haven

I am a very visual person.  Images speak to me powerfully.  And so, as you'd expect, capturing moments into pictures means a lot.  These photos were taken on my last day in Indiana, nearly two weeks ago now.  Hard to believe.  My family (with the exception of my mom, who came out to Utah in April) has only been able to see me twice since I got pregnant and the next time we lock eyes on each other I will be holding a little bundle of baby in my arms (and then probably won't get a chance to hold her again till she's screaming to be fed).

I've said it many times, but the words will never be over-used to me:  I love these people.  Their company is a beautiful sanctuary of friendship; a haven of unconditional love and so much laughter (usually over things no one else understands...).

Besides my sweet husband, no other people have loved me like this... no other people have prayed for me so faithfully... no other people have held me as I wept over crushed dreams and rejoiced over fulfilled hopes.

I am pretty excited about the family my daughter is being born into... including Andrew's side, of course, since they are their own amazing version of wonderfulness!  <3

So, with few more words... here are some dear moments we captured forever... my family celebrating the life of my daughter; their granddaughter and niece.

My girl has such an epic group of aunts!  Five in all, each uniquely amazing!

Her two uncles are pretty awesome too (and really excited to meet her!).

Fun fact:  Sammie is now the same age I was when she was born!  It is so wonderful to look at how truly-good our sister-friendship is and think, "Wow!  This is how Sammie and Serenity could be one day!!!".  Not that either of them are allowed to grow up any time soon...  ;-)

KISSES!!!

Family, I love you all.  Each of your faces, voices, SELVES!  You fill my heart with so much joy.  Thank you for being *almost* as excited as Andrew and I are to be welcoming a baby into our lives!  Serenity has so much to look forward to as you pour into her life.  <3

Friends, thank you for continuing to walk this path with me!  It has been a crazy journey so far and is sure to get even more wild and beautiful in the days and years to come.  I treasure you all.

<3