Leighton Valencia Maxfield - my first grandchild, how I love you so much already...

My first grandchild, Leighton Valencia Maxfield was born on May 12, 2009 at 11:40 PM Idaho time. She weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. Jack called me just before she was born and I was able to hear her first cry as she entered this world and my life will never be the same. I will forever cherish that moment. Erika did such a fabulous job taking such good care of herself during her pregnancy and all the way through her entire delivery. Jack is an amazing husband and was by Erika's side during her every move during Leighton's birth. He is an absolute jewel. Jack and Erika are already such wonderful parents to Leighton. I am so thankful for this beautiful miracle who has come into our lives and already has my heart around her finger. She is my precious first grandaughter and I love her more than words can ever explain. And so our story begins, Leighton...Leighton was in the NICU for the first few days due to some fluid in her lungs inhaled during her delivery caused by the hiccups. She came home late on Saturday night, May 16 and I arrived in Idaho on the 18th meeting Leighton for the first time. Yes, it was truly more than love at first sight! She is just beautiful.
No matter where her feet carry her, MicMic will always be there for her.

Leighton sure loves her beautiful mommy! (I quite love her mommy to pieces, too! She was my first little angel!)

Jack is such a wonderful daddy to his angel already. She loves him bunches, too, and lights up when she hears his voice.

Sweet baby girl all snuggled in the blanket from Aunt Tiawanna. It's so cuddly!

Erika asked me early in her pregnancy what I'd want to be called and I've always been "MicMic" to all my nieces, nephews, and now great-nephews ever since Ginger gave me that name. It just seems to fit but I don't care what Leighton decides to call me, just as long as she calls me! :) Erika keeps calling me MicMic to her so I guess we'll see...

She is so alert and has such gorgeous eyes!

How cute is this!? Oh I love her!

We had so many little talks during my visit...

This moment is also one I'll cherish. This was my last night in Rexburg and she fell asleep holding my fingers and would grasp tighter if I tried to get my hand loose. Oh how I did not want to leave you, Leighton.

I wanted to savor every second the last night I was there. I kept her in the room with me and held her most of the night until I had to leave the catch the shuttle to Salt Lake at 5 AM. This feeling is one that is forever etched into my heart.

I had a 4-hour shuttle ride to Salt Lake City, rented a car there for a few hours to do some shopping before leaving, and then boarded the plane headed for home. My heart ached to leave even though I'd missed Joey terribly and had so much going on here at home. Addison was graduating in a couple days, I had to get back to work, and Joey and I had not been apart this long since marrying. Even so, a special piece of my heart remained there in Idaho with my precious daughter, son-in-law and beautiful new grandaughter whom I absolutely adore. It seemed like such a long, long way home...I missed you, Leighton, the second I walked out the door of your home and I will be looking forward every day until the next time we are together again. Until then I will be missing you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayer every day. Always know that you are a child of God. You are a precious daughter blessed with parents who love you so much and will teach you things that will help you to become the princess you were born to be. You have been born into a forever family. I love you, Leighton Valencia Maxfield, and I am honored that you have my name. I will not let you down - I will always be here for you no matter how many miles separate us, my heart is with you.

Upon arriving back at the airport in Columbia this is what I came home to -- PaPa Joey welcomed me home with yellow roses in hand and a cold Diet Mountain Dew waiting in the car! He's so good to me! He loves Leighton, too, and she even has hair and a great appetite like Papa Joey's! (so your mommy says, Leighton! Ha!) MicMic's car is small but the carseat fits perfectly in the back seat. I can hardly wait to take you for our first "girls' day out" date to show you off to my peers! I love you, Leighton, so very much! Can't wait til we're together again...