Zeeland's Blessing

Saturday December 14, 2013

Since Austin and I aren't active in the church, we wanted Zeeland to be blessed at home surrounded by our families. My in-laws bishop was kind enough to join us and respect our decision to do it at home.

Zeeland received the most beautiful blessing from his Grandpa Rick. The spirit that was present is unexplainable. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. 

We loved having both our families to share the moment with.

We served bruch: Breakfast casserole, muffins, bagels, breads, orange rolls, fruit, milk, chocolate milk, and orange juice.

I'm so grateful for my mother-in-law. She is so generous and has done so much for me.

My handsome baby, all dressed in white:

Emotional.

I feel so emotional today. I've been putting away laundry for the last 2 hours (I know...it really piled up this week) and I just keep having little tears run down my face.

These tears are tears of gratitude and joy for many reasons:

-This sleeping baby boy by my side.

-Each time I fold up a newborn outfit that no longer fits Zee I cry. I cry because I'm so sad that he's growing so fast, but also feel so grateful for his health. The first few days of his life were terrifying and seeing all those tiny sick babies in the NICU really puts things into perspective. We have a lot to be grateful for!

-My brother Chase has been in rehab for about a month and a half. He has made really great progress and could be released at any time, but he has had no where to go. Our family feels it's best for him to go to a sober living house and do things on his own. I've been sick over the thought of him sitting in there over Christmas when he could be home with his boys. I've been praying about it and knew something would happen. My dad has decided to let him stay here and work for him for the next few weeks and the money he earns will go toward rent for sober living. When Chance told me this this morning I felt like 1000 pounds were lifted from my shoulders. I'm so grateful for SOBRIETY! My family has been through enough, I pray this is the end of it. I can't wait to see Chase and give him a huge hug and tell him how proud I am of him

-Chase's wife has been working and raising their babies while he has been away. Somehow, she keeps a smile on her face. I know she's sad and stressed. Last night she text me that someone left money on her door for Christmas with no note or name and it brought her to tears. People are so generous and loving!! My nephews deserve the world

-Last year was probably the roughest year, financially, for Austin and I. But we survived. It made our relationship so strong. This year, I am grateful for good paying jobs. This is the first time in awhile that we haven't had to stress about money, and it feels good. I'm grateful for my husband who works so hard in ridiculous weather for Zeeland and I.

-I have so much Christmas spirit this year! Even though Zee is only 2 months old, I really believe children make this time of year so magical. I love having my family together, seeing all my friends and giving gifts. It's the time of year that I feel the most love shared.

I guess all in all...I'm just a happy, grateful girl. I feel so extremely blessed that it has been bringing me to tears.

Sleep!!

The thought of sleeping 8 hours straight is like a dream! 

I slept terrible during my pregnancy from about 5 months on...and then here comes my little mister. I think the first few days after his birth I was running off fumes and adrenaline. And I don't think I've really caught up since.

Well guess what??

Last night Zeeland slept from 9 to 3! That's six hours... SIX! Thank goodness for dropping that 12/1am feeding...the hardest one for me.

[don't worry i got those boogies right after this!]

Zeeland weeks 5-9

5 Weeks:

On his 5 week birthday he smiled his first real smile when I laid him down and said, "hello handsome!" I was in tears, it was the cutest thing I have ever witnessed!

For some reason, he loves to poop in his bath lol. It's so gross..its like a race against time to get him bathed before he does it. Luckily, after 5 weeks he grew out of this!

On November 24 baby Kohen was born! He ended up being 2 weeks early... good thing... that tank was 8lbs 5oz and 21 inches long! I got to be in the room and take pictures for his birth, it was so amazing. Nothing can compare to the moment a newborn baby takes that first breath. 

My in-laws rented a condo at the Marriot Mountainside in Park City for the week of Thanksgiving. It was so beautiful and we loved being with our Christensen family for a whole week enjoying the snow, shopping and lots of food. The resort had fun activities going on every day for entertainment and we spent a few nights playing pool, shuffle board and foosball. Austin and I did our very first black Friday shopping...and we scored! 

Aust talked me into snowboarding.... 6 weeks after giving birth. lol. It was so fun but I am weak and wrecked so hard that I'm pretty sure I broke my tailbone. 

It was a great vacation, thanks Rick and Lisa!

[Ryder is terrified to hold Zeeland. Austin put Zee there and Ryder wasn't sure what to do lol. He says he will hold him on Christmas...We're holding him to it!]

[the view from our room. heavenly.]

[my sexy hubs]

[intense game of foosball!]

[Why are naps so much better with sleeping baby on your chest?]

[love these people!]

[6 weeks]

[my life]

Zee has become quite the fussy bum. I don't mind though, it just gives me more reason to hold, kiss and snuggle him alllll day long. Some might say he's spoiled... I don't think it's possible! He loves his night time bath & LOVES to be swaddled and snuggled tight.

On Monday the 16th we had an early Christmas dinner with my mom. She went all out on a Mexican food feast! She gave all the babies their jammies and they love them. Getting us all together is so crazy and loud, and I love every single second of it.

We are getting ready for Christmas, I am loving being off work for the Holidays this year! And even though he's only 2 months, Zee makes this time of year magical. 

Austin also gets a whole 10 days off to be with us! We couldn't be more excited, we are starting to hate Vernal. Working out of town is the pits.

Happy Holidays!

[love this face!]

[pretty sure these cheeks get chunkier every day!]

[Kohen: 3 weeks, Zeeland: 8 weeks, Brayden: 9 weeks]

[These babies!!!]

[With a colicy/fussy baby you quickly learn to do everything one handed....yet he's still yelling lol]