a new baby girl.

Laura and Matt are the proud parents of this beautiful little girl.

And the rest of us couldnt be more excited to welcome her into our family.

didnt know babies come out purple...

Lyla Robyn

Born September 26.

7:06 PM. 5 lbs 15oz. 17 3/4 inches.

She is just a little thing.

Months ago I asked Laura if I could be in the delivery room on the big day. So when she called me Monday afternoon on the way to the hospital, I was pretty dang excited and antsy to join her in her hospital room. 

We did have to wait around for a couple of hours for Lyla to finally arrive but I couldnt have been more thrilled to be there during the whole process and witness Lyla coming into this world. 

I was on photography duty and did a pretty grand job of documenting the whole labor process. 

My sister just pushed out a BABY. and she looks GORGEOUS. 

As soon as that baby came out, I started crying. I turned to my mom and she was crying. 

And the spirit in that room was strong! 

Im still on the fence if the whole experience made me excited or terrified to have children someday. 

(even after Laura apparently had a real easy labor experience)

But I am so glad I was able to be there for the whole thing. I seriously loved it. And I love being able to say Ive known baby Lyla since the minute she was born! 

She is seriously so tiny 

we all just love her lots. 

i am so grateful.

I am so grateful for so many things in my life. 

I think we could all make a gratitude list easily. 

And we all do. Its called Thanksgiving day posts. 

But right now I am so grateful for the gospel.

I am so grateful for those small moments when you hear, read or feel something and then think,

"that was exactly what I need to hear"

or

"that was totally for me."

I feel like I have been having those moments a lot lately. 

And I am so very grateful for them. 

I was on Facebook (shocking) earlier this week and a friend posted a quote from President Hinckley. I read it and thought, "Yup. Perfect timing. Thank you Heavenly Father"

And now lately, like the rest of the blogging world, I have become obsessed with Pinterest. 

And as I was pinning away today, I came across that same quote. 

Coincidence?

I think not. 

I am grateful for this gospel. 

I am grateful for the peace it brings me when I pray.

I am grateful for the inspiration I receive. 

I am grateful for living prophets to guide and direct us all. 

I am grateful for my Savior. 

I am grateful for my faith. 

count your blessings.

name them one by one.

count your blessings. see what God hath done. 

We sang this song in church last week, which obviously had prime timing. It made me start to think about all of the amazing blessings I have in my life that I need to be thankful for. I love lists, and so with that, here is my Thanksgiving day list:

Thanksgiving, 2008.

1. Family. I am so incredibly grateful for my family. Parents that love me, stalwart members of the church, fun and support me during my mid mid life crisis. My amazing sisters, who are beautiful, funny and my closest friends. My awesome brothers in law. I am grateful for their amazing example and becoming as much as a real brother and friend. and probably the best part of my family, my nieces of nephews and the love they show to me and for each other. 

2. Friends. I have been mocked by many that I have too many "best" friends and that I should only have one. I think this is false. Having about 13 best friends is an amazing blessing. I am blessed with so many amazing people in my life, that I care so much about and who also love and care about me. I am grateful for my lanai crew, my roommates, the gh kids, my northridge crew. 

3. the gospel. the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. their love. the atonement. prayer. the restoration. the scriptures. General Conference. the Prophet. family history and temple work.
4. Los Angeles. 

5. BYU. my college experiences. my college degree. cougar sports. 

6. a family that loves baseball. Dodgers. a family that takes trips to Spring Training and baseball stadiums. 

7. trials that teach me and help me learn and grow. 

8. my chapstick key chain. 

9. my health and strength. 

10. my car lulu. 

11. California weather. I can wear flip flops all year long. No need for jackets and coats, just cardigans to get me through the winter. 

12. not having to worry about slipping on ice anymore while I walk outside. 

13. my wooden keychain. I can knock on wood and be jinx free wherever I go. 

14. my legit SLR camera so I can snap away as many photos as I can. 

15. my ipod and music. dancing. no standing, only dancing.  

16. America. 

17. George Washington. 

18. Washington DC. my love for that place, the opportunity to live, learn and teach.

19. moments of laughter.
20. Sundays.
21. my family all active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. all happily married, temple marriages.
22. Mexican Train.
23. A Thanksgiving day celebration with my parents that did not include one traditional thanksgiving activity and I loved every moment of it.
24. books. a plethora of books to read.
25. an amazing and happy life. 

I could go on and on. Ive got lots to be thankful for in my life. 

And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
D&C 78:14