiking with Daddy. Clara is taking it very seriously.

 These are the first on-camera smiles I got of Eloise. Melt.

 Sisters loving on each other, away from home.

 Family shot on the porch, watching the sunset (me in my PJs; don't judge)

She traveled so well, I think we'll do it again!

Mama Wore That: Newborn Cream Smocking

Of all the newborn dresses of mine that Sweet Mama saved, I think that this one might be my favorite.  Eloise wore it to church the first Sunday we took her, but I didn't manage to get any photos of her in it.  Put it back on her this past week for these shots and am so glad I did because she's already just about outgrown it.  If only they stayed little longer.  I love this precious vintage dress and the sweet new thing with wide eyes who is wearing it.

Six Weeks Old

How is it that our sweet baby Eloise is already six weeks old?  And yet... how was there ever life without her?  She remains an incredibly sweet, snuggly, laid back, good sleeping and good eating chunk of a delight. Here's the official six week shots.

 And then, these.  I know I could have, you know, chosen one or two.  But I could not pick!

Indiana Buddies

It's always sad when your dearest and closest college friends end up scattered all over the country with visits that are far and few between.  Lucky for us, the Wingfields have family down south so they make the trek to this neck of the woods a few times a year and are always so thoughtful to extend their plans to include some time with us.  I was so glad for them to get to come meet Eloise so soon after she was born and it always brings me great joy to watch our big kids playing together.  Although they may only see each other in person a few times a year, I hope these girls will always grow up knowing and loving each other like cousins.  We sure made some fun memories this time around.

Dinner their first night here, Matt and Heather got to meet Eloise, too.  I have photographic evidence of a baby in Matt's arms.

The next day we spent outside, playing with driveway toys, picnicking, splashing in the kiddie pool and water table, and getting covered in shaving cream.  Ahhh... this is what summer is for.

And the next morning before they hit the road, we met up with some other folks at a playground.  I love this shot of two of my very dearest college girls.

Thanks for all the hours spent in the van to make this happen, sweet friends!  Til next time!