Van's Vans!

Yesterday Van and I officially became buds.

Evans wasn't going to be home until late (and it had been a long but fun summer day) so I decided to make pizza and poured Van and myself some chocolate milk.  We sat down next to each other to eat and Van "cheers'ed" my glass and gave me the sweetest smile (as if to say "its just us tonight mom!!"), then took a huge bite of pizza.

Did you miss us? False alarm, I guess. I would be a fool not to get some of these special photos/memories uploaded into writing. For example, yesterday we were shoe shopping and found the perfect new pair of kicks for his outdoorsy adventures...(he still rocks the Thomas boots but they are finally starting to get a little snug).

I love his Keens, but they get stinky quickly without socks so I wanted to find some shoes he could wear with socks. Van ran straight to the back wall of the shoe store and pointed to some shoes that just happened to be on sale...

Hello Van's Vans!

A nice fit, wouldn't you say?

I may sound redundant, but I love this child and 20 months might be my favorite age so far. He is starting to talk to us, knows his animal sounds, and surprises us with new words every day. Most recently, his favorite word is "pool" and "pop pop" (emphasis on the "p" sound). Whenever we are in the vicinity of either grandparents home, he points at the window and repeatedly says "pop pop!!"

Just this morning, Evans commented that it seems as though Van grew an inch overnight.  We stood him up against his make-shift growth chart and he has grown a 1/2 inch since last month!

(Wish I had started this sooner!)

It has been a busy but chill summer so far. We spend most days outside either in the sandbox, at the pool, in the swing, at the park, or playing with friends.We welcomed the most recent addition to our family, Emma "Zephyr" Mayhew Bergman, last month and I had a nice quick surprise trip to Vermont to visit:

I am in love. I never knew a tiny human being could be so perfect. She is just an angel and I know she has already changed so much since I held her.

Before I get too mushy, I better go! We have an overdue anniversary trip to Charleston, a week-long beach trip with family, and a few other vacations planned in our near future.  Hope you are enjoying your summer so far!

Peace.



Grand Finale Post!

"Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities creep in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with old nonsense." -Emerson

Not that I consider this blog nonsense (not in the least!) but I think Emerson's quote captures a healthy approach to consider endings and fresh beginnings.  Unfortunately, while I love blogging, it appears Van is less and less forgiving on his mom's spare time allowance these days and blogging has become more and more difficult.

For Example, in the 2 seconds it took me to type this:

 (Yes its spring and he's still in Christmas PJs!)

Instead of gradually fading, I thought it would be better to have a succinct (and good!) ending post. (With the intention/promise of continuing to take fun pictures to share via email!!)

Evans and I have only ever used 2 photographers. We have been very lucky to (in my opinion) have found two of the best photographers- Martha Manning for our wedding and Laura Simson for our family pictures:

I hope you enjoy!

Maybe I'll be back for a round two some day?!

Homemade Jumpers

I hesitate to write a title to a post that sounds so Sandra Lee'ish (the word "homemade" will forever remind me of her lame TV show on the food network...).

Regardless, I was inspired by a friend to actually buy a toddler jumper pattern and have successfully made a couple. I could lie and tell you I finished these effortlessly but if Evans is reading, he'd be laughing hysterically.

The longall was pretty easy.

However, once I decided to hand-make his shortall for our upcoming family pictures, the pressure was on! I wouldn't settle for less than perfect and unfortunately this heightened standard dictated my Saturday morning, afternoon, and early evening.

Atleast it is finished!

The full ensemble:

If only we could keep him still.

Did you wonder what Van was getting up to while I was sewing?

So did I:

Little stinker.

In other news, we got the flyer for the annual Green Jamboree at the Irvin Nature Preserve. It will be our first time bringing Van. I am so excited for the summer, bluegrass, BBQ, and being outdoors!!

Mama Mozart

(Not quite!)

But I have learned a song or two at my violin lesson!

Van enjoys my playing at first, then seeks refuge soon after:

(In daddy's closet)...

(Mom- I am not coming out until you stop playing!)

Have a great weekend! Cannot wait to see you Auntie Suggs!

Fun Visits

Cousin Frasier, Auntie Snags, Uncle Bo + birthday parties + pedicures + some good outdoor sun = Happiness!

My heart melted hearing "Aunt Em! Aunt Em!"

(Other than "mommy" it  may be the best sound I have ever heard!)

Come back soon, Fam!

(And Go Heels!)

Tunnel Vision



(Excuse the mouth full of Ritz Bitz)



Red tail hawk, sittin on a limb...

(...Lucky as a seven, livin' in heaven, With my Dixieland Delight!)

We woke up this morning to the family of 3 red-tail hawks (who live in our backyard) flying around our front yard. While scary predators, there is something fascinating about them. Whenever we catch a glimpse of (Ernie, Frita, and Alister), Evans and I just stop and watch.

Lately, they have been more visible than usual - which probably has something to do with the warmer weather and chasing lots of new little prey running about (yuck!).

We have been more visible outdoors as well, except the only thing we are chasing is our crazy little toddler!



Speaking of "lucky as a seven," I think Lent is a good time to reflect on our blessings and sacrifices.

Did you give anything up? I decided to stop nagging Evans and this weekend was so much more enjoyable for the both of us because of it. Its nice to chill out for a change and just relax! (He even brought me some flowers! Maybe this will become permanent?)

Two more days until our family arrives!! Cannot wail to see you 3 (and a half!)