GILCHRIST FAMILY

Friday, July 19, 2013

Finden and our visit with the Gilchrist Family

After we left the hospital we went down to Firth to be with Andy's family so they could all meet our newest little one!! We had a wonderful time showing Finden off and getting to know him better.

Time with Grandpa Gilchrist

Lots of Brother loves

Grandma Gilchrist lovin' on baby Fin

Aunt Molli drove 12 hours from AZ to meet her newest nephew

Meeting Great-Grandma Killpack

Our little bundle.... who has slept through the night since day one!

Sponge Bath:( We ALL can't wait for his "belly button" to fall off so he can take real bath.

We had many wonderful days of relaxation where we just stayed in our jammies and watch movies but we also had great days where we got out and played together...

Grandma and Grandpa got out the fire pit and we roasted hot dogs and marshmallow over the fire.
Grayer loved holding his own stick and cooking his hot dog.

Even Finden got outside to roast a few dogs!

Have some hot dog with that ketchup:)
Grayer put his own ketchup on while I was not looking.

Grayer got to go out on Aunt Molli's motorbike with her!

Grayer loved going out and riding with Grandma as she mowed the lawn.
This particular time he fell asleep.

Grandpa and Grandma took us to ijump, which is an awesome indoor trampoline park.
It was a perfect way to spend an afternoon together!

I love how he plugged his nose before the jump:)

A bunch of Goofs!

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Presenting the NEWEST member of the Gilchrist Fam!

Finden Linford Gilchrist

May 1, 2013

7 lbs 11 oz

21 inches long

As many of you know this sweet little doll came to us through adoption! We had the most amazing experience welcoming him into our family and if you like long stories feel free to keep reading!

Finden's Birth Story:

On April 30th I got a call from our dear birth-mom, Carlie, telling me that she was having contractions. This call was a bit unexpected - there had been no progress as far as labor was concerned prior to this call plus Finden was not due until the 6th of May (We just assumed he would come late - which was a bad assumption:)). We had planned to travel home to Idaho on the 5th of May for delivery so when Carlie called later that day and announced that she was heading to the hospital we instantly, and frantically I might add, started trying to rearrange our travel plans.

Finden was born while I (Susan) was on my first flight home at 4:37 a.m. on May 1st!

Carlie's sweet Mother, Lorana, and Sister, Nancy, were with her the whole time and were sending me constant updates. I remember sitting in the airport reading the text and looking at the pictures of our brand-new little boy and crying. People probably thought I was nuts but I didn't care all I wanted to do was get to the hospital to be with him and Carlie!

Side note: Because of outrageous airline costs Andy and Grayer flew to Idaho the next day.

I arrived in Idaho around 2:00 that afternoon and went straight from the airport to the hospital. I have to admit I was a bit nervous but, that all went away and joy filled my heart once I had our sweet baby boy in my arms!!!

My Mom and Dad came with me to the hospital as well. My Mom was so sweet and tender as she held him for the first time. My Dad was the one who delivered Finden so he had already met him but this time he was there as Grandpa instead of Doctor. It was neat to have both of my parents there to be with our new little guy!

After my parents left I was able to spend many wonderful hours holding my new baby and being with Carlie and her Mom and Sister. We talked, laughed, cried, and shared some very tender moments together. We are very blessed to have the Johnson Family in our lives!!!

Beautiful Carlie!

Carlie's Mom, Lorana, and Sister, Nancy

That night was the first night I had Finden all to myself! I had the hospital room right next to Carlie's and I took him for the night. He was this new little miracle in my life and it was a wonderful time to just be alone with him and talk to him and bond with him as his Mommy!

By the next morning Andy and Grayer had arrived in Idaho and were anxious to meet little Finden. Andy dropped Grayer off at my Mom's house and came to hospital by himself so that we could have some alone time with Carlie and our new little one, who at that point had not been named. Andy came in the room and was instantly glued to Finden and has been ever since. I can say this because I have witnesses but he is a baby hog!!! After that we named our baby boy... The name Finden means "To Find" in German which we thought was VERY fitting for this amazing situation that found us and blessed our lives tremendously! His middle name, Linford, is my Grandpa Christensen's name.

After a few hours I called my Mom to have her bring Grayer up to the hospital! Grayer was SO stinkin' cute and just admired his new baby brother. And, now like his Dad has a hard time leaving Finden alone for very long. He always has kisses or hugs for Finden. It is like he will burst if he doesn't give his brother loves:)

Later that afternoon we were all discharged from the hospital and were able to take Finden home; well at least to Grandma and Grandpa's house! It was bitter-sweet as we loaded our precious bundle in the car but at the same time had to say good-bye to our wonderful Carlie. We had the most amazing and spiritual experience with Finden's birth and we are eternally grateful for Carlie and her selfless gift to us and for her family for their love and support. Thank you to all who made this blessing possible and for all who fasted and prayed for this little (BIG) miracle!!