I've been MIA for a while now.
The past couple of months have been rough ones, and I've been trying to get back on my feet.
Trials, I've realized, are a very permanent part of our lives.
They are always going to happen.
I wanted to then write, "And it sucks!".
But I'm grateful for the hard times that make me appreciate the good.
As I've been going through my life recently, I've received multiple priesthood blessings.
How grateful I am for the gospel.
And in almost every single blessing, I've been told that I have friends and family around me that love me and are there to help me.
I am a very independent person.
I don't like to be dependent on other people.
I like to be strong on my own, totally my pride talking here.
And most times when I have trials thrown my way, I attempt to deal with it on my own.
But last night, I was thinking about the many people in my life that the Lord has graciously given me to help me through the ups and especially the downs of this mortal experience.
I have been blessed with an incredible family, extended and immediate.
Since I was 5 years old, I've been blessed with a very close relationship with my mom's brother, my uncle Kim.
Almost 3 years ago, he married my aunt, Katie.
I couldn't have picked a better wife for him.
I remember when I was younger dreading the day that Kim would get married, knowing it would change our relationship.
If anything, marrying Kate only improved our relationship and made us an awesome little trio.
Kate has become one of my best friends.
I'll call her just to talk.
We go to breakfast together.
Attend the temple.
Go to chick flicks and drool over the hot boys (don't worry, she totally loves my uncle).
She is seriously someone I could talk to for hours on end, and still feel like our conversation wasn't complete.
They both have been such an incredible support to me and I love them all the more for the way that they love and support me.
On Saturday, May 12th, 2012, Katie gave birth to a beautiful little girl.
Baby Crofts was 7 pounds 15 ounces. 19 inches long. Born at 8:08 a.m.
Kim has waited so long to be a daddy, and I can't express my happiness for them both in the little miracle that was brought into this world.
I was antsy all day Saturday.
I seriously couldn't wait to see my precious little cousin.
I already know I'm going to be the favorite. ;)
Yesterday afternoon, after spending the day with my mother (Happy Mothers Day MoM! Love you!) we got to go to the hospital and I got to hold Baby C for the first time!
She is precious, and so perfect.
Kate changing the diaper for the first time.
She's a total pro.
Baby C has got a great "suck", she can really keep that binky in her mouth.
And she was already keeping her hand pressed against it, so cute.
This girl is a pro and she is only 2 days old!
Totally proud of her already! :)
Aunt Camille was so happy to be able to hold her little niece.
We've been waiting a long time for this day.
Then I got my turn.
Ah man, I already love this girl so much.
Its been a long time since I've held a new born baby.
And I loved every second of it.
I already feel a deep bond to my beautiful, little cousin.
Just holding her and staring into her beautiful little face, it was like our spirits connected.
In so many ways I am already grateful for her presence in my life.
I seriously can't wait to spoil her rotten.
And I will spoil her.
Love my aunt!
I wish that I could explain all the feelings and emotions I experienced as I held this little girl.
I couldn't help but think about the fact that just recently she was up in Heaven with our Heavenly Father.
How incredible!
I wanted to ask her all about it, if she got to hang out with Grandma Toni while she waited to get down to earth.
And I just wanted this little girl to know how happy I was to finally have her here.
I wonder if this little girl will ever know how long we've waited for her and anticipated the moment she would get here.
I plan on showing her just how much she is loved.
Look how precious.
She has these long slender fingers, with a total death grip.
This girl will do incredible things.
Can't think of much else that brings more happiness in my life right now.
Daddy put his finger down by her little hand and she instantly grabbed on.
And would not let go.
I LOVE this picture!
I seriously can't get enough of this girl.
I'm obsessed already, and she's not even mine.
I've always felt strongly that the Lord sends people into my life at certain times to help me through that particular moment in my life.
I believe strongly that the Lord knows us each individually, and its not an accident when new people blind side us, and become vital parts of our existence.
This little girl, my beautiful cousin, is no exception.
She is a great miracle in many people's lives, mine especially.
I feel the power of her spirit and that this little girl will be a great soothing balm in my life.
I can hardly wait to hold her again.
Congratulations to Kim and Kate!
What a beautiful miracle you were given!
