To My Girl
Maddie Mae.
My baby girl- Can I call you that anymore?
I’m hoping for forever…
Maybe just a little longer?
Today you’re nine.
You’ve been mine almost a decade.
The most important years of my life. Maybe the only ones that ever really mattered.
It wasn’t all easy- getting you.
I remember the journey like it was yesterday- If I close my eyes, I’m right back there- I can feel the short prick of each syringe; the cool air in each doctor’s office; the glare of hospital lights; the quick butterflies that filled me at each ultra sound…
all
leading
up to
you.
But then there was you.
Like you were meant to be all along.
To say you were worth it doesn’t do you justice.
There must be a bigger phrase-
Because being your mom has been the greatest honor of my life.
Loving you has brought me a joy I never thought possible.
It’s changed me in the most profound ways-
it’s brought peace and levity.
it’s formed strength and resilience.
it’s spawned laughter and tears.
it’s forced me to make hard decisions- to protect you at all costs.
You see, as you’ve grown, I’ve grown along side you-
motherhood gently shifting me into who I was meant to be all along.
Each new, beautiful chapter bringing its new hurdles, but also infinite opportunities. So many possibilities.
There will be more changes, more challenges; I’m sure of it- that is life.
But you’ve shown me there’s nothing we can’t handle.
We will face them together-
Side by side.
Holding your hand- as yours continues to grow. A little every day. Knowing that one day I’ll have to let it go.
But not yet.
Not today.
Today, I simply promise not to hold on too tight when it’s time.
Happy Birthday, baby girl.
Thank you for being mine.
I Love you-
No matter what.
To the moon and back.
Until the numbers end.
This gift guide for the hostess may very well be my favorite, filled with so many goodies I’ve gifted or have recently been gifted by friends and family…
I am obsessed with this balsam and fir candle that was gifted to us last season- the scent is holiday perfection and the vessel is so beautiful, you can use it well beyond the season.
I’m often asked what to get Lila this time of year and -besides clothing- I always go back to my sensory-seeking tried and trues…
Anything squishy like these bears, balls and soft legos are great options- that make for perfect stocking stuffers, too!
And now for Him- Here’s a round up of some of of Phil’s favorite things, and a few that are on his personal Christmas list, too.
This guide starts with this Ravenel patch hat from our favorite local hat company, Pax Supply. Phil has this one- and a few others, and they’re all our faves!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a gift guide, but Maddie’s Christmas list has officially been submitted so I thought it was only fair to pass along! This first one is for the tweens- we have jewelry and skincare and all things “PREPPY"
September will mark 2 years since our lives changed completely -2 years since our #asd diagnosis.2 years since our private preschool kicked us out only days after. 2 years since I felt so helpless and lost- and crippled with fear that the way they treated us would be our new normal -
Happy Monday!
I cannot believe that next week it will be AUGUST. This summer has flown by. And while we have had so much fun, we are so excited to start school in a few weeks. A new school for Mads and a new head teacher for little miss Lila.
To the silver haired lady that gently took my hand in the airport ~
Your eyes were kind.
Your face was patient; pensive.
Wise.
Knowing.
Happy Wednesday, friends!
Second week of summer is here, and we are adjusting to the quasi schedule we will have before heading to the mountains for a bit to escape the Charleston heat.
Almost four years in Charleston and we have tried A LOT of restaurants. This is a foodie town, and there is no short supply of incredible culinary experiences to enjoy. We haven’t tried them all- but we’ve definitely been to our fair share.
Maddie Mae.
My baby girl- Can I call you that anymore? I’m hoping for forever… Maybe just a little longer?
Today you’re nine.
This one’s for the Disney Geeks. Non-believers- avert your eyes…
If you’ve been here a while, you know we are unapologetic Disney Adults over here. Disney has been a special place for my sisters and I since we were kids- we’d go every year, sometimes more than once. And while I have so many incredible memories there from my childhood, nothing compares to being able to experience it as an adult with a family of my own- that’s the real magic.
Happy Friday! It’s the last day of school here in South Carolina, and we are ready for summer! I’m having some mixed emotions about the start of this next chapter, as we’ve all come to thrive on our little routine.
Earlier this week Maddie and I sat down and came up with some ideas for our summer. She’s enrolled in a few camps here and there, but for the most part we don’t have many plans and I’m really looking forward to some quality time together, just us two.
Always one to level up the fun, Maddie suggested we put all of our ideas in a “Summer Bucket List Jar,” and on unscheduled days we will draw from it and let fate decide what we do… Genius!
When I committed to Dry January this year, I had zero intention of giving up alcohol for good. In fact, I had low expectations for lasting even one full month, as I had tried to tackle DJ more than a few times without success. In the past, I framed a break from alcohol as a cleanse- as “giving up” something. But this year, when that last day of January arrived, I was overwhelmed by all the things I had gained in those 31 days- I couldn't ignore all of the benefits I felt from cutting out booze. More energy. More clarity. More resilience. The list goes on and on.
Was anyone else super excited to get back into the swing of things after MDW? For the first time in a long time I was so ready to get back to our routine…
There was a time, not so long ago, when I struggled to find the magic in this mess- in this diagnosis we were so petrified by.
And then, something changed…
We had heaps of leftover corn on the cobb from our Memorial Day BBQ, so I decided to {finally} try my hand at a mexican street corn dish.
Over the last several years I’ve gone in and out of reading phases- there was a stint where I went years without picking up a book. But in the last few years, I’ve picked it up again to varying degrees.
Dear Neurotypical Friends,
As summer approaches, there’s a good chance you’ll meet someone like our girl- in the pool, by the ocean, at the playground...
Two years ago, I didn’t realize April would become such an important month for us.
Two years ago I knew nothing about Autism other than it was something to be terrified of.
Two years ago I didn’t know our world was about to be changed-
At the risk of upsetting the Endless Summer crowd, we have one month left until school starts and I, for one, am excited for the next chapter to start. It’s no secret it gets hot as Hades down here in South Carolina- nothing like a humid, 95 degree morning to start your day- so this is just about the time when I start dreaming of the “-er” months.
Happy Friday, friends!
What a week it’s been- I’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support you all have shown me with the launch of pre-orders for my book.
In case you missed it, we wrote a children’s book! Writing My Sister Lila Lee has been one of the greatest joys of my life and I can’t wait to share it with the world this fall- if you’re local to Charleston, be on the lookout for our mini press tour!
Well, friends, it’s been about a year and a half, but the blog is back.
If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you already know it’s been an unexpected few years. But we’ve settled in, and are loving life in our Charleston home.
Happy Wednesday, friends!
As the virtual tour of our Charleston home continues, I bring to you this cheerful slice of little Lila’s bedroom.
Ok, friends. Here it is. The room I so desperately wanted to wallpaper against Phil’s wishes.
In the end, I gave in; and we opted for a glossy light yellow over the floral prints I was so drawn to. And I have to say, I think he was right.
This one is packed full of my personal favorites to give and receive-
For a close friend or relative I love this modern sideways cross from my friends at The Fine Jewelry Concierge. Ashley has a full catalogue of ready to ship items on her gorgeous new website, in addition to her stunning custom and bespoke pieces.