Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas! We braved the crazy people and the traffic at the mall and took Mia to meet Santa. She was absolutely perfect. We waited in line for about 20 or 30 minutes and she never once protested.



We went to church on Christmas Eve morning with Papa and Rhonda. It was a first for Mia and I believe a first for Clay and I as a couple. Mia and I spent most of the time outside listening to the music, singing and sermon. She was awfully tired and could not get comfortable sleeping on my shoulder.



After church we went to MeMe's and Mia had a good time with her cousins Erin and Reagan. She slept through the present opening but loves all her gifts.



Later that afternoon we visited Grandpa and Janice. Mia spent most of the time on Janice's hip and was all smiles. Janice gave her sweet potatoes during dinner and Mia gobbled them up. She also gave her a little taste of the yellow part of a deviled egg but Mia didn't like that too much at all. She was awake for the gift opening this time and shortly thereafter the day caught up with her and she was tired!



I gave Mia a bath and then Clay read The Night Before Christmas. We had bought the book for her and are starting a tradition of reading it every Christmas Eve. Mia loved the illustrations and between the pictures and watching her daddy read, I am not sure which one she liked the most!



We woke up Christmas morning to see what Santa left for Mia. It was so exciting! Santa left her a sweet Build-a-Bear named Claire. She is so soft and sweet and was wearing white satin bloomers, a red sweater and a white fuzzy hat. Mia loves the sound and giggles that she makes. He also left her a set of sippy cups to try for the first time and a cute teething toy that lights up and makes cute boingy noises.



After opening presents we headed to Papa's house. More excitement, delicious brunch, and more present opening. Mia missed the present opening again. All this Christmas excitement was wearing her out. She had a 2-hour nap at Papa's and she really can sleep through anything!



Mia had a great time seeing her Papa, Rhonda, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was showered with lots of attention, hugs and kisses. All the grandkids made handprint ornaments for Papa's tree and also drew pictures to make their very own Christmas plates. Clay did Mia's for her and it turned out so nice. Her little handprint looked adorable and I can't wait to see it on the tree next year.



That afternoon, GranE, uncle Danny, Emily and the kids came over for more yummy food, family time and present opening. It was nice and crowded! Joshua wanted to help bake apple pie so badly and there just was not enough room in the kitchen. Clay was helping me in the kitchen and I was quite impressed with his apple pie making abilities.



Mia slept through dinner and missed half of the present opening because she was hungry. Everyone in the whole family was very thoughtful and Mia got lots of toys, clothes, books, and very special Christmas ornaments. There's no way she can get bored, that's for sure!



In none Christmas related news, Mia is eating more rice cereal. We started feeding her twice a day and she is actually swallowing it all now. She tries to grab the spoon and feed herself and makes lots of Mmmm noises and shows that she is very pleased with the new grub. She recently tried applesauce and at first made a sour face but took to it immediately. I am very excited about making her food now.



Mia LOVES to play with her feet and as you can see she also loves putting them in her mouth. She cracks me up. She is so funny! She's a very happy and comical baby. She loves to laugh and squeal and is even rolling over a bit more. She's still getting stuck on her arm but with practice she'll "get" it. The other morning I went to check on her and she was sleeping halfway rolled over. She amazes me everyday!

20 Weeks Old

Mia now has a SECOND tooth! I saw it last night and could NOT believe it! I didn't expect the second one so soon, but then again, this is all so new to us! Tuesday was MeMe's birthday. We celebrated by meeting her and Aunt Toni for lunch at Wild Wings. Afterwards, Mia and I went shopping at Wally World. She was a perfect angel and had me laughing all over the store. She is such a little comedian.


It's been a very busy week for me at work. Our department moved to a different building and I have been busy unpacking. I love my new space. I have 3 BIG windows and a lot more privacy. It's very nice and I'm even more productive! Clay and I have pretty much run out of time on finding a new sitter. GranE and MeMe have been a huge help but unfortunately they cannot watch her every week. I really don't want to put her in a "big" daycare. I am going to first try to find someone that will watch her in our home. That would be my ideal choice next to quitting my job and concentrating solely on her. I am not that worried about it because I know it will work out in the end.


I can't believe I nearly forgot to mention that Mia tried rice cereal for the first time on Monday. She seemed to like it okay. I thought it tasted kind of nasty but I did mix is with breastmilk so it would be a little familiar in taste. I'm not sure how much she actually swallowed but it was fun trying it for the first time. I'm excited about trying real food eventually!

19 Weeks Old

This has been a busy week for Miss Mia. Last Thursday, while she was staying with GranE, she rolled over for the very first time. I almost cried when I heard. Clay and I did miss the first time but she has rolled over for us since and it's so amazing to see her do that. This morning we were playing on the floor and I noticed that her first tooth has popped through as well! Our little gummy bear is getting teeth!!! That almost made me cry, too. It is amazing children can change your priorities in the day-to-day routine and show you what is truly "important" in life.

18 Weeks Old

Somehow I missed posting for Week 17. I guess I waited and posted the 4 month in its place. Anyhoo...Mia has been staying with her GranE while I am at work and is having a ball everyday. Too bad GranE can't retire early. She's been teething and handling it very well, I might add. I'm sure her little gums are sore and achy but she is such a tough little girl. She makes me smile just to think about her and she truly is my purpose in life right now. I take one look at her and know what is truly important in life.


Clay and I went to the annual HBA holiday ball last weekend and had a very nice time. It was fun shopping for a dress and shoes. Not much to add right now. Been very busy.