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The best human ever is a whole month old today!! Miss Miri, @veronica.schofield and I had the most amazing time meeting you, and will be looking at all the pics we took non-stop until we get to see your smiling face again!!! We love you, and are so grateful that your mommy and daddy were so generous with letting us break all your sleep-training rules for more quality eye contact!! (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQCdNRdjgAH/?utm_medium=tumblr

You may have noticed that the sun began shining a little brighter two short weeks ago☀️ This is to the credit of this little lady, who made her entrance way past her bedtime, with help from her super strong Mommy! She is a whole lot of personality packed into a tiny body, and an impressive head of hair that her Aunt Emily plans to decorate with so many bows! Named in honor of her Great Grandmother Miriam, “Miri” has enchanted us all- especially her very sleepy but proud Mommy, Daddy, and big sister, Layla (who has been working hard to keep her new human clean!) It has been terribly hard to be so far away from our newest family member, but we are so grateful Miri already appreciates the value of a good picture- and is happy to strike a pose on demand for her long-distance fan club! Welcome to the world, baby girl💖 You are already so loved! I can’t wait to finally hold you and hear the high pitched squeaky sounds you inherited from your Aunt!🤗 (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPWkfRdDUcH/?utm_medium=tumblr

So happy to celebrate Natalie’s First Communion this morning with so many people who love her! It seems like 5 minutes ago we were attending her baptism, and here she is wearing her Mother’s wedding veil! It has been so much fun to watch this ‘Queenie’ grow into the smart, funny, athletic, opinionated, caring, beautiful old soul she is today!❤️ (at St Anthony of Padua) https://www.instagram.com/p/COYhSW1jE8j/?igshid=1aes3poqzaup8

Someone was excited to get all dressed up to celebrate Uncle Mike’s Birthday!!🤗 https://www.instagram.com/p/COI96AyD3YF/?igshid=1qrnqw9yzxtk3

Everyone thinks they could never give their foster puppy away if they took one in. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can!! This pic is the perfect example of how rewarding it can be to pour a whole lot of love and energy into a dog or puppy, and then send them on their way with a solid foundation for a beautiful life. This is the best update from my Happy Harper, sitting proudly and with great purpose, right beside her new best girl. Yes, I always fall in love with them Yes, it always hurts to say goodbye Yes, I always cry on my way home without them But yes- pictures like this make it all worth it! ❤️🐾 #foster #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #fosterpuppy #fosteringsaveslives #rescuepuppy #dontshopadopt #whyifoster (at Lake Mary, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/COA64IljjXG/?igshid=pi4hw1q5d9rr

After postponing, re-planning, vaccinating and a whole lot of traveling, friends and family were finally able to safely gather together to celebrate two people we love so much, Joe and Amy! We spent a long wedding weekend partying, laughing, eating, drinking, dancing, meditating/golfing, crying (happy tears!) and surrounding The Lindsey’s with so much love and happiness! It was a great trip- and well worth the wait!❤️ We also got to feel Baby Mancini moving!! I like to think my future niece or nephew was dancing along with the other guests! (And let’s hope it inherits Mommy’s rhythm!!) I got so caught up in taking pictures that I forgot to get one of myself with the bride and groom - but caught Amy the next morning in the hotel lobby! I’m still working like crazy on editing allll the beautiful photos and will post them soon!!🤗 #babymancini #wedding #destinationwedding #hiltonheadisland #ido (at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CN8auQxjlCW/?igshid=1banizoi0l3jb

Today Lincoln and I decided to wear green, and get vaccinated! We were both brave, and are now recovering together! One step closer to holding a healthy Baby Mancini! 🤗 #pfizervacine #covid_19 #covidvacccine #frenchbulldog #healthydog #vaccinateyourpets #babymancini #auntieem https://www.instagram.com/p/CM3BcFajZk1/?igshid=1g2wsx10wniy8

Happy to celebrate #nationalpuppyday with this crazy boy who always makes things interesting! #lifeoflincoln #frenchbulldog #frenchiesofinstagram #frenchie #puppylove https://www.instagram.com/p/CMxBBYlj8Q0/?igshid=1fy2afmuvjedc

People have called me ‘Auntie Em’ forever, but now @mikeatthelinks and @ashbart5 are making the name official! I have never been more excited for anything in my whole life! We had the best weekend (safely) celebrating Baby Mancini, and my amazing sister-in-law, who makes this whole pregnancy thing look easy! ‘Little Vern’ is already so loved! #auntieem #BabyMancini #covidbaby #babyshower #cantwaittomeetyou #littlevern https://www.instagram.com/p/CMewo45jZsU/?igshid=1koxq7sju7wfv

The munchkins are ONE today!! While puppyhood was filled with overwhelming challenges, anxieties, and limitations, these two were strong and brave, and have so much to celebrate as they enter their adult years! Emma and Reed (perfectly renamed Fergus!) are finally healthy, happy, socialized and so very secure and loved as special members of their amazing forever families. This fostering experience was a huge labor of love, and we all benefitted greatly from each other’s company, affection, encouragement, and support. They filled this summer with a very welcomed happy, curious, playful energy. I loved waking up to excited, wiggling puppies who covered my whole face with kisses as we set positive intentions for the day ahead. And I enjoyed every evening in the backyard, soaking up the sunshine, hunting moths and sticks, and playing in the grass. This quality time was the perfect way to honor my Simon, who truly loved his role as a big foster brother, and I know he watched over our little foster family with happiness and pride. Tonight Emma and Fergus are basking in the afterglow of a great first birthday. They enjoyed treats, toys, songs, hats, and even more love and special attention than they receive every day! I couldn’t be happier for these munchkins and their families, who have so much more to look forward to. Wishing sweet Emma and Fergus the happiest birthday today, and a great big year ahead filled with lots of love! #happybirthday #1stbirthday #puppiesofinstagram #puppylove #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram #summer2020 #fosteringsaveslives #fosterdog https://www.instagram.com/p/CLdXLw1j8NV/?igshid=ps8wpdia8uf5

Lincoln is wishing everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️🐾 #valentines #valentine #dogsofinstagram #frenchbulldog #frenchiesofinstagram #mydogismyvalentine #canitakethisoffnow #lifeoflincoln https://www.instagram.com/p/CLRt8BLj_M6/?igshid=qeqx0xe0fh3y

New year, new name! I’d like to re-introduce this not-so-little bully, now known as Lincoln Cole Mancini. It’s been a big month, and we have lots to work on, but Lincoln has settled in! He has quickly learned where to find the cat (poor Oliver!), that he can’t lay sideways across the middle of the bed, that car rides usually include a Starbucks Pup Cup, that his winter coat is not just for looks, and how the best way to beg for food is to rest his chin on someone’s leg! And I have never been a huge fan of using a (sometimes necessary) muzzle on a foster puppy, but a muzzle made specifically for flat-faced bulldogs is SO much worse! He looks scary, but actually tolerates it better than I do! (See last pic!) #frenchbulldog #frenchiesofinstagram #frenchie #muzzletraining #lifeoflincoln https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ871adj0B5/?igshid=8vqxgc21avu8

2020 was a year unlike any other. And while separated by social distance, we learned how to connect with and appreciate those we love in new ways. I am grateful for everything I’ve learned, and for how much I’ve grown this year... but I’m very ready to move into 2021 with great hope, intention, and excitement for what’s in store! #happynewyear #topnine #goodbye2020 #letsdothis https://www.instagram.com/p/CJm5i73DsEQ/?igshid=mb4obgju6psj

I think that final huff is Frenchie for ‘bah humbug!’ Simba was born in Arizona, and also lived in Maryland, so he’s not quite a snow dog, but I’m hoping this chilly experience will make him more willing to wear his winter coat! #HePeedOnThePorch #chillydog #frenchbulldog #frenchie #frenchiesofinstagram #snowday #bahhumbug https://www.instagram.com/p/CI6I0C9j0ax/?igshid=hmwrzlob88fl

Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love They depart to teach us about loss A new dog never replaces an old dog It merely expands the heart At the end of another quiet night, I finally felt ready to ask Simon to help find another dog for me. The next day, I received an email from Simba’s Mom. Simba is a healthy boy who is very loved, but needed a new home where he could get all the attention and training necessary to become a well-balanced bulldog. I am grateful to have this crazy boy filling my home with all the Frenchie noises and energy I have missed so much❤️🐾 #frenchbulldog #frenchie #frenchiesofinstagram #gotchaday #welcomehome #adoption https://www.instagram.com/p/CIybVX8jlX-/?igshid=jjzbal1sxewr

I have this picture on my nightstand❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CHvEvE1DNH9/?igshid=4nptgometm72

One of my all time favorite foster moments happened 8 years ago today!!! I adored Howey and his sister, Harper, who kept Simon and I company while trying to kick a relentless cold for months! I had to remind myself every single day that he wasn’t my dog to keep, but his adoption was actually a really happy moment. I had a great feeling about his Mom and Dad, and sent him off with lots of love. During my last adoption weekend with PRBJ, Howey’s family thoughtfully stopped by to say hello! I couldn’t believe how big he had grown! I was nervous and unsure if he’d remember me, but as soon as he smelled me, he went crazy jumping all over me and giving me lots of kisses! This is the least blurry photo we were able to take! Fostering is a rewarding, but mostly thankless job, so the love and happiness I felt with Howey’s reaction is a moment I’m grateful for, and will never forget! Thank you again, Seth and @mccaberichardson for being so kind and making this very happy memory!❤️🐾 #fosteringsaveslives #fosterdog #fosterpuppy #petrescuebyjudy #puppylove (at Orlando, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHeHJg4jpc5/?igshid=1ha5h24w4f68h