He's officially Merrick Ryan Hutchins!

We blessed Merrick this morning at church. It was so special. The blessing my dad gave him was so sweet and, for me at least, was totally pertinent and inspired for everything that has already happened in this little guy's life already. It was so neat to see all these men that are so important to me get up and bless my son. I am so grateful for the gospel and especially for the priesthood and that we can be blessed through it. Lots of family and friends showed up, thanks for your support! And I'm sorry for all the family that couldn't be here, you really were missed! Little Merrick looked adorable in his outfit and he actually stayed awake for most of the pictures that we took! He is such a huge blessing in my life and I love him more than anything. Okay, here's some pictures before I tear up...again...

Grandma & Grandpa Hutchins

Kristen and Cousin Maddy (isn't her hair great brunette?!?!)

My Family: Jason, Colton, Merrick and I, Grandma Carpenter, Ian, Grandpa Carpenter, Mom, Kristen, Maddy and Dad

My Parents

Yesterday morning Merrick got to meet Santa for the first time at the Hutchins' ward Christmas party. Then he met him again later that evening at my ward's Christmas party. Good thing, he's not old enough to understand or he might get a little confused!

I love our ward party every year! The food is always great and it always makes me so excited for Christmastime. We saw tons of people that I haven't seen in forever. I am so lucky that we are back in Lindsay ward again! There are tons of young moms and my sister is in my ward, it doesn't get much better than that!

Merrick's Blessing

Hey Everybody, my dad is going to bless Merrick this Sunday. We're at the building on Lindsay and Houston at 9:00am if anyone is interested in coming. I will definitely post some pictures afterwards, I got him the most adorable outfit :)

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

Here's what we were up to today...

Cooking... (I know it doesn't look like it, but we took a quick picture break!)

...playing with all the babies...

...taking 5 Generation pictures (seriously, 5 generations!)...

...and hanging out with the fam!

Copying Aunt Molly

This is a post for my sister-in-law Molly who lives in Alaska. Just the other day she had a post on her blog about finally purchasing some checkered Vans. When I came home tonight, my little brother Jason had brought Merrick a little present...checkered Vans! So they're not exactly the same, but close enough! Molly, make sure and bring yours at Christmas so we can take pictures :) Haha!

So cute huh? Thanks Jay, you're the best brother! And by best...I mean weirdest :)

3 Weeks old

Here's a couple of random pictures from this week.

We are doing so good and having so much fun :)

Baby Merrick and I have been home for a little over a week now so I thought that I should post a few pictures. We haven't been up to much, just hanging out at home, a couple of ward Halloween parties and of course the Highland/Gilbert game. Needless to say, we've been adjusting and I'm just trying to figure out this whole mommy business :)

Here's Merrick and I the day we came home from the hospital. He is so small! His car seat pretty much drowns him, but he is growing into it nicely. I was so glad to finally get him out of the NICU and home with me! (Please try and ignore the fact that I still look 6 months pregnant...)

I love watching this little guy sleep! He is so sweet and makes the cutest noises. And he sleeps a ton so I get to do it a lot :) Look at that hair!!

We dressed Merrick up the other night to go to the ward party. He was adorable as a little pumpkin! I loved the little hat.

We keep trying to get Maddy and Merrick together in a picture. We have been unsuccessful thus far. Every time we get them close to each other Maddy mauls poor Baby Merrick! Maybe when they get a little older...

Happy Happy Birthday!!!

HE'S HERE!

Hello everyone! This is Kristen, Sharisa's little sister.

Just wanted to let you all know that

Baby Merrick arrived this morning at 6:23 a.m.

weighing in at 6 pounds 5 ounces

and 18.5 inches tall. (He's a little guy!)

They are keeping Merrick in the NICU for a couple of days due to some slightly under-developed lungs but they say that he is doing awesome and recovering at a really fast rate. Because of this, the only people that are allowed to see him are his parents and grandparents

:( So I have yet to see the little guy in person, but we are hoping for tomorrow or Saturday.

Merrick and Grandma Shiflet

Sharisa and Mom gettin all prepped for the surgery


Here's the little mama this morning at the hospital ... lucky girl- she got to have her hair and make up done and actually look cute in her pictures at the hospital.... an advantage to having a scheduled birth :)

Sharisa is doing really awesome and is recovering well. She'll probably be home from the hospital on Saturday or Sunday. We're still not sure when visitors will be able to see the baby, but we'll keep you updated!