McVerry, party of three!

Being in North Carolina provides some decently warm days well into the end of September and even part of October. We have been lucky enough to soak in a ton of sun during these last summer days. We started September off with an impromptu trip to the beach-just the three of us. It was so much fun being able to just pick up and leave. It wasn't long ago that we were tethered to oxygen lines and equipment.    We also spent many days at the local "water park" beating the heat and hanging out with her older cousin, Branson. Both babies love the outdoors. Olivia has gotten to a point that she knows when shoes are going on her feet-we are going outside. It's been a blessing to have such nice weather and so many nice parks close by. We will have to get really creative with activities once the weather starts to cool off! Disclaimer-no she cannot reach the peddles, but she likes to climb on the bike and be pushed around the yard. She's getting big but not that big yet!    M

The time escaped me, and once again I am posting late! August has been a season full of blessing and reflection for us. Last year I couldn't envision a life that is as full nor as beautiful as it is. I couldn't begin to imagine that Olivia would be a thriving one year old-but here we are, and I couldn't be more thankful!                                                  I know some people feel a party for a one year old is silly, they won't remember it unless you show them pictures and tell them. It really feels more like a party for the parents. I have no shame admitting that Olivia's party was a lot more for me than it was for her. Actually, she slept through most of it! But it felt so good to celebrate her. For myself and Kevin it was a way to remember how blessed we are and as a way to focus on all the positives, all the miracles, and all the goodness that came out of our scary situation last year.   We celebrated with a "One in a MELON" theme, and desp

It seems like summer is just flying by! Looking back through pictures from this month I realize we have really been making the most of these hot summer days! The beginning of the month we spent our annual week at the beach with Kevin's side of the family. I can not describe how much fun it is to have that many family members under one roof for a week!  Olivia has a total of 7 cousins on that side of the family with one cousin being only a month older than she is! I think she was a little overwhelmed at first, but she quickly found her voice, loved all the attention.. …and began stealing toys in no time.  She is very obviously an only child and has some serious not sharing issues we are working through.  Overall the week was a huge success! Like our last beach trip, Olivia thoroughly enjoyed the tide pools and eating handfuls of sand. We did bring a small plastic pool and let the little kiddos sit and play when the tide was too high (and no tide pools). It was such a great beach hac

It’s hard to believe summer is here and half the 2022 year is through. So far, this season has been a busy one for us!  The beginning of June started with Olivia’s first long distance car ride. We drove to Charlotte to celebrate my brother and sister-in-law. Olivia was on her best behavior-except stealing a few toys meant for her new cousin. We can’t wait to meet Penelope in August! Speaking of cousins, Olivia has been able to see her cousins more often now that summer has started.  We made it down to Topsail Beach for the Wood side of the family beach vacation (next month will be the McVerry side!).  Let me tell you, this little girl gets her love of the be ach honestly. She would have sat in the tide pools all day if we let her. Her and her cousin spent a lot of time bonding and even sharing the occasional handful of sand. It's so fun to watch her interact with her cousins. Kevin, Olivia, and I are so blessed to have our families close by.    Last month we celebrated Mother's