I'll be Home for Christmas

This has been a different kind of Christmas for our family this year.  There has been no time to decorate, send out Christmas cards, or finish all the shopping.  But, we are together, and that it the best Christmas present I could ever ask for. 
I've learned in recent months that "Home is where the heart is". Really, it's true.  It doesn't matter if it's in an apartment in good ole' College Station, my folks house, a crummy old hotel room, or even in some stables with a hay filled manger for a crib... You can be "home" anywhere. 
I know that my Redeemer lives!  I know that he loves ME, Jessica Lynn Payne. He loves me enough to suffer and die for all my sins and weaknesses, so that I can conquer death and live again with my family in Heaven.  

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." -St. Luke 2:14

MERRY CHRISTMAS!   

Fresh from Heaven

 








There really is something so special about having a newborn in the house. There is absolutely no doubt that they come straight from heaven. The little sounds they make, the cute faces, the tiny tiny toes, their little beating heart... they are perfect.  I feel like this time around I'm not as anxious and worried about messing something up... this time I'm trying to just enjoy the newborn stage.  Which isn't too hard with a sweet baby like Maggie.  :)
That being said... Maggie Ila is doing great! She just keeps getting chubbier and chubbier everyday! I love it!

Complete

After I got married, I couldn't imagine life without my sweetheart.  Sometimes I would wonder how I ever made it without him.  It was a feeling of completion.  We are an eternal family.  We are forever.  

I got the same feeling after I had my little Rachel, and now with my Maggie...  I just can't imagine life without them.  

Oh, and what a great life it is. 

New favorite toys

If you are looking for Rachel these days, you're most likely to find her stealing a pacifier, sitting in the car seat, or climbing on the bouncer.


 


Every time I look at this picture I laugh out loud!  Look at those wide eyes!  What a stinker!




Instead of telling her to get out of the bouncer, I finally ran and got the camera and told Rachel to smile... she doesn't ever smile when I tell her to anymore... but this time was different... she had triumphed and she knew it!

Mommy Tradition

I decided when I was pregnant with Rachel that I was going to get my nails done. I mean the works... manicure, pedicure... even a cutesy design.  Seriously worth every penny. When you are feeling crummy in the hospital, there is nothing like looking down and seeing pretty toes. Or for all you pushing mommies out there, it's something pretty to look at while you push. :) Anyway, just a suggestion...


 

the sweetest part

Our Maggie Ila is here. Not too many moms can say they were in the delivery room with their daughter but I can!! What an amazing experience!! There was an excitement in the air and I was so gitty that I probably annoyed Jessica. I put on the scrubs with hat and mask. The doctor had me wait in the hallway for a minute then invited me in. While I was walking in the doctor's steady hands were at work cutting a small incision. I walked around the curtain to Jessica's head. Jessica was wide eyed and I could tell she was a bit nervous. I grabbed her hand and told her it won't be long and the baby will be here. I peeked over the curtain again and the doctor had Maggie’s head out in less than 5 minutes. I told Jess the head was out and all she could say is "Really, I can't feel a thing." Then the doctor told us that Jess will feel a release of pressure and Maggie was born. We heard a good strong cry and I started tearing up because she was HERE. The sweetest part of the birth was after the nurses wiped her off a little. Maggie was still upset and crying as they then handed her to me. I took her to her mother and laid her by her cheek. Jessica just said, "Hi, sweetheart." And lil' Maggie instantly calmed down and stopped crying. lil' Maggie knew right away her mama's voice and that she was OK. From start to finish the whole procedure took about 15 minutes. I witnessed a miracle on November 30th at 7:19. A loving Heavenly Father sent down a beautiful baby girl to our family. I know I am just the Nana but she is still family. I felt really blessed to be a part of a special time for my Jessica. I know I was not as good as Tyler would have been but I tried to hold down the role the best I could. Jessica, you are amazing Mother and I am blessed to have you for a daughter. Thank you for allowing me to be with you on this special day.

-posted by the "Nana"

Maggie Ila Payne

November 30, 2010 @ 7:19am

8 pounds 4 ounces

20 1/2 inches long

 













I feel like the luckiest Mommy on earth!  I love my girls.