She’s here, she’s here, SHE’S HERE! Well, she has BEEN here for 10 weeks already, and what a blur it’s been. We have been hibernating this winter with our sweet girl, figuring out this whole parenthood thing and just soaking in all the incredible joy this tiny human has brought into our lives. Hazel Ann was born on January 27th, and every day since then has just been the best. I haven’t had much of a chance to share this gorgeous girl with the world yet, but you better believe there’s no shortage of pictures and memories being made! Sometimes life is just better lived in the moment and enjoyed for yourself, you know? But today I am excited to share just a few of my favorite memories from these past months with you, as I know so many of you have sent us encouragement and congratulations and have been a part of this crazy journey.
Labor began on my due date of January 26th just as Ben and I sat down to a movie at Tinseltown. At 11:15am on the 27th after 16 hours of labor, Hazel Ann was born! We did not know the gender ahead of time, so it was so exciting to find out that we finally had a daughter. Another fun surprise was that this baby had RED HAIR! For 9 months I was imagining a dark-haired mini-Ben, but this little lady has bright red hair and blue eyes! She was named Hazel after my great-grandmother Hazel Tunison, and Ann after Nana Betsy Ann – scroll to the very bottom to see a photo of Original Hazel! Our home was a flurry of visitors those first weeks who came to meet sweet Hazel, and it has been so awesome to see all our family and friends meet her. We are so grateful for everyone that visited, sent cards and gifts, and brought us dinner! Such blessings, and we quickly learned that it truly does take a village to raise a child. The love shown to us has been nothing short of overwhelming. Here are some of our first moments meeting Hazel and the memories we’ve made this winter!
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40 weeks! On my due date Ben and I went for a walk in Mill Creek before going to dinner and the movies….and then the hospital!
She’s here! 7lb 5 oz of red-headed beauty!
So excited to meet their new cousin! Michael and Audrey have another redhead to add to their tribe!
G.G. meeting her great-granddaughter.
Proud Papas!
Big Papa and Old Grandma – smitten with Hazel.
Ben wrote several songs for Hazel in the days after she was born, and he recorded a live album for her. Go listen here!
FINALLY! A nice day where we could get out of the house and go on a walk!
Hazel’s namesake is my great-grandmother Hazel Tunison, pictured below standing in the back row on the far right. This photo was taken in 1912!
Clearly she’s taken over. It’s a beautiful thing to see so much love ❤️. Congratulations She’s so lucky to have such beautiful parents.
I loved the video…she is beautiful and you’ve captured the amazement of new life. Enjoy that beautiful little girl ♥ Cloud nine looks good on you both!
A beautiful gift from “God”! So happy for Carlyn and Ben. A new journey has begun. Many blessings for your new FAMILY. I was so happy to see you Carlyn and to meet Precious “Hazel”. May happiness rain down upon all of you.