Dear Hayden,

We had a pretty amazing weekend. We traveled to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas to see Uncle Darryl graduate from Air Force Basic Military Training.

You took your first airplane flight to get there, and the folks at Southwest Airlines awarded you a “first flight” certificate. Dad and I gave all the people around us on the plane “baby’s first flight” packs that we had prepared — a ziplock bag with a pair of foam earplugs and some chocolate. Dad handed them out and thanked the people in advance for their patience with you. The people thought they were great! You were so good on the plane — you let out only a few peeps the entire flight, and you were just as great on the way home!

Our weekend in Texas was awesome. To say that we are proud of your Uncle Darryl is a huge understatement! He endured and completed basic training and is a very different person. On Thursday, we watched him participate in the Airman’s Run and get his Airman’s Coin in the Airman’s Coin Ceremony. On Friday, we attended the BMT Graduation Parade and then we got to spend the rest of the weekend with Uncle Darryl. You wore a personalized onesie I made you that said, “I’m Here to Cheer for My Uncle: Airman Darryl McCauley!” to the parade. We asked him SO MANY questions — it was crazy — but he answered them all. It was such an interesting weekend because we learned a great deal about military life, something that we knew very little about because of our lack of experience with it. You were totally a trooper (no pun intended) because we took you everywhere, to every event for 4 solid days, and you hardly complained at all!

I was teary-eyed much of the weekend, Hayden. I was so overwhelmed by so many things. I am so proud of your uncle. I am so grateful to those who answer the call to defend our freedom and protect us. I am in awe, once again, of the awesome power of finding a structure in which we grow into the best version of ourselves. I am seeing that these years will pass so quickly, and someday, before we know it, you will be an adult, making your own choices, becoming who you are meant to be.

Love you,
Mama

First Flight

First Flight

First Flight Certificate

Airman’s Run – Uncle Darryl at far right

Airman’s Coin Ceremony

Graduation Parade — Over 600 Airmen!

Special Onesie

Lackland Air Force Base

You were in a great mood all weekend!

Napping in the sling — On the go!

With Uncle Darryl

On the Riverwalk

On the Riverwalk

Family Photo

Family Photo

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

Dear Hayden,

I’m so excited about your first Christmas… you bring us so much holiday cheer!

Love,
Mama

A Little Holiday Cheer!

Dear Hayden,

Today we celebrated your first Thanksgiving! We came down to Tucson last night to spend the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa. Last night, we had the opportunity to get together with 3 of my oldest friends — Kristy, Lacy, and Carrie — along with their husbands and their kids. It was an absolute blast because I have known these ladies as long as I can remember, and to be surrounded by their families was so much fun! Today your Grandma and Grandpa cooked a big dinner here. We had a few guests and it was a great time! You slept through dinner, but that’s okay… you don’t eat turkey and mashed potatoes yet! This Thanksgiving is unlike any one we’ve ever had, because we have a most precious addition to be thankful for — you!

Love you,
Mama

The Crew!

Mama with Baby Wyatt, Carrie’s son, born exactly ONE DAY before you!!

The Older Kiddos — Jaden, Nadia, and Jaren

You and Grandpa

You and Grandma

You and Dad

Dear Hayden,

Today we went to the pediatrician for your 2 month check up! You now weigh 10 lbs. 9 oz. and you are 23 inches tall! The doctor said you are doing great, but we already knew that!

Love you,
Mama

You are 2 Months Old!