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.

The Circle of Life

These pictures were taken at Adam's grandmother's funeral. Being at the funeral with Haven really made us think about the beginning of life and the end of life. It was weird to think about the fact that Grandma Marge was once a newborn baby like Haven as well as the fact that Haven will hopefully be a grandma someday and will have all of her children, grandchildren, and maybe even great-grandchildren at her funeral. It just puts life into perspective. It also makes us think about how quickly life passes and the importance of fulfilling our purpose of spreading the gospel and serving others during our short time here on earth.

Daddy takes amazing pictures!

Mommy and her two babies sleeping on the couch....no, this was not staged!

Haven in her carseat.....deep in thought!

Mommy's favorite picture of Haven. She is so precious!

HAHAHAHA. We just laugh at this one!

She's going to be a kickboxer...naturally.

So silly!

Daddy really likes this one!

Pretty in Pink

These are the first pictures that Adam took of Haven at home. Mommy bought her this dress the day she found out she was having a girl when she was about 21 weeks pregnant. It was way too cold outside and mommy knew that Haven would never get to wear the dress in public....so, she had daddy take pictures! He does such a great job!!!!

Hospital Pictures

Here are pictures that Adam took in the hospital (that is why he is not in any of them!). I will put some up of daddy and baby soon...

She was so alert, even the second day she was alive!

Mommy putting her first outfit on for the hospital picture.

September 24, 2008 She's HERE!!!!!

She's Here!!!!

Haven Annabelle
Born on September 24, 2008 at 9:28 PM

7 pounds, 12 ounces

19 3/4 inches long

After 44 hours of labor...she finally arrived! We had a long couple of days, but it was obviously worth it! Adam and Grammy Tammy got to be present during the delivery. They were such a great help and support! Everything went very well, and most importantly, Haven Annabelle was born healthy and beautiful! WE LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!!