scenes from the (beach) weekend.

this weekend, we went to the beach.

the view from our balcony. it was gorgeous.

i'm sure for most of you, this doesn't sound like it deserves such a dramatic introduction. but oh, for us it does. this is the first real vacation we have ever taken as a family. and i don't mean as a family of four, i mean even as a family of three. sure, we've travelled some, mostly to see family out of state. but we have rarely gone to do fun things together, let alone take a whole, long weekend, to just enjoy each other. it's not that we didn't feel like it was important--it's just that the past few years have left us wanting for the time, resources, or energy to do it.

but finally, there we were. and while it wasn't the most relaxing beach vacation ever (such is life with a three year old and six month old), it was still a good time together and it was so refreshing to be away from everything, even if it was just for a little while.

we so needed it.

coen's first time seeing the ocean. he was so excited!

little miss just wanted to get into all the things.

she loved it.

spotted these two studs from our balcony.

she decided she needed some coffee, too.

definitely my child.

i swear he's happy. :)

best daddy ever.

headed down to the beach!

mommy even got some time alone. it was bliss.

my little lady. <3 

yes & amen.

now that we've experienced something of summer, i'm ready for fall (read: all the things pumpkin). but really, if i'm honest, i'm ready to go back. for just a little longer.

love.

scenes from the week (or two).

life has continued to be full.

full of busy schedules, fevers and flus, family visits and, well, diapers. so many diapers.

and now, the weather is gorgeous (and yellow, ew pollen) and in the 80s. apparently we skipped spring. regardless, we are loving the warm weather.

hope you have a happy weekend!

love.

a little bit of lately.

not too much has gone on except for adjusting and recovering, but here's a bit of our life over the past two weeks.

somebody's in love.

she loves her daddy.

first outing with mommy & daddy: doctor & target.

boy errands.

painting with aunt lydia.

she's spoiled already.

this. face.

norah is doing so well, and is such a sweet addition to our little family. while it's had it's challenges, this has been a sweet season of learning how to live as a family of four.

and my heart is overflowing.
love.

meet norah rose

i'd like to introduce you all to someone.

meet norah rose schlax.

born february 25, 2013

at 8:01 pm

8 pounds 5 ounces

20.5 inches long

she is the sweetest baby and our hearts are so full. i can't remember what life was like without her.

we are so blessed.

love.

waiting.

there are three days left until my due date. three.

i had forgotten how slowly the last days seem to drag themselves by. how heightened every sense and emotion is at the slightest change of comfort, feelings and anything, really.

these past few days have been a mix of anxiousness and excitement. of burst of energy and exhaustion. my heart is brimming with anticipation.

sitting on the precipice of such an unknown, yet immediate, future has been cause for much reflection, as well as simple considerations, like what will she look like, how big will she be, what kind of person will she be, and even will she even be a she?

but those thoughts pale in comparison to the prayers uttered for strength to be patient, joy in this waiting, a safe delivery and a healthy, happy baby. and i'd covet your prayers for the same.

love.

welcome, 2013.

It's still January, so this is still relevant, right?

I mentioned before how much I like the idea of setting goals to usher in the new year. And so I've been thinking and praying about how I want to approach this new year, and how I can do it so that I actually follow through.

And my mind has come up with 4594258364 different things--from spiritual disciples, to personal appearance, to totally reorganizing (read: hyper organizing) our life. I blame it on hormones.

I've finally managed to whittle it down, to focus on a few things that I feel would help both my character and my daily life improve, and ultimately be more God-glorifying. And while the list goes on and on of things I want to change/accomplish, I've finally narrowed it down to a few, hopefully attainable, goals.

One: Read through the Bible at least once this year. I used to do this pretty regularly, but the last two years I've totally lost it and have been floating aimlessly around between the old and new testaments, without much substantive reading. And it's definitely taken it's toll on my quiet times. I think having a plan laid out will really help.

Two: Read more. Period. Once upon a time, I knew how to read. Okay, that might be an exaggeration of my lack of reading, but not by much. I want to carve out some time each day, or at least every few days to read books. Of all kinds. And actually finish them. Hopefully I can learn to even take advantage of baby feeding sessions to do this.

Three: Meal plan. This is something I've been working on a lot lately (and actually improving in!). It's been so helpful in relieving stress during the day when I have it all planned out, so with a new baby in the mix, I definitely want to get even better at this.

Oh, and last but not least? Have a baby.

I've got this.

I'd love to hear what you're planning on working on this coming year! And also any suggestions you might have for this very pregnant mama.

love.

it's a...

Girl!

She has the cutest face and is healthy and strong. We are so excited.

Bring on the pink. 

love.