New Year, New Baby, New Blog

With so many new things on the horizon, I've been wanting to make a few changes. A new year, a new baby... there's just a whole lot of new things ahead! (it's exciting and terrifying all at the same time) As I've mentioned before, this blog has been giving me trouble with formatting and has limited photo space left, so I think it's time to make a change here too. It's the perfect time for a fresh new start!

lynleyjohnson.blogspot.com is going to be my new blog home. This new blog is going to become more of professional space for design and scrapbooking--there will still be plenty of photos and stories, just with more of a cohesive aesthetic, and a stronger emphasis on design. Friends and family will also be able to keep up with us at a private family blog (still in the making) where we'll share more personal family stories and photos.

I'm still working on getting things the way I want them over on the new blog, but I hope it will become a happy space! I sure have loved this little blog over the last few years, and I'm so grateful to all of you for reading. I hope you'll follow me over to the new blog and continue sharing in our adventures.

Click on over to see my first post, including baby Max's first photos!!  Project Life Week One: It's a Boy!

L

So Glad It's You

For a few short hours only Danny and I shared the news of our little one's gender. We were in a bit of shock, having fully expected to hear that a baby girl was coming to our family. I guess it sounds a bit odd that we were so surprised to hear otherwise. We've gotten a few raised eyebrows--well, didn't you realize that was a possibility? Of course, we knew there was just as good of a chance that the baby would be a boy; but we had both seen little girls in vivid dreams and had thought we would have to wait longer for a little boy to join our family. I guess we must have seen a later chapter in our story. In sharing this, I want to be clear that we are not at all disappointed to be having a boy, just sincerely surprised.  

After purchasing blue confetti and straws, we headed over to the farm to share our news with Danny's family. Danny had to finish a quick project in his dad's shop, so I took a few moments to look at the beautiful winter scenery and ponder about our news. As I stood there in the chilly weather, looking out on the blanket of freshly fallen snow, I was filled with warmth and peace. I thought about my sweet brothers, Brett and Rob and was instantly struck with excitement for the little boy on his way, and his sisters that will some day follow. Suddenly I realized that the two little girls I had seen so vividly in my dreams would get to have a big brother! As a little sister who has always completely adored her brothers, I was filled with so much happiness for God's perfect order and timing. In that moment new pictures filled my mind--pictures wonderfully similar to my own childhood. I could see the great adventures they'll go on together, and the sweet friendships they'll share as children, and throughout their lives. I quietly whispered, "I'm so glad it's you, Max!" Together my little boy and I stood there on that chilly and quiet New Years Eve, completely happy and excited for everything ahead. Our bond continues to grow stronger every day, and I am so happy he is part of our family. I sure love my little Max!

L

Cheers!

Finding out what we are having on New Year's Eve made for a really fun holiday! We were able to celebrate the new year and our good news with both of our families. After our appointment we picked up some sparkling cider (non-alcoholic), cute little glasses, and blue straws. We toasted to a happy new year full of health, peace, and joy for all of our loved ones, including little Max.

This year holds a lot of new things for our family. A new baby, new responsibilities for Danny at work, and perhaps a new home. I'm working on some changes here on the blog that I'm looking forward to sharing with you too;) We are very excited, a bit overwhelmed, and extremely grateful.

Looking forward to a happy 2013!

L

OH BOY!!

Danny and I were certain we were having a little girl...
We were wrong!

IT'S A BOY!!

Maxwell Andrew Johnson is on his way and we couldn't be happier!! We have completely fallen in love with our little Max!

The night before our ultrasound I fell on the ice outside and was in a lot of pain. I was really worried about the baby. I didn't care that I was hurt, but I couldn't bear the thought that perhaps the baby was injured. It was in that moment that I really felt like a mother for the first time, and realized just how much I love our little one. We contacted the on-call doctors and followed their instructions to monitor the baby's movements throughout the evening. Danny and my dad gave me a blessing and I felt at peace. I'm bruised up and sore, but thankfully the baby is just fine. Everything looked good and normal at our appointment, and we were so happy to see that he is healthy and developing properly. We were certainly surprised to learn that the little girl we thought we were having was really a little boy, but now that we know, it just feels perfect.

A few things I've learned about Maxwell so far:
He is resilient and strong.
He loves music--Simon and Garfunkel's "Feeling Groovy" is his favorite song.
He loves Dolly and Danny
He is physically active but seems to have a relaxed, stress-free attitude (just like his dad)

Best New Year's Eve ever!

L

Winter Wonderland

Just some pretty shots from the icy world outside. It's much too chilly for my level of comfort... but it really is beautiful!

Now how long is it until Spring? Oh that's right... I happen to be counting down till May... 20 weeks. I have a feeling it will be both the slowest and fastest four months EVER.

L

Christmas 2012

Can it be December 27th already? Once again, Christmas has come and gone and the New Year will soon be here. It was a beautiful holiday with family and my heart is full of gratitude for so many wonderful blessings. My heart is especially turned to the beauty of the birth, life, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I am eternally grateful to my Savior for all that he has done for me and my family. I wouldn't know the peace and joy I feel in my life without Him.

The little one gave me a sweet present on Christmas Eve--a gentle kick to say hello. It was such a special moment that I will treasure forever. I loved that the first kick was felt while at a big family gathering--as if to say, "Hey family, I'm here too!" What a sweet gift from our little love. We were so touched by the precious gifts we received for the baby as well. This little one is already so loved!

We are anxiously awaiting our appointment to see baby's first close-up on Monday (New Years Eve) and I can't think of a better way to ring in the new year! Can't wait to start calling our little one by name and picking out tiny clothes in the appropriate colors. Looking forward to sharing our news with you!

PS: Sadly I didn't get our Christmas cards mailed out yet, so I thought I would share it here. We delivered several by hand, but just didn't find a moment to track down all of the mailing addresses. Sorry if it comes a little late!

L

Little Photographer

Miss M. had so much fun riding the train and seeing the lights at Temple Square. She needed to borrow my camera several times throughout the evening to take some pictures herself. I would try to help her and she would remind me that she was old enough to do it by herself. Not many other four year olds shoot exclusively in manual mode, but she's pretty advanced. I quite like her perspective and artistic vision! She took the first two photos and Danny snapped the last one of us together on the train. Oh I just love this little girl so much!!

L