Tenley Mabel

Tenley Mabel Knowlden

October 18, 2012 6:42pm

6 lbs, 19 inches long

Our sweet girl was born last Thursday. She's got a head full of her momma's blonde locks and a heart full of her daddy's gentle patience. She's been so good as we've tried to figure out this whole breastfeeding thing together. She hardly cries and would probably sleep for long stretches at night if I let her (we've had to eat every two hours together since she came home from the hospital. . . fun!) She's calm and content and still feels so close to heaven. There's been so many moments since we met where I've had to catch my breath because I'm so overwhelmed by the joy of knowing she's mine. She is perhaps the very best gift Heavenly Father has given me and I'm just so humbled and grateful He trusts me to be her momma.

Tenley Mae, we love you so!

A vintage country wedding.

Tiffanie's wedding turned out absolutely beautiful! She had the ceremony and reception in the Layton bowery. Some family friends of the Knowldens once owned a vintage decor boutique and did a lovely job helping Tiff with her decor and set-up. There were pretty frames and cowboy boots and twinkle lights and big paper flowers and old books and well-worn suitcases and all things vintage and pretty you can imagine. I was totally blown-away! It's crazy to think she announced the wedding just six weeks ago and everything came together so perfectly. She was gorgeous. The groom was handsome. The weather was just right. And we are really happy for her. 

Love you, Tiff, and wish you only the best!

Another wedding!

JD's younger sister, Tiffanie, is getting married today (his brother, Tyler, tied the knot earlier this year). Last night, we got together with his family and the wedding party to practice walking down the aisle. We were also treated to a nice dinner by Tiff's soon-to-be in-laws; they own a catering business- yum!  Today, we'll be taking pictures, attending the ceremony, and partying it up at her reception. . . here's to hoping all these wedding festivities will send me into labor this week! 

Handsome husband + really pregnant wife

Tyler

Trever + fairly recent new girlfriend

Tyler + Mikella

Expectant momma + (almost more expectant) grandpa-to-be

Baby Shower

The Skousens and a few of my friends planned a baby shower for me a few weeks ago. Cory made all of the adorable decorations; Abby and Julie sent out the invitations, prepared the food, and planned the games; Melissa hosted the get-together in her home; Jada, Stefanie and Abby brought extra treats (Am I forgetting anyone? Sorry if I left someone out!) A lot of neighbors and friends came to support and love me. I felt overwhelmed by their willingness to share and give. There were a lot of women there from my ward (or local church congregation) who barely know me, but know Melissa and Julie, and were willing to reach out to me in fellowship and love.  Their presence at my shower was a sweet example to me of how we can serve each other, even in small and simple ways. 

Abby and Julie Skousen

Mari and Jada, my closest friends from Spanish Fork

Cory, my roommate sophomore year at BYU

The whole gang.

I can't say thank you enough to all the people who have sent gifts and clothes and toys our way in preparation for the baby. We are grateful and excited! 

Also, Abby took a few pictures on her camera I still need to get from this shower. I was so glad to see and visit with my friend Holli from Texas and all my old roommates who are still in Utah. Love my girls!

Ten Days.

Happy October! Our first little pumpkin is due to arrive in ten days. Ten days! By golly, I can count that many days down on my fingers. However, I have a sneaking suspicion she's going to hold out a little longer. In any case, we are ready for her! Every night we fall asleep thinking about and praying for and dreaming of our first sweet baby. Gah, we are just giddy with excitement!

Over the weekend, we recruited Mikella and Ty as photographers for a pre-baby shoot. These photos were taken in Farmington, UT on Sunday evening with me at 38.5 weeks pregnant.

Handmade with love.

A few friends and family members have requested an online tour of baby girls' room. So without further ado, here is our little orange, teal, and yellow wonderland! Almost every detail and project in her room was handmade or re-purposed with love, by her daddy or me.

A little break.

JD and I were both busy bees last night. He was studying for his first big Organic Chemistry test of the semester and I was getting things done off my creative checklist (. . . festive fall hand towels for the shop, birthday gift for my little sister, and a custom Halloween canvas for my aunt). We worked and studied side by side for a few hours and then decided to take a little break and indulge in some root beer floats. Yum! 

Ps. I would be lying if I said that was the only break we took. We also stopped every half hour or so to talk about baby names, look at our planners and try to guess when our girl is going to make her debut,  watch her move around in my belly, and daydream about what it is going to be like when she's here. It's  hard to think about much else when you're so close to becoming parents!