Today you are one

Hazel, today, you are one. It's hard to believe it has already been a whole year, but at the same time, its hard to remember you not being here, as you fit so perfectly into our family. You are oh so serious, but at the same time, the most joyful little person. Its hard to ever be sad when you crawl (well, now walk) up and lay your head in my lap and smile with that amazing Hazel smile. You are so sweet, but already show signs of being fiercely independent and are not afraid to tell Matilda when she is upsetting you. I think you may have inherited your mama's temper.

At one, you love eating real food - none of that pureed stuff. You love reading books, and playing with whatever your big sis is playing with at any particular time; you love clementines, cheese, lima beans, and of course bananas. You are so used to playing with children Matilda's age, that when you see another child your own age, you get SO excited. You hate having your diaper changed, and getting dressed. You adore bath time with Matilda and just splash away every time you get in there. You have so much hair and its possible I put it in pig tails the other day for the very first time. you started really walking just last week, a full month before your sister did. You love everyone, and I love that trait about you. I hope it never goes away, and that you never have a reason to not trust people. The world can be a beautiful place, and I know it needs more people like you in it.

Sweet Hazel, one year ago today, you came into our lives and changed them for the better. You are already the best little sister and playmate to Til, and I cannot wait to see your relationship grow. A sister is the best friend, believe me, I know. I have the best sister in the world, and I can only hope that you and Matilda will one day grow into the best of friends and confidants.

Happy birthday beautiful girl.

Lately

1. Hanging out with Pop
2. Peach preserves I made with my Granny
3. Wearing Pop's glasses and reading his magazine in his favorite chair
4. Pushing Hazel at the park
5. Coffee milk
6. Picnics. Matilda's (and my) favorite
7. Happy girl
8. Digging in dirt always
9. She is happiest when she is free to crawl and move

Hello Fall

Y'all. I love fall. 

(Yes, i'm one of those people blogging about their love for fall.)

It has always been my favorite season, mostly because I can finally be outside without sweating, because I HATE sweating. Oh so much. And because I know it is leading into cooler weather. Give me 40-50 degree dreary days and I am a happy woman. 

Also, there's all that yummy pumpkin stuff EVERYWHERE. We won't even talk about how much money I've spent on Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks already. 

We decided to have a little fall dinner, complete with chocolate cake, because Matilda requested it. She was so cute when she asked that I couldn't not give in, especially since I thought it was a great idea too. 

Even Hazel agreed. She also loved her very first taste of roast. 

Splash Pad Fun

As happy as I am about cooler weather and scarves and boots and pumpkins and snuggling under covers on cold mornings, I will miss this. I took these on the last day of splash pad season, when we went on labor day with our favorite Wilson family. 

I don't know that a week went by this summer that we didn't spend at least one day splashing around, eating snacks, and getting to play with our friends. 

I definitely don't want to rush fall and winter, but I look forward to the first day that the splash pad reopens next summer. 

Hazel - 9 months

Sweet Hazel, I cannot even believe how big she is getting. Only 3 more months and we will be celebrating her first birthday, which is just crazy. I still remember her birth like it was yesterday (posted here, if you want to read about that magical day), and am having a hard time coming to terms with my baby growing so fast. 

I was told so many times before Matilda was born to really enjoy my babies because they are only little for a short time and it flies. I would kindly nod, but in the back of my head be saying, right, whatever. But you guys. IT FLIES. Especially with the second one. I feel like I blinked and 9 months flew by. 

Hazel is currently eating any and all things, and preferably not served in pureed form. She is crawling so fast, pulling up on anything that she can, and cruising around furniture. She is already standing on her own without holding onto anything. She high fives, waves hi and bye bye, and says Mama. It makes my heart so happy every time she looks at me and says mamamamamama. 

This girl is pure joy, and I am so thankful that I get to be her mama. She is loved by her big sister so much, and I can only pray that their relationship continues to blossom as they grow. There is nothing sweeter than a best friend who is also your sister. Believe me, I have the best of the best!!

Lunches at home

 On this specific day, Matilda requested pizza for lunch. We had been out running a few errands, and normally would have stopped and picked one up, but I remembered I had everything to top it with, and could just whip up the pizza dough in a couple of minutes. It was much more fun this way, as Matilda was able to help me make it. She loved putting all the toppings on, and watching it cook through the oven door. (Hazel might have even gotten a little taste!) 

The pizza was delicious and we had so much fun making it together. I love easy days at home where I am able to spend quality time with these amazing girls of mine. 

Dedication

  

Before Hazel was born, I was gifted this amazing vintage baby dedication dress by a sweet friend (who just happens to be my pastor's wife), and from the moment I saw it, I knew I wanted to get a few photos of Hazel in it. It is hand embroidered, and is literally everything anyone could ever want for a dedication dress. I'm only sad I didn't have it for Matilda!

My sweet friend Joy, (who is an amazing photographer) took these photos for me, and I just adore them. The b&w one of Hazel from a distance looks so old fashioned to me, and I am obsessed! 

Hazel was dedicated in this a few months before we did this shoot, and I was so happy her chubby little arms still fit into the delicate fabric.