Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous.
It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.  
~Elizabeth Stone

Whether you're recently engaged or have been married for decades, I hope that everyone takes the time this weekend to reflect on how important your loved ones are and to let them know what they mean to you. In my opinion, our relationships are really what make life so rewarding and wonderful.
I am especially blessed to share my life with a wonderful husband and a perfect little baby. My days are filled with so many wonderful moments now, but some of my favorite come just as Hayden is waking up - when he looks at me with complete adoration and joy like I am the most important person in the world. His love is so pure and magical. I wish that all love could be so simple.



Here are a few more recent photos that I love. These next two are such "Hayden" looks.





Sometimes he'll just sit and stare at his hands as if they are the most amazing new discovery, but he's also in love with his feet.

I hope that everyone is enjoying the snow. Marcus was a little disappointed that we didn't actually get snowed in as predicted, but I rather enjoy getting the benefits of the snow without all the hassle. Hayden still can't sit up on his own, but I found a way to get a photo of him in the snow. He wasn't all that impressed, especially when his hand got wet and cold, and he was ready for a nap once we got back inside.

I love this little red sweater and hat (great for hiding his bald head) that I got from Gymboree's after Thanksgiving sale. I originally got it for his visit with Santa which never happened so we decided to do some family photos instead. I'm not a big fan of everyone matching (all white shirts with jeans for instance), but I do like when there's a color scheme so we went with red and brown. In hindsight, I'm thinking that the blue jeans weren't the best choice. Always remember to wear a complete outfit for photo sessions because your pants (and even socks and shoes) may show.

I hope that everyone is having a happy holiday!

I'm sending out my warmest wishes to everyone but especially to those who are missing loved ones today. Whether they have passed away, are fighting in the military, or are just living across the country, you are connected to those that you love and carry a part of them with you wherever you go. May we all find some peace and comfort this holiday season.

He was more of a birthday present than a Christmas present, but this is my favorite gift that I received this year.



If that was the "before" photo then the next photograph must be the "after". This is how I feel after cooking, eating, and opening presents.

Tis the season to stick a funny red hat on your baby! It helps to keep his bald head warm, and it's just so darn cute.





Guess who is already four months old this week! Technically, he is at the "supported sitter" stage, but he has been able to support his weight on his legs for months. Does that make him a "supported stander"?



Next week he gets to meet his Swedish grandparents and uncle for the first time, but this week he had fun with one of his cousins.

I wanted to get a photograph of Hayden smiling because it's something that he does all the time now. Of course he stops and gets very serious if I point a camera in his direction, but I managed to catch a few happy expressions by shooting without looking. He's becoming much more aware of his environment and really enjoys being propped up so that he can look around.  I was trying to get his attention, but he just wanted to stare at his feet. He hasn't really figured out that they belong to him yet, but once in a while he'll notice them and seems very surprised and interested.