Happy Birthday Mom

63 years ago today, my beautiful mother was born in a small town in Utah. If you saw her today you would never know she was 63-in spirit and in appearance. She was my first best friend when I came into the world and still is one of my best friends today. I couldn't ask for more in a mother. She has understood me in a way no one else can and continues to be a strength and comfort in my life. I love you mom!

I have loved watching her become the grandmother to my children. It has made me appreciate her in an entirely new way. I love to see her find joy in being grandma.

She has been there for us in every way and gives tirelessly of herself to make our lives better. I am afraid I have taken her for granted in my life and hope to redeem myself through acknowledging all the ways she has made me who I am today. The best way I know how to do this is through living my life in a way that can bring her joy and  allow her to feel the blessings and rewards of her labors to raise a good family.

Mom, I know it hasn't been the easiest 63 years but you have been an example of strength and faith that has taught me how to live in the same way. I want to grow up and be like you someday! Thank you for being you! Happy Birthday!

Eva's Photoshoot

When a sweet friend offered to take some pictures of Eva I jumped at the offer. Thanks Kim! She captured some sweet moments of our little Eva after two days of trying to get her to stay asleep and cooperate. Kim was so patient and I am grateful for her willingness to photograph her!

Quotes-February 2012

1. Maren and I were sitting by the baby and she says very matter-of-factly: " I think Eva has my nose." There has been a lot of talk about how Eva's nose is different than Maren's and she has been picking up on the conversation more than we realized. Careful what you say even around a 2-year-old!

2. "Maren when do you think you will go to the bathroom on a big girl toilet?" "When I am 20."

3. Our 2-week-old Eva giggled in her sleep. Cutest sound I have ever heard. 

Eva Joan Garlick

If all deliveries could be like this one I would never fear and be induced every time! I felt alert but without pain throughout the entire process. She came with very few pushes and cried her healthy cry confirming that she was alive and well. I felt an awareness of the beauty of it all that was more difficult to feel when Maren was born because I was so exhausted by then. What a miracle birth is. A time to celebrate. 

As usual a very proud and excited daddy.

I will never forget Maren's face when she first held her sister. I know she felt the spirit of the situation and was excited to have her sister finally come to be with her. The first thing she said was: "She is Snow White" because of her dark hair. She then said: "She's not talking, I want her to talk." I think she was expecting a playmate to come and start playing with her.

It was great to have my mom and dad in town for it all. They were a huge help. I loved having all the one on one time with them. I cried like a baby when they left. Love you guys!

Grandpa and Eva. Classic.

Eva always gives her Mamma a bright-eyed look when she talks to her. Its so sweet!

Maren loves her sister

One More Day

Tomorrow evening, (January 23, 2012) at approximately 8 pm I will be heading to the hospital not in labor but to experience labor through an induction. The thought of that makes me nervous because as we know it is not the natural way and so it puts mom and baby a tiny bit more at risk of the unknown. I confess that pain frightens me and I do not want to experience it like the first time. I have heard a wide variety of experiences from others about being induced and it leaves me feeling a little more fearful of the unknown. This is where having more faith comes in. I have been so fortunate to have an easy pregnancy and healthy baby that I feel that Heavenly Father wants for me to be ready, excited and willing to make new sacrifices each day for our family. He probably knew that if it was too hard I wouldn't do it over and over again! It is amazing to think about how much more He knows us and our needs than we could ever know ourselves.

I am grateful for the knowledge I have of  Him as my Eternal Father, that he loves me, and has given me many angels to guide and comfort me in this mortal life. It is an overwhelming feeling! I am grateful for each and every one of my family members and friends that care about me! Sometimes it is hard to accept so much love not wanting to burden or inconvenience someone else on my behalf. This is something I need to get over and allow them to receive the blessings for it. If you are reading this (or if you are not reading this) I want to thank you for your wonderful influence in my life!

Maren, my little ball of personality, I can see that you will be a great example to your little sister and to the future children in our family. I love you and always will. Thank you for helping me love on a deeper level. You make mommy and daddy very happy to have you in our family. Thanks for choosing us! 

Spencer, you are my angel and you give me wings! Thank you being an amazing father that gives me comfort in bringing these choice spirits into the world and helping me realize that we can do it with each other! Thank you for the faithful love you devote to me. I couldn't ask for more. I love you!

As I read over this, I laugh a bit because it sounds like the end....of something. I guess milestones in life help us reflect on the things that we are grateful for and give is the need to express it. So once again, thank you.

I am a Child of God

Christmas Morning

Whale Watching and Tillamook Factory

The week after Christmas is a week when grey whales come down from the North to have their babies in Baja California. We hoped to capture a few but didnt have much success. There were multiple locations where volunteers would wait to help you site them and give any information you wanted to know. Spencer saw one but they are located so far out that it was not the most exciting thing in the world. We went to the Cape Meares lighthouse located west of the Tillamook Cheese factory.

Maren was a brand new baby the last time we came here so we decided to come again. We also realized this will most likely be the last time we come out this direction before we move. A sad reality in lots of ways.

If daddy kneels, so does Maren

Maren spotted the car the minute we walked in the factory and threw a huge fit when we finally made her get out. You can see the pure excitement and joy she got out of driving the baby loaf .

Doesn't this farmer look like Spencer?

Maren saying "MOOOOO"

Last, we drove up the coast to Canon beach to eat at Mo's a famous seafood spot on the beach. We always enjoy the time we spend out here even if it is cold!

Mt Hood Adventure

Mt. Hood is about 2 hours away and we had never been there. Thanks mom and dad for the free night's stay! We went directly up to the famous Timberline lodge and ski resort to check it out. It was disappointing as it was raining in the snow and very windy. We tried to make the most of it and found a place to build a snow man. Maren had a lot of fun.

I love this look of joy on her face.

Maren really doesn't mind being cold. Again, just like her daddy.

Inside the lodge they had this really cool St Bernard that Maren was excited about.

This is a view of the lodge from the back.

Fell asleep reading "Goodnight Moon". I guess the book did its job. We ended up spending much of the evening in the hotel room relaxing. I had fun spending the time putting together a 500 piece puzzle by myself while Maren and Spencer watched football and Nemo. It was a relaxing trip.