To My Second Kid

I recently saw the video of the moment we found out we were having you - our second little girl.  I cried but not quite like I had when I found out about your sister.

You see, with your big sister I was terrified that I wouldn't be good mom to a little girl. I was scared that we couldn't have a healthy, loving relationship - I didn't know what that kind of relationship would even look like.  Then I had her in my arms and love conquered all. All fear. All pain. All insecurities.  Our relationship just is. She is her own little person, I love her and she loves me.

There is something so simple and pure in love. I wish I had known that before and had not been so afraid.

Then you came along and I cried again, but that time I cried because I was so excited that I got to do it all over again. I got to have ANOTHER little girl. Not one, but TWO. Two girls that I can raise to be strong, brave, confident and loving. Two girls that I can encourage, love, snuggle, tickle and teach.

I will always strive to be the kind of mother you girls need, and at the end of each day I'll go over in my mind the moments I had with you girls and challenge myself to be the best mom I can be.  I'm sure there will be days when you girls can't stand me, and I'll be scared that I'm not the best mom, but love will conquer all.  I could never have imagined the kind of love that I have for you girls -it is going to embarrass you girls when you're older I'm sure. 

So for you, my adorable second kid, you get a mom that is a little more at ease, a little more tired, whose hands are a little more full and whose hair is a little more gray.

You, my wonderful second kid, get a mom that is tirelessly working to be the first - the first person you see loving unconditionally, the first person you see willing to sacrifice with joy, the first person embracing who you are and teaching you faithfulness.  The first to challenge you, encourage you and love you. The first to hold you up so you feel strong and the first to hold you tight when you feel weak.

You are earnest, full of joy and your eyes are wild with wonder and curiosity.  You are a sweet, gentle and graceful addition to our family.

You, my luminescent second little girl, are so loved.
   

MLK: Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination.  I encourage you to take the time to read his "Letter From a Birmingham Jail".  

My words can do no justice to MLK's letter, but if you have yet to read it, I will say a few words about his letter since it has absolutely influenced my perspective on several issues, including recent marches and protests. 

He communicates his thought process, strategy and leadership for his campaign with an eloquence and authority that is incredibly moving, but most importantly, his letter highlights the love he has for his fellow man.  

His letter was written with love poured over every word; love for those who agreed with him and those who didn't.  Love was the beautiful chorus around which his verses were written.  His words were torturous, humbling and inspiring to read; not only had he been put through atrocities against the human heart, soul and body, but he reacted with a composure, methodical process and articulate message that resulted in real and lasting change for our entire country. 

His purpose came from an empirical understanding of injustice.  His message was clear because vandals and antagonists could not participate in his cause.  He spoke and acted with love for his fellow man and his mark on our country cannot be understated. 

I hope you take the time to honor him and read his beautiful letter.
~D & H
 

DIY Kitchen Upgrades: Go Green!

From the moment I first saw this kitchen I was OBSESSED with it!  It has been the heart of our home for several years now and it was time to give it a little love. 

We painted the cabinets, updated the trim, added a new light and drawer pulls.  I am absolutely LOVING the fresh look and have included links to the products below.   

Here is our kitchen before...

...and after.

Pendant Light
D converted the can light over the sink to a pendant light using this kit. He then hung this antique steel finish pendant. Since the light bulb is visible we splurged for these LED Edison bulbs. 

Drawer Pulls
These drawer pulls vibe with the hardware we already have and work so much better than the knobs.   

Paint
We chose Miller's Cove Sage for the color, it feels so much more grounded than the blue that the cabinets used to be.
 

Here are a few more photos, I love this kitchen even more after the years of cooking, baking and quality time that I've spent in it with family and friends. 

(Also, I have to say it because I can't stand overly staged photos - I really was making a smoothie for myself, then my littlest fell asleep in her bouncer and I didn't want to startle her with the noise.  We'll give her another month and she'll be just as immune to all my crazy noise as her big sister!)

D really took this project home, I had started this project during my LAST spring break, thinking I could knock it out in a week...um, that's a NO girl, no you can't!  The top and bottom cabinets were mismatched for ALMOST an entire year!  Mucho thanks to him for finishing the painting and also for his craftsmanship on the trim that adds a little elegance.  

Cheers to many more recipes, art projects, gatherings and giggles in this wonderful little kitchen,  

D & H