Mom.

I had an amazing mom moment today. My own mom is so great, and I have so many special memories of growing up with her. She was always there to listen, comfort, support, and encourage. I always knew I wanted to be a mom just like her.

Now, I am a mom. (I still can't believe that sometimes.) All of those things that my mom did for me, I now get to do for my own daughter. It's pretty incredible.

I was at my parent's today, and Norah was pretty upset in my mom's arms. After a few minutes of trying to console her, I took her, and she was comforted just by being in my arms.

Because I am her mom. Me. Sometimes you just need your mom.

I am so incredibly grateful to be Norah's mom.

Bringing Norah home!

Having Norah and bringing her home has been such a special time that we will never forget. We are so blessed with her and can't believe we are really parents! It's so exciting and daunting at the same time. We can't wait for the ride- it's already so great!

We are ready to go home! Our stay at the hospital was so great and we had the most helpful nurses, but we were ready to come back to our own place (and our own shower and bed!).

First car seat experience! Norah didn't like putting the straps on, but then slept the whole way home.

We brought her home on the most gorgeous fall day!

When we arrived, my family had surprised us and were waiting there! They decorated our apartment and filled our fridge with groceries- how sweet! It was so fun. Here is Aunt Kayla, Uncle Keaton, and Rose (Keaton's girlfriend). What a great picture!

Here are some of the decorations.

Trying our her new swings- she likes them!

I am so thankful that my sister, Karlie, was able to come home from college for a day to meet her new niece. It was so nice to see her and have her meet Norah!

Opening some cute girl clothes from my family!

Rose and Keaton.

Daisy was very intrigued by Norah and wanted to be very close by.

I absolutely love this picture- first whole family Schut shot!

First stroller ride- it was a beautiful day! She slept the whole ride.

We love having you home, Norah!

Some of Norah's first meetings.

Norah is super blessed to have such awesome friends and family! Many people were able to visit her in the hospital and it was so special. It's so fun to have people to share in the excitement with! Here are a few people Norah got to meet while we were in the hospital:

Both grandmas (who are both beyond excited!)

Grandma De Jong

Aunt Kayla

Grandpa Schut

Both grandpas

Grandpa De Jong

Uncle Keaton

Some friends from church got to visit also- Carolyn and Brett!

Uncle Keaton

Whitney (family friend)

Amy (family friend- like another mom to me!)

Grandma and Aunt Kayla

Grandma Schut

Aunt Elizabeth

Grandma De Jong

Kley's sister, Elizabeth, and our new little family!

Introducing Norah Jean...

This will definitely be one of my favorite posts of all time- we want to introduce you to our new addition! We now have a DAUGHTER! Our sweet girl, Norah Jean De Jong, was born on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 2:30pm. She weighed 8 pounds 14.5 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. (Big baby!) We are absolutely thrilled and so honored to begin our journey as parents. What a huge blessing from God- we love Norah so much already!