Dear Hayden,

Merry 1st Christmas! We had a pretty great time! Every year we spend Christmas Eve Eve (December 23rd) with the Schurmans. We hang out, play games and have a generally great time! This year was no exception, and Bobby and Kelly spoil you like crazy! Last night, for Christmas Eve, we went to dinner at Nana and Grandpa’s house. Your G and G Kilani came, too, and we had a good dinner! We went to church and then came home to open the presents from your G and G Kilani. They got you a Magic Bullet (so we can puree foods for you to eat this year when you start eating food!) and some other very cool stuff! Today we ate an early dinner here with all your grandparents. This year your dad wanted to fry a turkey. I have to tell you, Hayden, I was a little opposed to this because many people burn down their houses doing this every year. Needless to say, your dad convinced me that it would be fine, so I got him a turkey fryer for Christmas. I have to admit, it was awesome! He did a great job! Then, we opened presents with your Nana and Grandpa. They got you some really cute clothes. We’re so excited about celebrating with you! Your sweet smile and little giggles make every moment even more magical!

Love,
Mama

Christmas Eve Dress

Christmas Eve with Mama

Christmas Morning!

First Family Christmas Picture

Dad’s Turkey Fry

He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:16

Dear Hayden,

Today you were baptized. It was a wonderful service and you were awesome! Pastor Jay asked Dad and I to make a commitment to teach you about God, and then he asked the congregation of our church to make a commitment to us – that they would help us raise you and help us teach you about God. Then, all the kids at church today were invited up to come and watch… it was very cute. After you were baptized, I sang a special song to you that was written by a lady at church. It is our prayer that you will grow up to be a strong, grounded, spiritual person.

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Everyone keeps telling me you look exactly like your dad. So, here’s the set for comparison:

Dad

You

Mama

So, what do you think, Hayden? Yeah, I agree with you! Those people are crazy! You look just like your mom!

Love you!
Mama

Dear Hayden,

It’s hard for me to believe that you are 3 months old! Sometimes it seems like you have always been here, and then other times I feel like the time has flown by. You smile and laugh a lot, and we love having you here. You now weigh just over 11 pounds and you are 23.5 inches long. You are growing so fast!

Love you,
Mama

You, 3 Months Old!

Dear Hayden,

You have given me a gift such as I never even dreamed of finding in this lifetime.
(Franz Kafka)

Your existence has given me a sense of awareness beyond what I’ve ever known. I look at the world in a completely different way than I did 12 weeks ago because I am always thinking about what this world has in store for you. You sleep on my shoulder as I write these very words, and I am fully aware that this simple, simple time will pass too quickly! Thank you, sweet Hayden, for the gift of these quiet times; these moments that draw me to awareness, that make me grateful.

You and Me

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

‘Tis the season… your first season! We are having such a great time celebrating with you! So far, we sent out your first Christmas photo card, got your photo taken with Santa and bundled you up for Zoo Lights. Jackie took the picture for the Christmas card… she took a bunch of pictures and got a fantastic one! You were so good in Santa’s arms – you kind of just looked around and had a generally good time. You absolutely LOVED Zoo Lights! You were so warm in your fuzzy suit in the sling that you slept through the first part, and then you were absolutely in a trance checking out all the bright lights! You love the lights on our Christmas tree, too! You definitely have us looking at the holidays in a new way!

Love you,
Mama

Your First Christmas Card

Santa’s Lap

Bundled Up for Zoo Lights