Thursday, December 11, 2008

Update and Thanks

I wanted to grab the opportunity to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers that Todd would be able to be present for Hazel's birth. We feel so blessed that it worked out so well. Todd came home for Thanksgiving and he and I were able to have several days together, just the two of us for the last time. It was so fantastic having him home again. He's so much fun to be with. And he was busy doing projects for me the whole time he was here - putting window plastic in Hazel's windows to keep out the cold; fixing the dishwasher; changing the shelves in the fridge so they hold things more efficiently; making lists of how-to's to keep by the computer for all those things I always ask him how to do. I've got the best husband in the universe!

We had an induction scheduled for Monday morning (Hazel's due date) but I ended up going into labor on my own that morning, which I was so grateful for (although it meant not much sleep from 2:00 in the morning on!). And then Todd was able to be here for another week, which was wonderful. (I really liked the part where I could cuddle close to him at night again, instead of having a gigantic watermelon between the two of us. I missed that!)

I loved watching him with Hazel. He is fantastic with her! She loves to hear his voice. He always calls her "girl." It's sweet to hear him talk to her: "Hey, girl, c'mere." So cute.

We were also able to gather the family together and bless Hazel Friday night, which was something very important to us, that Todd would be able to be the one to give her her baby blessing. (Awesome job making the dress, Mom!)

Todd's in Oklahoma now, leaving for Afghanistan this weekend. It's hard for me to wrap my mind and heart around how I can be so extremely full of happiness and grief at the same time. Hazel is an amazing blessing that we have waited for for a very long time. I have a hard time peeling my eyes off of her. She's such a doll. And I miss Todd so much I feel sick to my stomach and tears are always filling my eyes. It's hardest at night, when I can still smell him on his pillow. (I miss you, babe!)

I love Hazel's little Budda pose. So sweet!

14 comments:

The Suz said...

I'll say it again--I love you guys. You are both just so admirable... You're in my prayers!

Christine Ryan said...

You guys are always in our thoughts and prayers. Its so wonderful how things worked out and how Todd was able to spend some time with and Hazel before he had to go (esp to attend her blessing). Todd is an amazing man and I wish there were more men like him in this world. I know we're far away but if you ever need anything please do not hesitate to ask; even if it is a call at 3am to talk with someone. We miss you guys!

Courtni said...

I am having a hard time writing a comment, because I am emotional...I'm so glad that Todd was there and able to be with you and Hazel and that he was able to bless her, and I'm so sad for you guys that you have to be apart right now. You guys are amazing. She is SO precious!! Can't wait to see more pics. I'll try to give you a call one of these days...good luck to both of you -- we'll keep you all in our prayers.

Theresa said...

she is beautiful Ang. I'm so glad Todd was able to spend that time with you. It's tough seeing you and Todd go through something that I'm hoping against hope never happens to me or anybody else I know again. Let me know if you ever need something to take your mind off of it. Love you.

Matthew K said...

Hazel is soooo cute. Little babies are the best. Where in Oklahoma is Todd again? I may try to arrange to see him before he leaves if he is at Tinker or Vance AFB.

Amy said...

I'm glad Todd was able to do all those monumental things for you and Hazel too. You guys are such a special family. Hazel is a beauty. Just take it day by day and know that you and Todd are surrounded by love and prayers!

Troy and Rebekah said...

I don't know what to say other than you're both strong individuals and you'll make it one day at a time. It's not ideal but you'll make it. Hang in there! We'll be praying for y'all! :)

I know this sounds terrible but maybe if you wash the pillow it will help. Whenever Troy is gone and I smell his smell on something it puts me over the edge.

jamie said...

i'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around it and i'm not even in the situation. you are a strong woman. we think about you guys all the time.

The Pickled Red Herring said...

Oh my, congratulations!!! We've been missing from the blogging world for a bit, so we missed all the news! She is just beautiful. And also (not that you don't have more important matters on your mind) if you get a second and want to send us your address, we will send you a Christmas card!

heather said...

she is beautiful! love the blessing dress too...amazing! isn't it the best feeling to finally have her here?? i'm so glad that todd got to be there too. hugs!

Sarah Sidwell said...

You are tough!!! I really don't think I could do what you are doing. Good thing we have the Holy Ghost to be with us always, and prayer. How wonderful the way things all turned out. Keep your chin up. :)

Unknown said...

Angie, I hope you read this. I would email, but I don't have your address, and I don't know if Todd is on-line yet.

His LM buddies want to send him a care package, but don't know where to send it. Can you provide an address?

Cheers!!!
Tracy (tracy.colwell@lmco.com)

Laura said...

I am one of the lucky ones who got to be there for the blessing. What a lucky little Hazel to have such great parents who both love her and dote on her. :) I couldn't get over seeing my brother as a daddy -- and a pretty good one at that! I love you, girl! Now get down here and live with me!!! :)

Emily Bartlett said...

Ok this made me cry! If a stranger were to explain your circumstances and then ask "which girlfriend of yours could handle this?" I would say without hesitation ANGIE. I know you can do it--you have an inner strength and determination...and a giggle on hand to boot! Plus, hell-lo! You've wanted to be a mom since freshman year!