ONE!

My sweet, sweet Mer-bear. How can it be that you are one? 
I won't lie, the first year was harder than I thought, and harder than it was on me than it was with your sister.  But we made it, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.  I am stronger, more confident, more loving, and more whole because of you, Merritt.  From the moment I first held you, I felt in an instant connection that I didn't think was possible after having Emma.  All my worries and fears about a second child disappeared.  I love to watch Emma love on you.  I can't wait to see you grow alongside of your sister.  I am so, so blessed that you are my child.

Today, you have been with us for one whole year.  You take 2 naps, and sleep through the night.  You still nurse for night and naps, but the rest of the time you are chugging some whole milk.  You LOVE food.  We call you a chow hound, and laugh at how much you seem to fit into your teeny body.  Your favorite things are carbs and cheese (good choices).  You eat almost everything - and no one can have food around you without you tasting it.   You have quickly become a daddy's girl like your sister.  Your face lights up in a way that makes my heart so warm every time you see him come home.  You love exploring toys and playing with trinkets.  You are learning so many new things every day.  You can stand on your own and you love to show off.  You aren't walking yet, but I'm sure that will come soon enough. 

Your smile warms everyone's heart, Merritt.  I love to see the twinkle in your beautiful bright blue eyes.   We are all so very, very happy to have you as our daughter and sister.  Happiest of birthdays, sweet Mer Mer!

37

Today I am 37.  I am a year older....a year wiser....a year more aware of how precious life is.  We are settling into a good routine over here in the Talley household, and the season of hope is upon us.  I feel extremely grateful for everything.  I feel so blessed to have another year with my family and friends, and to have almost made it out of the first year baby phase (tomorrow).  It's natural to reflect on where you are in life and where you are going.  I admit, this year was harder - new child, new life at home, other personal challenges.  Our life isn't perfect.  We are still in our first house, we don't go on fancy trips, we rarely get adult nights, we drink cheap wine, and I too easily fall into the comparison trap. 

But with all this, I'm reminded that all that doesn't matter.  In the end, it just isn't important.  My life isn't measured by those things, my identity isn't tied up in materials.  I am beyond blessed to have so much (that isn't tangible) in this life - seeing my healthy children smiling, hearing them laugh, looking into my husband's eyes and feeling completely loved for who I am.  My hope is that I continually remind myself of these things until my next birthday, and that I am forever grateful for God's blessing on me.

I've neglected to document the past few weeks on the blog, but I'll share some photos below.  Photos of our life - the silly, the sweet, the everyday that makes my heart so full. 

Food

FOOD - an odd title for a blog post, right???  Well, in our house this seems to be the current theme....

Emma has recently become obsessed with cooking shows - specifically Pioneer Woman.  And I won't complain one bit, because I love that show, and anything is better than Vampirina....can I get an Amen??!!  She recently started making "masterpieces" "herb derbs" creations....whatever you want to call them.  It's mostly animal crackers, and graham crackers, and pirates booty covered with peanut butter or Nutella.  Oh...and apples and bananas too.  She makes plates and plates of them, then sits outside in the freezing cold to sell them:)  We haven't had any takers....but feel free to stop in if you're in south Durham and hungry!

And this one....a chow hound...eating us out of house and home!  

I guess this is a good thing with the Holidays coming up....Emma has already declared that she is cooking Thanksgiving...and I'm sure Merritt is already planning her total domination of some turkey and stuffing:)

Fall!

It is finally fall here and while the weather is flip flopping between warm and cold, I am really enjoying the leaves!  I love fall - it's always been my favorite time of year.  I love the crispness, the grey days that make the leaves pop.  I surely could survive in another part of the US where they get much BIGGER seasons:)

I chaperoned Emma's class to the pumpkin patch and we had a great time!

I couldn't resist adding this picture of Emma and I:)

With fall comes the need for hot drinks....Emma orders her first hot cocoa:)

We went to Fitch Lumber for a Halloween celebration and had a great time!  We will be going again for Christmas!

Emma wouldn't smile for the school parade...but she looked cute anyway!

This past Sunday, we went to Raven Rock State Park for a memory walk for a dear friend's father.  It was a really good time, and I was glad to be there for the family.  If you haven't been, it's beautiful....and the drive there wasn't too bad this time of year either.

Merritt celebrated her 11 month birthday!  I can't believe she is almost ONE!

This site will never get old....man, I love these guys.

Halloween 2017

Truthfully, Halloween isn't my favorite.  I like decorating, but the costumes and candy and stress of Halloween night are not my thing.  Either way, I rallied and we had a great time.  This was the first year Emma got really into it, and although I had to leave early to put Merritt to bed, I had a great time.