One-on-One Time

Recently I joined the Topeka Mom's Club! I think its one of the best things I have done for myself and Aaden! Soon, Garrett will be able to experience things as well! I have meet so many wonderful ladies and Aaden has made some great friendships! Yesterday we went to CAGE Gymnastics, Aaden had a blast and I am looking into signing him up for some more time there. We had so much fun playing and just having some time together! He is growing up so fast and I love watching him and seeing the new things he ventures out to try. I love you baby A! I can't wait to watch you grow and see the young man you become! I already think about how much I am going to miss you when you go on your MISSION, which you will! I know that you will grow up and know that your parents raised you to know and love your Heavenly Father. I know that he will lead and guide you through life to make wise choices! You will always have a special place in mommies heart!

First Smile!

I hope to get a picture of this soon, but baby Garrett smiled for the first time yesterday! It is so amazing to see the little person you have been loving and adoring for 6 whole weeks to give you a smile! Only a mom can feel the love that comes with it and finally the feeling that this little life is appreciative of you! I love you baby G and I couldn't imagine my life without you! You are such a blessing from our Heavenly Father and I feel your soft, sweet spirit every time I hold you and look into your eyes! Mommy loves you! I can't wait to experience more of your firsts. I am going to be there for you every step of the way!

Nap time!

I love days that Aaden plays until I find him in places like these......

Thankful for this man!

And no its not my husband this time.....

This is Dr. Gleason! We couldn't get a picture at the hospital of him so we went and visited him at his office. He was so happy to see us and know that we were okay and healing! He loved little Garrett's outfit as well. I love when guys comment on clothes, it just seems so wrong...haha!

Snow Day!

Rich and Aaden got some quality boy time last week. We got about 6 inches of snow, which makes a perfect snow day. The wind was horrible, so it didn't last for long, but nothing chocolate milk and popcorn can't fix! I think they had a great time! I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband! I know my boys will someday realize they have an amazing father as well!

Little boy #2!

They always say there is never two alike. Garrett is so much different then Aaden was its unbelievable. Garrett definitely has the traits of the baby of the house. He fusses A LOT, that being in need of, his pacey, feedings, swaddled (which Aaden wouldn't keep a blanket on him for anything), held, placed on his belly, ect. He is a handful but I love him more then anyone could possible know. I think Heavenly Father is testing my patience with this little one, but I will not be defeated. Today, Rich stayed home to help out and he said, "Honey, my hat is off to you!" It means so much to me when he says little things like that. Everyone loves to feel appreciated and acknowledged for their hard work, right?! Some of Garrett's favorite things: Big brother singing to him, diaper changes, mommy and daddy cuddle time and baths. Garrett also loves the noise of fans and lights, they can either keep him calm or put him to sleep.This was him on the bathroom floor while big brother was getting his bath.

My little Man!

Aaden is obsessed with Thomas the Train. Its so fun to watch them get into something at such a young age. He knows all their names, colors and even numbers. He is so smart and I fall in love with him more and more each day. I am so blessed to have this little one and thank Heavenly Father everyday that I am his mom! I couldn't imagine life without him. He brings so much joy and laughter in our home!

Christmas at Mom and Dad's

First official family photo

Yes, I made them match! I am sure I will be doing a lot of this!

Cousin Game Time

Aaden's new game! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

A new beginning....

The night before Christmas.....

Making cookies for Santa!

                                                

Christmas was so wonderful this year! Usually for Christmas, we spend the holiday traveling to Wichita and visiting family. Though they were all missed. This year we got to stay in the comfort of our own home and experience a whole new beginning of waking up to Christmas at our house. Rich and I were so excited to actually play Santa and see Aaden's face light up! It was priceless. Although, we woke up to a little voice around 4 am talking about his new toy! It seems that Aaden got out of bed and instead of coming into our room, like he usually does. He ventured out into the living room. We left one present opened, seeing it was from Santa. So he took it on himself to begin to play. Once we got him settled back in bed, we tried to get a few more hours before waking up. Its definitely something we will remember forever. He is just like daddy, can't wait for surprises!

Our Christmas Tree and Loot

Aaden playing with his new toys!

                                                                     

Daddy and Aaden. Daddy had more fun with this toy!

                                                               

This face is priceless!

                          

All the excitement was too much for our little guy!

                                                     

A family of four

Garrett Taylor Leslie

On December 14, 2010 our little boy arrived at 10:43 am. He was 7 lbs, 9 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. We went in at 7 am to get induced, not thinking it was going to be any different then how we welcomed Mr. Aaden! Boy was I wrong! Shortly after we got there, Dr. Trobough came in, to our surprise since he wasn't on call. But we were both very excited to see him! He broke my water and they started the patossin around 8:30 am. We then meet Dr. Gleason, who was the Dr. on call. We were very relieved when we hit it off with him right away, its always really nerve wrecking meeting Dr.'s for the first time. Especially when you don't have any say! Then the waiting game begin, it didn't take long for my body to start laboring. This is when it got interesting, Mr. Garrett did not like when I contracted, so his heart rate was dropping tremendously. Dr. Gleason was called in and within minutes after arriving said that, "your baby doesn't like this last part." He said if there was no changes that we would have to do an emergency c-section. I was very relieved to feel such a soft spirit at that time. I was just ready to make sure my little one was safe and would arrive healthy. I was very grateful for Dr. Gleason and his quick decision making under pressure. Garrett is a healthy little boy and I couldn't imagine if anything jeopardized that. While performing the c-section an artery was nicked causing a lot of blood loss, which resulted in a blood transfusion the next day. It was so nice to have lovely nurses that spent time with me and helped me through this new journey I was on. We both left the hospital healthy and alive. That is all I could ask for! I was so excited to get home and have everyone be together. I sure enjoyed my new little one, but missed his big brother like CRAZY!

First time meeting his little brother!