Welcome Donovan Thomas Hayes

Welcome to the world Donovan Thomas Hayes! We love you so so much already!

More fun pictures to come for now,

Donovan was born Monday, 10/6/2014

10:39 am.

Weight: 8lb 6 oz

Length: 20 1/2 inches

I can honestly say that with every child, we just enjoy the process of welcoming them into the world more and more. The stress of worry becomes less and less and we enjoy our time together and the baby more and more in it's place. 

Donovan has been so fun to watch. Ryan and I call each other over to see him look at new things, see sweet little facial expressions, watch how he prefers to be held and snuggled at that moment, watch how he responds differently to mom, dad, and then to new people. 

Donovan is truly a blessing to our family.

Watching Ice Melt

Feels like watching ice melt is the only "action" that is happening around here these days.

I'm sitting around, trying to be busy but not really having the motivation to do much, waiting for Baby #3 to arrive.

The kids are...well, they actualy are watching ice melt.

They were really excited about this. We had a whole explanation of the water-ice-water process and they were asking all day when they could watch ice melt.

I'm such a giving mom, I was more than willing to throw some ice on the concrete for them.

So here we are. All sitting around.

Watching ice melt.

Lost Camera

 I know this may be hard to believe. But as you will recall, we lost our camera. I know what you're thinking, 

"really!? you guys!?...but you're so organized and always have it together." 

I know, I know. Must have been a fluke.

Anyways, here are a few photos to catch up on a the main events that got lost with our old camera.

Cousin Jacob's and Brittany's Wedding...the kids were flower girl and ring bearer.

 Ryan and I had an awesome 4 day get-away in a little airbnb cabin right on the fall river, coffee, breakfast on the river, exploring the mountain towns and rivers...it was awesome! Thank you mom and dad Hayes!

Ryan surprised me with an Ozomatli concert date...although I'm certain baby #3 enjoyed the music and dancing as well since there was quite a bit of both, loud and strong the whole night. Ryan even invited my sister along "so I could have someone to dance with." My husband is awesome.

Ryan went to Hawaii for Dave and Liannes Wedding.

 

Good Chico Times!

Problem Solver

Kaila solves problems. She wanted more syrup.  I was outside,

so she got it.

..Add that to your store list today Ryan!

New Camera Test

It's kinda embarassing. We've been through about three point and shoot digital cameras. Every single time it says "zoom lens error," and upon a bit of research, it looks like something is stuck in the lens, probably a piece of sand. Part of the problem is that we always want to take pictures in cool places, ie, the beach, camping, hikes...places where sand, leaky waterbottles and sticky fingers abound. So, with a bit or research, I decided to try out a "Rugged Camera.." 

Supposedly,

     It's waterproof.

It's freeze proof.

It's dust/sand proof.

It can be dropped on concrete.

Sounds about right for our family. Here are a few pics from breakfast this morning, testers. Looks pretty good to me!

Blessings

As I look at these pictures, I can only think of the undeserved, abundant blessings that my family and I have in our lives right now. These pictures capture only a fraction of them, Ryan, Josiah and Kaila, my sisters and parents on both sides, other dear friends who have gone out of their way and put time aside to lavish me with love recently, awesome neighbors...the list goes on. 

I am so, so thankful. I cannot say that enough.

 

 These girls planned a Blessing Way for me and surprised me with this maternity shoot...the entire evening was absolutely beautiful. I have never had a photo shoot before, and it was a touching way to celebrate our third baby, my final (as far as we are concerned) pregnancy, and prepare for delivery. These women constantly impact my life and shape who I am, pushing me towards Christ and urging me to live has He lived. They encourage me to put movement to my feet to serve others and to continually fuel the love in my heart for Him.