and just like that, she's one.

"and though she be but little, she be fierce."

- william shakespeare

this girl of ours, she is amazing. this past year, she has brought such joy into our lives and it seems as if she's always been a part of our little family.

she is brave and daring, but so tender and compassionate. she is the most social little thing i have ever seen, and will do so much to put a smile on your face.

we are so thankful for our fierce little norah rose. 

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.

the last days of one.

i have less than three weeks till my due date. when did that happen?

i've had a hard time grasping that it's almost over. it's been a flurry of nausea, toddler life and holiday busyness amidst already full lives. and now here we are, quickly approaching our first meeting with baby girl.

but i want to remember this time. 

because no matter how exhausting, discouraging or emotional pregnancy can be (and motherhood for that matter), it is that much more incredible. and it is one that i feel so blessed to be able experience.

there is something so special about the time shared between a mother and her unborn child. and there is something equally special about those last few days, when little ones are still your only ones. before they suddenly grow overnight, in comparison to the new arrival. and i want to savor as much of it as i can.

i want to remember how well coen cared for me while i was so sick or sore--making sure i was okay by covering me up with blankets, whispering to me in his little language and patting my face.

i want to remember how extra-active baby girl is compared to her brother. how her little feet and legs can be felt so clearly through my skin as they fight for more room. how she already has such a personality. how quickly she's become a part of our family.

i asked my sister-n-law if she would take some maternity photos, and i'm so glad that i did. i've never been a huge fan of maternity shoots. while i love the idea, most of them just aren't my style. but thanks to pinterest, i was given hope, and missy graciously agreed.

and oh my goodness, i love them. here are a few of my favorites.

so this part of my attempt to remember the little things. the last days of having one. the first days of a whole new season.

i want to remember this, and one day be able to share what joy these children have brought me so early on.

because i already love them both fiercely.

love.

*photo credit: photography by melissa joy. be sure to check her out. :)

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.