Maren is 4 months old!

Maren turned 4 months old on Saturday! She is now 25 inches long and weighs 12 lbs 15.5 oz (Chris won the bet). Here are some pictures from our "professional" photo shoot.

Awww...

"It is not a slight thing when those so fresh from God love us."
-- Dickens

Come back, spring!

Sure is hard to go back to cold weather (and snow...yuck) after the warm spell. Maren and I miss the sunny mornings and afternoon stroller rides. Come back, spring!

Miracle Maren

One year ago yesterday I found out I was prego with this little monkey. I remember because it was a day before my mom's birthday. Chris and I had been trying for a couple years and it seemed to happen when we least expected. Obviously, things worked out great...definitely better than I could have planned. I guess "nothing is as constant as change" and I am still amazed when I reflect on how much change one year can bring.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Grandma!!!

Oh, Baby!

Yesterday, I saw a little five-week-old baby at church and it made me realize how BIG my little peanut is getting. Time flies and that newborn stage is over before you know it. But as I am lamenting Maren's rapid growth and development, I am also becoming aware that the older she gets the more fun she is (and the easier motherhood is). Maren is so cheerful these days. I have noticed more big changes this past week - she is more aware of her surroundings and herself. Very fun times at the Nielson home.

String Theory

I really love, love, love this Denyse Schmidt quilt. I think it is so creative and quirky and scrappy. Sundance sells it, but it's like $500...so I am thinking of attempting to recreate it myself in a throw size. I just adore her stuff!

Family Update

Our cute little nephew, William, was blessed on Sunday. We took the opportunity to snap a few photos. We also celebrated Maren's 3 month "birthday" last week. She is getting so tall (but is not very fat) and more beautiful each day. She's a little chatterbox and laughed for the first time a couple weeks ago.

G&G Benson with William and Maren.