Something about turning 6 months has suddenly made Jane seem like such a big girl. I was packing away some newborn clothes this week and couldn't believe how much she's grown. Here's the outfit she wore home from the hospital...

And one more time just for kicks. I couldn't resist... :)

Our Janie Bear is sure growing up. She's eating with a spoon now (and loving EVERYTHING she can fit in her mouth)...

...being so brave for doctor's visits...

...and sporting some crazy hair curls.

We love watching her grow up before our eyes and love the little girl she is becoming.

TWJ - 6 months

At 6 months, Jane is sitting up more (although she still prefers to stand) and spitting up less (some days we don't even use a bib!!!). And while teething has NOT been our favorite activity these past few weeks, those bottom two teeth are finally making an appearance. Yay, Janie!!

We just returned from a wonderful week with my family at Little Eden camp in northern Michigan-- the same camp where Jane's Great Grandpa Dave and Great Grandma Doris Jane met back in 1946. The Lehman family hasn't missed a year since.

We enjoyed gorgeous days on the beach...

 sunsets over Lake Michigan...

cousin bonding (Jane and Bennet kept things exciting in the cabin with their screaming competitions)...

and lots of quality time with family. 

Special thanks to Jane's Uncle LT for capturing the week in such beautiful photographs that I simply had to post them all... Way too many, I know, but I just couldn't decide.

A highlight for me was sibling date night-- a more recent tradition where Grandma Jan and Grandpa Dave keep all the grandkids while the four of us siblings/spouses have an evening out. This year it was especially generous & brave of them as there are now EIGHT grandkids (!!!) to watch, but they were willing and we were thankful, and we enjoyed a magical, unforgettable night at Arcadia Golf Course.

Ever since I can remember, Little Eden has been a highlight of each year for me, and I love that Jane will be able to grow up sharing in this family tradition too.

TWJ 25

These past few weeks have been so rich in relationships--our hearts are full. 

I have been especially grateful for dear friends to walk alongside in this new season of motherhood, and Jane is blessed with lots of little buddies. :)

Jane, you are a part of a great big family and this is an undeserved gift. We pray that God will always provide people in your life to come alongside you--some one step ahead, some one step behind--and that you will never walk alone.

We also were so, sooooo encouraged by time with this AMAZING family...

The Boones are currently on furlough from Uganda to be strengthened and encouraged... little did they know that they would still be the ones strengthening and encouraging us. Their lives continue to challenge us as they live out their love for Jesus in such an authentic way. Read more about what they are doing in Africa at this link here.

Jane and Samantha became fast friends... that is until Jane thought Samantha's fingers were chew toys.

We spent a fun afternoon at the McWane Science Center--changing tires (Evan) and organizing groceries (Gloria) and grooming pets (Karis) and being irresistibly cute with that chubby-cheeked smile (Samantha).

We love, love, love this family.

Currently, we're with another family we love, love, love-- my family :) at family camp in Michigan (Take 2)... more on that next week!

TWJ 24 - Lately...

We jogged 2 miles in 104 degree heat index for free Chick Fil-A... Worth it.

While Jane did not get to enjoy the fried goodness of a chicken sandwich just yet, she did try her first taste of real food this weekend! The avocado was a big hit.

Still, when it comes down to it, I think she'd rather eat her toes. :)

Sweet Thing is almost 6 months old. She prefers standing to sitting, she now voluntarily rolls onto her stomach (we knew it'd happen eventually!!), and her crazy hair has taken on quite the swirl.

It's amazing to see how quickly she is changing and growing, and I feel so lucky to have a front row seat.

TWJ 23

Our computer crashed this week, so we're gonna keep things real simple today...

It's been such a sweet week with Jane. She laughed the hardest we've ever heard yesterday, sitting on my lap while her dad did a funny walk towards her, tickled her belly, and attacked her with kisses again and again and again. She erupted into giggles for a solid five minutes. I cried. There's just something about watching a dad delight in his daughter and a daughter delight in her dad...

But of course we don't have any pictures of this.

What I do have is Smiley Jane on a walk...

 and on our first coffee date...

and with "Ronny Uncle" and her first Indian dress...

and with two of the boys I used to babysit, who were so sweet with Baby Jane.

She sure brings us joy. Happy Tuesday, y'all!

TWJ - 5 months

Big week for Janie Bear! I'll let the pictures do the talking.

We had a wonderful time at family camp, relaxing on the beach...

tie-dying at the craft shop...

 and enjoying sunsets over Lake Michigan.

Jane also got to hang out with some of her (2nd?) cousins. Five kiddos, age two and under, all in the same cabin. You can imagine the fun.

Planes, trains, and automobiles... Jane was a traveling champ.

We spent a day in Chicago connecting with old friends. Dr. Litfin was a professor of mine at Moody, and his family has been so supportive throughout many stages of my life. It was fun to now introduce them to my baby! :)

We were also so happy to spend time with "Aunt SP" and Oliver! Oliver was absolutely enamored with Baby Jane, wanting to hold her and play with her and share his special blanket with her. Soooo precious!

And finally, we made it back to our Sweet Home Alabama for a much-anticipated reunion with daddy...

...and a Happy 4th of July!

And on top of that, she turned 5 months! What a week! :)