capturing life one image at a time
It seems there’s no amount of planning or preparation that can completely equip you for becoming a parent. You can draw up a birthing plan and furnish a nursery and read parenting books, but ultimately babies are full of surprises.
Ten days before his due date, Nolan surprised everyone with his arrival. Turns out this little guy was doing things his way and on his schedule. He must have his mama’s determination.
Brittany always said she had a good chance of having twins. They run in the family. Last October, she and Danny welcomed their little nuggets into the world. There are twice as many diapers to change and twice as many mouths to feed. But there is twice as much joy and twice as much love. It’s definitely double the fun with these two.
He won’t remember his first days. He won’t remember the tears in everyone’s eyes the first time they saw him. He won’t remember the way he cried every time his diaper had to be changed or the frustration of trying to learn to eat. But I hope, that deep down, he remembers the love he received from family and friends.
David, you are a gift. One that I’m so privileged to love.
It’s been one year since Dorothy was born. One whole year. Happy Birthday pretty girl!
Michael and I met Brittany and Danny at a wedding. True story. Since then, they have become part of our Charlotte family – dear friends we have come to love and trust. Danny and Brittany recently welcomed twins into the world, and that brings the Stiling headcount to twelve! As one of four siblings myself, I speak from experience when I say that big families are a blessing. Danny has three brothers who are scattered around the southeast. It’s a rare and special occasion when everyone can be together.
They sure do make one good looking bunch!
Rebecca and Allan are the kind of people you feel lucky to get to know. They are thoughtful and they are genuine in their care for others. This family has welcomed me in and trusted me with the care of their son. And he is one of the most precious children I have had the pleasure of keeping. He loves to read books and go for long walks. He never cries when it’s nap time. And if his answer to your question is ‘yes’, he giggles to let you know. His giggle gets me every time.
There’s a warm glow that settles in at the end of a fall day. And on top of a mountain, the autumn leaves are radiant in the afternoon light. It was the most beautiful of days with a sweet family, and I know for certain that there is nowhere these grandparents would rather be than in this place with their grandson.
“We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
A glimpse of sweet Dorothy at nine months old.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. -Psalms 127:3
The world around me says that I need to accomplish more, to be more, to do more. It’s exhausting. Jesus says He came that we might know peace. And rest. And joy.
There is a lot of joy to be found at the playground. It’s in Adlai’s face as he swings and it’s in my heart as I watch him.
rachel baughman photo 