tooth fairy adventures

August was the bravest boy today at the dentist as she "wiggled" out his front tooth! After the fall he took last year in the bathroom we weren't sure how it would heal...and then he managed to hit the same tooth a few months ago while running through the house (and then tripping over the edge of the carpet and hitting the dining chair right on his same front tooth!). Dentist informed us it should come out - so we bounded into the office today in good spirits -

"Mama, I thought it would be fun. But I was wrong."

The good news is that we had a 'post-wiggle' ice cream store excursion and the tooth fairy will definitely reward him this evening!

happy 5th birthday to august

It's hard to believe that five years have passed since our August James entered our lives and hearts. So much has happened since and all of it worth experiencing and feeling grateful for. We've had an amazing five years together - him teaching me to be a mother and me helping him with this whole being a human thing. Most recently, it has been a new joy to see him as a big brother, I'm so proud of this little person. He loves SO big. Happy Birthday to my sweet boy, you are so loved.

Ruby and Matt - two of my other favorite people in this world - and August's biggest fans.

Driving his new remote-control boat at the pond.

ruby's first haircut

This little one had her first haircut at Tadpoles and did such a great job - she loved the attention.

punta cana, dominican republic

What a wonderful, fun-filled beach adventure we shared with our family in Punta Cana! The photos speak for themselves but I loved every minute with the kids, my sweet husband, siblings, and extended family. A big shout-out to Dad and Paula for organizing and getting everyone together for a beautiful week in paradise. Salud!!

August, Sadie, Luke + Ruby on a morning golf cart ride!

my favorites, so good to fill up on time with these two.

beach necessities - pineapple sunnies + the passie

happy birthday ruby fern

Our little Ruby Fern is celebrating her first birthday today, and I have so many mixed emotions. She has made our family so full and happy with her sweet laughter, warm snuggles and gentle independence. And she loves her brother SO much, they are really good to each other and it melts my heart. But it feels like just yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital, so tiny. How has a whole year passed so quickly? I love watching her grow but want to keep her little too - a Mama's life struggle and joy, I suppose.

a few reminders for life + parenting

from Sonnet James website, a fav dress shop for the big kid in me.

italian orzo + spinach soup

A new fav winter soup recipe from Gimme Some Oven - so good even August loves this one...

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced
1 cup diced carrots
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (about 8 ounces) orzo pasta 
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
4 cups loosely-packed spinach
salt and black pepper


DIRECTIONS:

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute for 4 minutes, until soft. Add carrots and garlic and saute for an additional 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, tomatoes, orzo (pasta), thyme, oregano, rosemary and stir to combine. Bring soup to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

Stir in the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it is bright green and wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm. 

As for leftovers, I tend to keep some chicken stock on hand to add when re-heating the soup on the stove - since the orzo tends to soak up all the broth (which just makes it tastier if you ask me).

sanibel island

We enjoyed our annual visit to Sanibel last week and shared some wonderful family time. Despite the somewhat un-cooperative weather we played and walked on the beach, collected shells, played tennis and board games, ate delicious food, and enjoyed an evening out while Nana and Papa Bob stayed with the kiddos. The biggest news is that August learned how to swim - with the help of his fish father who loves the water as much as August does. This is a HUGE feat and we are so excited. All in all a full and happy week together. Life is good and we feel very blessed.

Our wedding spot!

Nana and Ruby enjoying a swim.

winter morning

family time

My sweet sister-in-law, Sara, met us at a favorite park to take some new family photos. The kiddos are growing quickly and I'm thankful that she is always willing to capture photos of our busy little ones! Sweet memories for our family.

Our Ruby Fern - 8 months old

August is 4.5 years old!