Row 1: In late July, James’ parents visited and we tackled cleaning up our yard.  We weeded like crazy!  (I don’t think our yard has had any attention since Olivia’s early arrival.)  The garden bed along the side of the house was completely overgrown.  Due to the unseasonably cool summer temps, Olivia was able to spend some time outside with us.  She is pictured here on one of my favorite quilts from my Grandma.

Row 2: We tried a recipe for homemade mango margaritas… yum!  Olivia practiced her swimming skills and I enjoyed snuggles early one morning with both my girls (Lexi and Olivia).  I also sent my favorite children’s book (Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You) along with a handmade card to a friend that delivered her baby very prematurely.  My heart goes out to this new mama and we pray for their sweet boy each day.

Row 3: I severely burned my hands after a glass dish broke filled with scalding liquid.  Real aloe and lavender essential oil were a saving grace.  We made a fun “Congrats!” sign for a friend that completed his PhD.  I couldn’t be there in person to hear his dissertation defense, but Olivia and I cheered him on in spirit!  We also celebrated 2 big milestones during the month of August: Olivia learned how to sit-up by herself and tried her first solid foods (avocados!).

Row 4: A friend and I tried making laundry detergent, body wash, and diaper rash cream using essential oils.  With my mom’s help babysitting Olivia, I was able to work on several fun card projects this month including several thank you cards.  On August 17th, we took Olivia to the zoo for the first time.  We enjoyed seeing the giraffes, elephants, and tigers.  I never realized how gracefully hippos glide through the water!

Row 5: Olivia took her first plane ride to Washington DC to attend James’ brother’s wedding over Labor Day weekend.  (Read my 10 Tips for Traveling with a Baby post.)  It was awesome to see Olivia interacting with her 4 sweet cousins.  Our trip included many sightseeing adventures and even a trip to the ocean!  Olivia was not a fan of the waves.  When the water started to rush up onto her feet, she immediately started crying!  We met a fisherman along a pier while exploring the beach that proudly told us his philosophy on fishing: “You just missed the two best fishing days of the year… yesterday and tomorrow!”

Row 6: Lots of wedding fun!  A quick pic of J and I before the ceremony started.  Olivia “helped” us make a card for the newlyweds… she might have tried to bite off the corner… And, finally, our sweet girl turned 8 months old.  It is amazing how much she changes and grows each day.