Transitions in Toddlerville

***Thank y'all so much for all the love on Tuesday after we announced our news of baby on the way. It means so much to feel the love after sharing something we care so much about! 

Roswelle has been killing it in the toddler transition department, lately. She potty trained like a pro the first week of January and last week transitioned to her "big girl bed" without skipping a wink of sleep.  The last significant transition on the list is letting go of the beloved pacifier. She only has it while sleeping, but man does she covet that thing. I've received a lot of tips on how to convince her to let it go, but for now we are just going to take a breather on the transitions. 

One thing I have noticed is that with each positive development, other not-so-positive (but probably essential) developments, rear their heads. Almost simultaneously after moving to her toddler bed, she started saying "

but I don't want tooooooo

" or "

but I want it

!!!" in regards to anything and everything. This is all new and requires a lot of time-outs, unfortunately. There is always a ying to the yang I guess. Ahhh the joys of being THREE!

Anyways, back to the point of this post - Roswelle's new toddler bed! I saw this bed on another blog and immediately knew it was the one. I clicked on the source link and was shocked to be directed to Ikea!? While my mom was in town last week, we made the trek to Ikea - never go alone, y'all.

Since I know baby #2 is a girl, I'll be leaving the pink and lace curtains, as well as the chandeliers. Sources are at the end of the post. Have a great Thursday!

Bed

Pink Pom Quilt & Pillow

Curtains

Chandeliers are antique finds

Cubby Cube

Thirty!

I have officially been in my 30's for a full month! I decided it was time to write about this milestone birthday. I was lucky to spend the day with family and close friends at my Mom's lake house in North Georgia.  It was a comfortable, cheery, and celebratory day!

In the years leading up to 30, I have learned that truly loving myself allows me to love others better.  I'm making every effort to walk towards the mess and complexities in life, and embrace them (not easy!). I'm beginning to realize that we don't need to fix each other, we just need to listen to each other.  Everyone has a story, and it is healthy for our stories to be told.

My hardships, challenges, and times of grief have turned into ways to connect with others - whether it be with family, friends or strangers. When I share my struggles, and tell friends or family what is really going on, I find that this opens the door for a more "real" relationship.  It's not awkward, it's refreshing (and relieving in a way).  I've seen this when sharing about the passing of my Dad and I'm seeing it happen now, as Paul and I continue to make every effort to bring another baby into our family.  I'm trying to embrace the twists and turns in life while resisting the urge to be fearful.  

In my 20's I tried to figure out who I wanted to be; and I pray that in my 30's I'll spend more time loving and accepting the person, mother, wife, daughter, and friend that I am. 

Many, many thanks to my mom for ordering this beautiful cake (gluten free!) by Jackie Scarborough. She is a local baker in Dawsonville, GA and incredibly talented. Highly recommend! you can contact her at jackiskitchen@aol.com.

Welcome to the world, Christian James

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of capturing photos of sweet Christian James Thalmann. Born on May 31st he is only a few weeks new. A baby brother to his two older sisters, Neive (4) and Jane (18months), he has completed this now family of 5!

I refer to newborn photography as a privilege because I really do feel honored to be asked into a home of a new baby. Laundry is not done, breakfast dishes are not put away, pajama pants are being worn, but there is love bursting at the beams and so much magic to be seen.

I hope you enjoy these, and if you live in the greater Boston area, I'd love to photograph your new baby! you can contact me at saralaurenw@gmail.com. 

 

Introducing #teddylash

{this is one of my favorite pictures - everyone is playing their roles very well}

On Sunday, Theodore William Lashway "Teddy" was born! These pictures are from day three, when babies are still pretty silent and snuggly. That day was also the first time Maddie met her little brother Teddy! We are all so excited to have a new boy in the family, although I have a feeling Miss Roswelle and Miss Maddie will still rule the roost for a while! 

{juggling two!}

Acupuncture + Balance

I've been on a quest for balance the last few months and one of my steps has been adding in acupuncture therapy. I'm officially hooked. MY understanding of the benefits of acupuncture is that the body has the power to heal itself, we just need to allow access for healing. It's a very meditative, relaxing, and restorative experience - and I'm all for napping for my health as opposed to medicating! And I promise - the needles don't hurt!!  

Over the weekend I took pictures of my friend and acupuncturist, Abbi, practicing on her friend, Kaitlin.  I hope you find these pictures as relaxing as I did! If you are in the Boston area and looking for a wonderful experience, you can reach Abbi at abigail.j.andrews@gmail.com.  I see her just about every week at the moment at the Equinox downtown (I'm not a member, but that's one of the locations where Abbi practices).  Even Paul said he's going to try it.....

Family Photos: The Humphreys!

A few weeks ago I took pictures of my good friend Tara, her husband Todd, and their sweet son Jett.

Just over a year ago Roswelle and Jett had their first play date and the weekly meet ups began. As a stay at home mom, I was desperate for more adult connection and to meet a mom that was available during the day too. A prayer was answered when I connected with Tara who had a young baby just 1 month older than Roswelle and lived only a few streets over (key during the winter of 2015)!! Whether it's a walk to our neighborhood parks, museum trips, baby-free breakfasts at McKenna's, or simply watching Ellen while the babies play in the living room, I'm so thankful for their friendship!

She asked me to take their pictures in our local park just around the corner. I was so thankful she trusted me to get at least a few decent pictures! I'm wayyyyyy more comfortable taking pictures of still, life-less things around my home, so this was challenging for me to say the least and I have even more respect for my photographer friends! Todd, Tara, and Jett made it easier being such a fun, loving family. <3

I'm Alive and Well! (Fall 2015)

I'm alive (and well!) y'all!! I basically fell off the web unintentionally 3 weeks ago. After returning home to Boston from my brother's beautiful North Carolina wedding on September 21st, I dialed things wayyyy down. As an introverted home-body, the past few months were quite a challenge. Between Memorial Day weekend and Mid-September, we were home ONE weekend. One. one!!! I don't mean to sound ungrateful for wonderful places to go and being with the people we love. But I really, really love my home, too! 

I have spent the last few weeks going on walks with Roswelle in our neighborhood, having slow mornings in our living room, and re-watching seasons 1-5 of Game of Thrones. You read that right...every night Paul would come up from his garage gym and groan as he heard the GOT theme song kick back up. I didn't prepare a blog post for the next day, nope, I watched the Stark family get murdered one by one (for a second time). Side note: John Snow is not dead! 

I've also been tinkering around the house, putting out Fall decor and warming up our house with colors and textures...because, "Winter is Coming." :P

Surfin' USA

I spent the past weekend in Newport, RI with some of my best girlfriends to celebrate my old Boston roommate, Marcia! She is getting married in Puerto Rico in just two months!! As she is quite the adventurous little lady, we took surfing lessons as a group on the main beach in Newport.  It was amazing! I am all about the indulgent brunches and lively dinners on bachelorette parties but an active outing was so good for all of us (especially those that had a little too much tequila the night before).  The salt water and fresh air was healing to say the least :) 

If you are in the area check out Island Sports surf shop for some great lessons! 

{our Puerto Rican Princess ;*}