Live nativity

Our family was lucky enough to participate in a live nativity this week. A family in our neighborhood puts on the nativity every year in memory of the woman's mother, who died of cancer. All profits go to cancer research and other charities. They re-create the ancient city with Roman soldiers, donkeys, llamas, bread makers, basket weavers, and lots of games and noise and commotion. Then, guests travel down a path to a separate stable where Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus are sitting quietly. JD and I played Mary and Joseph and our sweet girl got to be the part of our Savior. We sat in the stable for an hour and a half and pretended like we were the parents of Jesus Christ. Humbling, to say the least. Tenley wasn't perfect the whole time. There were crowds who saw her crying and being soothed by a bright green pacifier. . . but there were other times when she stared up at the people in wide-eyed wonder and the Spirit was so strong. I loved the reactions of young children- "Look, Baby Jesus!" "It's a real baby." "Jesus was such a cute baby." "I love Jesus." 

Knowing we were going to be in the nativity, I've been thinking all week about Mary and Jesus and the real reasons I celebrate Christmas. It's been good to have those thoughts in the back of my mind as we've pulled out all the red and green decor, set up our tree, and hung up our lights. This season, as always, I hope my choices reflect my belief in and love for the Savior. 

Oh, my heart!

Oh, my heart! It could explode looking at all this yummy baby goodness. Holly took these pictures of us while my mom was here in October and Tenley was just a week old. I picked a few of my favorites to share. I can't get over her sweet little features and precious, tiny body. My heart pitter patters when I think, "This is my daughter. She's mine!" Sometimes I feel like spinning in happy circles and dancing and singing loud, off-tune praises to my Heavenly Father for the blessing of being her momma. And guess what? Sometimes I do! Ha, wild singing and haphazard dancing and made-up rhymes are supposedly very stimulating for little babes, right?! Anyway, do enjoy these lovely photos. It just doesn't get much better. Thanks again, Holly!

Favorite turkeys.

My best part of Thanksgiving week was JD's break from school. He didn't have classes on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday and we mostly just lounged around at home. Tenley and I were so happy to see so much of Daddy! We played and snuggled and cooed and smiled to our hearts' content. 

Those two. . . they're definitely my favorite turkeys around ;)

(And oh.my.gosh. look at her holding that head up! So strong! So big! So beautiful!)

Weekend Recap

On Friday night, JD had to work. Abby came over for a few hours and we watched a few too many episodes of Say Yes to the Dress while she snuggled Tenley. Then, after Abby went home, I had dinner with the Williams upstairs and we watched Toy Story 2 and played games. On Saturday morning, JD made a yummy breakfast, we ran errands together, and we watched some college football (I love when he doesn't work on the weekends!) In the evening, we left Tenley with the Skousens for a few hours so we could go bowling with Dave and Melissa. 

After bowling, we headed over to Jeremy and Stefanie's to watch the BYU game. On Sunday morning,  JD went to church and I stayed home and cuddled with Tenley (can't wait til she's old enough to go  back again!) Our baby girl is a month old, so we had a little photoshoot.

On Sunday evening, we had a pre-Thanksgiving dinner with JD's mom's side of the family. JD's aunt and cousin both had babies a few months before we had Tenley. It will be so fun for them to grow up with such close friends!

It was a packed weekend, but it felt good to get out of the house a little bit. Now. . . back to a low-key week at home with my girl :)

Baby girl.

I love spending my days with this little beauty. She loves being cuddled and held and loved on. . . which works out great because I love snuggling her ;) She is getting so strong and totally rocks it during tummy time. She's pretty alert and I think I'm finally convinced she knows who I am. She's close to 7 lbs now, according to my humble-at-home-stand-on-the-scale-with-and-then-without-her calculations. I am so grateful she is healthy and growing. Love her!

Generations.

Over the weekend, my grandma EG and Aunt Wendy flew in from Texas to meet Tenley and spoil me. They bought us presents, snuggled my babe, helped me run errands and babysat for us while JD and I went on our first date sans baby. I was so grateful they made the trip and felt super loved during their stay. Before my mom left, we took some pictures of the four generations. Tenley wasn't being super agreeable that day and is screaming in most of them. . . major bummer. But! One decent picture is all you need, right?! 

I love these ladies. I am grateful for their examples, their love, and their commitment to motherhood. I feel an overwhelming sense of duty as I move forward as a mother. . . to continue building on their legacy of faith, kindness, and cheerfulness. I want to be happy like they are. I want to teach my children to think of others, to serve willingly, and to uplift those around them. Essentially, I just want to be like them. 

Sweet Tenley girl, I promise to do my best!

Her first two weeks.

I can hardly believe it's been two weeks (and two days) since Tenley's birth day. My Momma's been in town for the last ten days and flew out this afternoon. Gosh, now the real work begins! She was so good to us- cooking, cleaning, laundering, running errands, and making sure I got enough rest. We are going to miss our Gracy! (Grandma + Stacy= Gracy) Here's a recap of our baby's life so far:

We met our little angel and spent some time in the hospital recovering.

 We left the hospital and gave her a bath at home for the first time.

 We snuggled in the grass and celebrated Daddy's birthday.

 We took naps and had a sweet newborn photo shoot.

 We tried out the baby swing and cheered on the BYU cougars.

 We shared tender moments and played with Gracy.

 We wore cute outfits and celebrated Halloween.

We sure love this little girl!