Dear Lucy,

A year ago, a sweet little puppy was born.  Six weeks later, two people who had longed for a puppy of their own found her.  It was a hot July afternoon, and you were huddled in the back of a crate that was way too big for you.  At first we left, not knowing that you were available to take home.  As we drove half way home, we couldn’t stop talking about you.  We made a u-turn and hurried back to where you were, eagerly inquiring about the cute little puppy.  The kind man said that yes, you were, indeed, in search of a new home.  As we opened the crate and I held you in my arms, I knew you had to be ours.  We were instantly smitten!  At just 5 little pounds, you stole our hearts, and I couldn’t help but stare at you as you feel asleep on my lap in the car on the way home.  We had to make a stop at the store to get you some food, a dish, some toys, and treats.  I got a text from Reggie saying he knew he’d be in trouble when we have kids…because he was filling the cart with dog stuff!  We couldn’t wait to take you to your new home to meet Lola.  At first, she didn’t know what to think.  However, over this past year, you two have become great friends… at least I like to think so!  Even though house-training was quite a task, and at times, seemed nearly impossible, you did it!  You love going on trips in the car, spending time at Grammy and Grampy’s, visiting the beach and digging holes in the sand, running through leaves, hiking in the park, chasing Lola around the house, shaking paws for treats, and snuggling at our feet at night.  You are such a joy, and we love you so much!

Happy 1st Birthday, Lucy!

xoxo,

Stephanie, Reggie + Lola

May has been such a crazy month, filled with a wide range of emotions and events!   The first week of May, Reggie and I found out that Baby Stewart is a BOY!  We are totally excited to meet our sweet little guy in September!  As you can see in the photo below, he already knows how to wave! 😉  He’s been saying hello with some kicks here and there, which has been cool to experience.

The following week we had a house fire, which was one of the scariest, most horrific things I’ve ever experienced.  The fire started next door, and spread to our home in what seemed like a flash.  To make a long story short, everyone and all pets were safe, thank goodness!  We’ve since moved into a temporary temporary place while searching for a temporary residence to call home while our house is being repaired over the next 3 + months.  Our pup Lucy has been staying with my parents – we miss her dearly!  But she has been having a blast with them!  And Lola, our cat, has made her new home at the shop!  She and Lucy may have to draw straws over the comfy office chair!   Anyway, we can’t wait to have our little furballs at home with us soon.  While some could look at this situation and think, “Poor me,” Reggie and I have had a positive outlook and have become even closer through this whole ordeal.  Things could have been so much worse.  We are so thankful and fortunate that no one was hurt.  In moments of chaos it is hard to remember that we are not in control.  Reggie reminded me of this, and it has truly helped me cope.  We are truly blessed with supportive, compassionate, amazing family, friends, and neighbors.  It was amazing to see how our neighborhood pulled together to help each other.  We had been planning a Pink or Blue Reveal party for family and close friends the following evening to share our exciting news, and didn’t want to let this stop our celebration, so we moved the location to Reggie’s shop, and had such a fun, relaxing night with friends and family.  It was exactly what we needed after such a scary, stressful time the day before.  We have been overwhelmed, in a good way, by the love and support from our family, friends, and our church.  Thank you so much for all of your prayers!  We really appreciate it!

Then I celebrated my first Mother’s Day!  Reggie took me on a picnic at one of our favorite parks, where we relaxed and dreamed about what it will be like to be parents, to take our little boy to this very same park to play on the swings and experience life.  Under the shade of a big leafy tree, we took time out to dream and just be together.  It was perfect.

The following weekend, we celebrated Reggie’s 30-something birthday with family, friends, and cars!  We also went to see the movie “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” which was thoroughly entertaining!  I admitted to Reggie that I was nervous as the previews ended and the opening scenes unfolded.  Why?  Well, although I’ve not read the book, I imagined there to be some reality in this film… reality that I haven’t truly comprehended yet about becoming a parent.  This star-studded flick made me laugh and cry… what more could you ask for from a movie these days, right?!

Over the next few weeks, I’m looking forward to some exciting sessions as well as some fantastic weddings!  Plus tons of sessions coming soon to the blog that I’m so excited to share!  We just returned from taking a mini “babymoon“… more to come on this soon!  (Hey, that rhymed!)

Do you ever find yourself in a cooking rut?  Always making the same dinners?  Like every Tuesday becomes taco night?  Or we’re having grilled chicken…again!  Well, I was feeling this way yesterday, after having felt this way for a few weeks.  As I was editing, somehow Chicken Florentine popped into my head.  I was determined to find a good recipe and head to the grocery store!  After searching online, I found two recipes that I combined to make my own dish…and voila!  Chicken Pesto Florentine!  


As I was listening to Pandora and dicing onions, cooking chicken, baking bread, and chopping garlic, I posted on facebook that I was in the midst of making this wonderful dinner, or so I hoped!  I promised to share it, if and only if, it was, in fact, a delish dish!  The verdict is in, and with two votes, my husband’s and mine, we WILL have this meal again in the future!  Plus, we have leftovers for the next couple of days!  Win!

It’s been a little while since Lola and Lucy made an appearance on the blog.  Lucy has grown quite a bit, while Lola has pretty much stayed the same!  These two both make me laugh every day with the way they interact.  One will be napping, and the other will tip-toe over to sniff the snoozing one.  Then a chase ensues and they zip all through the house!  A few times a day, Lucy will do sprints back and forth, from one end of the house to the other, and then lay down and take a nap.  I found that she likes to be cheered on as she races…or at least it seems that way!   Without further adieu, here are some of my favorites from our brief session the other day, thanks to some kitty treats and marshmallows (Lucy’s favorite!).  **Note to Self:  Next time, ease in to the marshmallow treats…they made for an even more hyperactive puppy!**

Just a quick note to say hello and to wish you a Happy Leap Year Day!

I received these beautiful white orchids from my sweet husband on Valentine’s Day, and had some fun photographing them recently.

Happy Wednesday!