Dear Hayden,

You make life so sweet! Dad and I are having a blast getting to know you. We were just talking about how special this time is… just the three of us, together all the time, learning about each other. Right now, your big activities are eating and sleeping, which is okay with us because we are pretty tired and trying to figure out where our heads are half the time! We are learning all about your habits and noticing special things about you. For example, you got your mom’s hands and feet — and I mean EXACTLY. When I look at them, I see tiny, exact replicas of my own! It’s crazy! You have your dad’s ears, too! I have to tell you, too, that your dad is amazing. He would go to the end of the earth for you. He gets teary when you get poked at the doctor and he is proud when you burp really loud. You pretty much have him wrapped around your tiny little finger already!

Yesterday, we took our first family outing to the pediatrician. He said you are doing well, but that you need to keep eating to move that jaundice through you! We told them that you are eating like a champ and working on it!

Also, another fun fact is that all of your newborn clothes are too big for you right now! We weren’t expecting you to be such a peanut! You are growing, though… so before you know it you’ll be outgrowing these clothes!

So, my love, I just wanted to share what a joy you are already! These are times I will always remember. They say that motherhood is like having your heart on the outside of your body… I couldn’t have said it better myself, so I won’t even try!

Love you,
Mama

Dressed and ready for the first outing!

Pajama time!

Resting out back!

Sweet Baby Hayden,

On Friday, September 21st, you arrived! We got to the hospital around 3 am and at 4:28 pm you came into the world – all 20 inches and 7 pounds of you!

You are so beautiful… more than words can describe. From the moment we first laid eyes on you, we were in love! You are the most extraordinary thing to happen in our lives, and there is nothing we wouldn’t do for you. You are proof that the God who designed this enormous universe is the God of small things, too. We promise to love you without limit, to provide a structure for you within which we believe you will grow into an amazing woman, and to support you in your effort to become the best version of yourself. Welcome to the world, little one. We’re so glad you’re here.

Love,
Mama & Dad

On Our Way!

Sweet Baby Hayden

Daddy Getting to Know You!

Hayden and Mama

First Family Photo

The Not-So-Happy Face! (We’ve only seen it a few times!)

Big Yawn

Reaching Out

Holding Daddy’s Hand

Dear Baby,

I came across these words today and had to share them with you.

On Children
by Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you they belong not to you.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let our bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

I will be thinking about these words for a long time.

Love,
Mama

Dear Baby,

On Saturday, Kim and Elizabeth hosted the most AMAZING baby shower in our honor! The theme was “Baby McCauley… This is Your Life!” Everything was movie themed, from the invitation to movie theater popcorn on the tables! It was so well done; every detail was extraordinary! So many wonderful people came to celebrate… you are already loved so much. The generosity of our friends and family is overwhelming! Here are some highlights from the party:

Here’s the Invitation:

The food was fantastic. Here is a picture of the Berry French Toast Bake… My Favorite!

We played some fun games. Here’s a picture of Elizabeth and Kim sharing the answers for one of them!

They made you a great book filled with storied that your Grandma Kilani and your Grandma McCauley shared. It’s going to be a great keepsake for you!

The Cake

Your Grandma McCauley made glass star necklaces as favors for the party, too!

Here’s a picture of Kim, Elizabeth and Me (and YOU)!

It was a fantastic time. I am so excited for you to get here so you can meet all of these people who love you!

Love,
Mama

Dear Baby,

Emmie just spent 7 weeks in Thailand and she brought you this beautiful silk outfit! It won’t fit you for a while, but when it does, you are going to love it!

Love,
Mama

Outfit from Thailand

Dear Baby,

After you are born, I will carry you in a sling quite a bit. The other day, Elizabeth was here and we decided to take out the sling and practice. The only baby-shaped thing we could find was a coconut monkey. It was pretty hilarious! Elizabeth said I had to take pictures of this experience for the blog!

Love,
Mama

Sling Practice!

Dear Baby,

This morning Dad and I went for another ultrasound. They said you are doing great — growing like a champ. You weigh about 4 pounds right now. You were also NOT in the mood to have your picture taken! You kept hiding behind your hands! You look much more like a baby now, too. We’re really excited to see your little face in person!

Love,
Mama

Your Face (You have to look really closely!)

Your Profile (Not two chins — you are resting your chin on your fist!)

Dear Baby,

It was VERY hot outside today, so I decided to stay inside and sew. I made a quilt for you! It is made of flowery and pink flannel and is 3 feet x 4 feet so it will be perfect for when you are playing on the floor… I think you will like it!

Love,
Mama

Your Quilt

Dear Baby,

Thought you might like to know that you have a name. Your dad and I have read about 10,000 names trying to find one we both like that will be great for you! I can’t share it with you here because your dad and I have agreed to keep it secret until you are born, but I think you’ll be happy. It is a name that will suit you well your whole life, doesn’t have any bizarre nicknames that we can think of, and your initials won’t spell anything absurd. So, we’re happy — hopefully you will be, too!

Love,
Mama

Dear Baby,

Thought you might like to see how your room is coming along. We’ve added furniture and some stars for ya!

Love,
Mama

Your Room

Your Room