Baby Sister Due May 2026 // Ezra couldnāt resist inviting his new friend he made at the park into the photos. Happy Valentineās Day! š
Ps - Ezraās Video somehow muted but he was disciplining a bird just out of frame. āNaughty Naughty Bird.ā š (check stories to hear audio)
Itās been so fun watching Elliottās personality come to life recently. Happy 1st birthday to our little guy.
š Scroll to the end to see Ezra watching his little bro the way a mom watches a kid open the Christmas gift she swore she didnāt buy them. š
Today we took Ezra on a little adventure, handing out some thermal blankets and meals to our friends in need around town.
Recently, we were discussing how both giving and receiving each play crucial roles in our lives. Tori and I want our kids knowing how to receive humbly, and give generously, as both are foundational Biblical values.
After giving a gentleman a sandwich Ezra says āHere, Iāll open it for youā as he sat at the picnic table and began raising the sandwich to the manās mouth (pictured above). š The man was tickled as he chuckled being fed by a 3 year old.
If youāre out and about with your little ones, just tell them, āHey, letās go find some friends to share a little kindness with.ā
You might be surprised how naturally they interact with those in need when given the opportunity.
Learn to give. Learn to receive. Make it fun.
Happy 3rd birthday to my silly boy!!! Ezra loves monster trucks, making a mess with bubby, and going on adventures. Heās all boy and a wild child yet has a soft and tender heart just like his daddy. My heart is full and so proud! š«¶š»š„¹
Hey Men, a friendly reminder ā of all the time youāll spend chasing dreams and reaching the world, the greatest lives youāll ever impact are the ones you raise. Love God, start a family, and lead them well. I promise, being a dad is the best job description youāll ever have.
With Ezra turning three in a few months, the phrase ātime fliesā starts resonating in a way only watching your kids grow up can do.
A picnic at a local park doesnāt usually feel as exciting as a beach trip or a day at the zoo. But Iāve noticed that Ezraās best days arenāt influenced by where we go but by who goes with him and whether theyāre fully present and undistracted.
To him, the sandbox might as well be the beach, and the swing could pass for a rollercoaster. His joy isnāt tethered to any specific place. Itās connected to the places we go ātogetherā.
Iām learning that one of the secret ingredients of parenting isnāt what we do, but how present we are while we do it. Thatās what sticks. Thatās what shapes memories and gradually opens the hearts of sons to their father. Yeah that could preach, but I think you get the point.
Of any title Iāve ever had or will, ādadā & āhusbandā will always be my favorite. Being a father is less about perfection, and more about connection. Discovering how to connect with the heart of your spouse or child is far more beneficial than just giving good advice in a moment of need.
Frankly, we never outgrow that need for real, honest, personal connection. Being raised in a home where āfamily first, ministry secondā was a modeled value, itās easy to see how quickly one generation can pass along something good to the next. Not all of our lessons have to come from trauma or brokenness. š
So hereās to practicing connection and giving your best, to whoever you share your life with.
Elliott Brooks Ivey
Born 1.22 // 7lb 7 oz
Been soaking up every moment these last two weeks with all three of my boys. š«¶
So incredibly thankful for Ash, he really is the sweetest husband I could ever ask for. Heās so helpful, encouraging, makes the most of each moment. He balances everything he does with work while making us feel special. It really makes raising a family so easy and fun. Love you babe š
This sweet boy somehow turns 2 today and Iām realizing that when people say āthey grow up so fast,ā thereās never been a truer statement. Itās so bittersweet because I love every new stage but as I look back at that sweet baby face my heart aches just a little bit. Ezra, Iāve never known a life with so much love and laughter till you were born. Thank you for giving me the title āmommy.ā You are going to be the best big brother ever. ā„ļø