hey baby

Two Sundays ago in South Carolina, I had the pleasure of meeting not one but two brand new babies. Their mamas are precious friends of mine, so being able to spend time with their sweet families made for a very special afternoon.

Right after lunch with both the Webb and Davis families, mom and I went over to meet Miss Penelope and see Meghanne and Caleb. I was so surprised to see how red little P's hair was! Meghanne is a brunette and so is Caleb, but apparently his had a reddish tint. Penelope was teeny tiny but just beautiful and very calm. It seems so surreal to me that Meghanne has a baby. I can't wait to watch her grow up! 

I was delighted to meet someone with fairer skin than mine

love her already

my mom is going to be the best grandmother someday

Meghanne has put together an adorable nursery for her baby girl

Before I went to the airport to head back to DC, we went by Amanda's to meet little Grady. He was born a couple of weeks before Penelope, despite Meghanne and Amanda having due dates a day apart, and it's amazing the difference that a couple of weeks makes. Grady didn't seem quiet as tiny as little Penelope, and he just seemed to be content to hang out with all of us girls. He's such a handsome little man, and I loved seeing him wearing one of the monogrammed onesies I gave him.

Grady Collins

big sister Darcy- our little flower girl is growing up!

Amanda is such a good mom, and I love her sweet family

What a blessing these babies are! Thankful to have so many little ones in my life to love on. 

Hannah and Jason's wedding weekend

It's kind of ironic that Richard and I haven't attended a wedding all year, then both were in two within six days of each other! One of the sad things about living in Maryland is that we don't get to attend all of the weddings we are invited too- weddings that if we were closer, we'd be at no question. But there was no way I would have missed Hannah's wedding! She was a dear friend and sorority sister at Clemson (one of the few who would actually watch and stay for a whole football game with me!), a roommate while I lived in Columbia, my doubles tennis partner, and one of my bridesmaids at my wedding. I was thrilled to repay that favor at her wedding on July 21st. 

My journey to the South Carolina upstate was not without complication. My flight was significantly delayed, and though I finally made it to GSP late Friday afternoon, my bags did not. I bought cupcakes to take to my family and friends, so all I carried on was the cupcakes and bridesmaid's outfit. Not my best decision. I ran to a work meeting, then showed up at the Rehearsal Dinner in the dress I'd worn all day. Thankfully my bags came in later that evening, and my friend Ryan was sweet to pick them up when he landed on a later flight. 

Hannah and Jason's Rehearsal Dinner was held at the same place as their wedding, the Bleckley Inn in Anderson. The Inn is really pretty and was a great setting for the weekend festivities. Hannah included some playful pinwheels in the rehearsal dinner decor, which was super cute. 

centerpiece

Hannah and Jason- I loved her Elizabeth McKay dress

friends from Columbia, and with the exception of Jess, all part of the Racquettes tennis team

I stayed at the Bleckley Inn and was very thankful to be able to go right up to my room after a stressful Friday. Richard was booked on a later flight out of DC Friday evening and had planned to join me at the Rehearsal Dinner, but a hospital emergency kept him from coming until Saturday morning. Never a dull moment with us! 

For as long as I have known Hannah, she has talked about how perfect her "Mama Hop's" home would be for a wedding. And she is right- her's grandmother's house is a beautiful white house on a hill in Pendleton, SC. Hannah decided that an outdoor wedding in late July would probably be a little too warm and chose the Bleckley instead, but I am so glad we were able to attend the bridesmaid's luncheon at her Mama Hop's house. Mama Hop passed away a few years ago, so it was bittersweet to see Hannah's family gathered around her on her wedding day.

quintessential southern home

Hannah being shown the shrimp and grits as her mom and mother-in-law look on

Jen, our good friend on the left, is pregnant with her first baby, a little girl due in October, and Hannah, Jess, Bec and I are throwing her a baby shower in a couple weeks. I am so thankful for friends who I can celebrate all these big milestones with. I just wish we all still lived within a few miles of each other!

Jen and baby Butler, Bec, Hannah in her adorable white dress, me and Jess

Our bridesmaids' outfits were different than anything I have ever worn. They were green and white skirts from Anne Cramer, an ivory top from David's Bridal, and a pink ribbon sash. To be honest, green and white horizontal stripes on an A-line skirt may not be the most flattering design for anyone with hips, but I think they looked good when we were all lined up together. 

Hannah's ceremony was fairly quick, but her reception lasted all night! The bride was having too good of a time to leave, and she, her groom and their guests dance the night away. 

posing with our beautiful flowers at the church

almost time!

Hannah's florist did an amazing job

friends for life

getting ready to cut the cake

so glad mom and dad could come

so fun to see all these tennis girls! this year was full of Racquette weddings

the Webbs and the Pittmans

Hannah, Suzanne and I lived together for a year, so it was fitting that she was there to celebrate too. 

pretty flowers

Congrats Mrs. Pittman!

2 years- part two

Richard and I have been in two different weddings in the last week, but we did find a night to properly celebrate our anniversary. We went to 1789, a delicious restaurant in Georgetown that has a summer tasting menu during the week. Our date nights have been few and far between recently, so it was a treat just to enjoy each other's company and relax. Our five courses were all amazing, as was the service and my handsome date.

personalized menu and Haviland china, similar to our own salad plates

happy, happy

1789's take on S'mores

French press coffee and peach creme brulee is a great way to end a meal

outside the restaurant

Richard and I got each other cotton items, since its the traditional gift, but mom sent a piece of our china, which is the modern gift. Loved getting artwork from two of our littlest friends too!

2 years

This is what we were doing at about 11 pm on July 24th two years ago. Leaving the best party we had ever thrown or attended, thrilled to be married and excited about our honeymoon in Anguilla and our life together. What a special night. I loved every minute of it and still wish I could do it all over again. 

leaving our wedding reception at the Piedmont Club

Tonight, we celebrated our two-year anniversary at the hospital, where Richard was on call. He had put so many requests in to accommodate for weddings this month that he couldn't swing one more favor. So we'll go out to a fancy dinner tomorrow night, but tonight, it was pizza and cake in his office. 

healthy dinner

My husband loves a good store-bought cake, so I ventured over to the Safeway after work. The cake decorator was long gone, but I met a sweet little man sweeping the floors who knew where they kept the icing. He took me behind the counter and let me decorate a pre-made cake with my "Happy 2 Years!" message. I didn't quite have room for "Happy Anniversary." 

And so, our second anniversary was very reflective of where we are in our life. Richard is working a ton as a chief resident on the General Surgery chair's service, and the busyness and stress of life has made us just take each day as it comes, anniversary or not. We had a wonderful trip to South Carolina this past weekend for a fun wedding and will celebrate the union of two of our friends here later this week. We have walked through a few fires over the past few weeks (and months) but have made it through, trusting that God's plan is perfect and that He works for the good of those who love Him. 

So happy anniversary, dear husband. Here's to many, many more. 

this picture is not the most flattering, but we'll just chalk that up to a long day and poor hospital lighting

celebrating Jon and Amy

July is a busy wedding month for Richard and me. My good friend and old roommate Hannah gets married this weekend, and our friends Jon and Amy's wedding is the following Friday. Last weekend, Amy's sister Ashley threw a fun outdoor party for the happy couple, and despite it being one of the hottest days of the year, we had a great time! 

The party was a BBQ theme, and everyone who attended the party chipped in to get Jon and Amy a grill. And who can grill without matching aprons?

trying on their aprons

too cute

Amy's sister Ashley is quite the cake ball maker, and she made these adorable bride and groom themed cake balls. Loved them and the ice cream that accompanied them in its little polka-dot cup.

We got to celebrate with Jon and Amy the night they got engaged, and we're so excited to be a part of their big day in less than two weeks.

ortho residents and wives, with a general surgery friend thrown in

And just because she's so adorable, I thought I'd include a picture of Gia and me after church last Sunday. We had the same shape of sunglasses on and just had to document it. 

the future's so bright we gotta wear shades

4th of July fun

There's not much better for me than having a week day off with my husband. It rarely happens, but when it does, I love being able to relax at home together without any major agenda or plans. Richard was on call for the 4th, but now that he's a chief resident, he's able to take home call. Hooray!

We spent our 4th enjoying good food and fellowship with sweet friends and ended the evening with the classic fireworks. A fun, happy day celebrating our independence and freedom! 

first stop: a cook-out with the Capadi's- Gia was still a little sleepy from her nap

all the adults trying to get Gia to smile

at least we all smiled!

and one with the gals- Emily, me, Min, Gia, Lauren and Miss Addie

next stop: a shrimp boil at Ryan's- glad he's moved to DC!

And finally...fireworks!

eventful weekend

On Friday night, as I was curled up on the couch watching TLC and the Gymnastics Olympic trials while Richard was on call, I certainly did not expect for our weekend to be as crazy as it ended up being. Right in the middle of cute little Gabby's floor routine, a HUGE storm came through our area. I had hoped our power would be spared, but it flickered on and off and then went out completely. I went to the basement to seek shelter from the blustery winds and terrible lightening and spent a hot evening trying to get some sleep. I ventured out Saturday morning, and our neighborhood looked like it had been hit by a hurricane- trees uprooted, power lines down, and no power for several miles surrounding our house. My keratin treatment was sadly canceled (and how I need it!), and Richard and I spent most of the hospital seeking refuge from the heat and cleaning his new Chief Resident office. 

I booked a hotel room over at the National Harbor, and we finally trekked over there mid-afternoon to enjoy the AC and freshen up for the evening. The SC State Society (most states here in DC have some sort of state society group) had a shag party Saturday evening, and we had made plans to attend with our friends Philip and Leslie, who are here for a short time on Philip's National Guard orders. 

our hotel lobby out at the National Harbor

trying to stay cool by the water after a delicious BBQ dinner

Bolling Air Force Base was right across the water from where we were, and a Navy ship was docked close by

Saturday was extremely hot, but the party was still a lot of fun. It was held out on the water front near the Nats stadium, and it was great to hear beach music within a few miles of the Capitol. We have loved having Leslie and Philip here in the area!

We were still without power Sunday, but our friends Pam and Misha thankfully had it for their sweet little Natalie's first birthday party. It's hard to believe Natalie is a year old, as we saw Pam all throughout her pregnancy and prayed for Natalie's safe arrival. Our former small group was all in attendance, and it was great to catch up with each of them. Busy schedules have kept us from meeting on a regular basis, but I so appreciate our friendships have continued despite sporadic gatherings. 

Panyutin family

We spent Sunday night at our friends' Min and Vin's house, thanks to a generator they borrowed, and when I woke up in the middle of the night, I checked my email to see a message on the listserv alerting us that our power was back on. I have not heard such happy news in a long time. Our power provider had estimated that we would not get power back until Friday, the 6th, so having it early seemed like a great gift! And once again, as is the case when I go through periods of time without electricity, I realized just how blessed I am and how much I take for granted. So thankful our 4th of July won't be spent in the dark!