Dear Hayden,

Today we celebrated a Pre-Thanksgiving! We had a special family Thanksgiving a few days early because your uncle Darryl is leaving for the Air Force on Tuesday. We’re very excited for him because it is sure to be the experience of a lifetime, but we’re a little sad because we will miss having him in our daily lives. You are sure to be very different the next time he sees you! There’s an important lesson here, and that is that sometimes our dreams (which we have to pursue to become the best versions of ourselves) take us far away from the people we love, but growing separately doesn’t have to mean growing apart. You also had both of your living great grandparents and all four of your grandparents there!

Love you,
Mama

You with Uncle Darryl

With Great Grandma Pat

With Great Grandpa Rog

Hangin’ with Daddy

Dear Hayden,

I saw this today and immediately thought of you!

Love,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Your sweet smiles melt my heart!

Love you,
Mama

Smilin’

Smilin’

Another Sweet Expression of Yours!

Sweet Little You!

Dear Hayden,

Sometimes you get fussy. When this happens, we try various things to make you a bit happier — like checking your diaper, determining whether or not you’re hungry, etc. It seems that every time your Grandpa is around, he takes you in his arms, and you are settled instantly. This makes sense to me because your grandpa is a very gentle man. His is kind beyond measure and very calm. I think you can sense these things about him, because you get suddenly peaceful and find your way to rest. I only wish he was here every time you get fussy!

Love you,
Mama

In Grandpa’s Arms

Dear Hayden,

Your Auntie Em came to visit this week! Technically, she’s not really related, but we’ve been friends since we were little girls, so she may as well be! She spent a lot of time hanging out with you and getting to know you and she thinks you’re pretty amazing! It will be important for you to know Emmie because MUCH later she can tell you all kinds of strange stories about me… things I’m sure you will find entertaining! It’s been so exciting for me to have her here because she has been with me through every stage in my life, so it makes sense that she would be here getting to know you!

Love,
Mama

You and Auntie Em!

Dear Hayden,

Happy 1st Halloween! Your dad got you a very cute lobster costume, so you’ll be wearing that tonight as we head to the Pumpkin Festival at church! In a few years you’ll be able to trick or treat and do all the other fun stuff they have to do there, but this year, you’ll just hang out with us and be our little lobster. You have been given some other really cute Halloween outfits that you’ve been wearing this week to celebrate as well!

Love you,
Mama

Our Little Lobster

‘Lil Miss Chevious

Halloween Peek-A-Pooh

Dear Hayden,

God created your inmost being; He knit you together in my womb. I praise Him because you are fearfully and wonderfully made; a work of art! (I borrowed that from Psalm 139) Never forget that you are made in the image of God. If you could see yourself now, you would know that for sure! My heart breaks when I think about some of the things you will face in this world — namely the criticism of those who will not make the choice to look into your soul, but who will instead judge you with no power or authority to do so. It is my prayer that you will hold fast to the knowledge that you are God’s. His fingerprints are all over you. I also pray that you will choose to look past the exterior of others, to see the truth in them. No amount of outer beauty can cover up inner ugly. Remember that.

Love you,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

My gosh, time is passing so quickly! I can’t believe you’ve already been with us for 5 weeks. It seems like just yesterday we were meeting you for the first time. You are a very sweet baby, and we are very lucky parents! We went to the doctor for your 1 month check up and you weigh 8 lb. 4 oz.! You are growing so fast; you will soon be out of your newborn clothes and wearing the 0-3 month stuff! Here are some pictures I took while you were hanging out with your dad!

Love you,
Mama

5 Weeks Old!

5 Weeks Old!

Dear Hayden,

Today we had newborn photos taken. You are so precious!

Love,
Mama

Dear Hayden,

Tonight Madison got to hold you for the first time! She is absolutely enthralled with you!

Love,
Mama

With Madison