playing catch up

Christmas morning at Bruce and Heidi's
Coranelle's awesome new turtle toy!
Checking out the giraffe in daddy's new mug
Facinated by the wrapping paper, and not so much her presents.
Playing with dad at our Munson family gathering in Colorado Springs
Getting up on those knees and rocking, trying to crawl.

Enjoying the bowl- once again more interested in everything but her toys and gifts.
Talking to her new book at Gammadele and GPS's (Grandpa Steve) house

We are recovering today from Coranelle's first Christmas. We have been all over the place in the past four days and today we're finally home for walks, naps, and unpacking gifts and cleaning. Coranelle did a great job. We spent Christmas eve and morning with Ryan's parents. Coranelle loved the wrapping paper and the lights. She got all sorts of great new books, toys and clothes and is a spoiled baby! Grandparents, aunts, and uncles more than made up for the fact that Ryan and I didn't buy her anything.

We had a great time with family over the last few days! We went up to Longmont for Christmas dinner and got to see Amanda (who is back from Haiti for a quick break), Stefan, Rebecca, Rachael and mom and Steve. We had a good time catching up and playing catch phrase. Saturday, we went to a graduation/engagement party in Louisville and then we went back to Longmont to have dinner with my parents and some old family friends. Yesterday, we spent the whole day down in Colorado Springs with my mom's side of the family. We went for a beautiful walk and got to see all the aunts, uncles and cousins. So, it has been busy. But, Coranelle held up really well. She still did not really want to be held by anyone. My mom held her for about half and hour Christmas day while we were playing a game. That was a great break for me, but I wish she would do it more often. My mom and I agreed that Coranelle has a lot of love. She is affectionate with Ryan and me, giving us lots of smiles and laughs. But, she just needs to share that love. I truly wonder when this clingy, stranger anxiety phase will end. It has been going on since early October. I know it won't last forever, but I am anxious for others to be able to take her and enjoy her.

We truly enjoyed her on her first Christmas. Despite the weariness that all the driving, packing up, and family time can bring- we had a wonderful Christmas. We enjoyed every minute of our time together as a new family. On Christmas eve, Coranelle had an outfit on that made her look like a little present. Ryan and I agreed that she was our best gift this Christmas and we are so thankful for our squirmy, stubborn, energetic, adorable baby.

In other news, Coranelle is now getting up on her knees and rocking. She wants to crawl, but cannot lift her arm up and stay up. She just flops back onto her belly. I am also slowly working on getting her down for naps and eventually bedtime without being swaddled. She sleeps so well swaddled. Actually, she nurses really well when I get her up and just nurse her swaddled too. That way, she cannot be reaching for my hair, my watch, my sleeves- everything, while nursing. But, I know I cannot keep swaddling her forever. It seems time. I have tried a few naps in her crib without swaddling her. She rolls over onto her tummy and can put her pacifier in and pass out. The first few times I tried, she cried for 12-16 minutes and then fell asleep. But, she only slept for 1/2 an hour and woke up crying- startled. I would love advice from any of you moms on how you went about training your babies to sleep without being a little glow worm.

This week, we have another busy week. I have some great girlfriends home for the holidays that I will be catching up with. It is also Josh's birthday. We'll be headed up to Estes Park for a New Years eve party and then we have a wedding to attend to on Saturday. Go go go!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! Lots of love and hugs!

special moments

Today was our Christmas service at church. Flatirons doesn't do services on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, just the weekend before. Once you let go of the tradition of going to a candle lit service on Christmas Eve, it makes sense. The reason for this is that after this weekend, the pastors, employees and volunteers have some time off to be with their families- which I think is great. Further, "church" is not a place, it is us, a body of people. Just because we don't have a church service, does not mean that we cannot continue being a church, or a light, outside those building walls.
Anyhow, we went to the earliest service, hoping it wouldn't be really crowded. So, we chose the 3:30pm service on Saturday. We decided to try to put Coranelle in the nursery so that we could sit with Ryan's family. When we got to the nursery, Coranelle had been fed and had a nap and there were lots of friendly volunteers waiting to love on her. There are plenty of new and exciting toys and all of this should make an hour "doable" for her. But, before the sermon had even begun, our number was called and we had to go pick Coranelle up. Despite the fact that there were thousands of people at the service (literally), ours was the only number to get called the whole time. The cry room was jam packed, so we decided to try our luck sitting in the very back of the sanctuary with Coranelle on our laps. She did great. She jabbered a bit here and there, but the people sitting around us seemed gracious and just smiled at her. When we started to sing the last hymn and everyone was lighting their candles, we decided to go back and join Ryan's family. Coranelle was absolutely calm and cherub-like as she watched the people around her and the many glowing flames. She clung to me and looked around, almost as if she knew she was taking part in something much bigger, much more powerful and significant than herself. I teared up as I watched her, quite thankful that I was able to hold her during that priceless moment, rather than have her in the nursery with a stranger. God has a way of surprising you with special, unexpected blessings. Yes, I wish Coranelle would learn to trust the people in the nursery so we could go to church. But, this time last year, I was anxiously anticipating the chance to hold my baby. I don't want to take Coranelle for granted, nor the time I have with her as a baby. It is hard at times, sure. I never expected this much time of motherhood to be centered around trying to keep her happy. I knew our lives would change. I knew our friends would shift, our schedules, etc. I just never imagined it to be an all consuming task to keep my wee one content. But she was this afternoon, even if the string of Christmas songs was brief. Without her pacifier, she was totally and utterly happy to listen to all of us sing about the joy of Christ's birth. And I will cherish those brief minutes forever. It seems fitting that at Christmas time, one of the most meaningful moments I've experienced is one with a helpless and innocent baby.

Christmas

Split second of cuddling. And, Coranelle has finally started enjoying stuffed animals. She likes her bunny. We call him Mr. Pib. He was a gift from the Pottery Barn and has PB embroidered on his foot. He is exactly Coranelle's size right now.
Her new jean jumper from Grammadele. Very cute!
Laughing away. I love this picture!

I got the idea to do this questionnaire from Heidi's blog (www.nothingbutbluesky.blogspot.com). But, she called it a Christmas meme. And to be completely honest, I have never heard of a meme, nor do I know what it is. So, I am calling it a questionnaire. Nonetheless, I thought it was a fun idea, so here goes...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Mostly wrapping paper. It is fun to see all of the unique kinds of paper that family and friends pick out. Although, for those really awkward, hard to wrap gifts, a gift bag is okay. Especially if you are re-using them and have so many hoarded up in your basement that your husband wants you to sort through them and throw a bunch away.

2. Real or Fake Tree?
I liked our real tree as a kid, when we had one. But, we have a fake one now, and I like it just fine. We only have to spend money on it once, and saving money when we are living on one salary seems like a crucial thing. The ornaments and lights make it unique and special. And, I think Coranelle likes the one we have.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually we put it up after Thanksgiving or early December. I love turning it on at night and reading under a blanket by the twinkling lights.

4. When do you take the tree down?
After New Years, I think. It's only the second year we have had our own tree.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Not at all. Hot chocolate, apple cider, gingerbread latte, sure... but not eggnog. I once ordered a vanilla shake at McDonalds and got eggnog instead and it was a huge disappointment.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
We got a pipeworks set (I think that was what it was called) as kids. These were large, various sizes pvc type pipes and hinges, platforms, wheels, etc. We could make lifesize cars, slides, tunnels, etc. It was a great activity for the four of us to build together. It is the one toy I really remember receiving. I wish they still made them so we could get them for Coranelle some day. Does anyone else remember these?

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope. But, I used to enjoy arranging our glass nativity scene when mom was decorating for Christmas. I don't mind nativity scenes, but have thought about them differently this year after some of our recent sermons. The nativity scenes make the night of Jesus' birth seem very safe and pristine. Yet, when you think about Mary going into labor in a dark, cold, dirty cave- without a midwife, or doctor or any help, it's pretty terrifying. Soon after, Herod was calling for all infant boys to be murdered. And, the shepherds and wise men had not yet heard of Jesus' birth. I cannot imagine the fear and pain that Mary and Joseph were dealing with on that Holy night. It was pretty scary for me, and I had multiple nurses, a OBGYN, my husband, two moms, a hospital room, and modern technology aiding me. It makes me realize how humbly Jesus came into this world. I am not sure nativity scenes really capture that for me.
Hopefully, I did not just offend anyone. I am just thinking aloud.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
Steve and Rebecca. Rebecca knows what she wants and I don't often get it right. Steve rarely needs anything, and won't make requests. They're hard!

9. Easiest person to buy for?
Ryan- I listen throughout the year to little things that spike his interest and stash away ideas here and there. I have a hard time sticking to my budget.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever got?
I desperately wanted some overalls when I was in 4th grade. They were in style. My stepmom at the time picked them out for me. She didn't have any girls and she meant well, I know she did. But, the overalls didn't have a big. They just had straps like suspenders. I didn't have the heart to exchange them, even though I was very disappointed. So, I wore them to school. I got teased a lot. I felt obligated to keep wearing them because they were a gift and a nice brand. Every time I put them on, I dreaded the day ahead.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I love getting them in the mail. My mom used to hang a red ribbon on the sides of the doorway into the kitchen and pin the cards up as we got them. I loved reading the letters and looking at the pictures every day, hanging along the doorway. I still love to get them and hang them on the fridge and comment on how grown-up everyone's kids are getting.

12. Favorite Christmas Movies?
The Holiday, Love Actually, The Polar Express

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
November... or when I get inspired by a fun gift idea(which might be in June)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Don't think so

15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas?
Pepperkaka cookies, because they remind me of my Grandma Corky and of making cookies with my mom. Plus, they smell so delicious! Mom came to spend the day with us this past Friday and we made them. I enjoyed rolling them out, using fun cookie cutters, tasting the cinnamony dough and chatting with mom.
And, hot chocolate, made with milk and with whipped cream on top.

16. Colored or clear lights on the tree?
Colored. And, I love the big bulbs. But, I do have fond memories of our chili pepper lights as a kid.

17. Favorite Christmas songs?
Oh Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay at home. I love waking up and coming downstairs to open stockings and have breakfast in our flannel pj's.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Dasher, dancer, prancer, Vixen, Commet, Cupid, Donner, Blitsen, and the most famous reindeer of all- Rudolf
Not sure I spelled those right.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Whatever you have. We don't have a tree topper, and I don't mind.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas Eve with the Morks. Christmas Day with my family. Stockings Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Everyone acting as if Christmas is about buying things. I really dislike that. And, I dislike that so often, the holidays bring about stress and family tension.

23. What do you enjoy most about Christmas?
Being with my family. I like that Ryan takes time off and we can spend time together as a family. I like going to church and singing hymns. I also like getting together with friends for dinners and catching up. This year, it will be fun to have Coranelle's first Christmas. I also like the chance to step back to reflect and remember the significance of our Savior's birth.

24. How did you find out about Santa?
I think that it was at lunch, in 3rd grade. I think I knew in the back of my mind that Santa wasn't real. But, my friend Lauren started teasing me and Erin about still believing. I remember being disappointed that I could no longer pretend that he came to fill our stockings every year. I actually remember getting into a heated fight about it. Now, it brings back smiles. Love you Lauren! Do you remember that?


So, that was fun! Feel free to copy and paste your own "meme". I hope this week is full of all of the good things that Christmas beholds.

Things that make me smile

Here are a few things that have made me smile in the last few days:

1. Sitting by the fire with my family while it is snowing outside (we did a lot of that this weekend)

2. The fact that Coranelle let Lesley and Heido hold her this weekend without much fuss!

3. Our Charlie Brown Christmas tree and its bright lights that Coranelle is so excited about.

4. My new sponge mop and the yummy, natural, lavender cleaner I bought. Is it sad that I am so happy about a mop? I have chosen not to use the swiffer mops because they have crazy chemicals in them that I would rather not have my soon-to-be crawling daughter getting all over her hands (and mouth). So, I found an "old fashioned" mop and some great cleaner and it makes me so happy to have clean and good smelling floors.

5. The perfect baby food I made this weekend. It's Gerber smooth- unlike my peas and carrots. Ryan bought me some butternut and acorn squash this weekend and I have made tons of creamy, smooth baby food. Coranelle really likes it and that makes me happy.

6. Living in Broomfield. I was at the Rec Center today, just walking around the track inside since it is 7 degrees out. Sometimes, walking around in tiny circles and pushing a stroller can get rather boring. But, I never fail to be amazed by how friendly people are in Broomfield. As I was walking/running, other walkers and runners were talking to me and making converstation about Coranelle. I ended up having fun conversations with quite a few elderly couples out for a walk.

7. Which Wich makes me happy. It is a sandwich shop out here that I really enjoy. When you choose your sandwich, you fill out all of the options on a paper bag with a magic marker. Then, as your sandwich is made, your bag slides along a "clothesline". When your sandwich is done, they put it in your bag. They are very yummy, as are their shakes. We went last night with Bruce and Heido and I got a delcious Caprese sandwich and Ryan and I shared a Chocolate shake.

8. Evenings like last night. Bruce and Heido came out in the snow to have dinner with us and hang out by the fire. We chatted and played with Coranelle. I really appreciate when people are willing to just hang out with us and our baby- especially since having a baby seems to have excluded us from many of the previous hang out invitations we used to receive.

9. Shopping for Christmas presents for people and finding little things that I think will make people smile.

10. Reading Harry Potter. I never read them before now and I am currently reading the last book. They are turning into books that I can sit in bed and read late into the night. Very fun!

11. When people post comments on my blog. It's always a fun surprise to check back to a posting and see a friend or family members thoughts waiting there for me!

That's all for now. Hope you are all enjoying your holiday season.

1/2 a year old!

Everything goes in the mouth!
Having some peas and carrots on Thanksgiving with Grams. She didn't eat much. Too many people for Coranelle!
Sitting up all by herself and playing with that pacifier. New hoodie from Grandmadele.

Last night when Ryan came home from work, Coranelle abruptly ended her nursing session to show her dad how happy she was to see him. He's been home for a week, so when he left for work yesterday, we both missed him a lot. Upon coming through that door, he received lots of smiles, laughs, excited squeals and arms and legs flapping. It was really very precious. On Sunday night, while baking monkey bread, we were listening to some tango music. The three of us had a little dancing session around the kitchen. While I was unsuccessfuly trying to follow Ryan's lead and holding our beaming daughter, I took a mental picture of the scene. I will remember those simple, precious moments forever.

This past Sunday, Bruce and Heido came over to watch Coranelle while Ryan and I went to watch New Moon. Yes, I admit it. I read the whole Twilight series and loved it. And Ryan has already been kind enough to watch the first movie of the series with me at home. On a side note, I really enjoyed the movie. I think that the books are well written and the movies are well donw with some unique cinematography. Despite the fact that the books are vampire romances, there are some famous themes- family fueds, tragic love stories, etc. that make them relatable and enjoyable. So, we made a little date out of it. I was worried about Coranelle crying the whole time for Bruce and Heidi, seeing as crying is an understatement for what she has done every time I tried to hand her off to anyone in the past week. But, they played with her on a blanket for a long time and she never got fussy. Then, she took a nap for them. It was great to get away for a little bit and know that she wasn't screaming the whole time (which I knew from periodic texts from Heidi). Ryan and I know that we have to work on leaving her more often so that she gets used to it. I am never worried about her safety when we leave her with our parents. I know they will do an awesome job with her. I just worry about other peoples' sanity with my touchy child. Coranelle also made it through the church service again on Saturday night. The nursery workers said she only cried half of the time this time. So, we're getting better. :-)

We went to the doctor yesterday for Coranelle's 6 month check-up and tons of immunizations. She immediately melts down when she sees the nurse. Does she know that they are going to come put her in pain shortly?! She now weighs 13 lbs, 5 ounces. I was just hoping for 12 lbs, 12 ounces (which is doubling her birth weight). So, I was pleased. Apparently though, she has moved from the 9th to the 6th percentile. I explained to the pediatrician that she nurses every three hours still, and eats solids twice a day. When I try to nurse her in smaller time spans, she refuses. So, he admitted that she will probably just be a skinny girl. She is now 26 1/4 inches long ( 66% percentile) and her head is in the 58th percentile. Coranelle did great with our pediatrician, talking and playing with his tongue depressor. It was nice to be able to talk to him without her screaming. Ahhh, we have come so far since the first few months. Other than her low birth weight, she doing well except for her sensative skin and some rough spots. We are thankful for a healthy, growing girl. She is now sitting up all on her own for long periods of time. She can grab her pacifier and put it in her mouth the correct way. She is taking lots of interest in peoples' faces and is very aware of the world around her. This morning, she was showing interest in her stuffed animals and music boxes for the first time. It is very fun to see her growing up. Next steps are mastering that sippy cup, and getting over this stranger/separation anxiety.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!