Maybe my favorite pictures ever. And that's saying a lot.

I think of all the many reasons, the thing I love the most about taking pictures of my kids is that I know they were making their expressions at me.  At ME.  I know the story behind every smile I manage to muster up, and all the anticipation behind every if you don't put that dang thing down and let me go play on that huge train playground face I manage to capture.

These need no explanation,  other than it was hot in Ft. Myers in July.  And we were at Lakes Park sitting on a picnic table in front of a HUGE train themed playground after our train ride.

To say they are my favorites in a very long time would be an understatement.  Hardin's freckled, kissy, sweaty face.  His over the mom-tog Jason expression.  And my sweet girl, still young enough to be crazy happy over my silly smile.

I have dozens of pictures of our trip to post, but these I just can't get enough of.

SIX months!

The sweetest little girl in the world was 6 months on the 17th.  She's something else this one, and we're all equally smitten with her.

She still gives the sweetest sugar, she digs her head in and huuuuuugs so tight.  She also likes to gnaw on your chin and shoulders.  She's literally the happiest baby in the world as long as someone is holding her.  She does NOT like to be put down for longer than a minute or two.  I absolutely LOVE that she loves to be so close, but I've also had to hire a baby sitter to come hold her for 2 hours so I can get stuff done around the house.  Small price to pay to keep our girl smiling.

She's still sleeping great but sometimes wakes once to eat.  She rarely finishes a 6 oz bottle except at night, and does not want anything to do with baby purees, smashed up real veggies or cereal.  We think she's just genuinely hungry, so hopefully once she's eating a bit more she'll give that up.

Hadley's well check  went great, she charmed everyone and showed off her new sitting skills.  She's 19.3 lbs, 27.25 inches, and 18 inches.  90%, 95%, and 80% respectively.  She may not be a big eater, but she's a healthy girl.

I look at these two babies all the time and can't begin to explain how perfect they are for our little family.  They complement each other and us so well.  The good and the frustrating provide us the greatest joy, and and gentle reminders to show grace and guidance.  This phase is very demanding, but we wouldn't trade one second of it for anything in the world.