The McGarys: May 2011

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Bath time at Grammy's House

Its typical for evey baby in my family to have baths in my parent's kitchen sink. I think they have bathed just about every Grandbaby in it. It was finally Azlin's turn.

Grammy giving Azlin her bath. Our girl sure does love the water!

So relaxing!

I don't wanna get out Mom!!

Thank you Mom for keeping traditions alive. I don't know where I would be without you. I love you!! xoxoxo

Monday, May 16, 2011

On February 27th, 2011 I entered my last year of my 20's...I turned 29. *sigh* To celebrate, we went whale watching in Dana Point. Yes, I took my infant on a boat in hopes to spot some of God's largest creatures. I love whales, and the ocean. It was the perfect way to celebrate ending my 20's.

Azlin & I waiting for the boat.

Our family of 3, waiting for the boat in Dana Point.

Me at the front of the Catamaran Boat, OCean Adventures.

It was cold, windy & I was a paranoid mom...we basically stayed inside by the window.

Andrew & Azlin checking out the Sea Lions.

Just the 3 of us...Just the way I wanted to spend my birthday. Thank you Andrew for a wonderful day. I love you!!!

Azlin's 1st trip to Disneyland!

As season ticket holders to Disneyland, its a miracle we waited so long to take Azlin there for the first time. We wanted to take her with people we love, we wanted to share the experience with friends. So on February 21st, 2011 we took baby Azlin to Disneyland with our very dear friends Chris & Betsy. We had a blast!!

About to go on Azlin's first ride...the Carousel!!

She's so tiny, her legs fit in the handles!

Our family of 3...enjoying the ride!

Azlin LOVED "It's A Small World"...she kept looking around at everything.

Main Street!!

Betsy, Me, Andrew, Azlin & Chris...you guys are amazing. We love you!

As we were leaving we saw Minnie Mouse. Azlin met her for the first time & didn't even cry!!

Thank you for going to Disneyland with us Chris & Betsy. You guys are amazing, and we are extremely lucky to have you in our lives! We can't wait for many more visits to the Magical Kingdom with you!! WE LOVE YOU!

Sea World!

On January 29th, 2011 we took Azlin, Meghan & Honor to Sea World! It was such a nice day to be outside! We enjoyed the entire day there and had a blast!!

Baby Azlin with the Otter

Honor on the Sesame Street ride

Andy, Meghan, Honor & I on the whirly twirly starfish ride.

Honor & Andy watching the Polar Bears.

Azlin & Daddy looking at the Whalrus'

Meghan, Azlin & I at my favorite place...the Penguin Encounter!

Me, Azlin & Andrew with the Penguin's.

Our family of 3, waiting for Shamu's show to start!

A Name & A Blessing

On January 9th, 2011 we Blessed our baby Azlin. (For those of you who are not of the Mormon faith, it is when a man holding the Priesthood gives the baby a blessing. you can find out more at www.lds.org)

Azlin was blessed by her Dad, and given the name Azlin Starr McGary. In the circle was Grandpa Bartlett, Grandpa McGary, Uncle Adam, John Blair, Bishop Zac Manning, President Mark Watkins, and Uncle Taylor held the microphone. In the blessing, Andrew blessed Azlin with good health, knowledge of the gospel & of our love for her. He also blessed her that she will grow up in pure faith, and have an Eternal Marriage as a goal. It was a very sweet blessing. I was so proud of him!

Grandma Webster made Azlin's blanket. (I had a similar one when I was blessed)

Here's Azlin on the Church's lawn. I have a picture of me on my blessing day the same way. I had to take one for traditions sake!

Azlin and her Daddy.

Me, Andrew & Azlin...a Forever Family

Our Parents (L-R: Larry, Clarice, Me, Andrew, Azlin, Babette, Margaret & Nicholas)

Andrew's side of the family. (minus a few)

My side of the family. (minus a lot. LOL)

Everyone who came to Church for Azlin's blessing.

The Priesthood holders who where in the circle.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

As Christmas is fastly approaching, we had to get our tree FAST. To avoid the "hussle & bussle" of the holiday season, we got our tree at Wal-Mart! LOL. It was only $25 and it was perfect!! Here is baby Azlin helping Daddy pick out just the right one!

We choose this one!

Then we hung our stockings with care...in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there!

Here is our Gift from God...right under our Christmas Tree!

At 2 weeks old, Azlin met Santa Claus! She was the youngest Santa has ever seen!

Our family with Santa Claus!

A letter to Azlin Starr

My Dearest Azlin,

I have waited my entire life for you. You are my dream come true. As a little girl, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up I would simply reply "A Mommy". Your Daddy and I tried for so long to have you. At times we felt as though we wouldn't meet you for a very long time. The day we found out we were expecting you was one of the best days of our lives. Although we are new to this thing they call "parenthood" we want you to know that no matter what we have and always will love you. Your name came from Mommy's favorite book from C.S. Lewis, and the Irish meaning is "vision". You are our vision. You are our heart. You are our everything. Your middle name is a family name. Your Mom, and Grandpa share it with you. You were born into a HUGE family. That means expect lots of love, kisses & hugs from everyone. Everytime I look at you, I can't believe you are mine...that you are ours for eternity. You are beautiful inside and out. You are my greatest creation. I love you with all my heart.

Love,

Mom

College Park Ward Christmas Dinner

2 days after we got home was our Ward Christmas dinner. My parents were in charge of it and planned on having Melissa Rydjeski sing "Mary's Lullaby" to a couple dressed as the Holy Family with a babydoll. Since we had a REAL baby a week before, they asked us to do it. Since the word "NO" is not in my vocabulary we did it. We stayed in the "Mothers Lounge" until we went on stage, then went home right after since the baby is so little and I didn't want her around all the germs. (yes, I am truely a new mom!) But while we were there Azlin got to meet her cousins for the first time.

Here is baby Azlin with her cousins. (L-R: Kaitlyn, Peyton, Azlin & Meghan)

Here we are as the Holy Family.

As Melissa sang, I couldn't contain my tears. Here I am holding my newborn baby, thinking about Mary, Joseph & Jesus. I felt a deep connection Mary that night as I rocked my baby to thoses precious lyrics...and my Testimony of her love for our Savior grew like never before.

A wonderful homecoming!

We left the hospital to come home around 2pm. Andrew had to drive VERLY slowly. Every bump, turn & brake caused me to yelp in agony. I never knew having a c-section would be so difficult. My mom met us at home, and this is what we pulled up to! She had cleaned up our apartment, changed the sheets on our bed, cooked us a delish dinner and stayed to help us out with the baby for a while. (I could NEVER have done any of this without my Mother. She is such a great influence in my life! Thanks Mama!) We have video of us walking up to the front door. But it took me over 5 minutes to just make it up our stairs so I'll save you from the video. LOL.