Shower...

I've never liked attention on me.  I remember feeling overwhelmed as my wedding day approached, thinking about all the people staring at me.  Don't get me wrong, I felt more loved than I had ever felt in my life.  So many people I love in the same room...I'll never have that opportunity again.  But the thought of having all the attention on me made my heart race.
 
Dear friends threw Peter and I showers for Henry earlier in the year...felt so special and appreciated it more than they know.  But they could probably tell...I was uncomfortable with all the attention on me.  I tend to get tongue tied, talk extremely fast, and blush to a bright red color. 

So when my sisters and mom discussed a baby shower for Henry, I was more than happy to have more of an open house feel.  People could come and go as they pleased, and I could spend time catching up with people I hadn't seen for a long time.  My sister Holly and Peter flew in for the occasion, as well as my Taylor roommates and their families.

Many of you know that my sisters are extremely creative.  Holly has her own jewelry website and Hillary has developed a talent for drawing in recent years.  They both can express themselves so freely in written form, whereas I tend to be more matter of fact and black and white.  But honestly Holly and Hillary went all out when it came to decorating for the shower.  They made everything in California and had it shipped to Indiana days before the shower.  It was like Christmas, pulling the "flowers," banners, and special creations out of the box.  Holly then went into her creative "zone," making the house look amazing.

 

Please go HERE to see most of their decorations...my pictures don't do it justice. 

My roommates from college...It had been a year since we'd seen each other.  I love and miss these girls...wish they could be in my life on a daily basis again. 

Henry at 3 weeks...

My dad was able to take some pictures of Henry during our time together.  He's SO much bigger now, but wanted you to see how adorable he was at that stage...

It's been awhile...

So I haven't blogged in awhile and I'm going to attempt to record the events of the last month over the next few days.  I was in Indiana for the month of July and had an amazing time with family and loads of friends...

I love my family.  I feel like I'm more relaxed, more myself, and more at ease in the presence of my family.  They love me for who I am and have been my biggest fans as I embark on this new adventure of motherhood.  Most of the month of July was spent with family - both my family and Peter's family.  I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked, but here are a few to capture our time together.   

My grandparents met their great-grandchild for the first time...

My aunt Gina couldn't get enough of him...thanks Gina for letting us come and take over your house for the day.   :)

Fourth of July at my Uncle and Aunt's lake house in Wisconsin...

Headed over to Lake Michigan after our visit to Wisconsin to spend time at my in-law's lake house.  

First time at the beach  :)  Henry didn't let us stay for awhile...it wasn't his favorite.

Henry and I got to spend a lot of quality time together - after Peter left for NC and my parents left for home...

I'm upset I didn't get any pictures with my Duke friends - Amanda, Faith, and Jenny.  Amanda and Faith drove over from Minnesota to spend a few days with Henry and I.  I loved seeing a more "grown-up" Faith and was reminded again how much I miss our Duke friends. 

Also didn't get to take any pictures with my in-laws. :(  I really need to get better at this!  Peter and I were able to relax at their lake house - Candy was gracious enough to let me take naps, go on walks, and rest while she watched Henry.   I love seeing them interact with Henry...Paul and Candy have been more than I can ask for.  They have loved me and have let me be comfortable as a new mom...they are always so accommodating and have already been amazing grandparents. 

Ok...that's all for now.  I'll post more from our last month tomorrow...

At the Beach...

So I'm still trying to get used to the concept of blogging.  There are probably a few things I could have shared over the last couple of weeks, but I forget to sit down and type them out.  Here are a few of the highlights and I might include some more details/pictures at a later time. 

1.  We drove 13 hours through the night to Indiana to spend time with our families over the fourth of July.  Henry was a trooper and did VERY well, considering he was restrained to a carseat the whole time.  Luckily, he doesn't mind the car and it usually puts him right to sleep.

2.  Spent some time in Wisconsin with my mom's family - my grandparents got to meet their great-grandchild and I loved seeing them interact with Henry.  We got to spend a day at my aunt and uncle's lake cottage...as usual, my aunt and uncle spoiled us with good food and time on the lake.  I didn't ski this year, but my dad and Peter had their annual tubing contest.  My dad won this year, as Peter flew off his tube, but he did NOT lose his shorts this year...thanks Paul and Jenni for his new swim trunks.  :)

3.  I have had some quality time at my in-law's lake house, off of lake Michigan.  It has been absolutely RELAXING and wonderful.  I've got to spend some time with my parents, Peter's parents, and my Duke friend - Amanda and her 2 and a half year old, Faith.   I've taken naps, read, sat out in the sun, and just had a more relaxed schedule the last few days.  I've LOVED it!!  Everyone has helped out with Henry and allowed me to have some time to myself, as well.  Wish that Peter was here to experience it with us, but he's back to work in NC.  Can't wait to see him this weekend...

4.  Went to my home church on Sunday and ran into many people I haven't seen in a long time.  They got to meet Henry and it was really good to be back.  It was a little overwhelming and surreal to be there with my SON, but I loved seeing familiar faces.  I was lucky to have had the opportunity to attend my dear friend, Kayla's wedding shower.  I have watched her grow up over the last 12 years or so and am so proud of the woman she's become.  She's marrying a great guy and I'm excited to see what the Lord is going to do in their lives.  I also got to visit with a couple other DEAR friends this last week and I was once again reminded of how blessed I've been over the years with amazing friendships.   Thanks Laura and Jenny for taking time out of your day to catch up...  :)

I have a full weekend ahead and I'm so excited for it to begin.  I have quite a few people whom I absolutely love coming into my hometown and I can't wait to spend some time with them.  I also have Henry's open house on Sunday, which my sisters and mom have sacrificed a lot of time to make it special...  I know many people are giving up their Sunday and even driving long distances to attend - thank you so much (in advance) for being willing to come and meet our little guy.  I'll make sure I take pictures and share about it next week.


I'm also including a few pictures of Henry smiling...it's been so much fun to see him respond more and I can help but snap pictures...  :)  And yes, his cheeks ARE filling out...he's getting bigger!  :)  

Open House for Henry

 All are welcome!

Please email RSVP to me (Holly) so I can plan accordingly...

On my own...

So today is my first official day on my own.  Mom left early yesterday morning and I have to admit I got a little emotional as I drove away from the airport.  She was such a blessing to me the last 2 weeks - organizing my house, cleaning, SERVING me in every way and being a source of encouragement as I went along.  I'm so thankful to have a mom as selfless as she is - always looking for ways to help others.  I was humbled as she did so much for me this week, but don't know what I would have done without her. 

I'm feeling great - so thankful to have a good recovery.  I feel like myself again and it's hard to believe I was carrying Henry a little over a week ago.   I'm definitely glad to NOT be pregnant anymore and to have my body back! 

Henry is doing great - he's eating like a champ and gained a whole pound from Monday to Friday last week!  I was really stressing that I was feeding him enough, but he seems to be doing just fine. 

Hanging out on our first day alone...

Want to thank everyone again for all of your prayers, words of encouragement, and love the last couple of weeks.  We've had some AMAZING meals delivered to us as well, which have been such a blessing!  :)  I'm slowly getting back into a routine and I hope to make contact with many of you as the weeks go along. 







A Note From Aunt Karla

(This was written before Baby Henry was born, but various circumstances prevented it from being posted until now...)

Heather's birth was such a much anticipated event.  She wasn't just Kevin and Donna's first child; she was the first grandchild, the first niece or nephew, and the whole family was eagerly anticipating her arrival.  So much so that when we got the word she was on her way, we all jumped in the van and descended en masse on that small hospital in Angola, Indiana.  What a beauty she was with her dark hair, lying in her little cardboard bassinet.  She captured our hearts that afternoon.

Even as a baby she had a love for life.  She didn't want to miss a minute of what was going on around her.  She was never one to lie quietly in your arms.  She had to be sitting up, looking around.  She's never changed.  She still has that same love for life; meeting challenges as they come up, trusting in God to lead the way.  She has a deep commitment to family and an enduring loyalty to her friends.  As her aunt, it's been a blessing to watch her mature into the beautiful young woman she is today.  I eagerly anticipate this next phase in her life.  

I've watched her mothering instinct kick into gear with her sisters and cousins.  I always loved getting some time to spend with the girls when I was back in Indiana.  We'd usually go to a movie and maybe out to eat.  But there was this time when I had the chance to not only take Heather and Holly to a movie, but some of their cousins as well.  Heather fixed them all little baggies of popcorn and I think she even managed a few other special treats for them.  She was like a hen with her chicks!

Heather will excel as a mother.  It's a role she's been preparing for her whole life.  Her children will truly "arise and call her blessed" (Proverbs 31:28).  I have been blessed with eleven nieces and nephews and they all bring joy to my heart, but Heather was the first and she set the bar high.

Heather, I am so excited for you and thrilled to be a "great aunt."  I know you are ready for this new adventure and for those unexpected things that will come up, because they always do.  I know you will trust the Lord to lead you and Peter.  I truly admire the person you are and I am honored to be your aunt.  I just can't wait to see this little guy and to be able to cuddle him a bit.  You are all in my prayers daily.  I love you!

Aunt Karla