oakes - six months and growing

Oh, the poor neglected 2nd child. I have been terrible about taking photos, don't have a baby book, haven't decorated a proper nursery, haven't made my own baby food this time, and on and on. So without further ado I dedicate this post to my dear baby Oakes. The most easy-going, happy-go-lucky, sweet child of mine. Big as pie eyes, lips like his daddy, and rolls for days. No tellin' the number of kisses those cheeks get daily.

His big eyes wander the room, following the chaos and music in the air as I cook. We're at the 7 month mark now and he sees everything. He loves to sleep on his tummy and he's even started sitting up. Big boy loves the ladies and cries when men speak too loudly or even when they don't. He's a sensitive fella. Loves to suck his thumb. Reaching, grabbing, and everything in his drooly mouth. Too big for his infant seat, but we still haul him around in it just because. Just beginning to sit up on his own with pillows surrounding when he topples over. We started food a few weeks ago and bubs can take it down. I forgot how hilarious that process is. His mouth pops open wide like a baby bird, waiting for the spoon to land softly in the right spot. Sometimes I miss. We're in this glowy, happy stage of life and I want to remember it all.


One task I did finally mark off my list was designing O's announcements. I was out photographing them recently for the Tenn Hens blog when I spotted a lone deer in the field. It was a happy sign of approval since there's a tiny fawn in the design.

So my dear little Oakes, you may be second by birth, but there is enough love for all and we certainly do love you beyond measure.

may flowers

It's hard to imagine cold and dreary days anymore and that is just fine by me. Everything is warm and blooming. Tonight Miriam and I stayed outside in the driveway drawing with chalk until bedtime. She tell me what to draw, princesses, animals, etc., then she colors them in. Daddy is traveling a couple days a week so there's lots of girl talk and tea parties with a baby bouncing in the doorway. Oakes is obsessed with his jumper and those little chubby legs are getting mighty strong from all those squats. We're finally in a groove around here and I even manage to get a real dinner on the table from time to time.

I had a very short, but very fabulous get away with some girls in the mountains. We laughed so much my stomach hurt and I don't think there was a silent moment the entire 24 hours. there was so much to catch up on! Little dance party before supper and a serious good meal in between the chatting too.

Then came Christmas, I mean Steeplechase. My favorite day of the year in Nashville. Our Greenville friends, Mary Frances & Austin, came in town + my brother had his college buddies in and we all had the very best time. The horses, the people, the pims cups… my perfect day. After an incredibly long day we woke up early Sunday and spent Mothers Day out at my parents house with all the out-of-towners. Little fried chicken, mashed potatoes and okra to soak up all the good times.