Elder J!

After serving 2 years in the New Jersey, Morristown mission, Elder Jason "J" Shields FINALLY came home. Before he left we were always doing things together, so it's nice to have our "third amigo" back home. Also on a side note, he is who we named Henry after for those of you that were wondering where we got the "J" from.

Jason is technically Alan's nephew, but they are so close in age (2 years apart) that they grew up as brothers.


It was such an awesome experience to be at the airport and see him come down the escalators.





Sunday was his homecoming so we got all dressed up and headed to church to hear him speak. He did such an amazing job, and we feel blessed to have him as a part of our family.

Henry was looking sharp in his suit.

What a handsome little man.

Congrats on serving an honorable mission J, we are SOO happy to have you home.

Full'o'Emotions

Rachel was watching tv the other night, and saw this documentary so she decided to record it. I am so happy that she did because I LOVE watching real shows about families with babies in the NICU. I, of course, bawled through the majority of the show and it was for happy and sad reasons. I will always feel blessed that Henry J is in our lives, but the sadness that I felt almost every day while he was in the hospital is something that is hard to explain. It was almost weird watching the show, because there are things that Nicole Conn said that hit so close to home it gave me chills. There are also things that she said that I didn't agree with, or was able to relate to. Most of the nurses and people on this documentary say how families struggle with life and their relationship while they have a sick baby. Alan and I were among the very few who only grew closer through the experience. I see my little baby now and my heart swells with love as I see him turn into a healthy toddler.

I often get asked how I was able to manage life with him in the hospital for nearly 3 months, and I am reminded of a quote that goes something like: "You don't know how strong you can be, until being strong is the only choice you have".

More Summer Fun

We went to Henry J's first baseball game! Even though he didn't pay attention, the sno-cone sure was good.

Aunt Lana

He was focused on something, maybe by his mother's beauty.

Feeding the ducks with Dad, although the only thing Henry was interested in was eating the bread. I am noticing a trend with my child.


So bright, and so hot!

New Stage

Pop Quiz: What do all of these things have in common?

Answer: Things Henry J uses to walk around the house.

That's right folks, I am oh so close to having a toddler. And if you notice by the nice bruise and cut on his forehead, I am ready for him to be a professional walker.

First Hair Cut!

The time finally came to get this boy a hair cut. We went to Cookie Cutters, which was a little more than what I wanted to spend, but they know how to handle kids.

Getting a little weary with the "cape" on.

Such a sad face.. but I LOVE that sad face.

I laugh every time I see this picture.

Had to take a time out for a sucker. Kind of amazing what a little candy will do for this kid.

Takin a little off the top!

Wa-lah! Such a handsome boy!

Year Old Pictures

I am obsessed with HJ's new pictures.

Mitzi you are absolutely amazing and captured my little man like no one else could.

Happy Due Date to you!

Ever since Henry was born, I knew that I wanted to celebrate his original due date. Alan thought I was crazy, but I'm pretty sure everyone has figured that out already. We went to the store and got him a cupcake with the most frosting you've ever seen. He was way more into it this time then on his actual birthday. We all got quite the kick out of it, and it took a solid 2 1/2 hours for him to come off that sugar high.

Before: So sweet and innocent, not to mention CLEAN.

True to Henry form, he has to examine everything about the cupcake.

Taking small dainty bites to get a good understanding of what he's facing.

"Yep, I think I like this stuff"

Everytime he would look at me, it was always with a look of question. "Not quite sure that I should be doing this, but no one is stopping me."

"I better hurry up and pound this thing before they take it away."

After: Eating the excess cake off the fork. No shame in this kid's game.

What an amazing little miracle you are, my Henry J.