Oh boy!

On behalf of Father's Day... here is the first post on Baby Edwards! Except his name no longer has to be "baby" because he's officially Austin Sutton Edwards.

Austin was born June 6 at 9:38pm at 7 lbs 3 oz, 20.25 inches. We were all gathered in the waiting room while my mom and Hunter were with Ashley in the delivery room.

Here's the proof!

 Our first time seeing the little man who made us aunts!

Welcome to the family, little one! You are loved more than you'll ever know.

The kind of shower I like

This past weekend we celebrated Lisa and Matt at Ashley's in-laws' house! Ashley's mother-in-law Andy decorated and cooked up a storm and it was a great weekend with friends and family. As always, here are some photos.

First I hung out with Hope.

And painted my nails leopard print. Because that just screams "bridal shower."

Some of Andy's creative decorations.

If there is one thing I'm comfortable shamelessly bragging about, it's my family. My sisters, parents, and all the "brothers" are simply quality, hard-working individuals with a lot of love and a lot of laughs to give. Even all the boys' families are extensions of our life team - always happy to be a part of the gang and support each other. This semester has done nothing if not remind me to be appreciative of things I may usually take for granted. I certainly hit the jackpot in the family department, and weekends together are a great reminder of that. How did I get so lucky?

A Bridal Barbecue

Thesis life is tough, y'all. But nothing makes you remember how lucky you are than a barbecue in a big field with your favorite people. Here is a photo breakdown of the barbecue Matt's parents held for him and Lisa, neither of whom appear in any of these pictures. Oops?

 Hope having a staring contest with the goats.

Hope carrying big, big sticks.

Jason in his natural habitat.

Hope helps.

Lighting cigars from the bonfire.

Dog days of winter

Things don't always go as planned. And when that happens, I like to find the closest dog and hold on for dear life. It's usually this guy.

Meet Sunny. He is the black lab mix belonging to my greatest grad school friend, Jeanne-Marie. He likes treats, backing his butt up to you for a petting, and long runs on the beach (JM is from the Outer Banks). He also knows a range of tricks including "Tell me you love me" (*BARK!*) and raising the roof. 

Last week I got to spend a couple days in Charlotte visiting my most favorite blonde dog, Hope. So, if your week is going like mine is, hopefully these puppy pictures will cheer you up.

Sleeping in between my legs.

Helping with research.

Dancing to her "favorite song."

Destroying the bone I got her within five minutes.

Kisses.

Tired of research.

Smiling and playing!

Not so sure about all this work stuff.

How bout play instead?

Walking herself.

Sleeping upside down under the table and against my leg with ball still in mouth.

Hugs.

"If I chew on your lap and your lap is on the couch then it doesn't count as me being on the couch."

Always touching somehow.

There is no better stress reliever than a lab.