Co-Sleeping: Seven Magical Months

From the night you were born, I was well aware that I was an attachment parent kind of mom. I already had a go with your big sister, and when I delivered you, they might as well have kept that bassinet for someone else because you never touched it. I wanted you, all of you for as long as possible. 

When we came home I did try, on the first night to put you in your Moses basket in between me and daddy, but, you cried and I said, "well that's it." And that is how our co-sleeping journey began. It has been the most incredible seven months. Every night I would snuggle your baby body close to mine and breathe you in. I could hear your breath, and feel the rise and fall of your chest. You would nurse in a dreamlike state, warm and cozy by my side. You and I were in tune. Every morning I would wake up to that marvelous face of yours. And each night I was excited to cuddle my precious baby again. 

And so this continued for seven magical, moving, delicious months. Daddy loved the closeness too, he knew you needed me and was very willing to share our king size bed with you. But as you reached six months, I could tell you were ready to transition to your crib. I gave myself one more night, the night going into your first Christmas morning. I enjoyed every sound you made, held your hand, kissed your lips and just soaked the night up. 

The next night I was shocked at how easy you went down in your crib, proving to me you were ready. I hardly knew what to do with myself once I crawled into bed. The next night my heart sank as I tiptoed away from your crib and slipped into my empty side of the bed. I pushed back tears as I recognized this phase of your babyhood had come to an end. It took me awhile to fall asleep that night, I snuggled close to daddy to feel his warmth. 

Thank you Henley for being my daughter, thank you for sharing one of the best experiences of my life with me. It will always be treasured. 

Goodnight my beauty. Sleep snug in Jesus light. 

Love you,

Mama

SIX is for sitting up and sweet potatoes

Henley my little. I can't believe you're six months old! Month five just flew right by. You are now army crawling everywhere, you can sit up and you started eating mommy's homemade baby food. We started with sweet potatoes and you loved them. Now you're eating butternut squash and you love that too. You are such a joy to have in our lives. You beam your radiant smile at everyone you meet. You love your swimming classes, giggling with your big sister, learning daddy, and everything mama. You and me baby, we're stuck like glue. You absolutely love nursing and we still co-sleep... ( I just can't seem to stop... I adore hearing you breathe and being able to cuddle your precious body close to mine. And I think it's best for you.) Your first thanksgiving was a lot of fun at Papa's house in New Braunfels. And now your first Christmas is just a few weeks away. So fun!

We love you baby girl.

Love,
Mama

Oh how I adore month FOUR!! ❤️

Henley Charlevoix... You are 4 months old!!! I can hardly believe it. You have grown SO much in the last month. Your darling personality is shining through...you are so happy, you smile so much now, and you GIGGLE! You hardly ever get upset, only when you're hungry or really sleepy. You reach for your toes, you're trying so hard to sit up, and to roll over. You have been sucking your left thumb (which daddy is thrilled about a lefty!), but lately you've discovered your hippo wubbanub. So we shall see which you prefer. You love when mommy sings, you love watching your sister, and you love daddy's low voice. You don't like being left out. We exclusively breastfeed and you don't like bottles yet (even though we need to try again because daddy and I need a date night.) You co-sleep with daddy and I, we love it. You sleep so soundly and I absolutely love snuggling with you all night. You are a perfect fit for our family! 

We love you so Lil H. 

Love, 

Mommy 

Tweedle dee already month three???

You are the sweetest, happiest, most low maintenance baby ever. Amongst my chaos these days I look over at you and you're just happy as can be. You make my heart sing.

At there months you weigh 16 lbs 11 oz...1 pound and a half bigger than your sister at this point. You're gorgeous and precious. I love the moments during naptime where I can finally sit down and nurse you and hold you. I absolutely love co-sleeping with you. I hold you close and just breathe you in, trying desperately to hold on to your baby-ness.

My daycare is in full swing and it can get nutty. Your sister loves you so much, she wants to talk to you, kiss you, hug you, hold your hand. And you sure do tolerate a lot, but then your sister has a habit of going too far and then you shed some tears. But 95% of the time you have the most lovely disposition. You're the perfect addition to our family Henley Charlevoix.

I'll always be here as your mama. Your forever friend.

Love you,

Mommy

My baby

People always talk about their second child so delicately, "Oh she's our baby." But until you have your second child you don't truly understand this concept. 

You my beauty, are my baby. And from the beginning I was almost in denial that you would ever grow up. Your birth was so magical for me, then we brought you home and you were so tiny (for me anyway), I remember changing tour bum and your lil bottom was so tiny! And now here you are 12 weeks old...we've already done so much. And we even bought size 3 diapers last night... (I don't think we technically had to, but we had a coupon and they were out of size 2). But as we got home, and as I changed you my heart felt sad thinking about you already being in size 3 diapers....😳 I mean I just got you and now you're in the 99th percentile for weight, 85th in height...your smiling and starting to talk all the time. You'll be three months old soon and it's hard for your mama to accept. 

I mean you're my baby! You're supposed to stay little forever. It's already hard enough watching your sister grow up so fast...please slow down. Jesus help me to enjoy the little moments, to truly be present. 

I love you more than I ever thought possible Henley Charlevoix. 

Love, 

Mama

Month Two

Your second month of life was another busy one. We went to Kenzie Mobley's 1st birthday party, played at the Bolton's and for the 4th of July we went to the Curbys. Then last minute we decided to go to the beach. 

So July 5-7th we went to Port A. I dipped your toes in the ocean and watched your sister run and play on the beach. You went into the pool for the first time. We had a great mini family vacation. 

Then a few days later we went with daddy to San Antonio for four days while we had a conference. We went to the children's museum with Karsyn & Gavin and then the San Antonio Zoo with Papa & Gigi. We also were able to meet your Great-Grandmother Mary Wiatrek, Great Aunt Becky and cousins Amanda, Travis, Raven, Savannah, and Cadence. You loved sitting in Great Grandma Mary's lap, you smiled and made faces at her. 

You still sleep in between daddy and I, we love having you near us. And one night I felt you sweet little body, you were so hot. So I took you downstairs and took your temperature, you were at 102.3 degrees, I called the pediatrician and they said to take you to the ER. I took your temperature again and it went up to 102.7 and I woke your daddy at 5 a.m. and we loaded up for the ER. When we arrived your temperature was now 103.7 and the doctor was very concerned because you were only 8 weeks old. They wanted to do every test in the book: take a urine sample with a catheter, put in an IV for fluids, take a blood sample and a chest X-Ray. The urine sample came back clear, the chest X-Ray showed you didn't have pneumonia and the blood work came back showing your white blood cell count was pretty low, a 5.3. The doctor said it was a bacterial infection, so they wanted to do a spinal tap to rule out meningitis. Daddy and I were so fearful of that test being done on you, you were so little and already so upset after the IV was placed. 

Daddy and I left the room and walked down the hall. Mommy prayed for you and hugged daddy with tears in my eyes. As soon as I saw the doctor I raced into the room and picked you up. But I was welcomed with your smiling face, you are so strong and so resilient. You blow me away. We waited for the spinal tap results, they came back clear. Which was a relief, but also frustrating that we didn't know what you were battling. We were released and went to the doctor, they said it was most likely a virus that would have to pass. But then a few days later, your urine culture had growth and the pediatrician wanted you back as soon as possible for a shot of antibiotics. The doctor said that you most likely had a urinary tract infection. Which is scary for a newborn, because you shouldn't get that. So now the doctor wants to perform two procedures to make sure your kidney's are functioning properly and that your urine isn't backing up instead of emptying correctly. Daddy and I are praying that the infection was random, you are healed and your kidneys are healthy. 

Those few days while we waited for the culture, you were not happy. You and I were connected 24/7, you were in pain and not happy. All we did was sit on the couch and nurse/nap all day. Then you turned a corner and started smiling and sleeping as before you were sick. Your sweet smile reappeared and we knew you  were feeling better. Praise Jesus! We love you so much Henley and hated you being sick. 

Xoxox 

Mama

First Month

What a busy first month of life! The first few weeks we just relaxed at home, YaYa came to help for one week, then Papa & Gigi came to help. At 3 weeks old we moved from Colorado back to Texas. We stopped in Ojo Caliente, NM it was nice to relax a bit during the move. 

Then we moved in with for the next year. We had your Sip n See on June 18th at YaYa's house. Everyone had a chance to come meet you...Nene & GOM drove down, Uncle Bill, The Mobley's, The Smith's, The Laine's, Uncle Chase, Papa, Gigi, DiDi, T, Nikki, Layton, Parker, Jennifer, R.J., The Bolton's...it was a great party! YaYa & DiDi made H cookies with all your birth on them. We made yummy food and strawberry-coconut margaritas. You got adorable outfits, including special ones from Uncle Bill with mushrooms on them to represent your namesake: Charlevoix, MI where the Mushroom House is. We're taking you there next summer! 

Then we had fun playdates with your new BFF Parker and Ellie. Met Hagen. YaYa made a beautiful basket full of pink treats from your birth...pink champagne, pink lip gloss, pink body wash, pink nail polish, pink loofah, pink body wash, pink desserts, pink toys...all so much fun! And Neicey made you a gorgeous blanket with your colors. Everyone already loves you so much. 

Including your sister...every morning she says, "Henny!" And every night we pray for you. She loves you so much and wants to hold you, kiss you, talk to you. It's awesome. What fun it will be to see you to grow up together. 

Love you sweet Henley! 

Love, 
Mama

Getting adjusted at home

Hello my sleeping beauty. We are getting adjusted as a new family of four. Halen loves you so much, she wants to hold you often and touch your tiny fingers and toes and of course give you kisses. You are a dream sleeper my dear. I remember praying for healthy and naturally loved to sleep. And boy do you love to sleep. You're letting me sleep 4 hours stretches at a time at night! Your sister never did that, she ate every hour. So I feel good, not delirious, which is shocking for me. 😊 You are such a great snuggler too, I love co-sleeping with you at night. 

The first few days were hard, I somehow developed a clogged duct on the right, which was super painful and frustrating for you because milk would not come out. We went to your 2 day appointment and found out you were down to 8 lbs, which was losing 7% of your body weight. Doctors become concerned at 10%...so mommy was nervous. I had to pump my right side and feed whatever I pumped to you via syringe, like you were a kitten. Then a few days later the clogged duct started to go away and a week later, it was gone. At your 2 week appointment you were up to 8 lbs 13 oz...almost up a whole pound! 

YaYa came to meet you when you were five days old, she stayed with us for a week. She loved holding you and playing with Halen. 

I think this is the beginning of the best time of our lives. Our family is complete (we are pretty certain) and it's exciting to start making memories as a family of four. And we move in 9 days for Austin. Daddy and I decided it was best to raise our girls near family there, but we'll be back to Colorado often to camp, hike, ski and enjoy this beautiful weather. Papa comes in a few days to meet you and help us move back! 

Keep growing sweet girl! We love you! 

Love, 

Mommy

Meeting your big sister, Halen

On Tuesday, May 24th, after a long day before of your birthday you big sister finally came to meet you. 

Her initial reaction was exactly what daddy and I could ever have hoped for. She squealed with joy and excitement saying, "Baby!" And she wanted to hold you right away, she reached out her sweet, two-year-old arms for her baby sister. We all gathered on the hospital bed, where Halen could hold you and she was so happy. Later she held you again on the couch and wanted to see your "toesies" and when you started to cry she said, "What happened baby?" Halen is so nurturing and so excited to have you as part of our family. 

She wore her pink Big Sister scrubs to come meet you, they were darling. She even got upset with me when I had to hold her and feed you. Halen would lift her shirt and say, "My milk." So so sweet. 

You two will be the best of friends and I am absolutely honored to facilitate and help nurture that precious relationship. 

We love you Henley!

Your birth story

My beauty, Henley...this is your birth story. I woke up on Monday, May 23rd and knew we were closer to meeting you, but I wasn't sure how close. This was a pretty big indicator to me that your arrival was imminent. I started paying closer attention to my body, a few hours later I felt contractions starting. We started timing them on your daddy's phone. Daddy went to work to tie up a few loose ends, and was back quickly. We showed our house to a potential renter. Then decided to go ahead and drive to Castle Rock to spend the day, just so we were close to the hospital. Daddy stopped to get me an egg sandwich and some yummy blueberry bread from Kneaders, then we went to the hospital. We just hung out in the lobby and I walked around. I knew that since contractions started, if I wanted things to progress I needed to keep moving. We were in contact with Aunt Sharon, our cousin, to watch Halen so we could focus. 

Around 11 we went to the doctor's office next to the hospital to get checked, I was 4 cm and 80% effaced, because I was Group Beta Strep+ they wanted me to stay close to the hospital. So we went and had lunch altogether, and then Halen fell asleep on daddy. I kept walking around, I found a loop in the hospital and kept walking it. Finally close to 2 p.m. Aunt Sharon came to pick up Halen, we gave your big sister lots of love and kisses, knowing the next time we'd see her, she'd be a big sister. 

Then it was time to focus. We put some of our bags behind the hospital check in desk and walked the hospital loop. We ended up walking 6 miles altogether. Daddy would time the contractions and for most of them I'd have to stop and hold on to daddy, breathe and focus. Finally, close to 4 p.m. my contractions were about 4 minutes apart for 45 seconds-1 minute long. So we called our midwife and they said to go ahead and get checked in to labor and delivery. We finally got wheeled up to our room, and a really nice nurse checked me, I was about 4-5 cm. Then she decided to see if my water had broken at all. So she did this test where it a swab gathers liquid to see if it's amniotic fluid. The test came back positive, so there was a small tear in your amniotic sack. So we were there to stay. Since I was GBS+ they needed to administer antibiotics at least four 
hours before you were born, so they got those started around 5. I experienced intense contractions in the bed, and daddy ran down to get the rest of our bags out of the car before things got too hectic. I really had to focus. Then once the antibiotics were done, I got unhooked and decided to bounce on the birthing ball. Daddy took a picture of my belly in my robe with the wireless monitors for your heartbeat and my contractions. Then we removed those and tried to relax. We turned on Big Bang Theory to help ease the tension. I really liked the birth ball. Every time I'd have an intense contraction I would lock eyes with your daddy and he'd tell me to relax, to breathe and I could do this. Daddy carried me through your birth. I knew I could do this, I wanted to do this, but it is so incredibly hard when you're actually going through it. Having your daddy as a solid, confident, unwavering birth partner was a huge part of my success. 

Our midwife arrived right before 7 p.m. and we talked about what I was feeling, I told her it felt as if my contractions were really close together. And I am a numbers person, I am very goal-oriented, so I decided to get checked so I knew where my body was. As soon as our midwife checked my cervix, which was at 8 cm at this point, the rest of my water broke and just rushed out. It was wild. From there contractions really increased in intensity and became even closer together. I told your daddy I would have you that night and the midwife guessed I'd have you in about 30 minutes, which is exactly what I needed to hear to motivate me. I hung on to your daddy for some contractions and I started to feel pressure. The nurse brought in the birthing stool, and finally I sat down on that. Your daddy sat down in front of me and held my hands and locked eyes with me through each contraction. Every single contraction there was a second or two where I didn't think I could do it, but every time your daddy would tell me how strong I was and how great I was doing. Breathing and focusing and not letting negativity creep in is the only way I made it without medication. 

At one point I felt the urge to push, so I started pushing, it started to really hurt. I felt the ring of fire, and the midwife, on her hands and knees on the ground, kept reassuring me that you were coming down the birth canal, and then the next push she could see a small crown of your head, and then the next push I pushed too hard and she told me to do half a push and your head came out and then the next push was the rest of your precious body. I reached down and grabbed you and pulled you out of me, onto my chest at 7:21 p.m. I was so elated that you were finally here and overwhelmed at what I just accomplished. As soon as you were out, I wanted to be in the bed. 

So we moved there and I just rubbed your back and kissed you all over. You were covered in fabulous vernix caseoa, it was so thick and I left it be, wanting it to soak into your darling skin. You had dark, wavy

hair and I even checked to make sure you were a girl. Our Henley Charlevoix had finally arrived! Daddy and I were beside ourselves. At one point, I handed you to daddy so he could hold you skin to skin and I delivered the placenta and got stitched up. You were weighed at 8 lbs 9 ounces and measured 20 1/4 inches long. Your head was perfectly round, small and perfect. Daddy handed you back to me and we started to finally slow down. 

I birthed you exactly how I envisioned, the nursing staff and midwives were fluent on our natural birth plan and completely supportive. It was an incredible, raw, real journey. I felt all the feels. I am so happy. We are both healthy and now we get to start a new version of life together. I love you more than every star in the Rocky Mountain sky and more than every grain of sand on the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan. 

Welcome Henley Charlevoix, we're honored to have you. 

Love, 

Mommy 

“When you change the way you view birth, the way you birth will change.” ~Marie Mongan

My beauty Henley, 

I am 37 weeks 2 days pregnant with you and this is about the time when everything becomes very real. At any moment you could decide that you are ready to enter our world. And I have to tell you, I am really excited. 

I am looking forward to the whole process. I loved your older sister's birth and know I'll love yours as well. I know I am different than the rest when I say I look forward to a natural, unmedicated birth...but in all honesty I do. I fully embrace the entire journey beginning to birth. Something about bringing a baby, my baby into the world gives me so much joy that I don't want to miss anything. I like to feel, I want to feel the process. I like to know that my body was made to not only build your precious body, but made to birth it as well. I don't want to be numb or altered when you arrive. 

Our plan is to deliver you at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital, about 22 minutes from our house. I have your hospital bag packed and Halen's big sister bag packed. Aunt Sharon and Uncle Kurt will watch Halen while we go to the hospital to deliver you. Your YaYa arrives May 28th for a week. Daddy thinks you'll arrive May 25th, my guess was June 1st. But I am ready for you to come earlier. 

Now that I've been through your sister's birth, I know what my body can handle and I'm so ready for your birthday. I have made my essential oil roll-ons to help with labor, pain, delivery, for your anointing, and postpartum. I told the midwife I want to pull you out, and have daddy help catch you. I remember being able to feel your sister's hair as she was emerging and I loved it. 

I know I'll go into my zone and breathe, change positions, your daddy is awesome at helping during birth. And I really hope YaYa can be there. She held my leg when your sister was born and it was such a special experience for both her and I. 

I'm ready for it all Henley. I'm ready for the pain to know that you're on your way, I'm ready to focus, I'm ready to push, I'm ready to feel your body on my chest, to kiss you and finally see your face. And I am [cannot find words] ready for you to meet your big sister. When I get to finally hold my two girls at once, will be one of the greatest days of my life. 

It's almost time precious one. Praying for healthy, safe, awesome delivery. 

I love you so. 

Love, 

Mommy

Baby Sprinkle

Hello my beauty! We celebrated your upcoming arrival on April 23rd at Lauren Reese's house for a baby sprinkle! It was so much fun! It was based around brunch, and so many came including: Kiki, Lariel, Aunt Sharon, Kenzie, Aunt Marilyn, Keziah, Theresa, Ashley Chambless (from mommy's bible study) and many more. 

We are delicious food of French toast, a casserole, yummy fruit and dip plus mimosas! Everyone guessed when you'd be born and how much you'd weigh. We opened presents, you got some adorable clothes, a summer carrier so mommy can take you in the pool with your active sister. You got a frame to commemorate each month of your first year of life, diapers (hurray!), a cross for your room, your scripture, a beautiful sign with your name on it, precious headbands, sheets for your crib, a Koala bear hooded towel, and sweet bibs.

It was so nice to take time and celebrate you. The cake was so beautiful! Pink hombre with lemon and raspberry. Very sweet of Lauren. 

Then the next week my women's bible study through a small baby sprinkle to celebrate you! Everyone brought some appetizers or dessert. Then we played some fun games like tasting baby food and drinking water fast out of a bottle. Haha! You received more cute clothes, diapers, and toys. We all prayed over you. It was so special. 

I am 36 weeks tomorrow! Daddy thinks you'll come May 25th, I guess June 1st. I just want you to fine while YaYa is here! She comes May 28-June 4th to help. Your heart rate is 135 and you're head down. Ready to go! Halen loves helping at all your appointments, she holds the tape measurer and the heart beat monitor in my belly (and hers). She makes the appointments eventful! 

We're so excited to meet you Henley Charlevoix!!! We pray for your growth, health and a safe delivery. 

Love, 

Mommy 

33 weeks

Hello my beauty. We had our 33 week appointment on Wednesday, we got to hear your precious heart beat and Halen wanted to help with every step. She loves measuring my belly, and putting the heart heat monitor on my belly. She's learning more and more about your arrival. Our midwife couldn't tell if you were head down, so she grabbed the ultrasound machine and confirmed you were indeed head down. She also was able to confirm that you are in fact our Henley GIRL. I just wanted another confirmation. 💗 

We discussed our birth plan and everything is becoming more and more real. I started packing our hospital bag, including lil outfits for you, pink bow, mittens, the quilt I used that YaYa made me when Halen was born, burp cloths that say your name on them. We're getting SO excited for your arrival sweet girl. 

Daddy thinks you will arrive May 25th...my guess is June 1st. YaYa arrives May 28th to help us. Papa & Gigi arrive on June 8th to help. My baby sprinkle is April 23rd, I am so excited to celebrate you! 

You are oh so loved baby girl! Stay cozy, developed those lungs, finish your growing and we'll see you in 7 weeks or less! Just not earlier than May 25th...okay? 

Love you more than you'll ever know.

Love, 

Your Mama

Babymoon

Hello my beauty! Last week your daddy, big sister Halen and I drove down to Austin, TX for our babymoon. Daddy and I wanted some time to rejuvenate our marriage before your arrival. It is so important to keep your husband as number one, under Jesus of course. To make sure you're making time for each other, truly listening to each other, loving each other and not let life get in the way of your marriage.

So that is what your daddy and I were trying to do. Halen spent part of the week with YaYa and the other half with Papa. She was able to spend a lot of time with your cousin Crash too, which is very special.

Daddy and I stayed at the Weirichs (your DiDi & T's house) and then we stayed at Hotel San Jose for two nights. It was really nice to sleep in, cuddle, eat yummy meals, and just focus on each other. We thought about you the whole time, as you move a lot in my belly. We bought you two cute pink outfits and thought about what you'll look like and what you'll act like. It's very exciting.

We celebrated daddy's 33rd birthday and Easter with our family and friends. Then we drove back to Colorado and had our 30 week appointment. Your heart rate was 145, and you were moving all over. Halen loves to help in the appointments, she holds the heart rate scanner on my belly and likes to help measure how big my tummy is.

Halen is still gathering information, but she knows you are on your way. She will be a great big sister.

We love you Henley! Stay cozy. I am 31 weeks today, we have at least 8 more to go ti we see your beautiful face.

xoxo Love, Mama

26 weeks

Hello my beauty! I went to your 26 week appointment on Thursday, February 25th. We heard your heartbeat and measured my tummy. Everything sounded great! 

It's hard to believe you'll be here in no time. Neicey started on your baby blanket and I've been setting up your registry. We made an appointment with the hospital to register and fill out my birth plan. We decided to have you at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. It's beautiful and will be perfect for your birth. 

Halen loves to blow raspberry kisses on my belly to say hello to you. Daddy gets nervous when I push on my tummy too much to feel you. We're all very excited to meet you.

I go back in two weeks to check my blood and make sure I am as healthy as can be. I know how I want to decorate your room, but we may be moving back to Texas this summer. So, your nursery is on hold until we decide what to do. We love living in Colorado, but we miss our family and friends terribly. It's very difficult being so far from all of them. 

We love you sweet girl! Keep growing and stay cozy. See you in 13 weeks! 

Love, 

Mama

Hello Henley Charlevoix

Today we went to your 22 week appointment and were able to see your beautiful little body. Daddy and I saw your hands, your feet, your darling profile, your strong heart, and miraculous brain. It was such a treat to lay back and watch our sweet girl in action. You were moving all over, we even saw you yawn! The tech said you weigh at about 1 lb 3 oz so far! Our strong, healthy girl! We told the tech that we didn't want to know yet if you were a boy or a girl. I had created a paper for both genders with the names we picked out. We had the tech put pictures to show boy or girl in the envelope. Then after, daddy and I met with our midwife (who is amazing) she assured us how beautiful 

and healthy you looked, then we went to dinner at Maggianos. We ordered mussels to start and got half way through when we just couldn't wait any longer. We opened the envelope and quickly saw that we were expecting our Henley Charlevoix! Daddy instantly started crying happy tears, we hugged and just kept saying we couldn't believe it. Daddy was so convinced you were a boy, but truly hoped he would be getting his girl. Daddy said from the beginning he wanted to be surrounded by girls...looks like The Lord is making that dream come true.

So excited for our Henley!





We could not be more excited for you sweet baby girl! We prayed over you, wished for you, and loved you from the moment daddy and I made you. We have been so excited about your name, which you may be wondering where your daddy and I thought of this. Henley is a family name after our precious cousins in Colorado (your Kiki, Julian, Jeremy, Cali, Lariel & Loren...they all love you so much already) and it is a fun connection to Don Henley from the Eagles. Your sister is partially named after Van Halen, so we felt it fitting to connect you to a classic rock band as well. Charlevoix is your daddy and my favorite town in Michigan classy, beautiful, and quaint; Uncle Bill owns a mushroom house up there that we absolutely adore. We're very excited to take you one day. Now we are just over the moon excited to meet you. We are thrilled to see what you look like.

Which brings me to your big sister. Henley, you are entering a family that has worked so hard and is so full of love. Your big sister, Halen is such a fun, strong, nurturing girl. She is going to be such a wonderful role model and your best friend for life. I, as your mom, cannot be more excited for you to have this precious relationship of sisterhood.

We were super excited to tell your grandparents! We sent each of them a bouquet of pink flowers, "It's a Girl!" balloons and a sweet notes saying you were on your way! Here is your Papa with his surprise!

We will be praying for your growth and maturity, enjoy mommy's cozy belly. 18 more weeks to go baby girl! I love you with all my heart.

And here is the scripture I chose for you:

Be strong and courageous; do not be discouraged or dismayed, for The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Love.

Mommy