Feeling Whole: Our First Family Photo as Five and All the Emotions

You guys. You guys. I'm still just staring at this picture, and my heart is doing that thing where it feels like it's gonna burst right out of my chest. Our first official family photo with all five of us. Stella, Ozzy, and our sweet baby Cherry. Like, can you even believe it? I can't. I truly, truly can't. It feels like just yesterday I was dreaming of having one baby, and now look at us. Five freakin' Beestons. I'm freakin' out in the best way possible :,)

This picture, it just captures everything. The chaos, the love, the absolute overwhelming joy. It's not perfect, bc let's be real, with three little girls, nothing ever is hahah. But it's perfect to me. It's us. And honestly, for the first time in a long time, it just feels... whole. Like all the pieces finally clicked into place, and this is exactly where we're meant to be.

The Journey to Our Five-Person Family

I remember when it was just Tanner and me, and we were just starting out, thinking about our future. Then Stella came along, and she just flipped our world upside down in the most beautiful way. I thought my heart was full then, you know? Like, how could it possibly get any fuller? Then Ozzy joined us, and it was like my heart just expanded. It didn't divide, it multiplied. And I swear, every time I thought I reached my limit for love, God just kept showing me how much more there was to give, and how much more I had to receive.

And now, Cherry. Our sweet, tiny, perfect Cherry. She just completed us in a way I didn't even know we needed. It's wild, bc you don't know what you're missing until it's right there in front of you, all squishy and smelling like milk. And now that she's here, looking at this photo, I just know. This is it. This is our family. And I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Embracing the Chaos (and the Cuddles)

Ngl, life with three kids is a whole new level of crazy. There are days I feel like I'm just running on fumes, trying to keep up with school drop-offs, diaper changes, snack demands, and endless rounds of 'Mommy, look at this!' But then there are moments like this. Moments where we're all together, even if it's just for a few minutes, and I look at their faces, and I just think, this is why. This is why I do it all. The sleepless nights, the mountains of laundry, the constant negotiations over screen time – it's all worth it for these moments of pure, unadulterated love.

Tanner is seriously my rock through all of it. He's such an incredible dad, and he's always there to pick up the slack when I'm feeling overwhelmed. He's the one who can always make Stella laugh when she's being dramatic, or get Ozzy to eat her veggies (how does he do it?!), and he's just so gentle and loving with Cherry. I truly couldn't do any of this without him. He's my hype man, my co-pilot, and my best friend. I love him sm.

Capturing the Moments: Why Photos Matter

I know I'm always saying it, but seriously, take the pictures. Even when you feel like a hot mess, even when the kids are being wild, even when you think you don't look your best. Just take them. Bc these moments, they fly by so fast. Stella's already getting so big, and Ozzy is a little firecracker, and Cherry is changing every single day. I want to remember all of it. Every messy, beautiful, chaotic, loving second.

This photo shoot, tbh, was a little bit of a whirlwind. Trying to coordinate outfits, get everyone fed and happy, and then actually get them to look at the camera all at the same time? It's a miracle, I tell you hahah. But our photographer was amazing, and she somehow managed to capture the real us. Not the perfectly posed, Instagram-filtered us, but the genuine, messy, loving us. And that's all I ever want to remember.

What 'Whole' Means to Me

For me, feeling 'whole' isn't about having a certain number of kids, or a perfect house, or anything like that. It's about that deep, internal feeling of contentment and belonging. It's knowing that you're exactly where you're supposed to be, with the people you're meant to be with. And for me, right now, that's with Tanner and my three beautiful girls. It's the feeling of their little hands in mine, their sleepy cuddles, their loud laughs, and even their dramatic tantrums. It's all part of the beautiful tapestry of our life.

I think for everyone, 'whole' looks a little different. Maybe it's finding your passion, or building a strong community, or just finding peace within yourself. Whatever it is, I hope you find it. And I hope you take the time to appreciate it when you do. Bc life is so precious, and these moments are fleeting.

Looking Ahead (and Staying Present)

I'm so excited for all the adventures we're going to have as a family of five. The trips, the holidays, the everyday moments that turn into cherished memories. I know there will be challenges, bc that's just life. But I also know that we'll face them together, with love and a whole lot of laughter. And maybe a little bit of coffee, for me hahah.

For now, I'm just trying to soak it all in. To be present in every moment, even the chaotic ones. To cherish these tiny hands and sleepy smiles. To remember that this feeling of 'whole' is a gift, and I'm so incredibly grateful for it. Thank you guys for always being here, for sharing in our joy, and for being the most supportive community a girl could ask for. I love you all sm!! ❤