Baby Photo Shoot

I had a little fun with my camera yesterday and did a mini photo shoot of Henry. These pictures are of my little man at 11 days old... hope you enjoy!! :-)

Welcome Henry Paul!!

So proud to announce that we welcomed Henry Paul Critser to our family last Sunday, January 16th at 10:44PM. He was 7 lbs 13oz and 21.25 in long!!

This past week has been full of all sorts of emotions. We feel so blessed to have a beautiful healthy baby boy! He already is loved by so many people and has had lots of visitors!

We have learned so much in a week too... like, there is nothing better than your son naping on your chest, he really doesn't like to sleep between the hours of midnight and 4 AM. Little boys enjoy going to the bathroom when their diapers are OFF, breast feeding is exhausting but oh-so-rewarding to be able to nurish my little guy. There is nothing more special than watching your husband become a father and see him hold your son. And most of all, I have learned how amazing it is that I can love someone so much the minute I laid eyes on him. Becoming a parent really has taught me that love at first sight does exist. God is good!!

Reflecting on my Pregnancy

Today we are going to check into the hospital, and tomorrow my labor will be induced. We are so excited that the time has finally come to welcome this little guy into the world and hold him in our arms! As I am sitting here this afternoon, I can't help but reflect back on this pregnancy and how far we've come. After losing two pregnancies before this one, I have felt so fortunate to have had a healthy and smooth pregnancy. There was a day when I felt like we would never get to the point of welcoming a child - It has been quite the growing process for me both physically and emotionally. After having experienced the ups and downs of carrying a child, I can only imagine what this next step will bring for me.

I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the my growing belly and how for we've come...

16 weeks 4 days

18 weeks 3 days

19 weeks 4 days


22 weeks 3 days

26 weeks 2 days

27 weeks 5 days

28 weeks 6 days


32 weeks 5 days

34 weeks 4 days

Christmas day - 35 weeks 5 days

Going to the hospital - 38 weeks 5 days



Here's hoping the delivery goes as smoothly as the pregnancy has gone... my next post will be of our little guy! I can't wait to share his pictures with you all!!

See you on the flip side! :-)

Uncle Jim

Wow, what a start to 2011! Unfortunately, I have some sad news to share. My Uncle, Jim Flanagan, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 2nd. He was young and in good health, so his death came to quite a shock to all of us. The last week has been very sad, but it has also helped me to reflect back on his life and what a blessing he was in mine.

Uncle Jim was a very thoughtful, kind and spiritual man. He was so quick to comfort in a way that wasn't overbearing. He was selfless in the true sense of the word. So much so, that I never really realized just how much of an impact he had on others including myself unitl I've had the chance to reflect on his life and have heard the countless stories from his friends & family throughout the past week at his memorial services.

Through Uncle Jim’s death I have been reminded just how much the Lord works through us and how he blesses us with things when we need it most and maybe don’t expect it. When we lost Gramps a few months ago, Uncle Jim was the one to tell me that God gives us new life to help celebrate and ease the pain of losing another. He was so comforting to me at that time. Little did I know how much this would really mean to me and stick with me through his death as well.

Also, Lynn decided to come home for the funeral from Japan, and is scheduled to stay through January 20th – which means she will be here for TC’s arrival. I truly believe that this is a gift that Uncle Jim gave to me… I think it will be something I remember forever.

While this has been a sad and unexpected beginning to 2011, it has helped me to appreciate all of the blessings in my life.

Uncle Jim - I love you and will miss you and wait for the day we are reunited in Heaven. Until then I know you will be looking down on me and I will always have a special place in my heart for you! Cheers to a life that was so very special!!

Elsie is one!!

On December 16th little miss Elsie Ketchen turned 1 year old! Elsie is the daughter of our good friends, Katie & Charlie Ketchen. Katie and I started working together right out of college, and over the last 5 years have built quite a friendship. After their daughter Elsie was born, Katie & Charlie asked Paul and I to be their prayer partners for Elsie - which is a similar role to being Godparents. We have had so much fun watching Elsie grow over this first year, and were so glad to be a part of her first birthday party. She loved here cake (in fact, she ate the whole thing!). And it was so fun to watch Katie & Charlie in action with her... thanks Ketchens for letting us be a part of this special time with you!!

Elsie LOVED her cake!!

Katie & Elsie - all smiles after the 1st year!