Hazel's Baptism - Sunday, Feburary 21st

Hazel was baptized on Sunday, February 21st at the same church Mike and I were married in a little over 4 years ago.  Hazel did great and slept through the service - not even stirring from her slumber when Pastor Duane placed water on her head. After the service, my parents hosted an amazing Baptism Brunch at their home. Mom and Dad (aka Nana & Papa)  you sure have a special gift of hosting events - the food is always amazing!

 

Baptism is a lifelong journey of faith that commissions us to use our gifts to transform the world with God's teachings. We are excited and look forward to walking with Hazel on her journey until she claims the way of Christ as her own.

We want to thank all of our family that was able to attend Hazel's baptism and for their support as we begin our journey with Hazel. 

Family in attendance supporting Hazel in baptism

 Nana & Papa (godparents)   
 

This verse was on a card Hazel received and I thought it was fitting

"And I will send showers, showers of blessings." (Ezekiel 34:26 NLT) 

Week #5- Lovin' her reflection & meeting up with friends

 Another great week being home with Hazel.  Everyday is like Christmas morning as it seems Hazel is changing daily.

We had dinner with a few  high school friends this week. Crazy to really see the differences in baby stages when you put the kiddo's side by side.  Hazel, Kendall (5months), and Jackson (18months) had a blast together!   It is really fun to watch your friends kids grow up together.

Hazel Highlights Week #5:

• Lovin' her reflection - Hazel loves to look at her reflection in the mirror while playing on her playmat.She just kicks her legs and "coos."

• Baby Nest Carrier - I finally figured out how to use the Baby Nest Carrier and be "hands free". Hazel likes to sleep in the carrier right against my chest. With this device I am able to get stuff done around the house while little Hazy is right by my side.  I figure if women can work the fields with similar carriers the least I can do is laundry.

Week #4 - Daddy's First Feeding & Valentine's Day

First Bottle Brought Tears:

Since I will be going back to work eventually and Hazel will need to learn how to take a bottle we decided 4 weeks old would be a good time to try it out.   I was excited Mike would now be able to share the feeding experience. Though I would have never thought I would have had the reaction I did.  When Mike gave Hazel my breast milk in a bottle I teared up and felt incredibly sad. I thought she is growing up so fast  as before this point she got all her nourishment  directly from me. After all, breastfeeding is such an incredible intimate moment between mother and child. Breastfeeding has provided a wonderful bonding experience for Hazel and I.  It also makes those 3AM feedings worth getting up for!  I love the moment when Hazel's eyes begin to droop,  her beautiful lashes close, and pure contentment covers her little body.  It is truly amazing how a little one can go from screaming to satisfied in a blink.  Now I will have to share some of this time with Mike. However, as I continued to watch Mike feed Hazel that first time, I saw her gaze up at him and lock eyes as she ate.  It made me feel better and I loved  knowing Hazel loves being fed by her Daddy too!!

Valentine's Day:

Sunday, February 14 we decided to  venture out and take Hazel to church for the first time.   We don't quite have a schedule for Hazel just yet we were unsure how she would react. Would she scream, cry, or sleep through the service?  Mike and I enjoyed listening to the service on LOVE while Hazel simply slept in her car seat in the pew. After church we headed to Nana's & Papa's for brunch where our delicate little Hazel had a massive blow out that got all over her v-day outfit. Good thing we have already learned to carry multiple outfits in her diaper bag.  Luckily, we were able to snap a picture of her valentine's outfit after she was cleaned up!

A visit from Uncle Bryce and Hazel's Highlights from week #3

  Uncle Bryce & Girlfriend Jennifer

My Uncle Bryce Rocks.......

Bryce came home from California to meet his new little niece, Hazel.  It was great to see Bryce and to meet his girlfriend Jennifer. This was the first time Jennifer had ever seen it snow so she definitely came at the perfect time.   Uncle Bryce really spoiled Hazel and I think she has all the attire for hitting the surfing scene when we visit California!

 

Bryce getting the hand off &  holding Hazel for the first time

Week #3 highlights for Hazel:

• She started "cooing" - this is one of the cutest things ever
• She is beginning to track your face more and more each day
• She has found the mirror on her Gymini Playmat and loves gazing into it
• She is more content in her bouncer chair and seems to be taking it all in. This chair has actually made it possible for me to put little Hazel down - before this magical chair I just held her all day long and love it!!
• We introduced her to the nuk- she reminds me of Maggie Simpson when she has it in.

                      

Great Grandparents....4 generations

On Sunday,Hazel's Great-Grandparents Walt & Shirley came to visit.  Little Hazel was sure in awe of her Great-Grandpa Walt as she just seem to gaze up at his eyes when he talked to her.  We were also able to capture a 4-generation photo which was really special!