Happy New Year

It is crazy to think that one year ago we had decided it was time to start a family. Now January 1st, 2009 we have a 2 week old daughter. This was the best new year morning ever. Lena Kate is usually awake and very content from 7am until 8....or around this hour. This morning we had her laying in bed with us and we just yawned, played, and smiled together. I just can't get enough of her. What a fun family memory we made. She makes the funniest noises...not to mention the ones in her pants! Every day of sickness and hours of kidney stones were worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Don't get too excited, we aren't planning on another kiddo just yet.

Last night we stayed in and rang in the new year with Uncle Trent and Aunt Nancy and enjoyed an extravangant meal of wings and fries - yummy. I think Lena Kate and I went to bed around 9:30, but I do recall being awake at midnight. I visited with Mom, Dad, and Granny and they were going to play dominoes at Granny's. She had purchased scratch off tickets for the winners. Knowing Granny, she won the domino game and also won some $$ on the lottery tickets. She is just lucky like that. I can't wait to take Lena Kate down to the country to meet her Granny Brown.

While the end of the year brought new life to our family it also brought loss as Lane's grandfather passed away this past Monday. He had been battling Alzheimers (sp?) for many years now. As hard as it is to lose somebody I think he will be much happier with the angels in heaven. We just regret that we didn't get to introduce Lena Kate to him. He wouldn't hav eknow who she was, but she might've gotten a smile. She has a talent for that:) Maybe he was holding out to hear that she made it safely into this world and now he's gone to be her guardian angel. I remember the first time I met "A" at his 80th birthday party. He was still doing fairly well at that point, but wasn't 100% and when Lane introduced me he got the biggest grin on his face. It was almost as if I reminded him of somebody he once knew. Lane's family commented on how they were surprised by the look on his face that I invoked. I know he will be missed by the Waterhouse and Bowen family as well as many other family and friends. Please keep them in your prayers as they suffer the loss of Roy "A" Waterhouse. He is with his Lord and Savior and at peace now-this is a blessing.

I'll leave you with a few new pics of Lena wishing you a Happy New Year! She is filling out and getting Mommy and Daddy's little double chin. Double click on pics to see them larger.

A non-pink outfit - Daddy likes!

What are you looking at?

Hi there.

Bed head - her hair is LONG in the back

What do you think she is plotting?

She sleeps alot...

Mommy's little angel

Just so you know, she does fuss...when she is hungry...or needs to get things "moving" if you know what I mean. It is even cute to see that bottom lip quiver as she frowns...poor baby.

I hope everybody has a safe and blessed 2009 and stay tuned for more fun and trials in the new year with Lena Kate and the Bowen family. We love you all.