Happily Ever After

Blake's Blessing Day

We can't stop taking pictures of this little guy. Don't be surprised that most of this blog will be primarily pictures!

Educating him properly...

Blake's blessing took place on January 26, 2013. It was the only time that both families could come for the blessing. Also, my brother Sam would be leaving for the MTC a couple weeks later...it was perfect timing! We were so happy that Sam would be there for the blessing. The only one we were missing was my brother Nate. He had to stay behind to work.

Uncle Sam

Uncle Ben

Grandma and Grandpa Whitlock

Grandma and Grandpa Lanoy

Everyone who stood in the circle for the blessing. Left to Right...Blake's Great Uncle Randall, Uncle Sam, Grandpa Lanoy, Daddy, and Grandpa Whitlock.

Love our little family!

It was a perfect day. I feel so blessed to belong to such wonderful families. I especially am so happy so have a husband that is so wonderful to Blake and I. Having the priesthood in our home is an irreplaceable joy and blessing. I'm so thankful that Aaron brings that to our home!

Sam stayed with us after the blessing for a day so that he could drive with me up to Sioux Falls. I will be staying with my two younger brothers while my parents drive Sam to the MTC. More to come on that soon! Isn't this picture just precious? I think Sam held Blake the whole time he was with us after everyone left and all the commotion died down after the blessing. It's crazy to think that he won't see Blake again until he is a toddler!
-SL

Starting the New Year Off Right!

Well not exactly....

It was practically a given that Blake was bound to get sick after hours in a germy airport, and that's exactly what happened.

Despite being very sick, he actually looks very peaceful! It broke my heart watching him suffer. I spent a lot of time just holding him in the bathroom with the shower on to try and help him breathe. It was miserable. My friend introduced me to essential oils to try to help Blake while he was sick. Now I swear by them. It's great to have found something that works that is all natural. Even though I rarely get sick, I did catch whatever Blake had. Taking care of Blake while he was sick was so sad even while I was totally healthy, so being very sick myself was even worse. Thank goodness for Aaron! He took such good care of us both!

Eventually we recuperated. I have never been so grateful!

Here's hoping we never are sick again...(at least not at the same time!)

-SL

Christmas Time in Utah

This year was our year to travel to Utah for Christmas. We knew it would be a challenge with Blake, but when the time came I was really grateful he had been born a little early. I was glad he was a little bit older when it was time to take him on an airplane. I never used to worry about germs until I had a baby. All of the sudden I am extremely aware of everyone's dirty hands coming near my child, or another kids dirty snotty face rubbing against my baby. It may sound mean, but...as you will soon hear... a sick baby is nothing to take lightly.

Before we left, we were asked to be Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus in our stake's live nativity! It was a pretty cool experience.

Here are some pictures of us just hanging out around the house before our big trip.

Proud Daddy!

Can you guess what is all over my leg? Yep...he's a sprayer...

Blake did really well on the plane to Utah, but of course it wouldn't be holiday travel without some kind of catastrophe, right?! When we landed in Denver, we got an email that our flight delayed. It was delayed three more times, and then it was CANCELLED! I was seriously considering crying to see if someone would take pity on me and my newborn baby and give us their seat on the plane. Long story short...after many hours in the Denver airport... we finally got on standby and BARELY made it on to a plane. We arrived in SLC sometime around 1 am.

Blake sleeping in the airport.

We had a breakfast date with my sister, Melanie, the next morning. We didn't sleep much that night, but it was worth it. We were really happy to get to spend time with Mel. I think Blake enjoyed meeting his new aunt.