Photo Update...

So I counted and my last 4 posts were not about Jake, so I figured I'm allowed to have a post that's strictly about him. (Plus he's much cuter and more interesting than we are.) And what better way to do that than with a photo update!

Now that he's on the move, I feel like he is changing even faster. It's so fun to watch him learning and developing. We often wonder what's going on in that little head of his. He still smiles and laughs all the time, which makes for lots of great photo opportunities. Only problem is now he can crawl to the camera. And he usually does the second he sees you holding it. Clearly it looks like a new toy he's supposed to play with (aka, put in his mouth.) Anyways, loving this phase and loving this little guy more than I knew I could...

Loving these new rhino pj's. But he makes everything look cute, in my opinion.

Crawling = Messing up mom's stacks of folded laundry
Solution = Getting put in the basket

Apparently that's okay though b/c he thinks it's fun. 

First official battle wound after he started crawling. Moved a little quicker on our bed than we were ready for and met the corner of our nightstand. Sure this is just the first of many. (Oh and this is what many of our photos look like these days b/c he crawls right up to the camera. Good thing he's not self-conscious about close-ups.) ;)

Mischievous little grin. He's pulling up and climbing on everything. Exhibit A. 

Exhibit B.

Wants inside that glass so bad. (And yes if you zoom in, I alphabetize our DVD's. I might be a little Type A. I get it honestly.) 

 This was at an event for our friends' cupcake shop (Bliss Cupcakes) that opened a 2nd location a few weeks ago. Jake got to taste the frosting...needless to say, he was a fan.

 Seriously cannot get enough of that little face. Melt. My. Heart.
 

Bodie and Mo...

I'm WAY behind on this post. (This seems to be the norm these days.) Two weeks ago, we had the privilege of celebrating the marriage of two of our good friends - Peter and Marissa. Or better known to us, Bodie and Mo. I have actually NEVER called him Peter and rarely call her Marissa. (This is pretty common in the K-World - to be known by a nickname. Lots of people at K7 only know Josh by JDough. I don't even think they know his name. Anyways, I digress.)

I posted about their engagement a couple months ago. Yep, that's right - they planned their wedding in 2 months! It can be done, folks. And it was beautiful. As I mentioned in that previous post, their story is such a beautiful picture of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even when it means waiting longer than we hoped or planned. I have seriously never heard a chapel of people erupt like they did at their wedding when they were finally pronounced "husband and wife." It was awesome! And such a testimony of how they did it right. It was also extra fun for Josh and I because it was basically a big, giant K7/Kanakuk reunion so we got to reunite with so many of our favorite people. And I have lots of pictures to document it... (You'll notice Jake isn't in any pictures. We actually left him in NWA with my mom. Overnight! Yep, our first time away for more than a few hours. We all did great.)

Josh and I at the reception. He was one of the groomsmen. 

 

 Ashley and I. We basically spent the whole weekend together - such a blessing. Wish it happened more often.

Precious faces, precious kiddos. Miss being their neighbor during the summer.

The bride and groom, two-steppin' to "Calling Baton Rouge." (Mo's favorite song...so fun.)

Jenni Cribbs and myself. One of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out.

Zoey and Ellen practicing for the toast. Did I mention we had the most fun table? 

One of the reasons for the most fun table. LOVE this girl. We're job hunting for her in NWA. (j/k...sort of.) 

Some of my favorite K7 leadership girls. (Beth, Ellen, Allison, myself) It was sad leaving, not knowing when I'd see some of them again. They are the kind of friends you just always pick up right where you left off. Love them.

2nd favorite picture of the whole weekend. This picture DEFINES their relationship. 

Great friends. 

Lauren and I. Former Institute roommate and accountability partner. Miss her lots. She's going to be a mom in like a month. And I'm pretty sure I'll probably be asking her parenting advice before she asks for mine. 

 Us and the Barret's. (One t.) :) Lifelong vacation partners? Still discussing those details.

 Phoebs and myself. (Oh, and her name is actually Chandler. Another kamp nickname thing.) One of the girls I got to disciple at kamp - love that we have stayed in touch so well.

 Lee, Grimmer, and Josh. We all worked together at K-Life.

Me, Jennifer, and Ashley. More kamp friends I wish I could transport to NWA. 

 K7 group shot. Did I mention it was a big K7 reunion? (And I'm pretty sure some people didn't make it in the photo.) 

 

Us and the Ashby's. Amazing friends...thankful they'll be close for a few months at least.
 

 

My FAVORITE pics from the weekend. This little huddle happened right before the reception was over and Bodie and Mo left. I'm sure what they said wasn't as sweet and sentimental as how it looked, but glad I captured the moment. Such great friends.

Us and the Connolly's. Congrats on your new life together! (Wasn't Mo stunning?)

To Moms...

Mother's Day has a whole new meaning to me this year. For the obvious reason, of course. Let's just say I have a whole new level of respect and admiration for moms now that I am one. I have probably said in previous years that being a mom is the most important and most difficult job there is, but now I actually understand what I am saying. It is so hard, but SO worth it! So to keep it simple, Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my sister, and all my amazing mom friends out there who have been a huge source of advice and encouragement to me over the past 7 months. I am beyond blessed to have learned so much from all of you. There really are no words.

And because I'm not the best at being super emotional and cheesy, here's one of my favorite "mom" videos in honor of all of you, wait, us. Wear whatever you want today, ladies. Even the mom jeans. And remember, "I'm not a woman anymore. I'm a mom." ;)

Happy Mother's Day!

More on life with the Dough's coming soon. Just having a hard time keeping up. But I promise to return to the blogging world soon. :)