Jaden's Blessing Day

Jaden was blessed today by the Bishop, Bishop Mackay, and it was beautiful. He was such a good little boy. One of the members of the Stake Presidency who was in the circle blessing him came up to me afterwards and told me that when they were finished with the blessing, Jaden was staring up at the Bishop as if he was listening to his every word. They said it was really neat and that I need to write that down when I get home. So I did! He is going to be a good little example to those that love him and bring a lot of joy to those that he comes into contact with. I know that because he already has done that in my life. He is my sweet, precious, little boy.

"Splish Splash I was takin' a bath!" Bath time with grandma is one of his favorite parts of the day. It didn't used to be...but he has learned to love kickin back in the water.
"Mommy's new man!" Jaden makes me the happiest in the world; especially when he pulls one of these smiles!

Our First Few Weeks Together...

YEE HAW!! Jaden in his first cowboy hat! 3 1/2 weeks old! Watch out Toby Keith!

He is ready to play baseball! He is getting stronger and chunkier everyday! He will be a healthy boy with whatever he wants to do. The sky's the limit!
Being with his favorite grandma is where Jaden loves to be. I think the feeling is mutual. :)
Fido hanging out with Jaden again. He kind of minds his own business but gives Jaden the occassional sniff and makes sure that he is ok. I love seeing Fido interact with Jaden...it's cute!
I am so happy to be a Mom. He is my pride and joy. I love getting up with him in the middle of the night to feed him and rock him back to sleep. Taking care of this sweet little boy is such a great feeling. I can't wait to see him grow up and the person that he is going to be, but at the same time I want him to stay this little forever.
"Hangin' tough."

One of the first few days home! "I'm this big!" He was hanging out on Aunt Kimberli's lap. He was very content. Kimberli came over with all of her kids, so the boys could see Jaden. It was fun having them all there to share this special time.

This is his favorite position to sleep in. He loves being close to your heart...I think the sound of it beating comforts him. He loved cuddling with Aunt Stefaney...she was very calming to him. I know he misses her fussing over him. She was the best to have throughout all of this.

We were both very exhausted, relaxed, and in a very deep sleep. I didn't realize he was like this until I woke up. I tried to move him up on my chest...but he wiggled his way down back into this position. I guess he was comfortable. He is so funny when he sleeps!

I love talking to Jaden. He is so alert and looks in the direction where the sound is coming from, or he holds very still listening to your voice. I can't believe how fast he is growing. Each day it seems as if he gets bigger and cuter! :). He even manages to roll from his stomach to his back from time to time.

Jaden in his bouncy seat! He sometimes likes it. I think he likes looking at the things hanging the best. He just loves to look around!
"Watching over you." Fido and Jaden have gotten along since day one. It didn't take Fido long to love this little baby. He has been the greatest dog in the whole world. I couldn't have asked him to be better.
Hanging out with Aunt Kimberli. He loves it! He is a chunky one! I can't get over his cheeks. Kimberli is always kissin all over them...but how can you not? :)
"Lochte, Lochte." Stefaney and I are waiting for Ryan Lochte to swim! We obviously didn't want to miss it...we didn't even blow our hair! We actually did our make up in front of the TV...kind of pathetic, I know. But the Olympics only come around every 4 years...we didn't want to miss it! Funny thing is, he ended up not swimming until later that night...we fell asleep and missed it.
Smiling for Grandma! She always gets the best smile shots of him! He is a very happy baby. I couldn't have asked for a better baby boy than I have now. Jaden is my everything.

Just the Beginning...

My water broke at 11:40pm on July 24th. Contractions started coming about 20 minutes after that. It was very exciting, while at the same time kind of scary. It was all really happening. Here we were waiting to be confirmed that I am in labor (although I could have told them that I was). The baby had a bowel movement inside of me...so they wanted to make sure that he was stable and everything was going to be ok. Kimberli had met Stefaney and I outside of the gate when we left to go to the hospital. Stefaney did a wonderful job driving! We met Mom and Dad at Bethesda. This was the beginning to an adventure, one of which I thought I was prepared for...but nope :).

I chose to sit on a birthing ball, because it required much less movement than getting on the bed. At this point, contractions were coming pretty close together, and definitely stronger. I am so blessed that I had Stefaney, Mom, Kimberli, and Dad there with me.

Smiling and laughing in between contractions. It wasn't so hard to do because of who I had with me.

Mom was there to hold my hand through every step...as were Kimberli, Stefaney, and Dad. I had so much support and love; no matter what was to come, I knew I could get it through it.

After I got the epidural, I was able to get a few hours of sleep. They had me wear an oxygen mask because Jaden was having a difficult time with the contractions and they wanted to make sure that he was getting enough oxygen. They thought this would perk him up. It helped...but not enough to get him out naturally.

Stefaney and Kimberli waiting for Jaden! It was freezing, but the staff was really nice and took care of us all.

Mom was able to be with me during the c-section. I am so grateful for that. She is holding Jaden for the first time. She took him in to see the rest of the gang while I was being put back together. Mom even got to cut the umbilical cord, which was pretty cool.

Jaden passed his first big test with flying colors. He is a smart, healthy, and strong little booger. I have never felt such a love for a person that I do him. He is my absolute joy.

Dad caught a shot of Jaden and I napping the next day after he was born. It was a big day for both of us...we were pooped! He is the perfect little cuddler.

Mom, Dad, Stefaney, Kimberli, and her girls came down to see me the next day. They brought us balloons and a cute little sign with Jaden's name on it. It was fun to see everyone hold and love on this new beautiful, baby boy. I know that he will be so loved with an amazing family like this. He was loved even before we met him.

Jaden hanging out with his new cousins, Natali, Kyli, and Emili. He loved the attention! He will love you forever as long as you hold him. He is a little cuddle bug.

Jaden just adores Aunt Stefaney. He knows that she loves him.

Grandma made this hat especially for Jaden. He loved it and looks so handsome in it!