Jade's Favs!

I've decided, that just for fun, I'm going to start highlighting a product that I have recently discovered and love for one reason or another! I'll feature one or two a week, from a retail store, direct selling company, or etsy.com.

This week?

I am so in love with the Covergirl Amazemint Lipgloss. It's got mint oil in it, so it freshens your breath a little bit. I also love how the mint plumps my lips...and the shine is awesome, with just a hint of color! Mmmmm :)

My other favorite product is from Etsy.com. When I was looking for a diaper bag for Myka, I thought I'd look on Etsy to find something original and fun...well, I found this!

I am more than pleased with this purchase! It's so pretty, and included a cute change pad and two bibs! The quality is great, and it's super easy to wash. And, at $45, very reasonably priced for it being handmade! The seller is on vacation right now, but will return soon with more awesome bags for sale! Here is the link to her shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5925937

Happy Shopping!

Too too cute!

Myka...Week One

Big sister Addison kisses :)
As soon as we got home from the hospital, we took a much needed nap! In keeping with our Steckly tradition, Myka napped cuddled with daddy for it!
She loves "her baby Myka".
The awesome quilt that Grandma Karen made! It's so super cute :)

People have asked me what it's like to be a mom of three, and the truth is, I have no idea yet! I have only been a mom of three for one full day so far, because the girls left for Grandma and Grandpa's when Myka was three days old! I feel so spoiled to have this time to catch up on my rest and to bond with the baby.

They are coming home tomorrow, so as much as I miss my little girls and am looking forward to actually being a mom of three, I am enjoying my last day alone with Myka because I know it might be awhile before I get this much rest again! I'm so glad the girls are having tons of fun at Grandma's!

For the most part, Myka has been an amazing baby and I have thoroughly enjoyed my week alone with her, with the exception of two sleepless nights. But for the most part we have been very spoiled. She is a very content baby, and when she fusses, we can usually fix it right away with a diaper change or a feeding.

One weird thing is that she's 11 days old, and her umbilical cord is showing almost no signs of falling off...but I'm going to ask the doctor about it this week.

Here are some pictures!

All three girls when Myka was two days old
Big Sister Tegan
In her new outfit from Teresa!
She has the cutest facial expressions,...and yawns!
Me and my baby girl :)

From Heaven, with Love.

Well, except for the whole labor part...lol But we got to meet our brand new baby daughter, Myka Ester Steckly!

I had been having minor contractions all night Thursday night, but was trying not to get my hopes up. Around 4 am they started coming more regularly though, so I got up and started timing them.

Just before 8, Daniel, Brandi (friend and doula!) and I left for the hospital. I had a nonstress test booked, and if they weren't happy with the results again, they were going to break my water.

When we got there, I was 3 cm dilated and in fairly active labor, so the doctor broke my water.

From that point, the labor lasted 7 hours, with Daniel and Brandi doing an awesome job of coaching me through...I love you guys!

Finally at 2:40 or so, I was ready to push. That's when the delivery room filled right up. That's right...med students, nursing students, nurse, doctor, and my sister! Altogether there were 9 people! I didn't really care at that point though..I just wanted to meet her!

The doctor coached the med student on how to deliver the baby..it was her first delivery :) She did an amazing job! They put Myka right on my tummy when she was born...it took a minute for her to cry, but she was perfect! At first I thought she looked like Tegan, but she changed so quick and really developed her own look!

She was 8lb 10oz and 20 inches long. With super long fingers and toes! Within minutes, she started eating like a pro :) I haven't had her weighed since birth, but at the rate she eats, she should be gaining tons! LOL

All throughout my pregnancy, we explained to the girls how the baby was growing, and how God was making every little part of her perfect and growing her a little more each day. Now that she's here, it's amazing to see just how perfect God made her :) She is so super precious and we feel so blessed to have her here!

Welcome to the world baby Myka!

My Beloved

I found this letter on the internet. It's promises that God gives in scripture put into a letter form to have them all in one place. I thought it was a cool reminder!

My Beloved,

You worry so. Fear not. I am always with you. I will not abandon you.
I promise to never leave you nor forsake you. I have known you always. I've watched you with love since before you were born until now. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I've always loved you and have been there for you but you have not always noticed or understood. You don't have to hide your mistakes from me. I am intimately aquainted with all your strengths and weaknesses. Thre is nothing to be ashamed of before me, for you are my beloved. I extend to you all the forgiveness that you are willing to receive from me. I in you the perfection you cannot see in yourself as yet. People and circumstances have told you that you are far from perfection and they have broken your heart many times over.
I am saying to you that I am here to offer my comfrot and to help you with the healing of your broken heart. Again, I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. I will stand with you even in times of trouble.

Again, I will say in my eyes you are perfect. You are loved and cherished by me. When I say I love you I am not speaking empty words void of life. Have I not sacrificed all that is precious to me for your sake? Have I not suffered untold sufferings for you? I hold you so precious and caluable that I have given up my life for your good. You are of great worth to me. I offer you life drawn out of my own. With all this do you still day I am not worthy of your trust? My beloved, if only you would believe.

I only intend good towards you. I would protect you from all that is evil. Even in all your comings and goings I would have it that you would be under my protection. I confess that I am jealous of your affections toward anyone or anything that would do less for you because I love you so. I long always to be your love above all loves. If this were so, I would gladly give you all you could ask for and more than you could imagine. I ask you to release all your struggles to me that I may give you rest. Don't worry or be so anxious. Love me and have faith in me, then I will be free to take your burdens. They you would rejoice for your load would be light and easy. As I must close this letter, beloved, I ask that you would cast all your cares upon me for I truly care for you. Life will always have difficulties and hardships, none can escape that, but together we can get through it with love, peace and joy. Even now, before all creation, I offer you my everlasting love.

I am yours my beloved,