lately...

 All dressed up for church...and being a ham while taking pictures!

 Andrew loves his baby sister!  She loves to just watch him (not that she can do much else at this point!)

 Andrew was "reading" to Natalie the other day...caught a pic of the sweetness!

Miss Sunshine

Here is Natalie at 2 months old!  She is truly a joy, and loves to coo and smile at us!  She is beginning to really take an interest in Andrew and the things he is doing around her.  Not to mention, he likes to try and put toy tractors in her hands, saying "Nonnie!"  in a high, sweet voice.  Too cute.  

Haha, this spit-up image just cracked me up, and was a bit startling in the midst of taking the pictures.  I wasn't expecting it!  Alas, the adventures of photographing a little one :)  Spit up is just a part of life.  Why not take a pic?

I was using my new 50 mm portrait lens, and still have some learning to do as far as how to capture the best images, keep them in focus (at least on the right point) get good lighting, and time it all just right!  But this picture was one of my favorite (out of many outtakes!), and I even got to try out my new editing system just a bit.  

Natalie you are growing so fast.  Even though I can't wait to see you continue to develop into the amazing little girl God has made you to be, I am still trying to treasure these days when you still fit into my arms.  These days when you are completely fascinated and captured by our faces and voices.  Your small voice that makes the most wonderful sounds as you try and talk back to us.  I know you will have so many things to say about the world around you!  We love you, dear little one.

Irish Belle

 Natalie and Joe were all decked out for the National Championship game this year...unfortunately the ending score didn't turn out in ND's favor...but we are still fans.  There is always next year!  Doesn't she just look so thrilled! It almost looks like she is cheering with her hand up like that...right before she dozes off.  Ahh, the life of a newborn...

sweet

 Using my new portrait lens (thanks mom and dad!!) I was able to capture a few pics of Natalie.  I love newborn photography, but am realizing that it takes alot of work, timing, and wouldn't hurt to have a few assistants either to take photos like those I see on blogs and professional sites.  Alas, I think these pics are pretty cute!  She wasn't sleepy for me at all, so I didn't get any with her eyes closed :)  But we had some pictures taken by a photographer who is trying to build her portfolio.  Natalie was only 4 days old at that point!  Those final pictures should be in soon, and I will probably try to print some out to hang in the house!  

Oh the Places We'll Go

It is sweet to see Andrew's heart and longing to play with his new sister.  Every once in a while I will walk by her bouncy seat and see the following....

Just wait bud!  She will be playing with you before you know it.  

Here they are together in Andrew's small tent!  He asked for her to be laid down in there with him!  :) too sweet...he loves to give her kisses and hugs!

 One day Andrew just pulled up his little chair beside Natty and made himself comfortable.  

One of our prayers from the time we found out we were pregnant was that Andrew and his new sibling would truly love one another and take care of each other.  We pray this continually, and look forward to watching them grow together, play together, and become great friends!  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your blessing and gift of love.  May we demonstrate that always.

Visiting Great Grandma and Grandpa

 Natalie and Gr. Grandma Brown meet for the first time!  What a sweet moment :)  

 Here is Andrew showing Grandpa his new book for christmas (Richard Scarry).  They looked through it for a while!

 Gr. Grandpa liked the book just as much as Andrew!  There were pavers, loaders, asphalt machines etc.!!  Men of the same heart and mind!  Needless to say, they had fun :)

As Andrew grows, he will have so much fun getting to know both sets of amazing great grandparents.  I am so grateful for their influence of faith, love, and strength in my life! 

Welcome to the World, little Natalie!

 Natalie Quinn was born December 19th, 2012 at 2:52 p.m.  She weighed 7 lbs 14 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long.  What a bundle of joy and peace.  We love her to pieces already and are adjusting so well to being a family of 4.  What a blessing to have family and friends helping take care of us, bringing meals, watching Andrew, helping in so many ways!  We are truly blessed.

 Joe's idea to put our "little present" under the tree!!  Christmas morning, 2012 :)

 So glad mom and dad got to come out to stay for a while, and help us adjust to being at home with two little ones.  Natalie was just checking her out as she held her...so sweet!  Andrew LOVED having Gr. & Gr. Brown at the house.  He had non-stop playmates :)  We loved that too!!

Full arms, Full heart.  Thank you, Father, for the blessing of these two sweet babes.  We hope to honor you as we raise them, love them, enjoy them.  I read a quote by Dr. James Dobson the other day.

"One of the greatest privileges in living is to bring a baby in to the world to love and care for."

I whole-heartedly agree.

Workin' little man

 I captured our little guy working a few weeks ago, as Joe was putting in the new windows to the sunroom/andrew's new room!  He is definitely enamored with tools and "helping" do whatever dad is doing!  What a funny little look he has on his face here :)

 My favorite shot....

 Somebody get this boy a tool belt! 

Another favorite...completely oblivious to his mom who is taking pics like crazy :)

A few random pics!

The chefs, creating a scrumptious dinner!  Aprons and all...

"Let me see, mama!"

Camping at Hocking Hills State Park

"hiding" near the barn :)

Capturing the last few days of fall...

The sweater

 I found a little retro sweater at a garage sale this summer and decided that Andrew needed to wear it before he grew out of it!  And I am beginning to play around with the settings on our digital camera, trying to learn more about photography.  So here are the results of our photo session this afternoon :)

Sweet boy, I can't believe you are almost 2 years old!  You are the joy of our lives, and we can't wait for you and your new brother or sister to meet.  What fun we will all have together!  I am thankful for your adventurous spirit (even though it makes my heart stop for a bit at times) and your cheeky grin, and i love it when you share your snack with me.  Or point to the ground and say "down" when you want us to rough and tumble together in the living room.  You can say "pees" for please now, and you still love all things that go vroom.  Lately you have been bringing us books to read like curious George, henry and mudge, and Danny and the Dinosaur.  Oh yes, you can say "Doggie" as well.  You always want to help Dad with any project he is doing.  And you want to wear his winter hats instead of your own.  Anything of dad's is just better :)  And we can't forget your hammers.  You have 2 of them, and rare is the time when they are out of your hands! (as noted above in the pics).  Everything needs a bit of tapping around the house!  Andrew, you are all boy, and such a treasure.  

A bit of Country...

 These are a few pics of the Country Living festival here in Columbus back in September!  Mom, Dad and Libby came to visit.  We had a blast checking out all of the cool booths and what not.  I think Andrew had a pretty good time, too :)

He was just itching to climb the ginormous pile of squash...

Welcome Fall!

One of my favorite family photos by far!  Our brother in law Dave took this quick shot when we were over at their house the other week, so props to him!  We all love fall and are just soaking the weather, colors, smells and activities up.  And we are excited for baby Hughes to arrive in about 6-7 weeks!  Time has flown with this second pregnancy, as we have been busy with Andrew, work, garden, church, friends, etc.!  But as the baby moves and kicks within me, I am gently reminded of the new life that will soon join us in our arms.  Praise the Lord :)