Instead, we cherish these moments and feel so happy waking up to her each morning, spending hours being with her, listening to her noises, looking at her and seeing her smile.

Our journey has been far more full that I could have every imagined – very emotional, joyful, beautiful, incredibly difficult/scary, proud, exhausting, and so full of happiness and joy.

We are thankful for the love of our family and friends and we’re overwhelmed by all of the support – meals, gifts, cards and visitors just to make sure our family has the best start. We are grateful.

We hope you enjoy Haddyn’s first month of life in pictures…

Here are a few photos and highlights of our trip:

Lunch and shopping in Hood River (a favorite place) · Waking up to the ocean · Hiking and playing on the beach · Day trips to Manzanita, Cannon Beach and Seaside · Anniversary morning spent being spoiled at the spa · A perfect afternoon of sunshine · Dinner at a the quaint little restaurant Bread and Ocean (delish!) · Spending time with family · Yoga with a beach view · Buying little items for the baby in each town we visited (credits of the Daddy-to-be) · Salt water taffy (temporary pregnancy craving!) · An afternoon in Portland · Time away to feel carefree …

Here’s to another wondeful year to and to welcoming our new addition. 2011 couldn’t get much better!

My friend Susan gave me one piece of advice, to take belly photos every week so I’d have pictures to look back upon and see all of the changes. I loved this idea so we’ve been attempting to take photos every so often – somehow though, they seem to be hardest shots to get. If I’ve ever been photogenic, that side of me has dissapeared along with my waistline!

I’ve definitely had a growth spurt in the last four weeks! Even the last two. It’s funny how everyone has a different opinion. Strangers will comment that they can’t even tell and then in the same day I’ll hear the complete opposite. One guy recently told me I was going to have a BIG baby! Ha! I swear it just depends on the clothes or the day but I’m definitely sporting a little bump!

I especially love feeling her kick and move in my belly. And the time feels like it’s flying by! This weekend we’re beginning to clear out the nursery and a few tiny little clothes hang in her closet.