Baby Dedication

http://youtu.be/ye0kXxt7stk
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Every Mother's Day our church does Baby Dedication. It's a time for parents to make a promise publicly before God and our church family to raise our baby to learn about God's love. It was such a special day for me--one I had anticipated since I found out I was pregnant last June. Every Mother's Day in the past had brought tears as I thought about the day that I would stand their with my own baby. It was so sweet to watch these parents with such pure hearts commit to raise their baby to know how much God loved them. I knew God's timing for us would be perfect; I couldn't wait!

This year was no different. My birthday was the day before, and I had been asked if I was excited to celebrate it. The answer in my heart surprised me. It was no, not really. I was more anxious for the dedication of our precious bundle of joy way more than turning another year older. Colton Dean is our love bug...the one we have prayed for and waited for. He is the most perfect present ever. I guess priorities do change when a baby enters your life...and this was my proof.

We were surrounded by our church family at the Boulder City campus of Hope Baptist Church on May 8th, 2011. My heart was about to burst as I stood beside my husband, who was holding our son, as I looked into the faces of our sweet friends who had come to support and celebrate with us. We are incredibly blessed to have amazing friends who love us unconditionally.

going back to work.

I could hardly believe that May 12th had already arrived. This was a date that I have dreaded, wished would never come, and yet it did to my dismay. May 12th = maternity time is up and I must return to work. (All be it for 20 days of work...but still!!)

My baby boy was 13 weeks and 2 days old already--and that time seemed to fly by!--and I was so blessed to spend every single one of those days with him. Just simply watching my love bug brought me the greatest joy!

We have an amazing set-up for Colton while I work; God has greatly blessed us with this!!

Wes will have Colton for half of the time I am working. He is super excited to have time with his son...to do "man things" he tells me. And what a gift...time with his baby boy! I couldn't ask for a better "babysitter" for our son than his very own Daddy.

While I am working and Wes is working, Colton is with our neighbor who is a stay-at-home mommy with her 11 month old son. We literally walk Colton 5 houses down in his stroller each day. She is excellent with him...she says Colton gives her a much needed "baby" fix since her son is becoming much more independent.

While on maternity leave I had the MOST amazing teacher taking my place. I had such peace while gone, knowing the students were in her loving and great care. She was so sweet to have a small presentation for me from the students where they read me the book "On the Day You Were Born". The students also wrote letters to Colton welcoming him to the world. Cute! Thank you Carolyn. You totally rock!! :)

sign on whiteboard when I got back to work on Thurs.

made me grin. :D

book for Colton and a notebook full of letters written to him from the 3rd graders.
the class & Carolyn

the dedication page.

{started to tear up here!!}

______________________________________________________

text pics of bugga-boo on my 1st day back.

our neighbor is so thoughtful...she sends us both text pictures of Colton daily. we love it.

I don't know who texted to check in more on our little guy....Mommy or Daddy!

{p.s. it was Daddy by 1 text!}

Hi Mommy & Daddy! I'm having fun!

Had a great nap...now I am playing with new toys!

AND.........

my new rocking chair!!!

I'm UBER excited about this...we've been looking for a white, "old school" rocking chair since before the babe was born. Wes found this on clearance at work. :)

Rockin' & Readin'

{"Guess How Much I Love You"}

not a more perfect way to end my 1st day back to work.

[thanks Semmlers for dinner from Pei Wei...it made my day!]

rub-a-dub-dub...

Colton's in the tub!

[week 13]

this week he weighed in at 14 pounds!!

SO super serious during bath time...it's rare for me to get a smile while he's in the tub.

but I know he's having fun because he kicks his feet like a motorboat & waves his arms like he's flying!

my little Colton burrito.

gotta love the "strategically" placed towel...happened naturally, I promise! :)

check out the new rolls on his thigh! sooo yummy!

new thing: rolling onto side to play! he's also rolling to his back from his side.

go buddy go!

and of course sticking blanket into mouth.

delish! :)

Celebrating May 8th

In our home, May 8th, 2011 is a big day!!

It is Wes' 30th birthday,

Colton is 3 months old today,

and, it's my 1st Mother's Day!

3 month old Colton Dean.

Happy Birthday to my best friend, husband, and love of my life!

after church we went to the Smith's to celebrate!

cupcakes are always good for celebrating...birthdays, mother's day, meeting weight loss goals, and reconnecting with great friends.

the guys.

Wes, baby Colton, Jeff, Chris

the girls.

Ariane, baby Colton, Kristie, Stephanie D., Riedy (Steph)

for Mother's day...

"Colton asked me to get you a BIG chocolate bar so he could have some too!"

There's nothing quite as sweet as a sleepy little head nestled on your shoulder.

There's nothing quite as wonderful as being a new mom.

Happy 1st Mother's day, your hubby.

so much love from our dear family and friends!!

thank you all for your kind wishes. :)

oh melt my heart...

Oh melt my heart little man, when you smile at me this way!


Wishing all the moms a wonderful Mother's Day!
And a special Mother's Day wish to my Mom and to Julie. Love you!

We have a FUN weekend ahead of us!!
Saturday... is A's bday!
Sunday...is W's bday!
Sunday...is also my FIRST Mother's day. (What a joy--so dreamed of this day for years!)
Sunday...is baby dedication for Colton at church.
fun, fun, fun!!

12 weeks old!

Our lil' man is 12 weeks old!

(I can officially say 3 months on the 8th according to Wes. *grin*)

He's growing out of his "little" 3 month clothes and into his "big" 3 month and even into those sized 3-6 months. He has been in diapers size 1-2 and this weekend we'll move him into size 2. Not sure of his exact weight, but think he must be over 14 lbs. He is still nursing every 3 hours--like clockwork! For the past week or so Colton has slept from 10:00 at night to 5:30 a.m. Pretty amazing if you ask me!

We are such new parents: we stare at the baby all the time, do super silly faces to get him to smile, and call each other into the room if one of us missed something cute or Colton is doing something new. Of course we try to capture the new things on camera to share with our loved ones who aren't here---so enjoy week 12! :)

Our days are filled with his smiles, giggles, and sweet snuggles.

soooo active! constantly moving his legs and arms.

adorable. :)

new thing: sticking ENTIRE fist in mouth.

Who's so big??

Colton is! 12 week pic in carseat.

super tired not just the fist going into his mouth, but bunny too.

fell asleep like that in my arms. so yummy.

12 weeks pic on his changer.

could he be any cuter?

We went to a 3 year old's bday party and Colton was so enthralled watching the big kids play with balloons, dancing, and having a tissue paper toss.

Trying out the Bumpo for 1st time. He's not quite sure what to think about this...

"Dad thinks I'm rad."

True story!!! :)

Mommy thinks I'm rad, too!