I didn't know what being a mom was fully going to entail.  Knowing that I loved him with all my heart was a good start.  I didn't know the type of responsibility being a mother was but thankfully God knew.  He also knew I was ready and with a little encouragement and love from Him through the people around me I would thrive. 
Each day Garrett hears a story from his new story bible.  We learned about Noah this morning and how he obeyed God and how we should obey God too. Sharing God with him in these stories has been really special.  He doesn't understand yet but I cherish being the one to teach him about the one that loves him more than I ever could. One day we will find his first bible and may the pages be well worn and read over. 
A godly parent requires more than opening up a children's story bible and saying a short prayer with your child.  It is living a life that shines Christ and reflects the very attitude of The King.  Which means taking time yourself to dig into God's word and having a daily relationship with him that includes talking with Him.  It's not easy to follow God because as I've learned it takes discipline and I happen to be lazy and self-centered. Thankfully, He is patient, loving, and always forgiving. 

During this pregnancy I was overjoyed to become a mom and meet my son.  Somewhere along the way I lost that God given joy as it was replaced with endless worries.  Our culture has an opinion about everything of course and they don't shy away from throwing in advice about how you parent.  There is two sides to every issue and each side has a pretty good argument.  It almost reminds me of politics..it is incredible how a person can become so heated over whether or not you should put your child on a schedule, if they should use a pacifier, and many more small issues on the right way to take care of your child.  It's not my desire to mess up because I want the best for Garrett.  But i'm ..slowly..learning
here is a few things
1.Garrett is going to cry because he is a baby.  It's okay if he cries! It doesn't mean I'm a bad mom, sometimes it means he has gas and in time he'll feel better.  Sometimes he is too tired and needs to be bundled up and 'shushed'. 
2.Garrett isn't going to die if I stretch his feedings out to 2-3 hours.  He was eating for 5-10 min every hour and that is no way to live. I will never want to leave the house with a situation like that.  So we stretched him and you know what..he ate longer and slept longer.  Which meant I SLEPT! :) meaning this is one happy mommy!
3.Sometimes I'm going to have to do what my gut instinct says because God created me as a woman..and he created woman to be moms with an instinct to know their child.  Each day I learn him more and more and it's incredible to start to just know what is up with him. 
4. I don't get a schedule at the beginning of the day stating when he will sleep or eat or how long each will be.  I have accepted that finally and am more at peace now and am able to be a better mom. 
5.It's going to be hard sometimes.  But God is going to provide family and friends with direction, encouragement, and reassurance.
6.I have one incredible teammate in my husband.  Who changes diapers, helps me give G a bath, comes home and wants to hold his son, talks about how cute he is, and who is caring deeply for me too. I know my body changed but the guy has made me feel more beautiful now than before.  I confessed feeling awful about my body and he said he doesn't see the stretch marks, he only sees Garrett.  He loves me and it's not shallow becuase he isn't like that.  I was blessed with a good man who has a great heart. 
Being a mom is the most incredible thing and I'm in love with my baby.  He makes me happy with his sweet toothless grins and desire to snuggle right now.  Who knows if I'm using the right products or techniques, but thank God that we don't have to learn to love our child! I won't ever pick up my phone and type in anything related to 'how do you love your child'.  but my days for googling all other baby things has only just begun.  God is showing loads of grace during this time and patiently waiting for me to see that worrying isn't helping.  Thank you lord for knowing me and letting me have sweet wake up calls! I'm blessed to have Garrett and Darren.

Exhale**That was said in one breath pretty much :) I wonder if my grammar and punctuation errors are worse than normal these days because there's no time to go back and review!  Maybe one day if I put together a book you'll be pleasantly surprised to read my perfect sentences. :)
Thank you for reading my ramblings on motherhood today, I still owe you the birth story! Maybe tomorrow?
Laura

Elspeth

Elspeth J. Moore

My sister-in-law but more like my sister

:)

Here are a few pictures of my best friend..(plus some)

Thank God for a friend that loves coffee! mmm..it's more fun to share with a friend

                       My Navy wife role model. She makes one GREAT commanders wife :)

She is a mommy that i'd love to be like.  How cool is a mom that does fun things like marshmallows and toothpicks? A very fun one!

She is raising two incredible girls that I miss very much.  They are sweet girls and respectful ...it takes two good parents being an example of that.

She married one COOL guy! Dave :) He makes fun breakfast and always makes good coffee. He is also fun to talk with because the guy is smart and he's funny! (Darren's brother..they are freakishly alike..we're talking same facial expressions, voices sound the same, can sleep anywhere, in the Navy, etc) BUT saying that it makes Ej even more wonderful because she understands where i'm coming from with my husband when we laugh about our men :).

:)

"A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should."

Author: Anonymous

I always wondered what kind of family I would marry into.  I never imagined God would bless me the way He did when I met Ej.  She is one spunky, hilarious, authentic, understanding, caring, compassionate, selfless woman.  I could never write a book that would do justice to how much this girl means to me. 
I have a heartful of praises to shout out about her and hopefully you can see how important friendships are to have as we walk this journey of life.  We live miles and miles apart but she is my best friend. I love when we start talking because the time flies and when I hang up the phone or walk away I'm refreshed. Now that is the kind of friend worth having!
Ej married Dave 8 years ago and they have one sweet marriage. I know they have moments they drive each other crazy but I won't ever doubt their love for one another.  It is nice to know Dave loves Ej just the way she is and Ej has a lot of respect for Dave.  They have a lot of special things going on in their marriage that is an incredible example to Darren and I.  I admire their relationship and the way they're raising their girls.  It is fun to be around them and I always feel at home when we're visiting.  I once lived with them for a whole month and they never once made me feel like I overstayed my welcome but they accepted me daily and made my stay wonderful.  I loved that they had respect for each other (still do) because it made it easy to relax and enjoy them.  It's fun to laugh, right? Well with these two..well they just crack me up! Ej always says, 'you know you miss this laura' they're the best. 
Ej has two girls that are so unique and fun to be around. They each have their own personalities and at times can be a handful for her but you know she handles them with love.  I know now that being a mom isn't easy but she makes it look simple.  I have to yell at her for not letting me in on some secrets, like that it's not as easy as she is making it look! She is holding things together and caring for her daughters and that is the kind of example i'm blessed with! I love thanking God for her and the amazing mom she is. I don't think she is praised enough.  Both Dave and her make sure to have family time and give a lot of attention to the girls. They also have their girl's respect and that is huge in the world we live in where a lot of times the child in running the show.  I am thankful for the way Ej is boss and her daughters are in line with that. It's good to see a nice balance of love/tough love if that makes sense?
Ej is a Navy wife.  This is something I treasure about her because she has walked me through some dark days when I didn't want to like the Navy and I needed to be sad and hear 'it's okay, I understand'.  She kicks me in the butt to remember who I am and how to choose the right attitude. When Darren found out he was going to leave for C-school I walked out I took a minute and started crying and then went outside and called my best friend.  I loved saying 'today I hate the navy and this really stinks!' she didn't correct me or try to make the situation better she just sighed and gave me the it's going to be okay talk. God blessed me greatly by placing her in my life to walk me through tough times.  She has been in my position over and over again with the Navy and is a light for me.  I was able to call back another time and say well I see that this is a good thing because of this and that.  Thank you friend for understanding me and letting me vent and cry and then remind me how to be okay with a situation that's not easy. 
everytime! I open a box and tear up because the girl knows me so well. 
Ej has seen me at my very best and my very worst.  (I mean that)  Yet, here she is still loving me well and being an encouragement.  I love the way we can talk about God, husbands, kids, life, petty things, oh goodness the list goes on and on.  It makes it hard to hang up the phone or say goodbye!
When we lived near each other last year it was awesome.  I loved hanging out and getting to know her better.  We spent hours and hours talking as well as just hanging out being quiet.  I cherish a friendship that you can be silent and enjoy each other's company still and it not be awkward. We have things in common but I like to say she balances me out.  I am sensitive and she brings me back down to reality..but never judges. (I love that)
I don't deserve a friend like Ej, but God saw it fit to give me a sweet gift.  He has used her in so many ways and I can't say thank you enough. 
I had to say goodbye to Ej last summer after living close by and I didn't know a goodbye with a sister in law would ever be that hard.  I didn't know that I would sob as I walked away.  But that's what happens when someone leaves a huge imprint in your heart.  When they love and bring the best out in you...it hurts to say goodbye.
Now for the fun part! She is coming in a few weeks! I am beyond excited to have her here and for Garrett to meet his sweet aunt Ej.  He is going to love her.  We can't wait to see her and spend time with her again.  I am looking forward to talking face to face and not having to pick up a phone to chat! :) It will be fun to write about our visit and share pictures.  I know Ej can't wait to love on her new nephew and i'm looking forward to having family here. 
So thank you Ej for being my best friend and pushing me to God. I hope that you know what an incredible friend, wife, and mother you are! love you :)
Laura

                                  There he is..my new life :). The one that stole my heart!

I've turned into a paranoid mother...please don't judge me let me explain! This morning my baby slept for about 4.5 hours and although some mothers (and I will be at this point one day) would be rejoicing, I was panicking. 'Why is he sleeping so long? Is he alive? What's wrong with him?'.  Oh yes..that is exactly what I thought but what was crazy is the amount of times I had to pop my head up or sit up quickly to see if he was breathing! Then I saw a mark on his face and it looked like a bug bite, I've never wanted to kill a bug so badly! How dare that bug touch my baby and leave a mark..'oh wait laura that's a pimple, phew..close call for that bug!'.  As I write this now I can laugh and think, you are one silly mom but the more I think about it I realize just how much I love Garrett.  I don't want him to be hurt and I feel it's my job to protect him.  However it's hit me now that I need to give Garrett to God and go before God with all my fears that are stored away causing me to not be at peace during the day.  SIDs is one of the scariest things to me, but I have to trust God's will.  I can either be paranoid and miss out on my newborn or lay my fears at God's feet and enjoy each moment with my baby.  It's hard! ..but it's been nice to talk to a few mothers and hear, 'yes, i struggled with that as well but this is how I handled it...'.  Thank God for other moms!

I realize how quickly things can change but for right now my son is good.  He is happy and the most easy going little man around.  He cries when he is hungry, has gas, or an occasional fussy moment.  But in all honest I believe God created one wonderful baby for Darren and I as first time parents! I do get nervous when he cries but he gets easier and easier to figure out each day! I realize down the road that may not be the case but for right now it is, and i'm really thankful to God for that.  Today he was the picture of a perfect baby. haha okay okay maybe not perfect he did pee on grandma's lap, and on mommy's hand..:p. but besides that he was relaxed, ate well, slept wonderfully and sat with his grandparents for a long period of time.  It was nice to relax myself and soak up his sleepy and alert moments.  He is holding his head up and it is the cutest thing i've seen! He looks extremely proud and has that 'look what I can do' face!  That's fun to watch him learn new things.  Right now he is sleeping right next to me in his bed and due to wake up for a feeding anytime now.  I love snapping a picture of him and a few days later looking back and admiring him. Why did God bless me with this sweet boy? God is walking me through the toughest days of my life and i'm grateful to be loved.  I don't have all the answers and my brain feels all scrambled, I have grown accustom to the one and only hairstyle..the ponytail, and I wear t-shirts and jeans only.  I'm not fancy or well put together these days but i'm loving my simple life.  I get excited for 10 min showers, or when my legs get shaved! I feel it a privilege when I eat a meal without feeling like i'm on a time limit.  It is a blessing to find time to write in my blog because it's helping me grow by journaling where i'm at that day and feeling refreshed when I close the computer.  Yes, indeed my life has changed but I like it.  Wait, I could do without the diaper changes! (I haven't figured out how to go quickly enough without getting peed on)

I like that the only argument my husband and I are having is over who changes his diaper...that seems like a good place to be in.  Last night Garrett was laid on our bed and Darren and I were leaning over him and he smiled a huge toothless grin at us as we talked to him and gave him sweet kisses.  We're in love and couldn't have dreamed life would be like this with our son.  It's going to be hard and stressful sometimes but i'm realizing we're not alone.  God has provided a large group of people who are willing to help in any way and that's been awesome. 

He loves us very much.  I often wonder what it will be like when people stand before Him on judgement day that didn't believe in Him.  I wonder how he'll see them as he sends them away for all of eternity.  I feel bad that they missed out on His gift of grace and mercy and the neatest relationship ever offered to them.  These things have caused me to make note of some things in my life that I don't want to happen...

-I don't want to be too comfortable and not see the needs of others.  I don't want to become so shut off from our world that I forget to love the people in it.

-I don't want to go to a church that is only there for themselves.  I am sad about our church in America, why don't we give, why do we complain about the luxuries in a church? I don't want to go on sunday and sing songs, listen to a message, chat with a few people and go..I want to be united and God to be the head of that church.  I want to be in a church that God is using to build His kingdom.  Where the people are growing in Christ and loving each other well.  I want to be in a place that is reaching out...and I want to be a part of that.  It's my prayer right now that we could be involved..because that's what we're here for. 

-I don't want to live selfishly or continue to not see how spoiled I am.  I don't ever want to take for granted the blessing it is to live in America. 

I realize this end is a little on the serious side but I want to share what is going on in my heart during midnight feedings as God challenges me through the lives of the men and woman in the Bible.  He put story after story that gives an account of these people's lives for a reason..to teach me how he wants me to live.  I want to live a life that honors Him, and when my time comes that He will be able to say 'well done thy good and faithful servant'.  That is my goal.  I want to be a loving wife, mother, family member, and friend.  I hope these challenges continue to rock my core and change the way I see others, myself, and God.

Laura

  

Normally writing in my journal or in this blog is easy.  The words naturally flow and it's nice to share what's going on in my heart.  I'm actually surprised by my lack of words lately.  Mostly because my heart is full of love for Garrett but I can't find the right words to explain what's going on inside of me.  For example right now my sweet boy is asleep and i'm melting because he is healthy, happy, and at peace while he sleeps.  I want to pick him up and kiss him over and over and then let the tears fall.  I can't tell you how many times I came before God and asked for my son.  Just that he would let him be born and that I could hold him and love him.  I didn't know God's will, or even now what the future holds but I begged that God would allow Garrett to come into this world.  God blessed me two weeks ago when this child was placed in my arms.  I am not guaranteed anything so I keep thanking God for Garrett, my beautiful boy.  He is a gift and one that has been entrusted to Darren and I to raise in a home that serves the Lord. 

I've been caught up lately in the daily routine of feedings, diaper changes, and a sleepy boy but today it hit me, when was the last time I really talked to Garrett? I felt so bad! I've been filled with questions for his physical health and am very concerned in that area because I want to take care of him but I was lacking in another very important area. I try to keep nightly feedings quiet but even during the day I realized i've been quiet.  The boy can't talk but that doesn't mean I should be quiet during the day! Silly mommy..:)  Just loving on him and talking to him is something he needs!
I don't know if he smiles yet...but when I started talking to him and he was looking up at me he was smiling a toothless grin and it melted my heart.  I want my tiny baby to stay little for a long time and I feel like i'm experiencing something special being able to stay home with him.  Not all mothers have that privilege but I am beyond grateful that i'm able to. 

We have been talking about how much Jesus loves him, and how much mommy and daddy love him too.  The very first night he spent with me I told him the story of Jesus.  I won't ever forget holding him in my arms as I told him about Christ.  I can't wait to see how God reveals himself to Garrett over the years. What an incredible privilege to be used by God to represent Christ to my little boy. But I don't want to downplay how hard that job is!  To be like Christ is a daily choice and one that i'm not always good at following through with.  But I love my God very much and I hope that always shows and Garrett is able to pick up on that.  I think that in the way I live each day and how I treat others and Darren will be very important to our son who will be a sponge!

This evening my friend Crystal came over and I had such a nice time talking and sharing my son with her.  It was a relief to have friendly conversation and be able to laugh and talk about my new life and hear about how she has figured things out with her daughter.  I needed that time as it was extremely comforting to not feel alone! Thank God for good friends!

Well that's all I have for tonight :) Garrett is sleeping and I probably should have taken a nap with him since he's off on his day/night right now. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

It's amazing how quickly your life can change.  How you can go from laying on the couch watching T.V., hugging your tummy and dreaming of what's to come, and then it comes..and life is never the same again.

I am sitting here and the aroma of fresh spit up covers my shirt, my hair is in the messiest ponytail i've ever seen, but i'm at peace because I look across the room and there they are, my two boys.  The two guys that have stolen my heart and are God's gift to me.  I don't take either one for granted and realize how special these days are with them.  Our tiny family is made whole because of Christ.  I honestly couldn't have made it to this day without the guidance of my savior.

Today I was given three wonderful long hours to have 'me time'.  I was able to read my bible, clean up our home, and even make my bed! Who knew i'd feel so good being able to make my bed! ha seriously it is wonderful having a neat home. 
Then I sat down and watched t.v. and went into a state of relaxation while watching Cinderella (the one with Brandy).  God allows times of rest for a reason.  I needed a break so that I could take a step back and remember how wonderful my son is and that it's important to cherish this time with him and not get too worked up about feedings or schedules.  Life is simply unpredictable right now and i'm going to have to accept that.  The sooner the better!

Our church has been bringing us meals and it is a HUGE blessing! What a nice gesture to a family with a newborn baby. I can't even explain how wonderful it is to hear a knock at the door and see a friendly face with a handful of food.  I love the short conversation with the few woman who have stopped by and being encouraged in that short period of time.  Thank you!

I have learned to eat VERY fast.  If I remember to eat at all.  For example today it was 3:00 before I realized that I hadn't eaten.  It's not that i'm not hungry but did you know it's possible to forget about lunch? In my mind there are a thousand things (maybe an exaggeration!?) running through and then I forget about eating!  So tonight I had dinner except I hardly remember tasting it because I shoveled it down. Mainly because I was hungry but also because I never know how much time i'll be given to eat.  ..and who really wants a cold meal?

My husband is amazing.  Let me tell you how much I love that man! In the mornings he saves me coffee, he fills up my water jug and leaves it on the nightstand for when I get up.  He changed Garrett's diaper before he left for work!  He tells me that i'm beautiful/sexy..oh yes men THIS is important to do after your wife gives birth!  He still holds me during the night and is doing an incredible job of taking care of Garrett and I.  It's nice to be able to say, 'hey Darren, i'm feeling really sad tonight and i'm not sure why' and for him to hug me or say it's going to be okay.  I'm thankful that he helps me take care of Garrett's physical needs too. 

This weekend Darren's parents are coming! I'm very excited right now to have them come to meet Garrett and have their help.  I almost cried from reading a note my mother in law sent about coming to help.  It was a God send for sure! To hear, 'don't worry about anything, I change diapers, we're coming to help' ah..that is music to my ears! So we can't wait for them to come and have time with their grandson.

I love how simple life is in the midst of how crazy it is.  I love the moments that Garrett is snuggling up to me, fast asleep.  I love this child and it has given me a new perspective or glimpse of how God loves His children. It's deep..deeper than how I love my son and that is deep.  Loving Garrett is a natural thing to me...from the first moment I learned that we were expecting I couldn't wait and wanted to protect this baby and shower him with kisses.  Then for 9 months I carried him around inside of me dreaming big about motherhood and loving him some more.  But then I saw him for the first time and I cried tears of joy because he was perfect and beautiful.  It was just as I'd hoped it would be when we first saw each other.  And now he is almost 2 weeks old and my love has only deepened.  There has been long nights and days, i'm sleep deprived and exhausted but I love him more than ever.  At 2 in the morning it is hard to get up to your crying child who is demanding food but he is worth fighting tiredness and I'm definitely thankful for my new life as a mother.  It gets better I keep hearing....

Laura

My sweet baby



If I could ask for one thing tonight it would be a hug, my bed, box of tissue, and a chance to cry these sad feelings out. haha okay that's more than one thing but all those things go together, right? My mom had to leave today and I am feeling really bad! We were spoiled to have her here for 3 weeks!

Right now Garrett is sitting in my lap, leaning his head on my chest and looking super cozy.  This is how I feel in Jesus' arms today.  I am safe and after reading this morning how I am chosen by God to be his adopted Child (in Ephesians 1) it is sticking in my heart and mind. 

Garrett is on a schedule of his own, we don't have a feeding every 2 hours for 20 minutes. It's more sporadic and all across the board. Sometimes the boy falls asleep and I can't get him up, other times he eats for forever! There are times he eats EVERY hour, and then he'll decide to go three hours without eating.  It is hard for a girl like me who loves a schedule to follow.  I feel on demand 24/7 and it is exhausting! There have been moments I think, 'oh i'm done with this, lets do formula!'  But it's special to have time to bond with him in a special way. 

Who would have thought my favorite part of the day would be the mornings? I LOVE them sunshine or rain.  It's a new day and it's when I sit quietly before God and let him speak to my heart through the word.  I am at peace in the midst of uncertainty.  Garrett is content in the morning for the most part and I love when there is no cries to fix.  He looks up at me with his sweet eyes and I'm captured with a love that's unexplainable. 

As crazy as being a mother can be, it's also incredible.  To love another human being deeply and to the point that they could never do anything to make you not love them.  He gets angry during feedings sometimes and then i'm frustrated but as soon as we figure it out, we're both calm and i've forgotten already that he scratched me up!

I love my Savior more so today than ever before.  I love that I can step into his presence and be completely real with him.  Admit to fears, exhaustion, and sadness knowing He will cover me with His love in some way.   He blessed me with a husband who knows me and when Darren can tell i'm not feeling good will be there to talk with me, kiss me, or hold me.  What a great husband! My marriage has been fruitful this past week and that's a huge blessing.  It's scary bringing a baby home, feeling like a mess, and not knowing what you're doing.  Both Darren and I had a horrible first night when we brought Garrett home, but we've come so far since that night.  He is patient, loving, respectful, and caring towards me.  I keep thanking God that Darren is on board with fatherhood and wants to be a part of his sons life. 

I love how simple my life has become even though it's actually become complex! In Christ anything is possible.  Even a calm heart for a new mother.  I have accepted the house may not be neat as a pin, there won't be a 3 course dinner at 5:00, I won't look perfect, but I will have God remain in my heart each day...and that is going to be what holds this family together.  I want to walk through each day trusting God and loving him with all of my heart, mind, and soul.

Well my little bug is waking up and that means it's time to eat and get a diaper change! Hope you are having a wonderful sunday friends. :)

Laura

He is here!

Garrett Hudson Moore has arrived!

He was born Feb. 25th at 5:26 am

Weighed 7lbs15oz and was 19.75inches long

I am in love!

I wonder how long I'll have to write? Garrett is fast asleep in his bouncy chair and it appears all is right in his world. :) I have thought on and off about how to write a blog post covering this past week and find it's nearly impossible! 

There have been ups and downs and nights I didn't think we'd make it (the first night home!).  I realized today that the only thing getting me through the days has been this on-going conversation with God.  No matter what time of day, he is there pouring His love into my heart.  My heart is full of joy and peace today.  I am a young mom with more to learn than I anticipated.  The trade off is that I also didn't realize how much you could love your child! 
It's been important to me that although he has become my life that I am also being filled with God's word. It's early in the morning that God and I dig into His word and he teaches me.  I realized that it's going to look different.  I can't get out my bibles, notebook, concordance, dictionary, etc and really dig apart books of the Bible.  Right now it looks like this, opening the Bible and finding a passage like this morning in Ephesians 6 where it talks about putting on the armor of God. Or yesterday a psalm talking about how God is compassionate. I treasured those words that God wanted me to know.  If I want to be a mother after God's heart that means I have to spend time filling my heart and mind with God's word.  I'm thankful for the quiet moments with my Savior and being able to love Him all the more for letting me cling to Him desperately this past week. 

Garrett is the most incredible little baby.  I call him my 'sweetie pea'. :) ..and when he has a messy diaper he is my 'stinky pea' but still oh so very cute!
It's weird how 3 hours of sleep is something I am rejoicing over these days! Last night was the first time that we had long stretches of sleep! That was a blessing for this sleep deprived mommy. 
He is one week old and each day we are learning more and more about each other and our new worlds. He is an easy going baby so far. We had a few bumps in the road with breastfeeding because he was tongue-tied and couldn't get his tongue out.  Tuesday morning he had a small procedure where they snip under his tongue to help. (Yes, I cried for him!) having that done actually helped a lot! We are working on weaning him of the 'nipple shield' and that's getting better each day. 
I am feeling better myself each day.  It takes time to heal and recover after giving birth but i'm doing great! I LOVE how my stomach is going down, thanks to breastfeeding I think? I have to be careful when I start feeling good because then i'll get up and do too much and am feeling crummy again.  Thankfully my mom scolds me and tells me to sit down. 
Speaking of my mom..She has been wonderful! For the past few weeks she's been here helping me out and walking me through uncertain moments with a newborn.  What a blessing it's been having her here.  She was able to see Garrett being born. :) This week she has cleaned, cooked, baked, been a support, and loved her daughter by being completely selfless! Being a mother never stops...and i'm blessed to call her my mom.  She has put in a ton of work friends, and i know that she misses my dad a lot! I'm going to really miss her when she leaves this sunday morning..i'll probably be in tears but i'm sure she is ready to get back to her life! 
Darren can't get enough of his baby boy.  I think that seeing them together was everything and more that I hoped it would be.  He is a great dad and I really do mean that! I'm not just trying to make him sound good :).  He loves on that sweet child of his as much as possible.  The man wakes up with me in the middle of the night to change a diaper or hold him when i'm ready to pass out.  He is aware of him and showers the boy with sweet kisses.  Garrett is blessed to have him as his daddy, and i'm blessed to call him my husband. 
I've had many tear filled moments this first week (I'm on a roller coaster of emotions! lol) but God has tended to my fears by reminding me to TRUST Him.  I can't explain how comforting this week has been in the midst of the craziness. Each day gets sweeter and sweeter and I fall more and more in love with my baby boy and husband.  There are moments I feel helpless and unsure but God is faithfully walking me through every step of the way. 
I'm treasuring my newborn baby and not getting too caught up in the routine of feedings, diaper changes, and sleep.  This time will fly by and i'm soaking up this time in our lives! 
Well someone is stirring...The birth story will be coming next! Thank you for all the compliments, prayers, and encouragement friends! It's getting me through :)
Laura