more party pics.

Someone had a little trouble understanding that these weren't his birthday candles to blow out.

Sophie let Lawson help with the last candle. What a nice big sister. :)

birthday girl.

Happy Birthday, sweet, sweet Sophie. I am amazed at how fast these past 5 years have gone. It seems like only yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital. You challenged us right away with your strong personality and your stubborn attitude. But you also have such a sweet and gentle spirit. That caring heart and sweet smile. You have been the source of some of my greatest frustrations and my greatest joys.

November 20, 2002. I'll never forget that night. A middle of the night trip to the ER. 104* fever. You were so tiny and pale. So lethargic. So quiet and still as they performed all those horrible tests on you. I remember Dr. Patron praying with us and praying for you before he did the spinal tap, then encouraging us to leave, saying if it were his child, he wouldn't want to watch. I remember when he first said meningitis and I remember him explaining it to us, saying that the bacteria travels up the spinal cord and eats away at the brain. I remember that awful feeling... realizing that if we had waited... if we would have let you cry a little longer... you would have gotten to that lethargic point and would have stayed that way all night. By morning, it could have been too late. We could have lost you so easily.

I look at these pictures and am amazed at the little girl you have become. Things could have gone so differently. God had His hand on you then and we pray that you will always want to walk with Him beside you. Our lives were forever changed the day that you arrived. May you always know how much we love you.

birthday party.

Sophie had her first little "friend" birthday party this year. They had so much fun.

Jumping with balloons.

Our fancy pinata'. Isn't it pretty? :)

Gracie, Hayley and Sophie. Such good little buddies.

Decorating cookies.

Hayley just wanted a few sprinkles on hers. ;)

I'm thankful for these sweet little girls and hoping that Sophie will always have such good friends.

happy birthday corey!

We couldn't ask for a better husband or daddy.
You're the best.



We love you.
Whole bunches.

more sophie.

I love the details that Sophie pays attention to while she is playing. This little arrangement has been in her room for a week now. Every little baby (or animal) is in it's perfect place. With so many details...



This dog gets to wear the sunglasses and look at the flowers from "Beach Day" at preschool.


This little elephant is sleeping on a folded up blanket in the basket. He has a pair of socks under his head for a pillow.... a washcloth for a blanket... 2 bottles... and the spring hanging on the handle of the basket is his mobile.


This baby is just sleeping with her blanket. But Piglet? He's got his rattle, lotion and baby oil... all at his fingertips!


There is a cat in this basket. Again... sleeping on a folded up blanket... covered with a washcloth blanket... sippy cup beside her.


What a good little mommy. :)

sophie.

Corey and I are so happy to finally have some real fall weather! Sophie apparently still thinks that it is summer...

She was going to the beach.

we're gettin' there.

Fish scales are finished.

Trim has been primered.

We have so many plans for this loft.

We're planning built in shelves, nooks and cubbies in between the beams. (Thanks for the idea, Kristi!) This won't happen right away, though. The loft will remain unfinished for awhile.

Anxiously awaiting the cement guys tomorrow.

I think Corey and I are the only ones so tired of all the piles of dirt and rocks and sand. The kids are loving it!