My Dream Wedding

But we can't and won't do it this way. Tim and I need our families too much to start our married life without them there with us. I just really hope we can keep the simplicity, joy, meaning, intimacy, and spontaneity evident in this video.  It's going to be unconventional, that's for sure. Stay tuned to find out how it unfolds.

He asked me to marry him

Saying yes was the easiest thing I've ever done.

Don't blink or you'll miss us being engaged. We're getting this deal done quick.

Seriously.

Do you see this precious peanut? I've been crushing on him for the last 4 weeks of his life...the only 4 weeks of his life.

I don't know what it is about tiny little newborns, but they just help my brain.
These last two weeks have been full of extreme emotional circumstances and hard conversations, and whenever I feel like I'm going to lose all capacity to create brain waves, I text my newly un-pregnant friend Alissa and ask if I can come rockabye her baby.
This is usually a mutually beneficial arrangement.
I then sway this little guy to sleep and stare at his face like you do the ocean. After an hour or so, I realize I can think straight again. I hope some therapist reads this and later gives me a high five for finding such a healthy coping mechanism.

Yes, that is a stress break-out starting on my chin.
Also; aren't babies the best accessory? I love wearing babies.

Venice

I took Frenchman home to meet my parents last weekend. That town is so bright and sleepy.

My Frenchman and I

This is my Frenchman. 

I met him about 6 months ago (I'll tell you how sometime and you probably won't believe me) and we've been having the most fun together ever since. 

He lives in Chicago and I live in Kansas City, so we spend most of our time together on the phone or picking each other up from the airport. We have a remarkably similar childhood experience and Meyers-Briggs personality type. Sometimes we go on fancy dates, and other times we end up at the grocery store buying ingredients to cook because all our plans fell through. I like both about the same.

He thinks I'm the prettiest girl in the world. 

I keep asking him if he really exists.

We start and end our conversations in French, but usually speak English in the middle. 

My Frenchman gets his joy from knowing that God loves him. He doesn't worry about too many things. He absentmindedly chews on the collar of his t-shirt when he's watching a movie or editing pictures, and I think it's cute. 

He also keeps his beard longer than he prefers because he knows I think it's cute.

Sometimes he makes me laugh so hard I can't breathe. He usually plays his piano for me and we sing together.

I think he's the most talented photographer I've ever known.

I'm moving to Chicago next month, and I'm doing it for love.