A morning outside with Tobias.

If I could bottle up all your zeal for life and apply it like perfume at the start of every day, I would.

     What the world must look like to one as little as you, gigantic, foreign, wonderful? Sometimes when I look at pictures like these I can imagine your awe. The world through your eyes, a beautifully scary creation rendered exciting within carefully constructed boundaries.

(Could you be any cuter sporting Auntie KK's beanie she left behind?)

     You love the outdoors, if I left it up to you you would spend all your time outside. I both love and dislike this about you. Rain or shine, heat or cold, no bugs or millions your enthusiasm never wavers (unless I mention Paw Patrol, but even then you are swayed only 50% of the time). I love this because if there is one place I can go to get refreshed it's outside. It's in Gods creation where I am reminded how small I am and how great God is. There is something very comforting in that truth. I dislike this because the heat annoys me and mosquito's are very literally the bane of my existence!

     Thankfully on this morning the air was crisp (my favorite kind) and the mosquito's were few. I had put Well's down for his morning nap and the three of us headed to the backyard to play.

     When Riggs wasn't standing at the back door wanting to be let in he ran around chasing squirrels. He made sure to give Tobias and his lawn mower a wide berth. He seems to be terrified of that blue and green bubble machine when it's at the hands of Ty. I can't imagine why? I don't know a person or animal who minds getting rammed and chased by a little squirt and his plastic mower ...

(I don't think my mom could have known how much he would love this toy.)

(The leaves tend to turn brown instead of all those vibrant colors like up north, boo.) 

(The sunlight that morning was just gorgeous.)

      He stood at the gate glued to whatever truck or bus happened to pass by. He would beckon to me frantically, desperately wanting me to share in his excitement.

(His little face! Those huge blue eyes, that sweet mouth and those soft cheeks, 

it's hard to express how much I love this boy.)

     He mowed the lawn five times over stopping every once in awhile to make sure I was watching or to investigate the nearest ant hill. He ended up transferring his hat to his mower, it was "coldy" and needed some warmth.

     He also drove to the store multiple times for various items mom forgot to grab. And he drove to work. He made sure to wave goodbye to me just like daddy does every time he leaves.

Oh to be little again. Don't grow up too fast baby.

Tobias turns 2.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY BABY BOY!

(He has a little bit of a personality... )

Mommy wrote: I can't believe it's been that long and that you really are this big. You have changed so much in just two years it feels more like a decade has passed. You add so much to our lives. Our first baby who still gives snuggles and the sweetest kisses. You love to hide under any cover as long as someone hides with you. You enjoy the outdoors and mowing the lawn like no one I know. You also love animals and throwing balls much to your daddy's delight. You are stubborn and challenging and can throw epic tantrums with the best of them, but I wouldn't trade any of it. You are exactly who God created you to be and I am so thankful you are mine! I love you Tobias James.

(Outfit credit goes to my momma, she made the pants and bowtie for my sisters wedding!)

Daddy wrote: Tobias James, the hour I get to spend with you each morning has become my favorite hour of the day. Even when you throw water all over the bathroom floor and don't eat anything I try to give you for breakfast, I am so grateful to be able to have man time together. I can't wait to continue seeing your personality develop. I pray that you would grow to understand all that you have in Jesus. I'm so proud to be your daddy. 

(I asked him if he was going poop, he said "yes.")

(The hands in the pockets! It gets me every time!)

Getting Away

     Gray and I were able to get away for a couple days in May thanks to Gray's parents. It was a quite little hotel near Gatlinburg, not too close to anything major, situated on a two lane highway in the mountains. There was a cozy fireplace inside and a stream with a hammock out the front door. Down the road was a little book/tourist shop with great coffee and books that were literally stacked up from floor to ceiling. The hike was short but fun, the food yummy, the shop gazing diverting and the conversation a blessing. No little one in site to entertain and wait on hand and foot.
     There was a lot of talk about names. Our list at this point included, Emry, Damen, Theodore, Reuben, Simeon, Jude, Desmond, and Julian, none of which made it to the end. There was dreaming about what life would be like once this new one arrived. There was talk about finances and praying that God would provide for our needs (because having babies isn't cheap). There was talk about the future and grad school and what we saw ourselves doing in five years. It was the kind of conversation you don't want to forget. In all, it was a great two days, a break from reality, and a wonderful connection point for me and Gray.

A Busy Weekend in May

     The first weekend in May is always graduation weekend for our College. I say our, as in, the college that all of my sisters and I attended. It was Vic's turn this year and along with graduating she decided to get married as well! So in one weekend, we celebrated her accomplishment in the Geology Program, threw a bridal shower in honor of her upcoming nuptials, and I took some extra engagement photos for her and Dan just because. It was so fun for me and Tobias to be back in Ohio before throwing another little boy into the mix. Tobias definitely enjoyed all the attention from both sets of grandparents and his aunts!

 Victoria doesn't officially graduate until December so she showed us her "fake" diploma instead. My dad is a professor at the college and so he dresses every year for graduation. We all love the scarlet red, it's a handsome statement for sure! :)

 The proud parents and fiance.

The Couser Girls. So proud of each of my sisters and their many accomplishments! Can't believe it was four years ago that I was at the center of these pictures, time sure flies!

     The Shower had a coffee and donuts theme, two of the brides favorite things. With Dominique at the helm and my mom, Francesca, and I working together I think we pulled off a beautiful party. Someday that wedding/event center I want to own will happen, I hope. Thank you Bill's Donut Shop for the delicious treats (they definitely didn't help my pregnancy weight gain, oh well)!

She is going to be/was a gorgeous bride!

We are so thankful for all the people who came and showered the new couple with gifts!

Opening silverware can be quite difficult, don't be fooled!

The bride and her mother and mother-in-law to be!

     Occasionally it is enjoyable to test my creativity and when I have willing subjects it is even better. These photos were as much fun to take as they are to look at! What an awesome couple and what a great weekend.

Oh and a photo of Tobias just for good measure!