First Bath

Matt and Sophie right before we put her in the tub

I love this little girl



Daddy's hand for comfort




We have been giving Sophie little baths in the sink because she is so little, but finally she got moved up to the big tub. We just got some pictures of the little bug and her first real bath.

"Trueness"

Avery with the kids


Josh and Megan with Sophie

Sophie was just staring at Josh

Josh and me

My cousin Josh and I have been close since we were little. We were always so excited when we got to be together. Our favorite thing to do was play He-Man and She-ra together. I was so sad when Josh had to move to Arizona. But, I'll never forget one day in the mail I got a package and on the return address it said from "Trueness". He had taped like 5 or 6 episodes of He-Man and She-ra for me and sent the tape. He has always been there for me and we just have a really special bond. He and his beautiful wife Megan came over and were able to see Sophie. Their little girl Avery is so darling and played so good with the kids. We ate Chipotle and went swimming. Thanks for coming you guys, you are always "true"!!

My 2 Weeks of Bliss

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Ever since Sophie was born it has been such a special time for me. My mom came and stayed with me and it was the most amazing experience. I don't know how I let her go. She would wake up in the mornings and take my kids to Jack-A-Box (that's what Connor calls it) and then to Albertson's so that I could rest. Then, she would fix us amazing meals. It was so fun to just have her there for support and for my emotional sanity. Words will never be able to express my gratitude or how much it truly meant to me. Hopefully, through all of my tears of emotion she could tell. While my mom was there my sister's Jessica and Whit flew in. Jess left her girls in Idaho with Brodie so that she could come. I really appreciate her effort and sacrifice to do so. It was so much fun and we were able to go to movies and dinner, and get 44 drinks. Life was so good!! After Jess left, my dad flew in for a couple of days. He is so busy with his calling and work, but I want him to know the effort was not unnoticed or unappreciated. He makes me cry with one look or hug, just because he is so loving and I just adore him. Doug and Krystal are both back east for the summer, but will soon get to see her too. All of Matt's family will be able to see her when we come up in October. We are anxiously awaiting that time.
Another funny thing was my mom dressed Sophie up in Sadie's doll clothes and put her in the doll stroller. It looked so funny! Anyway, thank you so much to everyone for their support and love at this time. These last couple of weeks I will never forget! Now Matt gets to deal with the aftermath of everyone leaving. Poor Matt!! He is amazing though and it is fun to have some special time with him and the kids.

Sadie's 6th Birthday!

Sadie's birthday was so fun for her. I wish I could have been feeling a little bit better, ( I have mastitis) but we did our best to make it special. Matt got her a flower, balloon, and donut and we went and sang to her to wake her up. Then, she went to school and when we picked her up I took Sadie and Connor to lunch. We then opened her presents! After that, she got to go to dinner and then have her cake. It was such a special day for a special girl. She is such a sweetheart and I love her so much. I am so grateful for her and feel so blessed to be her mom.

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First Day of School

Sadie & Connor - first day of school

My little girl

My little boy


My mom and I the night before I had Sophie


She falls asleep with her hand on her ear

So polite

Sucking her fingers


I have dreaded Sadie going to Kindergarten for so long now that I am just glad to have it over! She really loved it and I knew she would. I had my little breakdown and now I am fine! Connor started his pre-school again and his improvement is nothing short of a miracle. I am so grateful. My mom being here has been an indescribable blessing. Jess and Whit flew in and got to spend time here with us and so I will post those pictures as soon as I get them.

Sophie Faye Payne

Well, my little angel miracle is finally here. Things got a little scary at the hospital, but everything worked out and I am so grateful. My mom and Matt didn't leave my side all day. Matt got to help with the delivery even though I pushed for one contraction and she was out. It was a one-minute delivery. She was 5 pounds and 8 oz. 18 1/2 inches long. My cousin Jill took my kids for a couple of days so that we could just have some time with Sophie. Thank you so much Jill - you are a sweetheart! My kids are still talking about it. Anyway, here are some pictures from the hospital and a couple of when we have been home. Thanks to everyone who has called and been concerned. It has meant so much to Matt and me. We are so excited for our new little addition.

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