Every year, I like November more and more. It’s got that cool weather we all wish was around in October while we’re wearing our sweaters and shackets. Pumpkin patches are over and it’s a much more low-key month as we prepare for the holidays. We have a couple weeks where we can decorate as early as we want, or as late as we want.

In November, there are no rules. And you don’t sweat. It’s glorious.

Will crawls now.

My little guy has been a little bit of a late bloomer for everything (except his actual appearance, oof), and he started crawling on Halloween. This child took OFF, and now half of our house is baby-proofed and I’m tired.

new hair.

It was time. I’ve been thinking about whether I wanted to go back to a bob pretty much ever since I had one several years ago. I cut my hair into a long bob and my only regret was it wasn’t short enough. I love it.

christmas in the new house.

I was very excited to put up our trees and decorate in our new home. It was so much fun to do it all for the first time again, this time with a little one who does not understand any of it but likes the pretty lights. Me too, buddy. If I can just get him more into the Grinch than Miss Rachel, then we’re all set for the season.

holiday photos.

I think my toxic trait is I always say it’s the last time I’m getting professional photos, and then I want them again the next year. But here’s the deal. I have an adorable little baby and if I want a good handful of photos of him AND I want to be in them, I think it’s worth it. This year, they turned out AMAZING. I love them.

thanksgiving.

This was the first year we got to stay home for Thanksgiving. Will got to have a nice nap, he loved seeing everyone and enjoyed quite a large meal with the rest of us, and we got to put him down in his crib after pie. It was the best ever, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to spend the holiday with loved ones, while also doing what was best for Will.

"The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest." Psalm 85:12