Tuckered Out

I know this isn't a flattering picture of me, but I am glad Jonathan took it. I don't know who fell asleep first, me or Sami, but I always want to remember what it was like to hold my sleeping baby. She is so fun to hold. I actually try to put her down when she's sleeping so that she gets good sleep habits, but as you can see, that doesn't always happen.

A Personal Tribute

The president and prophet of our church, Gordon B. Hinckley, died on Sunday night. I didn't find out until Monday morning, and I admit that I shed a few tears. I am happy that now he is with his cute wife, but I will miss him. He has inspired me so many times over the years, and he had a real inpact in my life. His message was to always try harder to be better. He is a great man and his life is an inspiration to me.

Our Growing Girl!

Samantha is getting so big we can't hardly believe it! She is just 7 weeks old but fits into 3-6 month clothes! Today at church so many friends were admiring Samantha and made comments like "She's so cute! She's so big!" Right on both counts. We are so grateful that she is healthy and has a great appetite.

Motherhood Surprises

"What is the most surprising thing about motherhood?" People have been asking me this question since we came home with Samantha, and my answer has always been the same. "I thought I would get more done around the house." It's true. I thought that since I wasn't working, I would have the laundry caught up, dinner on the table, and the bathroom would be spotless. But I want to hold Samantha, and she wants to be held. So I make no apologies for the clothes sitting on the couch waiting to be folded or the less than clean bathroom. But this isn't really the most surprising thing about motherhood.


The most surprising thing about motherhood has been the intensity of my feelings for my little daughter. I loved Samantha before she was born, and I knew I would love her when I saw her and held her for the first time, but my feelings were so much stronger than I imagined they would be. As I hold her, I often think that there is not a thing in the world I wouldn't be willing to do for her. I want her to feel safe and loved. I want her to know how much we love her. She has brought us more joy than I thought was possible. I can't imagine my life without her. I know that this is how it is supposed to be, and so in the end, my biggest surprise isn't really all that surprising after all.

Girl Talk

With Jonathan back in school, Sami and I get to spend a lot of quality time together. She is so much fun and has such a cute personality. She has started smiling a lot lately. She still sleeps most of the day, but she loves it when her dad comes home. The first thing he does is find Samantha and pick her up.

This is the classic Jonathan pose. He loves to relax with his hands behind his head. Sometimes I find Sami sleeping that way and I have to smile because I know exactly where she got it from.

Thanks for the love!

I had a baby shower on Saturday and it was so much fun! But even before Saturday, I felt the love from family and friends. The girls at work showered us with gifts even before I left for NC. Family and friends have been mailing us gifts from across the country. And then the girls from church gave us an awesome shower. I have been awed by all the generosity that has been shown us. Thank you so much!

Happy New Year!

2007 was a great year for us, the best part being when we got our beautiful daughter. We are so excited for 2008 and the good times that are coming. We hope that your 2008 is full of joy and happiness!