Family Tradition...

Family is very important to Beau and I. We both come from supportive and loving families and feel strongly that it is important to honor those family ties. My family has a bassinet that has been passed down through four generations. Beau's family has a cradle that has now been passed down to it's second generation. The bassinet and cradle are two tangible items that symbolize the connection to family that runs deep in our new family of four.

My dad's mom, Henley's great-grandmother, slept in the bassinet below. My father and his three siblings slept in this bassinet. Years later, my brother and I took our turn as well as our three cousins. Two years ago, it was time to introduce the family bassinet to it's fourth generation when Hazel joined the ranks. Below is Henley in the bassinet. Fits like a glove!

Beau's father, Henley's grandpa, made the cradle (below) for his own children. He crafted it by hand for his children. Two years ago, it was Hazel's turn. Now, Henley rocks to sleep in this cradle.

Our children also carry names that come directly from our families.

Hazel Elizabeth was named after Beau's great-grandmother Hazel, and my mother Elizabeth.

Henley Roland was named after Beau's great-grandfather Clayton Henley (whom Hazel married and thus became Hazel Henley), and my father John Roland. My dad actually is the 3rd in a line of John Rolands, so Henley shares his middle name not just with his Papa, but also his great-grandfather and late great-great-grandfather.