Introducing...

Grant Daniel Foster

Born 7/31, 2:23 am

7lb 12 oz, 20 inches

We like to call him "small, dark, and handsome." :)

We're doing well! Just adjusting to new routines, getting to know each other, and trying to really savor every moment -- we can't believe how much Grant changes from day to day. And we're feeling so blessed -- blessed with such a precious son, blessed with dear family and friends far and near. Much love to you all!

XOXO,

Kate, Dan, and Grant

Hugs and Love to You All!

Hello Friends! Just a quick update from us...

4 days until our official due date! Time has really flown for us! We have so loved receiving the updates on your families, hearing your advice, and reading the darling books you've sent. Thanks so much for thinking of us!


We'll keep you posted when our little kiddo arrives...any day now!

Hugs to you all!

Grandma Camille's gift

Dear Kate and Dan,

Here are three special books from your childhood, Dan, that I remember reading over and over to you, especially "Danny and the Dinosaur". When you were about 3, you had heard it so many times that you could actually "read" it to me as we turned the pages because you had memorized it. The Richard Scarry book we checked out from the library and eventually bought one and you loved having it read over and over as well. "Caps for Sale" was a book we also had in our home that we enjoyed. I hope little "zucca" will have fun hearing you both read these books to him and that they will become some of his favorites as well.

Kate, I hope you're feeling well and I bet little zucca is giving you lots of clues that he is getting ready to come out into the world. Good luck as you prepare for labor and delivery. My advice to both of you is to enjoy every moment of parenthood, even the sleepless nights, because even though some of the days and nights seem long, the years go fast. So cherish every moment. I'm looking forward to getting to meet our newest little grandson and giving him lots of grandma hugs and kisses! Lots of love to all three of you!

Happy reading!

Love, Grandma/Mom

Kari's Gift

Kate,

We are so excited for you and Dan! It is such an exciting time for you so enjoy every minute. I am not the best at my advice but it is something that I am working on.

My advice for you is enjoy every minute even when times get tough. Life moves so quickly and as I was reading a book about motherhood I enjoyed the advice that was given. It is so simple and I know I have heard it many times before, but it really moved me. Maybe it is because my kids are getting older now and I enjoy more of the little things now. It said that we need to take time to enjoy your kids. Take the time to sit and read a story even if the house is messy. Even when there seems to be a million things to do stop to read a story, or sit down and play a game. It means so much to see a little one smile for just the little things that you do. Enjoy every minute that you have, every stage that he goes through because life goes by too fast and one minute they are a tiny baby and the next they are starting kindergarten.

Good luck and Congratulations!

Love,

Kari, Jason, Tanner, Kylie, Paige, and soon to be #4

Amy's Gift

Kate, this is such an exciting time for you and Dan! We are so happy for you.

We love storytime at bedtime. I believe reading together is one of those bonding activities that really opens channels of communication between parents and their children, and fosters great question/answer moments that will make you smile long after they're over. I chose this book, The Classic Treasury of Best-Loved Bedtime Stories because it is one of Thomas' favorites. Its got classics like King Midas and Stone Soup along with lesser known tales such as The 3 Sillies. I think I get just as much fun out of reading these tales as he gets from listening!

May this new adventure ever delight you and Dan. We love you.

Jon, Amy & Thomas

Trish's Gift

Kate,

Congratulations on your little son who will soon be joining your family. I remember having dinner with Tyler when I was in the early stages of labor with our Kate. (I didn't eat much.) We talked about how different our lives would be in just a matter of hours. We wondered about all the changes and adventures ahead of us. We couldn't believe that we were about to have a new person in our family. But, the moment Kate was born, it was like she'd always been there...like we couldn't imagine our lives without her. Parenthood is an amazing thing.

We received both of these books from people in the Heritage Oaks Ward when I had babies. The "Time for Bed" book was from Jane Taylor when Kate was born and the "Mama Says" book was from Janie Brown when David was born. These are two of my favorite books to read with my kids. I hope you enjoy them.

My thought for you as a new parent is to know that the Lord has chosen you as this child's parent (and any other children you might have) because of how you, and only you, will parent and care for them. You will make decisions for your children's care that might not be what other people would decide, but trust yourself, trust your decisions and trust your heart. The Lord wants you to care for them in your way. You are the best thing they could ever have on this earth. (Dan, too!)

(We have yet to get a family picture with all three kids where one of the kids isn't crying, so here are other pictures instead!)

We wish you the very best! Love, Tyler, Trish, Kate, Will and David Alderman

Angie's Gift

Kate,

We are so excited for you! You and Dan are going to be incredible parents. This little boy is super lucky to be sent to your family.

I thought this book would be such a blast for a little boy. It's got pictures with interesting textures on every page, so it's going to be tons of fun for Baby Foster to touch as you read.

And this one is lots of fun, too. It's got a great rhythm, which makes the text more interesting for babies to listen to. I think it would be a great one to read before naps or bedtime, because it sounds soothing and ends with the animals in bed like you'd want your little one to be also.
We wish we could see you in person at this exciting time, but we'll definitely have to stop by and meet your kiddo this winter when we're back in California. We're looking forward to seeing you guys again!
love,
Angie, Todd, and Hazel Bonner