Haven's First Christmas 2008

Christmas was spent with lots of family! We had a busy, but great time. We spent Christmas Eve with Adam's dad's side of the family at Grandma Dottie's. Christmas morning was spent at home with just the three of us (four including Eiffel). Late Christmas morning we went to Grammy Tammy and Poppy Mark's for Christmas with mommy's side. Finally, we spent Christmas evening at Adam's parents' house to celebrate with Grandma Kathy's side. Haven was blessed with many toys and clothes from family and friends. Her favorite toy seems to be her first doll given to her by mommy. She loves to attack it and "kiss" it (more like eat it!).

Visitng Santa at Valley West

Baby from Grandma Kathy

Toys!




CHRISTMAS MORNING AT HOME!!!!!

Haven's favorite dolly from Mommy

Haven loves hats.....can't you tell

Presents!!!!

More hats

Christmas Eve Jammies from Mommy and Daddy!

Havee loves Daddy

Eiffel is always part of the fun

CHRISTMAS AT GRAMMY AND POPPY'S

Vikings Bib from Amanda and Ross

Dress from Grammy and Poppy

Three Month Pictures

Here are some of Haven's three month pictures.
Taken by Caleb Jamin in his studio in Ames on 12/23/08.
http://www.calebjamin.com/

This one taken by Adam

This one taken by Adam

December 2008

Here are some pictures from December. Haven smiles all the time now. She has started to roll once in a while, but not very consistently. She bats at things and is starting to reach and grasp. She does really well on her tummy and pushes up onto her elbows. She is really starting to be more and more interested in toys.

Daddy dressing Haven
So big!

Haven loves tummy time!

Just the "three of us"

So serious

Concentrating

Bumbo Fun

Big girl!

Mommy's new job....being a mommy.

Wow. Haven is almost two months old. I cannot believe it! The last few months have flown by faster than ever. Yet somehow I don't remember what it was like in many ways to not be a mommy.

It is amazing how much you try to prepare for something: reading endless books and magazines, seeking advice of others, etc. In the end, those things are important, but being a mommy really comes naturally. Obviously, it is challenging and overwhelming at times. However, I think I have learned the most by just making mistakes and learning from them. In so many ways being a mommy does not have many rewards from the outside (as far as from society). Yet, being a mommy has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Haven has turned my world upside down and I love her to death for it. It doesn't matter what she does, I am so happy to just be able to care for her. I don't need recognition from others, I just need to look at Haven's beautiful eyes and I feel more proud and honored to be her mommy than I can even explain. Although getting into the swing of things has had its challenges, and although I dearly miss teaching, I wouldn't trade my "new job" for anything in the world. I am so thankful to be able to stay home with my amazing daughter. I am so thankful to have a supportive husband who works so hard to provide for his family. I am so thankful to have the support of many friends and family.

God has richly blessed my life!!!!

SMILES!!!! :)

Haven started smiling at us (more than just gas!) at about 26 days old. Smiles were few and far between though. In the last week or so she has been smiling so much more! We will just be changing her diaper and look down and she has a huge smile. It's like she is saying, "Hi Mom!" Nana Kathy and Papa Ron (Adam's parents) came over to give mommy and daddy date time and Haven was smiling like crazy! We have been trying to capture her smiles on camera, and we finally did! Thanks Papa Ron!

Mommy bought Haven this hat for Christmas but couldn't resist getting a quick picture before she wrapped it up! HEHE Daddy thinks it is a little over the top. We girls (Haven and Mommy) LOVE over the top! HEHE

Harvest Party

So our church had its first Harvest Party on October 31. It was pretty crazy! We didn't buy a costume for Haven because they were all too big and/or too expensive. Luckily, our friend Liz bought her an adorable cat onesie. So she was a kitty cat. I didn't really feel like dressing up so I was just a princess (yeah, I don't really need a costume for that one!). Adam didn't have time to put together a costume so he just wore some goggles and went as Michael Phelps (yeah, he doesn't really need a costume for that one either!).

Steph, Lindsey, Nichole, Haven, and Liz.



We took Steph's nerdy glasses and put them on Haven. HEHE..




The family plus Jonny 5.