Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice, That's What Little Girls are Made Of....

I love it when Chevee is in such a smiley mood - which happens to be a lot - but I think as most photographers experience, it's all smiles until the camera gets busted out! I've learned that I just have to keep mine on my hip most of the time, especially when we're hanging out outside... and if I'm sneaky enough, I can catch her at her best, which, I have to admit, I've accomplished in these pictures!

So in honor of Chevee's 3-month old birthday today, July 15, here's our little sugar muffin, monkey butt, lover girl, Chevee - aka "BUBBLES!"

Do you see how she smiles with her eyes??? I love it! Talk about tender-heart moments.

It's amazing the joy, love and tenderness a baby brings into a household

and family and especially when we needed it most.

When we lost my dad almost 3 years ago, I don't think any of us have smiled the same since, I know our kids haven't, Grandpa was a HUGE part of their lives from the day they were born. But we know, and my Mom especially knows, that Chevee and Grandpa hung strong before she came to us, therefore not only were we blessed with the gift of her but we know she also brought a piece of Grandpa with her to help us smile again. I'm sure when she's old enough to take fishing, she'll out-fish us.  Thank you, Dad, for taking care of our Chevee while she was waiting for her turn on earth and thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing us with such a sweet little lady and also for Deondré who carries so many of Grandpa's traits and for Aaliyah who is just a character of her own that we love so much.  I especially need to remind myself how true and special  children are, not just sweet little babies - we have those patient-testing moments but I know in our house, we also have a lot of fun and laughter...