stories from our home: new things

Over five months have flown by since the last time I posted, and so much has changed with our small family.

After a lot of hard work and determination, my husband has chosen to get an MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill this fall! I am proud of him and excited that he will be a Tarheel! We are thrilled to be back in NC in May - close to many of our family and friends. And I am really happy to be living in a state with 4 seasons. :)

Since February, we have been living in Orlando. Jon has an internship and we have loved visiting with Jon's family during this time. I've also enjoyed the warm days and cool nights. Miriam is more fun every day. She is learning and exploring and giggling. We love watching her grow into a bright and cheerful little girl. I really can't sing her praises enough; she has been so adaptable and resilient during all of our transition! It's hard to believe that she has been with us for 6 months already! What a blessing. Lately, she has enjoyed jumping, dancing, rolling, cruising around, eating bananas and sweet potatoes, saying da-da, jabbering, banging, shrieking, reading, and watching the palm trees blow in the wind.

The last couple years have felt like a whirlwind... honestly, more like a hurricane. The Lord has surely kept me in the eye of the hurricane, but the winds have obscured much of my view. I am thankful for the Lord's protection and the people He has sent to help support us, but it feels good for the storm to be dying down. It was dark and, at times, very lonely. Coming up for air, I have been gripping the promises of God - that there is a season for everything, that He is always present and never slumbers, that He intimately knows me, that He will never abandon me, that He will give me joy and peace. The Lord has taught me a lot about myself and for that, I am very thankful for I know He is committed to my growth.

Lastly, here are some baby pictures!!! (you can also find a lot more on instagram and facebook)