We meet

I finally met her!

I drove home Sunday night with hopes of spending time with my niece during spring break. So far, it has been time well spent.

I met Emma on Sunday night and never want to leave.

I knew from the pictures that she was small, but I didn't realize that she was so tiny! She felt so fragile in my arms. Maybe fragile isn't the right word, because she is very strong like her father. I was intimidated, because she was so delicate.

I was fortunate enough to spend the entire day with her on Monday. I got to accompany my brother at the doctor's office for her two-week checkup. It was fun to watch my brother show her off to a few friends of his that worked at the hospital. His buddy's wife was holding her, doting on her remarkable beauty, when she looked up at my brother and said, "Wipe that grin off your face!" He can't help it. He is so proud of her and loves her so much.

My brother is the most adorable father ever! That morning when I was at his house watching Emma while he got ready, he walked into the room and remarked how beautiful she was. He said, "I've seen her a million times, but she still takes my breath away."

After Emma's appointment, we headed back to our parents' house. I changed and fed Emma and let her sleep in my arms for hours. I had no desire to do anything or be anywhere else.

I was glad when Emma pooped on the car ride home, because that meant I got to spend more time with her. I carried her into Will's house, changed her, and started feeding her. The hour that it took her to eat was my favorite hour of the day. By this time, I was no longer nervous to hold her tiny body and the time spent together was so peaceful and perfect.

I love Emma and can't wait to see her again today!

To my niece

Dear Emma,

I can hardly contain my joy! I am so happy you are here in this world and that I get to be a part of your life.

You are born to such a wonderful father. Your father, my brother, is one of the most loving, gentle, and dearest people in the world. He is the best older brother a girl could've ever asked for. He cared for me. He guided me. He protected me. He taught me so many wonderful things. He has been there for me when no one else has. He has blessed my life in more ways than I could ever express.

Now it is your turn to experience the greatness that he has within him. He will love you and cherish you all your days. He already does. He will teach you the things you need to know. He will guide you through life's journey. He will give of himself freely. You already hold a special place in his heart. You will get to know the tenderness that is his heart. He will love you with the deepest and most sincere love.

Although I haven't met you yet, I love you, Emma. I, too, will teach you, guide you, and cherish you. I will be there for you like my brother has been there for me. I will do as he taught me; I will protect you.

I cannot wait to hold you, my precious niece. I will shower you with all the love I have.

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing you with health and strength. You are so beautiful. I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Love always,

Aunt Katie

From the happiest aunt in the world

She's born!

Emma Jeane Gause

Born Monday, March 15, 2010

12:06pm

St. George, UT

6 lbs 14 oz

19 inches

She's showing you that she has the strength to face this world.

Proud Grandma!

Sleeping beautifully!

Emma will be loved and protected by a father who cherishes her.

Together

I'm a college graduate

It's official. I graduated from Dixie State College on Friday, May 1. It feels great to graduate.

(I'm no where near finished. I anticipate many more years of formal schooling and countless hours of independent study.)Will, my older brother, finished his degree requirements in December. I loved that we were a part of the same commencement.

Neil Diamond is amazing

My family went to the Neil Diamond concert in Salt Lake on Friday, December 19. By family, I mean all of us: my parents, my brother, my sister and her husband, and my other sister. It was our Christmas present. It seemed like we'd never get there because of all the snow. We made it with just enough time to check in our hotel and get over to the arena.
Neil Diamond delayed the start of the concert because many of his fans were late due to the weather. He's so nice. However, the delay was practically unbearable.
The concert was phenomenal! He is by far the best entertainer I've ever seen. This was my third concert. I wish I had tickets to his show in Las Vegas. I'll have to wait until next tour.
Cameras weren't allowed during the show, but we took some pictures afterward.

Their goal was cheesy. Or maybe they were hamming it up. Either way, you get a great sandwich and a totally lame joke.

Joe enjoyed the concert. A lot. I promise.

Distracted driver

My mom in her

+

+

+
thoughts of

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talking on her

Results in my brother turning me and saying, "Mom just slid off into the median." That's right. On our way to the Neil Diamond concert in Salt Lake, we were slowed down by a snow storm. My mom called my phone. My brother answered since I was driving (a separate vehicle). While on the phone, my mother hit some black ice and slid off the freeway into the median. Needless to say, my brother gave her a hard time the rest of the weekend. Any time he answered his cell phone, he immediately answered with "Are you driving?"

Football fills my afternoon

There's nothing better than Southern football especially during rivalry weekend.
I spent the afternoon proudly cheering on my Gators with my brother, Will. Even as rain fell the majority of the game, Florida took FSU 45-15. That makes 7 games in a row where Florida has scored 42 or more points. This game was also the only time you'd find a Gator in Seminole Garnet as the paint wet from the rain covered their jerseys since they spent so much time in the end zone.
During commercials, we turned to the Alabama vs. Auburn game. Alabama started off slowly, but ended up shutting out Alabama 36-0.
I can hardly wait for next week when No. 2 Florida plays No. 1 Alabama for the SEC championship and ticket to the National Championship game in January. It'll be Southern football at its finest.

Happy Birthday, Amy!

Happy Birthday, Amy!
My dear older sister turned 28 today.
She sure is a joy to have around.
Will, Amy, Casey, and I all went out to lunch together.
I do love my brother and sisters very much.