Madeline Grace Peters _ Birth - Day

Our baby girl is now 6.5 weeks old which blows my mind.  It goes by so fast! I have already packed away her newborn clothes and filled her drawers with 0-3 / 3M clothes.  I will admit that I did cry while doing so.

We welcomed her into this world on September 2nd, 2014 (she came on her own right on her scheduled due date - is she her mommy's baby or what?) at 2:50 pm weighing 7 lbs 11 oz and 20.5 inches long.  A very smooth and fairly quick delivery, with a perfectly healthy baby + mommy.  We are blessed.  The minute she came out and they put her on my chest, I felt a love I've never felt before - it was truly the single best moment of my life.  To see a child that is half of you and half of the love of your life, is the most amazing feeling in the world.  I just cried and cried while I stared at her.  (I still can't stop staring at her!)

Here are a few pictures from her birth (excuse the lovely swollen and exhausted mama - I hadn't slept in 36-48 hours by the time I gave birth!)

What a special day.  I tear up just reminiscing and looking at the pictures, all over again! To Him be the Glory - and I mean, ALL of it! :)

Thanks for walking with us, 

John, JL, + Madeline

Tasty Thursday

Fresh Berry Cobbler

Filling: 

5 ripe nectarines: cut into bite size pieces

1 pint of fresh blueberries

2 lemons (juice/zest) 

1 T flour

1 T sugar 

3 T melted butter

Crumble/Crust: 

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 stick butter

1 cup oats

Dash of cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 cup flour

For Filling: 

Mix all ingredients together and place in a medium sized baking dish.

Crumble/Crust: 

Knead all ingredients together in a bowl and top the filling.  

Baked 35-40 minutes at 350.  Serve a la mode! 

Thanks for walking with us,

JL

Babymoon

Knowing what is on the horizon for our family, John and I decided to "get away" a couple times before Madeline comes to spend some good quality time together.  With John working really long hours due to the summer craziness at work, our two overnights couldn't have come at a more perfect time for us.

A few weeks ago, we spent one night at the National Harbor at the Westin which was right on the water.  It was beautiful.  The hotel was top of the line, the restaurants we hit were to die for, and the weather/water was beautiful.  There were even fireworks that night to top it all off!  

Last night, we went to DC for the night and stayed overnight at a hotel right near all the monuments/white house.  We went to Bobby Van's Steakhouse for dinner, and let me just tell you - it was probably the best steak in the world.  We had live music with a man playing the saxophone all evening, and the restaurant in itself was just gorgeous.  It really was the perfect night - and I had one happy husband after his 20 oz NY Strip that was to-die-for.  We did a whole lot of relaxing and more relaxing.  So grateful for any quality time I get with my husband.  

 Now, the countdown is truly on until our girl gets here!  Madeline, we can't wait to meet you sweet baby! 

Thanks for walking with us,

JL

Maternity Session Photos

I am so excited to share my maternity session photos from a gorgeous (yet HOT) session in Raleigh, NC with Renee Sprink from Renee Sprink Photography.  As always, her pictures blow me away and I can't wait to share these with sweet Madeline one day.  Enjoy!

Here is the link and password you will need to view the pictures.

http://clients.reneesprinkphotography.com/event/702945
Password: JLPET-M2014

Thanks for walking with us,
JL

Raleigh Baby Shower

Seven of my amazing friends hosted a baby shower for me in Raleigh this past weekend.  I drove down there by myself because John was on call and had to hang back (after all...someone's got to make the money!) ;) The shower was at 2pm on Saturday and we had about 25 people show up.  From the decor, to the home itself, to the flowers, food, games, and favors - it was all just top notch.  It was truly a gorgeous shower for our girl.  It was so good to see everyone and catch up.  Every once in a while during the shower, I'd think about the actual reason we were all gathered together catching up and celebrating - and it made me smile (huge!) I can't believe this is real.  We are having a baby. A girl. A blessing and little miracle.  My whole life has been leading up to this day! In just 7-10 weeks, she will be in our arms; how wild.  So, cheers to 30 weeks of pregnancy and an amazing shower.  Thanks to all of my friends, family, and especially the hosts for making this day happen! Madeline is a lucky little girl already - she is so loved (and for that, I couldn't be more grateful!)  Enjoy some pictures from the weekend! XOXO

all of the amazing hosts!

Thanks for walking with us,

Jackie-Lane and Madeline xo