My life looks nothing like my younger self imagined it would at 39, and thank God for that.
This life is teaching me acceptance, surrender, and a kind of deep, soul-satisfying fulfillment I didn’t know was available. I find myself craving the simple, slow moments- watching the miracle of these tiny lives entrusted to me, walking gently alongside the people I love, and continuing the quiet work that leads to greater serenity.
I want to be my best while also learning to accept the flaws that remind me I’m not in control. More and more, I’m finding that the pathway to peace is surrender.
So here’s to another year of letting go.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
And a few fun hopes for 39:
More creativity (I wrote a song I want to record! 🤪)
More flowers (because, obvi 🌸)
More Mariners (see you at the game tonight!? ⚾️)
More adventures (coming for ya @thedinnerparty.experience 🌿)
Some trends are worth trying!
Take a pic of your newborn by the tree and let AI add a little Polar Express magic 😍
Finny Roo is the most precious Christmas gift of all time.
Introducing Finn Wade Ridout
Born November 5th at 12:46 a.m.
7 lbs 8 oz | 20 inches, just like his big brother, Silas 💙
We couldn’t be more grateful for a peaceful labor, a gentle transition home, and these sweet first days as a family of five. Thank you all for your prayers, care, and love. We’ve felt so surrounded and supported.
We’ve always chosen names with deep meaning for our boys, and while this one holds layers for us too, simply said, we just love it. It felt perfectly right with our little collection of boys’ names.
Finn has several origins, and we were drawn to the version from Old Norse roots, connected to a people known for migration and wandering. In Scripture, wandering is often seen as a negative, but Chad and I both have tattoos that read, “Bind my wandering heart to Thee,” from an old hymn, a reminder that while our nature may be to wander, we choose to stay close to God. Our family story has held its share of wandering and waiting, and we now see the necessity and beauty in it. Still, that season feels beautifully complete with Finn. What a redemptive journey it’s been.
Wade is Chad’s middle name and his grandfather’s, a name we’re honored to pass on.
I’m soaking up every bit of life as a family of four, soon to become five. In the moments, hours, or perhaps days as we wait, I realize we’ve had a lot of practice waiting for our precious ones to come. I’ll admit, I may never enjoy the waiting, but it feels different now, gentler somehow, than it did during the 5½ years we waited for our first. I’ve come to fully accept its importance in my life.
And so, I wait again, with a little more grace than before, a lot more perspective, and a much deeper trust.
Oh I wait upon You now,
This heavy heart returns to a bow.
And my eyes, through heavy tears from year after year,
Will remain still the same on You.
— words from a song deep in my heart, written six years ago
Lastly, we are so blessed by these photos. You can feel the organic existence of our family as we simply moved through our rhythm, with @carleyridoutheath capturing us. Each of us felt so comfortable and joyful in her presence. Thank you dearest Aunty.
