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I am truly convinced that happiness exist somewhere in an endless pasture if alfalfa grass, the dewy morning fog, and the perfect brisk chill of an early summers day. I’m also convinced @ethanbarber.co has shown me the same kind of happiness wandering the cobblestone streets of old New York and the narrow passage ways of the West Village. Perhaps true happiness, and maybe even the secret of life lies in the ability to find joy, peace, confidence, and happiness wherever the dirt roads, winding roads, or highways of life take us.
By now you know we’re pretty into hats. As longtime fans of @stetsonusa and their iconic heritage-quality hats, we’re thrilled to be featured on the Stetson Stories blog! Head over to @stetsonusa or their website to learn a little more about what feeds us and to see a recap of the recent farm to fire meal we cooked for the Flora @oursecretsupper earlier this month. All photos captured by the incredible @evakosmasflores #itsastetson #stetsonstories
She’s starting to tie sentences together. She asks her baby (Kiki) if she’s hungry or wants to go outside or if she wants a bath. Kiki pretty much always says yes. She’s grown inches in just a few months. When she turns down a kiss I always tell her to let me know if she changes her mind. Then she takes 3 steps forward, turns around and runs back to me for a smooch. Yesterday, after she whined and cried and wasn’t listening, she felt bad and hugged me so tight, wrapping her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck. She said “sorry,” but that word wasn’t even needed with an apology hug like that. She’s happiest smack dab in the middle of Jesse and me. She’s all sing-songy and giggly and sort of floats around when we’re all together. Speaking of sing-songy, she sings with us now and most of the time it’s a little calculated and clunky, but it’s music to my ears. Today, she read the words “dada,” “baby” and “mama.” READ. We’re blown away by her little mind, comprehending such big things. She has an empathetic spirit. She’s full of joy and feels deeply.
I remember the waiting. Those years didn’t magically disappear. I remember practicing gratitude when all I really wanted was to indulge in self-pity. I sought out vibrant colors and scenes and everyday little bits of goodness and it soothed the suffering. Now, in a season where we’re literally living in the midst of a miracle, my grateful heart is ever-present. God’s protection over Vera is something we’ll never be able to fathom. But even still, I’ll never stop trying to understand and appreciate all he’s done and all he’s doing in this little girl #weloveyouveramuch #babiesandbougies