And So Began "Our" Love Affair With Water

I couldn't wait to take Braelle to visit the Oenbrinks at their amazing house on Lake Murray. I've grown up here in Charleston loving water...from being on the Coosaw Creek swim team for 9 years, to learning how to water ski when I was 8, to ocean kayaking every summer. I want Braelle to have the same appreciation and love for God's amazing creation of water. And so far, so good!

It was time for dinner, we loaded everyone up, put Braelle's life jacket on, and were off! Braelle enjoyed her first boat ride...she fell asleep!

How cute is this Bee life-jacket for Baby B?!





After Tom treated us to dinner, the boat ride back wasn't as smooth as the ride over. Lil brown girl was getting tired and hungry and wasn't excited about having some patience.

Thanks for the memories Oenbrink family, Catherine Duckett, and Rachael Beebe! Yall the the best!



Birthdays & Boo-boos

It's my last year to "be a teenager"... as if I'm not already living like I'm 30. :D
Today I got to share my birthday with my little girl. I'm glad we were both born on the 17th. My amazing mom took us out to eat at the West Ashley Mellow Mushroom for lunch...it was delicious as always. She then proceded to take us downtown to Cupcake, where she bought me not one, but two cupcakes. I might have talked her into it but still. I got a French Toast cupcake (AMAZING), and a Turtle cupcake. Both were scrumptious but I prefered French Toast.

We almost got through the day without any mishaps. That was until Braelle slipped and fell on her wipes container, cutting her bottom lip with her sharper than sharp puppy teeth. As Braelle bursted into tears and shrieks, I yelled, "We've got blood!" My mom and dad came running, offering a wet wash cloth and a frozen teether to stop the swelling. She stopped crying shortly and I, of course, grabbed my camera to capture Braelle's very first boo-boo.

Now THAT is a fat lip...poor girl

Braelle's 1st Sleepover

Everyone was skeptical when I first announed that Braelle and I were headed off to Kiawah for a couple of days. She had never slept anywhere else but home. Of course I was with her every second, but B is not one for change. She notices the small stuff...(like a different mattress). I didn't tell anyone, but I was a little nervous myself.
I said a prayer as I laid her down in her pack-n-play, begging God for a good night. B woke up for a midnight snack and drifted back to sleep. God must of wanted to give me a little hope for future sleepovers the first night we stayed, because the first time she woke up, was also the last! As for the second night, well...let's just say it didn't go down like the first. She woke up every hour and even though it wasn't time for her to eat, I gave her my milk to make her quiet in hopes that she wouldn't wake up the rest of the house. It worked. But I will say, that was the last night we stayed.
During the days we had a blast. I basically have the best friends a girl could ask for and they are so loving and patient towards Braelle and me. "Once a Friend, Always a Friend" is a pretty good motto I think, to describe the friendship between Rachael Beebe, Catherine Duckett, Caitlyn Oenbrink and myself. After all, we've been best friends for all of our lives.

Mother's Day & Baby Dedication

Mother's Day was extra special this year. I mean I celebrated last year while Braelle was in my tummy, but this year I got to hold her in my arms and feel her love towards me. I love being a mommy and am so blessed to have Braelle.

Baby Dedication was on Mother's Day which made this day even better. As I stood before the Lord and His people, I vowed to raise B to know Jesus and follow hard after Him. Deuteronomy 30:19b-20a "...I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life..."

My mom and my sister play a big role in helping me raise Braelle and I 'm glad they were there to stand in front of the church with me and Braelle. After all, it does take a village to raise a child.

As for her behavior, she was a doll (surprisingly). During dedication she charmed the congregation with her dimpled smiles and squeals of delight! And she SLEPT during the rest of the service. This is amazing because we all know how very sensitive B's ears are.