Update

Alright~ now that life has calm down, I can give a bit of an update. One of my awesome sisters posted pics. from Ayden's blessing, so I'll divide the update with those pictures.

This one is from the sealing. This my cute little nephew with Ayden. Landon's about 4 days younger. I think Landon's telling Ayden's secrets here.

Jared's been busy with work and scouts, as always. He's been up against deadlines at work, as well as preparing for the busy camping season of scouts. I will admit, it's my least fav. time of year because Jared's gone so much, but I'm glad he's having fun. Helping these boys become men. Jared's still doing his diet. He's lost a total of about 50 lbs. He's not loosing anymore (thank goodness! lol) but still maintaining the diet so he won't gain any back. He's finally starting to agree to get him new clothes. Have to get his wedding band re-sized too. Think that's about it for Jared.

Ayden, parents, grandparents (with exception of Papa Alan), and Great-Granddad Hurst

 I've been doing the whole wife, mom thing. I'll tell you what... I don't think I've ever had a more challenging job. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love my payment of smiles, laughs, occasional cuddles, and occasional slobber kisses. I've been mainly getting things back in order from our fun weekend, activity days, and taking care of sick Ayden. More on that later. Other than that... life's pretty dull in the Devin department lol. Although, I do get to go home (my Las Vegas home) in a week and a half, so that'll be fun!!! Unfortunately, it'll be only me and Ayden.

Men in the cirlce- Great-Granddad Hurst, Papa Payne, Dad, Ayden, Uncle Jason, Uncle Bart. We're missing Uncle Nate, Bishop Michaelis, and Bishop Anderson. Maybe others?

  Now on to Ayden. This poor kid has had it, health wise. It started out, in like mid-April he had double ear infection and pink eye. We thought he was better, but ended up still had the double ear infection and sore throat/cold/allergy type thing. Just as he was clearing up from that (Fri. before our amazing weekend to be exact) we noticed sores in his mouth!! Poor kid had cold sores. They cleared up, he somewhat started eating normal again. Then the last day or so he's been doing the pain response in his eating again. Yeah, we had to increase his antacid for the acid reflux. Oh, and he has a left ear infection. If Ayden gets one more ear infection between now and like mid-Oct. it's tubes for him. Yeah, any bets if we'll end up with tubes?? Anyway~ all this going on while cutting tooth #3, working on getting teeth #4,5, and 6. Yes, Ayden is teething fast!

My mom and siblings that were there. My other bro and his family were there but had to leave early. We're also missing my dad, and two bros-in-law.

Ayden, as of today, is 13 lbs 5 ounces, 25 inches tall. He is still doing great developmentally though. He wants to crawl so bad! I feel bad. We're working on it though. He loves playing with his toys, reading books, and can't forget smiling. Even with all the bad luck health wise, he's generally been pretty happy still. Ayden is still very much a daddy's boy. He definitely know what he wants and cries if that's not what he gets. Luckily, most of the time he's a pretty easy going baby. 

Payne side that was there. Sorry, too many missing to name :o)

Think that about sums it up for us though. Life is still awesome!! We're ready to take on our next adventure... I think :o) Time will tell on that one. Hope this finds all well. Love to all!!!

Our AMAZING! weekend

This weekend we had the opportunity to take Mr. Ayden-sir to the temple! We also got the chance to give him a name and blessing. Both of these events are part of our religion. Please, please, please ask if you have any questions. I'm sorry there won't be as many pics as I was hoping. My sister stole my camera ;o) Okay, so it was an accident, but it means I won't get to post pics until I get it back in a couple of weeks.

Anyway~ the party started on Thurs/ Fri. with everyone coming into town.

Then early morning on Sat., we all got up and took Ayden to the temple where he was sealed to us for eternity!! I can't give too much detail, due to the sacredness of the ceremony, but it was beautiful. Surprisingly, I held it together the whole time!! I almost lost it numerous times, but kept control. When Ayden was brought into the room, it was the most unforgettable moment. He had been sleeping in the temple workers arms. He was so dazed and confused for a bit, then got enthralled with the chandelier and his dad. Here's a picture of what the room looks like:

As you can see... BEAUTIFUL!! This is my favorite picture that our photographer took:

 

Its my favorite because it actually has meaning!! As you may notice, Jared is on one knee. I'm sitting on the bench that I was sitting on when he proposed to me, just over 6 years ago! Here are some others that she posted of our wonderful day.

 So that was our Saturday.

On Sunday, Jared, using his priesthood, gave Ayden a name and blessing. This isn't something that's even necessary, but something so special and that Ayden will always have with him. So how this blessing work is Melchizedek priesthood holders hold the baby in a circle, then one of them gives the blessing.

The circle happens like this:

one of the 12/13 yr old boys holds a microphone up to whoever is giving the blessing, in this case Jared. Aydens circle had like 7 other men. He had Papa Payne, Granddad Hurst, Uncle Nate, Uncle Bart, Uncle Jason, Bishop Michaelis, Bishop Anderson. I hope I'm not forgetting anyone :o/ Jared talked to Ayden a lot about family and those who love him. It was awesome! I'll admit it, the moment I heard Jared start giving the blessing I lost it! It is just so amazing to have had that experience. I guess Ayden talked during the whole blessing. Those of us not in the circle didn't hear him though.

The pictures of Ayden's blessing day are whats on my camera. Anna's suppose to be posting some pictures she has on her camera. **hint, hint Anna, Mel, and all those others that have pictures**

Anyway~ hope this helps give a glimpse of how amazing our weekend was. It has been something Jared and I have looked forward to since we got married! It all still seems like a dream. We can't tell you how much we love you all and appreciate all the support, prayers, hugs, tears, and everything else given in our behalf and for our adoption journey!! It has definitely been felt and helped.

Now, this isn't the end! lol However, we will be taking a break from fostering and adoption advocating but we will get right back into the adoption/fostering game May 2013.

Alright, that's the end of the novel. Love to all!!!

First time in a swing

This afternoon, for Jared's lunch break, we all went to the park. We had a blast! I'm lovin' this summer weather. Anyway~ while we were there we put Ayden in a swing for the first time! Definitely a hit! Here's a little video and pictures. Hope you can hear his laugh in the video. It's so cute! But I know I am biased lol

Hope this finds all well!! Love to all

Ayden babbling

Within the last week or so Ayden started babbling... not just coo-ing. Here's a cute little video of it

In case you're wondering... he's telling me he needs to be fed. Although, he only ate 3 ounces. Still working on that whole feeding thing the little stink! lol Love to all!

Ayden's first time with solids

As some of you may, or may not, remember we were actually told by the pediatrician to start Ayden on rice cereal when Ayden was about 4 months old. The dr. was just wanting to get Ayden fattened up. Here's a video and pics of the big moment! First time trying it

As you can see, it took some getting use to. Fast forward to present day and the boy absolutely LOVES solids. We were giving him 12 ounces of solids a day. We were recently told to stop doing that and to try to push his formula more. So far, not going to well. BUT! I think it's because his stomach has been bothering him. With the antibiotic he's on (he got double ear infection last week), it's making his whole digestive system not happy. Prayers, please, Ayden starts taking the formula better soon! Love to all!!!