What We're Thankful For

This Thanksgiving was a very special one. It's always wonderful to take the time to count our blessings, visit with family, and eat lots of delicious food. We had a great time visiting Lance's brother's family in Erda this year (which is up by Tooele- I know, I had never heard of it either. In fact, I don't even know if I spelled it right). Unfortunately we forgot our camera, but when we got home we did get a picture of what made this Thanksgiving so special:



I guess the real reason why this year was so great was simply because last year Thanksgiving came at the one of the saddest times of my life- the very week I had found out I had miscarried and the day after I had my surgery. So in way, it's been a bittersweet Thanksgiving- bitter as we remember the hurt we experienced last year, and amazingly sweet as we have seen how greatly the Lord has blessed us since then. My testimony has grown of how the Lord truly knows what is best for us and how much He loves us.

With the official arrival of the Christmas season my heart is especially full. This year, I have a greater appreciation for the love our Heavenly Father has for us. I never knew how much my heart could grow until our precious Andy was placed in my arms. If I cringe when my little boy has to get his blood drawn, or when I worry that he is sick or hurting, I catch a glimpse of the deep pain and amazing restraint it took for our Heavenly Father to let His Only Begotten, His own precious Son, suffer so tremendously to bring about the atonement. How grateful I am for that amazing sacrifice! And how thankful I am for this special time of year, when we celebrate the birth of our Redeemer. As I look into my little boy's eyes, I remember that our own Savior was once a tiny baby, born in humble circumstances but destined to save all of mankind. How wonderful to know that because of Jesus Christ we can each be clean and whole, and together we can be a forever family. And that's what we're thankful for!

Cast Your Vote!

Who do you think Andy looks more like-- his mommy or his daddy? (Ignore the fact that Lance has his teeth sticking out in most of the pictures.) These were actually quite difficult to take- I had to try to hold noodle-neck Andy up while Lance snapped a one-handed photo. However, I don't think we could recreate the yawn picture in a hundred takes! It makes me laugh every time I look at it.

Proud Papa

Lance is the cutest daddy ever. We got to go on a couple walks this weekend and part of the purpose was just so Lance could show off his handsome boy to some of our friends and neighbors. I love to watch him puff up his chest and brag about his son!

The Third Piece of Rees has Arrived!

After working 8 of my 12 hour shift, I was able to pass off my laboring patients to my fellow nurses and be admitted myself! Andrew Elliott Rees arrived at 2:50 am on October 30th, 2010 weighing a grand 8 pounds 11 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. No wonder I was so uncomfortable! We are much happier having our not-so-little Andy on the outside rather than on the inside. He's wonderful! But enough with the talk. Here are some pictures of our sweet boy:

Not just a cone head- a tube head is more like it!


Can you get a cuter face?

First family photo! I was pretty swollen by the end, but I'm blaming that puffy face on the IV fluids.

Andy meeting his cousins Morgan and Josh.

Meeting Grandpa Rees

The Billibed of Torture! Andy had to be in this bed 24/7 for two days to help get rid of his jaundice. We're glad he's looking pink again!
Grampa Fife making sure that Andy really is healthy (for his mommy's sake)

Saying goodbye to Grandma and Grampa Fife. Wahh!

Andy learns that just because you can suck on it doesn't mean it will taste good!

We are grateful that both mom and baby (and daddy!) are doing well. Thanks to everyone who sent cards, gifts, and good wishes. We have such awesome friends and family!