the one.

"Oh, Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, Such pleasure do you bring me!"

We found THE ONE! 'Tis the Season!

thanksgiving 2016.

We have so much to be thankful for this year. One thing that I am specifically grateful for is the chance to spend Thanksgiving with my family at my parent's new house. We don't get to see them often, so when we do we don't take our time with them for granted…nor the location.

Brooks finally got enough courage to ride his "big boy bike" on his own a few days before we departed for Greensboro. Overnight, he blossomed from a weary two-wheeler to a pro. My parent's neighborhood is the best place to ride bikes and it was the perfect opportunity for B to practice and make perfect—and that he did as soon as we arrived! We enjoyed the beautiful and unseasonably warm weather with a lot of walks and peddling. Sweet Sybie girl enjoyed the great outdoors, too!

Thanksgiving afternoon, my brother and his family drove over from Lawrenceville for the feast. My Gram joined us, as well. Mom cooked up a delicious meal, as always. It never disappoints! Other than the full bellies, the highlight was sharing our good news about Baby Bryant #3 with the family! 

During our visit, we were able to get into the Christmas spirit. We went to the Lighting of the Lake at the Ritz one night for cookies and hot chocolate and to see the gingerbread house and the arrival of Santa (on a firetruck)!

We also went to Lake Club with our cousins for more cookies and hot chocolate, Christmas crafts, and to sit on Santa's lap. Luckily there was a wait because when we first arrived, Brooks was adamant about not sitting on the jolly man in the red suit's lap, but he eventually warmed up! 

It was a Christmas miracle! 

And, of course, thanks to Mom and Dad, I was able to get a little R&R during our visit. It was good for my soul!

It was a happy Thanksgiving, indeed.

stellar performances.

My sweet little Indian and Turkey after their Thanksgiving program at school. All the heart eyes for these two! They did great!

house tour: the kitchen.

I'm slowly, but surely getting around to taking pictures of the new, er, newish house. Up first on the "official" tour: the kitchen.

I have absolutely loved having an open kitchen large enough for family and friends to gather in and around. It is truly the heart of the home and turned out to be one of my favorite rooms of the house. 

number three.

My heart is absolutely bursting right now. We are expecting baby number three! We are so thankful for this precious life growing inside of me.

You are a miracle, my love. A true gift from God. 

I read this verse right after I read the positive pregnancy test. "He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit." And here he is, giving me life again, in a different sense of the word. God's words are so sweet and He continues to be gracious and gives abundantly!

I found out on October 11th at 4 weeks, 2 days. SUPER early. I first told the kids and then let them in on helping me tell John. While they were all outside playing, Brooks walked up to John to "tell him a secret," which he is really into these days. He proceeded to whisper into Daddy's ear that "there is a baby in Mommy's tummy." This was John's reaction:

Shocked? Yes. Confused? Yes. Excited? Questionable. 

No, he really was so excited. That is, once he processed what B was telling him and realized that it wasn't a joke. Why does he always think that I'm pranking him when I tell him that we are pregnant?!

We had to wait four weeks to get a confirmation from the doctor and got all the feels when we saw our Number Three for the first time. 

Right now, we are feeling beyond blessed and are patiently anticipating our June 18th due date! God is GOOD!

cherished.

On Sunday we had some family photos taken by the talented Sunny Jones Photography. You can typically find me behind the lens, so it was a treat being in front of the camera for once. I am so thankful Sunny captured me with my babies. She captured us perfectly. 

I will cherish these always!