Christmas

We were fortunate this year to spend Christmas with Daniel's family. We traveled up to Moses Lake WA the day before Christmas, and were welcomed with the wonderful smell of cookies. Daniel's family has a tradition of making a ton of goodies for Christmas, and we were really excited to dive right in. 

I had a really hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. We have been so focused on our big move back to Memphis at the end of December, and with all the stress it brought, it was hard to focus on Christmas, relax or enjoy. But being around family helped a little. 

 Christmas morning in her Christmas jammies.

 We were really excited that it snowed Christmas day. Being in TN for the past 3 winters, we didn't see much snow. So we were thrilled to see it before we left to go back to TN. Lyla got to feel her first snow, and she was more curious then bothered. I think snow makes everything look magical. 

Hanging out with Grandpa

 Lyla napping in the pack 'n play, shielding her eyes from the light. 

 I guess it was no surprise that I like chocolate, because I got a ton of it. But I sure ain't complaining. 

 On the ride back home, Lyla was completely exhausted. She gets overwhelmed with so much excitement, but a couple days later, she was back to normal.  

Sooooo sleepy

Can't........keep.......my........eyes.........oh.......pen!

4 months

Our little girl turned 4 months old. My heart has been so full this last month with gratitude to have our little Lyla in our family. I just can't believe how blessed I am. She is the most perfect little girl and fills my life with so much joy. She is my proof that the Lord answers prayers. Maybe not in the way we want, or in the time we want, but He sure hears us. I have learned to treasure every moment I have with her, because we never know what the future holds. 

She is growing so fast, smiling, laughing and simply a happy baby. She loves to sleep, bath, cuddle, dance, stand (with help) and has learned to fake cough to get our attention. I love watching her learn and study the world around her. I love waking up to her smiles and hugs. Yip.....she sure is a blessing!

 Looking adorable

 Learning to hold a bottle

 Fell asleep playing

 Ready for church

I have a million pictures of her sleeping, just can't get enough!

Aug 24th: 4lbs 15oz

Sept 10th: 6lbs 1oz

Sept 24th: 7lbs 4oz

Nov 1st: 9lbs 3oz

Nov 21st: 9lbs 12oz

Dec 27th: 11lbs 3oz

Sugar Cookies

As one of our Christmas traditions, Daniel and I made sugar cookies to give to our neighbors. It was freezing cold outside as we went around delivering them, but it was a lot of fun. I love seeing peoples faces when they open the door and are confused as to why you are standing on their doorstep. It makes it all worth it. 

2 days with daddy

Last week Daniel decided not to go to work for 2 days to hang out with us. 

Let me back up a little and explain. For those of you who don't know, Daniel is in his 4th year of Optometry school and will graduate this may. During his 4th year, he has to complete 3 externships in 3 different locations. Each are 4 months long. This past summer we were in Utah for 4 months, we are now in Washington, and then at the end of the year will be moving back to Memphis where he will complete his last externship and graduate. YAY!! This is his last week at his current location, he doesn't get paid for doing it, and we still have to pay tuition for the semester. So it's not easy working so hard, not making money, and knowing that you are about to leave in a week anyway. 

So last week he took off 2 days and stayed home with us. 

 We just walked around the grocery store just to get out of the house. It's way to cold to be outside, and there isn't much to do in Yakima (a small farming community). And since we are planning a big move, we are saving every single penny we have. But we made it fun anyway!

Wearing daddy's glasses

Tuckered out after so much excitement!

Fashion Show

Lyla got these adorable outfits from her Grandma Creviston. So we decided to put on a little fashion show.

Naps

I don't know what it is, but when ever I see Lyla sleeping, it just melts my heart and I can't stop myself from pulling out the camera. I just love this girl!!

Visiting

This past weekend we went to Moses Lake to hang out with Daniel's parents. They only live an hour and a half away, so it's not a bad drive. We spent our time putting up Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree. It was really fun. This year Daniel and I aren't putting up a tree since we are moving to Memphis right after Christmas, and we aren't even going to be home for Christmas. So it was really nice putting up a tree with family. 

 Daniel putting up decorations

 Lyla hanging out with Grandma

Our new little family

'Tis the Season

I love the holiday season. There are so many exciting things about the holidays, but my favorite are the tastes and smells of the holidays.

I really think Eggnog should be an all-year-round thing.
You can't smell Cinnamon and Nutmeg and not think of the holidays. I think they put it in everything.

Sage. It reminds me of Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing.

I love the smell of pine. I think that is why I am such a huge fan of real Christmas trees.

Hot Chocolate with Candy Canes.

Pumpkin Ice Cream. Actually anything pumpkin is good. Cookies, cupcakes, pie.....all good!

I love the smell of snow. Something I've missed living in the south the past 3 winters. 

I know this isn't a smell or taste, but I love Christmas lights. I love driving around and seeing all the homes lit up, and all the main streets. There's something magical about Christmas lights. How can you be angry when walking down the street surrounded by beautiful lights?

I'm excited. Bring on the holidays!!

Why??

A few weeks ago we changed Lyla's night time schedule by putting her to bed a couple hours earlier then before. She has been sleeping so well, we figured she could handle it. And she has. She wakes up at 5am for her first feeding before going back to sleep.

This morning my body woke me up at 5am, ready to feed Lyla. But she was still asleep. So I lay awake in bed unable to go back to sleep, just waiting for her to wake up. The day she decides to sleep in, and I can't. Not so fun!!

Kicking

Whenever we lay her on her back, she just starts kicking like crazy. It makes diaper changing a challenge. She just warms my heart!

I recorded it sideways and couldn't figure out how to flip it.

Coming Home Outfit

She can still fit in the outfit she came home from the hospital in. Although it probably wont be for too much longer.

Something New

About a month ago, we went to visit Daniel's parents in Moses Lake. It's only about 1.5 hours from where we live. While we were there, we went to the farmers market on a quest for some really yummy peaches. There was one booth that had these adorable dresses and sweaters that this lady crocheted. Daniel's mom got a sweater and hat for our little Lyla.  Yesterday we tried it on for the first time. I just think she looks ridiculously adorable! 

Lunch Ideas

It's always hard coming up with packed lunch ideas. At least I think so. We have been through multiple phases of sandwiches, wraps, bagels, soups, left overs...etc, and after many years, it's exhausting thinking of ideas that are easy to put together and cost effective. That's when I came up with this idea:

Pork Burritos (or whatever meat you want)

Cook pork in crock-pot for 8-10 hours. Heat up 3 cans of beans. In a large bowl, mix the shredded pork, sauteed onions, sauteed bell peppers, salsa (for taste) and any other seasonings you want. Add some pork mix, a spoonful of beans, a palm full of cheese in the center of a medium tortilla. Fold closed like a burrito, wrap in plastic wrap. Then put them all in a large freezer Ziploc back, and place in freezer. In the morning all you have to do is grab and go. Place in microwave for 90 sec and ready to eat.
You can also mix it up by doing meat and cheese, meat and beans, beans and cheese... the possibilities are endless (actually they're not endless, there's only 4 ways).
Super inexpensive, and can make up to 27 burritos if you plan it right. That's 5 weeks of lunches!! (Assuming you don't work or go to school on the weekends)

Cradle

Daniel's mom made us this beautiful cradle for Lyla when she was born. We are so grateful to have it, and Lyla loves it. Daniel's mom is really talented and I wanted to show off her work. 

3 Months

Lyla turned 3 months this month. It surprises me every month how fast time flies, and how big my little girl is getting. 

Aug 24th: 4lbs 15oz

Sept 10th: 6lbs 1oz

Sept 24th: 7lbs 4oz

Nov 1st: 9lbs 3oz

Nov 21st: 9lbs 12oz

~She loves being outside. Unfortunatly it's getting so cold that we can't spend too much time outside, but when she gets fussy, I'll bundle her up and go take out the garbage just to get out. The moment we walk out the door she calms down. Weird!

~She smiles so much now, and has laughed only a couple times. I'm looking forward to hearing her laugh all the time. 

~She loves to sleep in. She normally sleeps from 10:30-5:30. Eats, and then sleeps again until about 8:30. Eats, then spends the next hour struggling to wake up. It would be nice if I could sleep in with her, but I always struggle to do that. Once I wake up, I'm awake. And since she sleeps so well in the mornings, it's when I can get my home in order.  

~We are excited about celebrating all her first holidays together. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm really looking forward to Christmas with our new little family. 

Out for a walk

 Her first Thanksgiving. 

 Hanging out with mom

 3 month growth shot

 In her blessing dress. 

 Morning snoozes on the couch

Love from Daniel