A Day to go Down in History

Today has finally come, and hope has filled my heart.  I know that discussing politics is something that can get people in trouble, but I feel the need to express some of my feelings.  For those who know me best, you know that I am a very compassionate person, I take "helping others" very seriously, especially those in need.  I am dedicating my professional life to being a social worker, not for the incredible pay, but because I want to help others better their lives.  Barack Obama, the (now) 44th President of the United States of America has been sworn into office and hope is on the way.  These last years I have lost nearly all of my patriotism and can honestly say that I was no longer proud to be an American.  America to me was all about greed, self-gain, and the dollar.  Corruption is everywhere, and the founding fathers would be ashamed to call themselves Americans in the current state of this country.  A country that they fought for, that was founded on morals and the pursuit of happiness.  Sadly, money has been mistaken for happiness.  This country was built on the principle of people helping people.  Jobs being created so that there was enough for everyone.  Programs and systems put in place for those who were unable to take care of themselves.  Friends and families working hard to take care of one another. But somewhere along the way money became God.  Serving the all-mighty dollar is all that matters.

But today finally happened, a man who cares about others, the less fortunate, and serving this country, not for capitol gain, but because it is his purpose, his obligation, has been put in a position to help more people than he could've ever imagined.  Hope fills my heart, hope for a better future for my son, for my mother, for this country, and hope for the entire world.  

I am in no way saying that I expect every promise to be kept, or that this country will be completely fixed in 4 years, but I am saying that hope is everything.  Hope, is the only reason that has kept me going.  

When I was a missionary serving in Arkansas, life became very difficult for me.  I was very ill, and was ready to give up.  The Lord, My Mission President (Randall Peterson) and I came to the conclusion that for my own health, I needed to go home. (One of the most difficult decision's of my entire life). When President Peterson met me at the airport in Tulsa, we had a very long and deep discussion about hope.  During our conversation he said something that I will never forget.  "Our Lord and Savior, has made Hope a permanent way of life."  "No matter how difficult life is, or how lonely this world becomes, we WILL always have HOPE."  "The Savior has made that possible." 

So you see, the hope that was brought today means everything, a hope for a better world, better life, and peace.  People helping people is the way, service of others is what Christ has dedicated his entire existence to, and at least to me, so far, that is what this President has said he will do.  Let us Hope that he follows through on that promise.

Year in Review

Happy New Year! Last night while I was at work and things had finally settled down, I began pondering what 2009 might hold for our family, then I began to think about 2008 and just how busy and crazy it was.  It was the epitome of a transition period for Lainie and I.  Let's review.

We began the year in Salt Lake, Lainie working for Dr. Aoki, me selling spas for Dolphin Pools while going to the University of Utah.  We had only been married 6 months.

-Lainie gets a great Job offer in Logan. We decide that it (as difficult as it may be) is in the best interest of our family to take the job.

-Late January we move to Logan (with the great help of friends and family) A little 2 bed apartment near USU campus.

-Lainie begins her job for Canyon View Orthopedics and loves it, I end up working for Qwest and hate it.

-In late February while at a baby blessing, Lainie and I are both prompted (simultaniously) that there is a child waiting for us.

-Early March, We are Pregnant!

-April, I have an emergency appendectomy and we also take off to Disney World with the Bambrough family. I also finally quit the job at Qwest that I hated. (no amount of money and benefits is worth working for that company)

-May, I get a Job with Logan River Academy as a youth counselor, and start my career at USU.

-July, We find out we are having a BOY!

-August, another semester, and thoughts of buying a house.

-September, Fantastic trip to Jackson Hole, and House hunting begins.

-October, Bought our wonderful new house, and move in.

-November, play the waiting game, celebrate Thanksgiving and move in. (officially)

-December, Gavin arrives and our lives are forever changed.

It was a very difficult year, but with the trials came enormous eternal rewards!

We are interested to find out what 2009 brings, hopefully it will be a few more rewards without quite as much stress!

Love the snow, hate the drive!

So... Now that Gavin is here and we have moved into our house and everything is just now finally starting to calm down, life is good.  Lainie and I are able to stay at home and take care of out new son, and just enjoy being with one another.  A friend of mine asked me if there were any surprises that instantly came from being a father, my reply was 2.  First, (not so much a surprise) was that Lainie is just naturally an amazing mother!  I knew she would be, but I honestly had no idea just how incredible she really is.  She takes care of the hard stuff with Gavin, I just do my best to do what I'm asked.  Number 2, was the instant amount of love that I had for the little guy.  I knew and already loved him while he was in the womb, but now that he is here i had no idea just how much love i had.  He was recently circumcised, and when I heard him scream during the procedure, i nearly fainted.  It hurt me so deeply to see and hear him in so much pain, that I had to sit down. For you fathers to be, be prepared for a new feeling, one that is overwhelming, the feeling of wanting to protect your baby at any cost.

recently we have had a bunch of visitors up to help us out, Jess flew in from NY, but the storm was so bad that she wasn't going to be able to make it up. I finally decided that she had come too far to not see Gavin, so I made the drive down to SLC to pick her up, (Jake my best friend ever braved the snow and brought her halfway) We made it through Sardine Canyon just in time and she and my nephew Little J Homer spent the weekend with us. It was a blast!!! I drove them back to SLC the next day.  Steve, Mel, and Kaitlyn came up just yesterday. Steve made crock pot lasagna and it was sooooo good!  It was so good to see them and catch up on everything.  

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that Life has just improved incredibly for us and we are so happy!  

7.12lbs 19.5 inches long

This is our new baby boy Gavin Jacob Harris!  He was born December 9th at 5:00 am, after about 14 hours of labor.  I never knew it was instantly possible to love someone so incredibly much just after the first glance at him.  Lainie was incredible, she never tired nor gave up, even though eventually Gavin wouldn't move any further. She was actually delivering for about 3 hours.  I also had know idea (okay some idea) of just what amazing woman I married. She is incredible with this little guy, feeding, changing, and taking care his every need! All that on top of taking care of a newborn is pretty impressive! ;0) There was just one complication during the birth, Gavin's umbilical cord had a pretty significant knot, and our Doctor who is also a Bishop said that he was amazed at the blessings and power of prayer that must have gone into our son.  We were very lucky. 

Happy to say Gavin is very healthy, just a little jaundis (spelling) and seems to be quite content with his new parents.  He was very alert when he came out, but since has been quite the sleeper, even allowing Lainie and I to get a whole 4 hours of sleep his first night home. He rarely cries and when he is awake, is constantly studying his surroundings.  Last night he woke up in my arms and just looked into my eyes for about 15-20 minutes.  I couldn't look away and was brought to tears with emotion. Today he was circumsized and dad didn't do to well.  We were watching and as soon as I heard that cry of pain from him, i nearly passed out.  I got a sudden hot flash and my stomach dropped to the floor, it was hard to see him in so much pain, and not be able to do anything about it.  Allie (our dog) is very good with him, she knows that he is delicate and generally stays just close enough to know where he is, she becomes very concerned when he begins to cry and won't relax until he stops.  We are a very Happy and extremely blessed little family. We will be in town (salt lake) on Sunday the 21st for little Kaitlyn's blessing, and a family Christmas party, so if you would like to meet the little guy let us know.  (As long as you are not or have not been sick)  Our Pediatrician says that RSV is going around this time of year so it is better to keep him as safe as possible.  We love you all, and thank you for your support!!!

Merry Christmas,

Cody, Lainie, Gavin, and Allie

Finally here... long awaited...

Photos of our home!  (what were you thinking of something else?) Sorry it took so long to put these up, but our lives as a student, manager, 9 month pregnant woman, and delinquent couselor have just gotten crazy, especially during the holidays!  This is the front, the living room, the backyard, and of course Gavin's room.  I spent about 2 days on Gavin's room painting and putting up the bead board.  Lainie of course did all of the decorations (she is obsessed with decorations)  This doesn't show the basement, kitchen or Master bedroom, if you want to see those, you'll have to make the trip to see us. We look forward to seeing a lot of you after little Gavin decides to join us.  Well that is about it for now.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Cody and Lainie

The House, The Fun, The Life

First off, yes we are in our house, and no there aren't any pictures just yet.  We are moved in, but not quite moved in yet.  So as soon as we are, the pictures will be posted.  The house is fantastic by the way, however it is kind of crazy how fast bills add up. Being long time renters we really never had that problem before, and now with the very large new bill, it can feel a bit overwhelming.  But still, very worth it!  Gavin is just 31 days from his due date, and we are both very anxious to meet this little guy. I just keep telling myself that each day that goes by is one more day I'm closer to meeting my son!  I CANNOT WAIT TO BE A DAD! I am so excited, and feel that (because of my own father circumstances) that this will be a completely life changing event. That it is no coincidence that our first is a boy.  I already have a special bond with him.  Lainie is doing well, she never complains, she doesn't whine, and she is amazing!  Oh and did I mention that she is the most beautiful pregnant woman alive!  I'm not just saying that either! 

I also have to mention that last thursday was probably the most exciting sports event I have ever been to. Watching the Utes come from behind to beat TCU, in a crowd of black wearing, screaming fans, sitting next to my Cousins was AWESOME!  #7 in the BCS and just two games away from another "busting" season!  Though I'm in Logan going to USU, I have and will always be a Utah Man. 

House

It's been quite awhile since we have posted any new blogs, but with good reason. We have been exceptionally busy. We have bought a house!! We are so excited for it too, we got a fantastic deal on a 2100 sq ft 4 bed home in Providence. (Just south of Logan) It is on .27 acre lot, and is very cute. The upstairs is all the way done and done very well, the basement is mostly done, but has plenty of room for us to do ourselves, which makes me happy. It has a huge yard, and a hot tub! So we have been mostly focusing on this, along with the usual baby, work and school things. WE are set to close and move in on or around the 27th of this month. I can't wait to get out of this apartment, i hate it here. That is just a quick update on what we have been up to.