Good morning, friends! I haven’t done a Monday Musings post in quite a while, but I have been wide awake (for some odd reason) since 4:59 this morning and I realized I haven’t shared too much about life lately here on Coffee Date With Kate.

My best friend of 13 years had her first baby on October 18th. Her name is Madalynn Faith Vaughn, and she’s 6lbs and 13 oz of pure sweetness. I’m so in love already! There’s something so special about watching your best friend become a Mama!

Grayson wasn’t planning on going on the annual men’s beach retreat with our church this year, but at the very last minute it worked out that he was able to go! I was so happy for him to be able to get away from teaching and coaching and grad school work for a few days and just enjoy some golf, fishing, seafood, and fellowship with the sweetest group of men. While he was gone, Landon and I spent a few days in the mountains with my Mama and we had the best time. We pretty much just ate the whole time (ha!) and it was so nice to spend a few days in our favorite place. Landon adores my Mom, and we still aren’t exactly sure what he’s going to name her, but it’s starting to sound like GaGa or GiGi, I think because he’s trying to say “grandma” and that’s how it comes out. So cute!

It seems like after we got Landon’s hair cut for the first time this summer, it has just been growing like crazy. He’s always had a lot of hair (he takes after his Mama), and I love his little curls, but I like for him to look neat so we decided it was time for another hair cut this weekend. Some suckers and Moana songs on youtube kept him pretty still, and he looks like such a big boy! I think with his hair cut short, he looks so much like Gray did at his age.

My Bible Study group is currently doing a book study called Nothing to Prove (by Jennie Allen) and it is so good! I would definitely recommend it! These girls are such a blessing in my life, and I am so thankful for the sisterhood we share. There is nothing like girlfriends who love the Lord, hold you accountable, and speak truth into your heart.

Lastly, can we just talk about how big my baby is getting? He looks like he’s about to go off to college and my Mama heart can’t handle it! He is learning new things every day, can say so many words that he surprises me all the time, and is so affectionate. He comes up and gives hugs all the time without ever being prompted, loves to snuggle, and is totally and completely obsessed with music. He shows such interest in the piano and drums, it’s almost like we have a little Beethoven on our hands. I’m starting to see what a big responsibility we have, as parents, to shepherd his little heart and foster creativity and a passion for things that he shows an interest in early in life. Being his Mama is the greatest gift and I’m so thankful that Jesus has entrusted us with raising him. What a privilege!

I’m excited for my cousin’s annual Halloween party tomorrow and then I’m heading back to the mountains with a friend for a few days to enjoy the cold weather (they got their first snow of the season in Avery County this weekend and I am so jealous)!

I hope ya’ll have a great week!