A Baby Blessing

Chris' family came out to visit at the end of May so we decided to bless Hazel while they were here.  Jane and Amanda were able to come for a whole week and Richard came for the weekend of Hazel's blessing.  It was so fun to have them in town.  Hazel definitely got spoiled by her grandparents and aunts and uncles... Aunt Amanda was especially good with her and Grandma Jane got to sneak in some time with her in between making dinner for all of us and taking care of everyone. 

My parents and sister Rachelle were able to come up for the blessing too.  Its always nice to have more family around.  Chris and I lucked out in the family department.  And there is something about starting a family of your own that makes you love and appreciate your own parents and siblings even more.  Puts it all in perspective I guess.  My mom actually made Hazel's blessing dress.  It is from the same material that my wedding dress was made out of so it is extra special.  My mom is the best for making this for baby girl.

Grandma Jane made the most adorable dandelion blanket for Hazel too.  It couldn't have been more perfect and it must have taken hours to finish.  Hazel is one lucky little lady to have 2 amazing Grandmas who are so so talented and lover her to pieces. 

The Hairs

The Fosters

Four Generation picture with Hazel, Chris, Grandpa Richard, and Great Grandpa Al

Love my little family so much.  I'm so grateful for such an amazing husband.  He did a great job on the blessing and Hazel is so lucky to have him as dad. 

Hazel's First Plane Ride

When baby girl was 3 weeks old, she and I flew to California for a long weekend.  Chris had planned a camping trip with his friends (Neal and Garrett) so I took advantage of the opportunity to go visit family in California while he was away.  I didn't get too many pictures while I was home, but it was so nice to be around family... everyone (especially my mom) was super helpful with Hazel.  Plus baby girl got to meet almost all her aunties, uncles and cousins on the Foster side. 

This is Hazel on the plane.  She slept the whole flight.

Hazel and Grandma Harrison

So sleepy...

 

My dad came up to Utah on Easter weekend to surprise my mom for their anniversary.  I was also due that weekend, so we were hoping she would come while my dad was still in town.  Unfortunately, she was a bit stubborn and took her time, so this trip was the first time my dad got to meet his 20th grand-baby.

Hazel Rue and Grandma K.  My mom was so nice and stayed up with baby girl while I caught up on some much needed sleep.  She's the best. 

 Meanwhile...

Chris and his buddies went to Goblin Valley and hiked some slot canyons.  I his pictures so I could document the trip. 

Neal, Chris, and Garrett

 The day after he got back from this trip (while I was still in California) he left for North Dakota for a week to help his friend build some fences.   He drove all day and most of the night... then worked 15 hour days in the hot hot sun, in the middle of nowhere... and five days later, drove all day and most of the night back home to see his girls.  I am so grateful for such a hardworking husband.  Hazel and I were super excited to have him home with us again.

Hazel's First Month

This is Hazel at 1 month old.  The first month with this little one was pretty dreamy... a little foggy, but pretty dreamy.  Its kind of crazy that you wait 9 months for your baby to arrive and then all of the sudden she is here and you are a mom, responsible for a tiny little human.  And you have no idea what you are doing, but somehow you figure it out... sort of... at least enough to keep them alive, and to love them more than you knew was possible.

 

 The first month mostly consisted of me staring at this beautiful babe while she slept... like a creepy stalker mom.  Also, changing a LOT of dirty diapers.  And us trying to figure out how to feed and take care of this little one, all the while trying to function like normal humans.

 It can be pretty exhausting but then she pulls out the most ADORABLE little smile and your heart melts and you forget that you had to get up 3 times the night before to feed and change her.

 This is the first of many cuter-than-ever smiles.

 Hazel at one week old.  Its crazy to think she used to be this tiny once.  At her 2 week appointment, she weighed 7 pounds 15 oz (not quite her birth weight, so we had to do a 2nd weight check a week later, and she was 8 pounds 8 oz)

Another adorable smile.

 Hazel's first bath

And this right here, has got to be one of the best parts of being a mama.  Love this girl with all my heart.