Baby Miles!

I can't believe how long it's taken me to blog about my newest, sweetest, handsomest nephew! It's probably because I've been reading during most of my free time... The Count of Monte Cristo sucked me in! I recommend it to anyone looking for a good book that has it all. Anyway, a few short weeks ago, my sister Angie had her first baby! She was scheduled for a C section because Miles decided he didn't want to turn head down. I think he heard how Hazel got a lot of attention for not turning until several weeks before, so he thought he'd take the cake and stay put sideways. Everything went well for the delivery, but poor Ang didn't get to see Miles for many hours while they were checking up on him. Luckily, he was okay and just needed a little time to adjust to his new world, so Angie got to snuggle him from that time on... and she hasn't stopped. It was so cute to see her as a mom. I always knew she loved babies, and it was so great to see how thrilled she was to have a little one of her own. Miles was so little (compared to Hazel) and so sweet! I wish I could've been there for when she left the hospital, but we had been away from James long enough. I guess I'll just have to go back for a visit soon! Austin is only 3 1/2 hours away! Here's the handsome man - MILES MATTHEW JANSSON

Let Freedom Ring

This 4th of July was spent in Beaumont with my parents. It's pretty rare that we're the only ones in the family visiting my parents at one time, but we weren't complaining about having all the attention! Hazel sure loved it too! She just loves the pool and kicks constantly while in her little float (just like in the womb...). It was so fun just to be able to relax, swim, read, and hang out with my parents. That's what kind of vacation James and I enjoy. The only thing we missed were live fireworks on the 4th because of the dry weather, but Mom and I watched them on TV!

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

Hazel met her great grandparents on my side for the first time! We brought meals on wheels, as Grandpa called it, and had dinner while talking about people we know who have served our country. I always love hearing Grandpa talk about his brother Uncle Tini who served in the military so his brothers wouldn't have to. He was shot while he was in the service, and the bullet went through his face, but he survived. When he came home, however, his own brother didn't recognize him. In fact, his brother offered to give this man (Uncle Tini) a ride to where he needed to go, and he didn't know it was his brother until Uncle Tini said, "Don't you know I'm your brother?" It's an amazing story. I'm so grateful for the people who are willing to serve our country. It's so great to know those families will be reunited soon.

My childhood best friend, Emily, was in town, so we got together with our moms for lunch!

I also got to see my dear cousin Sabrina (that's her title) before she moves to the east coast for her husband to go to law school! Sad. Hopefully they move back to Texas right after he's done! I need her close!

Here's one more goofy picture of Hazel in red, white, and blue: