Thankful

This is going to be a wordy post with only one picture which in the blog world = a bad post, so please forgive me. It is the week of Thanksgiving and I have so much to be thankful for it is hard to know where to begin. There have been so many changes this year, for the better. So, I will begin with why I chose this picture, taken move in day to the office, which should cover almost everything.

1. I took this picture when I was 6 or 7 months pregnant. Now Henry has been here 12 weeks and I can't imagine life without him. (okay two pictures)

2. Family. While this picture only shows Patrick and my Dad, my Mom was standing right beside me. Oh November has been C-C-C-razy, working before getting into daycare has been hard, even with the most understanding clients anyone could ask for. Every single one of our parents has come to the 'Ham to help and thank you doesn't even begin to feel adequate. Our lives would be so much less without an amazing support system and the love of our family. A special thank you to my Mom who not only has blazed down I-65 from Nashville several times in a matter of weeks, but also has helped us stay on top of the seemingly unending paperwork.

3. As previously stated the first picture was taken while moving into my new office, it still feels great. From moving into an office, to hiring a new employee this year the business has continued to be blessed. Some days I want to have a large pity party for myself because I work really hard. I hope that does not sound horrible, but it is true. Every time I feel a pity party coming on, I am quickly reminded how thankful I am to do what I love and work for myself. Over the last few months two of my very first clients are back with new homes and reflecting on our first meetings years ago versus now is special. Have I mentioned before how much I love my clients? Love. In December I will have more help and I hope to be able to really start sharing more with you. Professional pictures are really coming this time.....at least that is on the agenda.

4. Not shown but high on my thankful list are our friends. They have always been wonderful but the help we have had since having Henry is humbling. From the meals to the phone calls checking in on me multiple times (even knowing I probably would not be able to answer) we are surrounded by the most wonderful people. So many of my best friends live far away but they have never felt so close.

Finally, I would like to thank you dear blog reader. I feel like I have been a horrible blogger for a few months now and I am not sure when I will really be able to devote more time to H&H as well as reading other blogs. I do plan on continuing blogging though and hopefully balance will resume soon. I want you to know that I read every single comment/e-mail and I appreciate every person who clicks here, you would not believe how often you make my day.

I hope each and every one of you has a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots to be thankful for. I will be signing off for the week because frankly I am t-i-r-e-d and there is a lot to be done before taking some time off. I will be back next week though, hopefully refreshed and ready to go. Be safe and have a wonderful week.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Emily Joy Designs and Henry

When Henry was born I knew I wanted professional newborn pictures taken but I was intimidated and overwhelmed and I was not sure which direction to go. At six weeks I decided it was time; no longer a "new" newborn the clock was ticking. He had already changed so much from birth (and so much since these were taken)! So I called Emily Joy with Emily Joy Designs and I am so glad I did. Here is a small sampling of Henry's pictures and I could not be more pleased (especially since he was not cooperating that day).

I was nervous to have someone come take pictures since Henry and I were still figuring things out but she made me feel so comfortable, even when he was pitching a fit. As a mom (soon to be of three) Emily understands how to work with babies and children which was comforting to me. I could not recommend her services more! For more information you can visit her website or blog or e-mail her @ emilyjoygresham@gmail.com. I can't wait for our next session!

One Month

A lot of you have asked for Henry updates. Since it takes me on average 2 weeks to return a call or e-mail these days I figured I would do a post. This past weekend he turned one month old. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. It has been wonderful but it has also been hard. I am still trying to get used to the adjustments, especially extreme lack of sleep. Every moment has been amazing though...This picture features him in his first Ole Miss onsie, I don't blame him for being so upset...it is a tough life being a OM fan.

I had to include this picture because my best friend gave him the Rolling Stones onsie. Only those who know you so well could give such a perfect gift. Thanks Dew!

Also, several people have asked about Harry (dog). He appreciates it. I can report he has not been neglected...too much. I think when I moved my office out of the house it was a lot harder for him than the newest addition to the family.See the sign in the background of the picture above? I have been waiting for it and can now show you the last piece of the nursery. Post to come in the next few days...

Around Here

One week ago we were welcoming Henry into the world, it is hard to believe it has already been 7 days! Since then we have been doing a little of this and little of that. Henry has been working on his tan (or decreasing it I should say)...

Which we are happy to say is all cleared up. And while I am not working for a while that doesn't mean that the deliveries stop, they just come to the house instead of the office.Which meant HBS experienced his first job with MSI, delegating the deliveries (please excuse the wet hair, etc. I was lucky to even be dressed!)...

I loved everything that came in for clients, but I am most excited about this art/photography, can't wait to show you when it gets to its final destination- a law office fittingly.We have been getting used to being a family of three, the best transition one could ask for...

And in case you were wondering (although probably not) the stumps have lost their bark thanks to some help from Patrick (more on that later).

Hopefully very soon this one will make its way to the nursery as a side table. As you can tell it still needs a lot of work. Thank you for all the advice from this post. We have followed every comment and researched where you said to go, so helpful!

Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

I Would Like To Introduce You To Henry Strong

On August 25th we welcomed our son Henry Bihl Strong to the world. We have not stopped smiling since. The whole experience has been breathtaking and more than words could ever express.

Henry is Patrick's middle name and was his Grandfather's name. Bihl is my Mom's maiden name.

We have spent every day since just staring at this face...and thanking God for such a blessing.

Thank you all for all the e-mails, calls and comments. You don't know how much they have meant to me. I am so lucky to have such amazing and wonderful people in my life.