We Love Our New Baby Brother

Gavin and Chloe just adore Brayden. They each wanted a turn to hold him this morning before going to school. Last night Gavin didn't want to go to soccer practice because he didn't want to leave Brayden. Grandma Ellis came over last night to meet Brayden and Chloe kept asking her when she was going to leave so that she could hold the baby. Usually the kids are begging Grandma to stay longer. I guess the baby wins this round. Sorry Grandma.

Brayden Is Coming Home!

Our sweet little baby boy has been cleared to leave the state of Utah and come home with us. We are so excited. The kids could hardly sleep last night after finding out that we would be home tonight.

That's What Friends Are For

Brayden and I visited Megan, a dear college friend of mine. We spent the afternoon talking, laughing and admiring Brayden. I love sharing my new bundle of joy with my friends. He is such a little miracle. Megan took these amazing pictures of Brayden. 

Easter & Elisha's Birthday

Brayden and I spent Easter day with Elisha and Ben's families. I enjoyed getting to know more about them and their families. 

 Brayden & Debbie (Elisha's Mom)

 Lexi (Elisha's younger sister) holding Brayden

 Ben, Ben's Mom Norma, and Elisha with Brayden

 Elisha, Carson (8yrs.), Dominica (2yrs), & Brayden (2 weeks)

Photo Shoot

I have had a lot of extra time to do what I want while I wait for clearance.  I decided to take Brayden to Kiddie Kandids at Babies R Us today to have his picture taken. I didn't want to miss out on those brand new baby photos. Babies grow and change so quickly. The photographer was so patient with Brayden and it paid off. She got some really cute pictures of him. 

 This is one of my favorite pictures of Brayden. 

I brought the teddy bear to the studio. I gave Elisha a teddy bear just like Brayden's so that we can take pictures of him with his teddy and show her how he has grown compared to the teddy bear. We did this with our other two kids as well.

 This is a sweet face anyone could love.

 This picture was taken right after I gave Brayden about an ounce of formula.

 Another angelic picture.

 Sweet baby boy

 Randy doesn't know it yet, but this is one of the things he is going to get for Father's day.

He loves a cute foot picture.

 Brayden has checks that must be kissed. I just can't help it. They are kissable.

 Brayden makes me so happy. I love being his mom.

There is nothing sweeter than a peacefully sleeping baby.

 I could stare at his sweet face for hours.

Playing At the Park

Today we meet with Elisha at a park in Lehi and spent a couple hours together. This was the first time she had seen or spoken to Randy. It could have been awkward, but we had a really nice time together. We spent the time getting to know each other, taking pictures and holding Brayden. I love to watch Elisha hold and kiss Brayden. I can see how much she loves him and wants him to be happy. This is so difficult for her, but she is determined to put Brayden's needs above her own. What a wonderful gift of love.

Elisha, Carson and Brayden. 

 Dominica was at the park to, but she was having to much fun swinging and going down the slide to take pictures with us.

Carson gave this cute summer outfit to Brayden. He proudly picked it out himself.

BYU Baby

Randy and I took Brayden down to BYU today to show him around the campus. Well, Brayden mostly slept while I carried him in the Baby Bjorn and Randy and I reminisced about our college days. Luckily this was one of the few sunny days we had the whole time I was in Utah.

 We forgot our sunglasses so we could hardly see,

 but we wanted to get a picture of the Y in the background.

 We decided to get our white Washington skin out of the sun,

sit down and admire our precious little boy. You can see the new

library in the background.

 A family picture in front of the administration building.

 Sleepy boy. You are missing it.

 This is where we purchased souvenirs for the kids.

 Randy couldn't go home without a baby and empty handed.

 Brayden holding onto Randy's finger.

 We took a walk along the new path on Mazer Hill. 

There were so many families out for an afternoon stroll. 

The path has changed so much.

 It was beautiful instead of being stalker scary.

Do we have a future BYU fan or alumni? Only time will tell.

It doesn't hurt to get them started young. What a cute boy.

Randy Meets Brayden

Randy flew into Salt Lake City this evening to meet our sweet little boy. There was an instant connection between them. Who wouldn't love a sweetie pie like Brayden?

 I love this picture.

 Randy feeding Brayden for the first time.

 How sweet is this?

 The "football" carry. Gavin loved to be held like this.

 Brayden doesn't seem to mind it either.

This isn't the best picture, but it is a memorable one.

Brayden Leaves the Hospital

I flew into Salt Lake City around 6:30pm and drove directly to A Act of Love Adoption Agency to meet Brayden and his birth family for the first time. Brayden and Elisha were just being released from the hospital that evening. These were some of the first pictures taken of Brayden out of the hospital. After holding him it was hard to say good-bye and go to my hotel alone. When I got on the airplane in afternoon I thought that Brayden was going to be placed with me tonight. By the time I reached SLC the agency called me and told me that since our background checks hadn't cleared yet we would have to wait. The agency decided to put Elisha, Ben and Brayden up in a hotel so that the baby wouldn't have to go home with her. It was a little hard to see them so attached to Brayden, but I felt peaceful about the decision we had made to accept this baby. I just kept saying to myself, "It will be OK. You can do this." 

Brayden in Elisha's arms

Brayden, Elisha and Dominica (Elisha's 2 year old daughter)

Holding Brayden for the first time.

 He was so tiny, warm and beautiful. He was perfect.

Gavin's Baptism

It was so wonderful to have so many friends and family members at Gavin's baptism. It made the day extra special for him.

Gavin's cousins, Clara and Taya and sister Chloe sang at his baptism.

They sang "The Fourth Article of Faith" and "When Jesus Christ Was Baptized"

They did a great job. At the last minute I had to bribe Chloe with a promised handful of jellybeans 

when we got home. She decided it was worth it and belted out the songs.

Gavin and Randy in their white clothes

Gavin, Randy and Chloe

Grandma and Grandpa Lewis with Gavin

Randy, Gavin and Julie

Grandma Ellis, Randy and Gavin