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!

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