Hope Realized

Today I put Hannah Kate in an outfit I bought for her when I was pregnant. During HK's pregnancy my emotions oscillated from panicking about needing to buy things because it proved that I thought she would come home to worrying about having anything for her because they would just be boxed up with Ethan's things anyway. Buying this outfit was a way for me to hope. I had a hard time picturing her in it, but seeing it laying out in the guest bedroom was a reminder that she was coming. I want to remember the feeling I had yesterday when I put it on her. It's still too big but that doesn't matter. She's here. A tangible symbol of hope and His grace to me.

Pictures, pictures, pictures

I have a bad habit. I LOVE to take pictures but I am horrible about printing them! I share them on here and on facebook but it's rare that they make it beyond the internet or the picture folder on my computer. Since the birth of Hannah Kate, I've tried to be more intentional about printing pictures. More than once I was asked to see a picture and I didn't have one printed. I finally decided to try out shutterfly because they had a promotion for 50 free prints. I was impressed at how easy it was to use, and it was nice to have them shipped to the house since we can't take HK out.

After I got them and liked to quality, I looked at the christmas cards and baby announcements. I have been dreaming about sending out cards for awhile and its exciting to be at this point! Now to choose which ones I like the best...

I really like almost all their baby girl announcements, including this one and this one.  I have draft projects saved of a few until I decide. I've also peeked at the first birthday cards they have. Hopefully I can talk her Daddy into them next year :). And if we get our act together I'd love to have a picture taken to use on our Christmas card. This one catches my eye right now, but I'm sure I'll build a few before I decide.

And for you viewing pleasure, I'll leave you with outtakes from our first Christmas picture attempt.

Your welcome. I don't think the dogs will make the cut :)