Grandpa Santa

 My view this morning. A little red headed lady, a Christmas tree, and A Christmas Story on the television (oh, Ralphie). This is how I wish everyday was. Waking to baby smiles will flip anyone's morning to a happy one. Although, I think PennyLane is starting to grow ears like her Dads. I'm so sorry baby, I was pulling for you that you would get mine... but it's not looking good.

This week's happenings: 

Penny met Santa! Every year in my parent's neighborhood we have an ugly sweater party, and every year my Dad dresses up as Santa for all the kids and passes out presents. So, Penny got to meet Grandpa Santa. She really didn't have much of a reaction other than to touch his beard and try to eat it. But, hey, haven't we all thought about doing that something at one point or another? It looks like cotton candy, dangit!

We finally have the house in Christmas order, it's my first Christmas with my own family! I had to go all out! I think it looks great for a first apartment Christmas!

Once again...

Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas!

We got the greatest early Christmas gift ever! A sweet little lady named PennyLane.

She arrived October 5th after fourteen lovely hours of labor. She has red hair (which we were hoping for) and blue eyes (I hope they don't change). The first few weeks were a bit challenging, but now we have a lot of fun as she learns to smile, laugh, and coo. I know every parent says this about their child, but in our case I think it is true: She is the most beautiful baby in the world. She got her Daddy's nose and ears and Mommy's lips and eyes. She is perfect.

Anyway, it's Christmas time! My favorite time of the year. I've got Charlie Brown Christmas playing in the background and I'm putting ribbon on the tree while baby is taking a nap. I could not be happier.

When I was growing up I always told myself that in my "grown up" house we would teach our children what Christmas was really about. The Lord, our God being born into this world to save us from our sins. December 25th is the day we celebrate Jesus' birth, not the selfish receiving of presents, or the coming of a bearded man guided by magical animals. So, in celebration of Jesus' birth we are going to have a birthday cake! I am so excited to start this tradition with my daughter!

However, we will have the belief of Santa in our home, there is so little magic left in the world, that I want Penny to have some of it once a year. So, yes, we will put out cookies for Santa and cut some of the cats white curly belly hair off and put it near the cookies as if Santa's beard shed a bit. And yes, Corey will put on   some big boots with baby powder on the bottom and prance about the living room as if Santa's snowy boots had walked our floors... because that's how I grew up and I think that's why this is such a magical time for me.

So, as it should be always be said (thank you Harry Potter)...






                   Happy Christmas!

Happily Ever After is Not the End

So, I got married to the man of my dreams. I had had friends who had gotten married so quickly after meeting their significant other that I thought they were crazy, but it makes total sense. When you meet that person, and you KNOW without a doubt that they are the person you want to spend the rest of your life with... why not get married?

Corey and I met when I worked at a chain restaurant and he was a regular. It didn't start off to the greatest start, but he grew on me. His constant attempts to hang out were annoying at first, but endearing after a couple of months. And then I swooned (putting hand to forehead and fainting). He may not be perfect, but he's perfect for me and I couldn't be happier.

The wedding day was a beautiful Nebraska day, with the sun shining and the clouds slowly passing. 

The groomsmen were all dressed in their skinny ties and suspenders. Lookin' bad ass.

The ladies were gorgeous in their plum purple dresses.

I danced with my daddy like I'd dreamed about since I was a little girl.

Corey and I said our vows and gave a sweet kiss.

And we drove off into the sunset with sparklers, knowing that it was just the beginning of our fairy tale. I love you boo bear!

Seven Months Bigger

We are now seven months pregnant! (here's a picture of 6 months) It's so amazing and so many things I could have never imagined it feel like... feeling her move is like... a blessing. Knowing that God is using my body to create another human being is such a humbling feeling.

 A not so humbling feeling is braxton hicks contractions. Those are a hoot and a half. They don't necessarily hurt, but rather are more uncomfortable. It feels like the baby is pushing with all her might against my belly button with her back and it takes my breath away (not in a good way). The only last for a minute or so, but still extremely uncomfortable. I had one the other day and Corey (baby's dad) put his hand on my stomach and said it felt extremely hard. And when I touched it I had to agree, my belly was as hard as a rock! Thank God I only have them once every other day. 

Every pregnancy symptom has seemed to kick in this month: taco cravings at 2 AM, fig newton cravings for breakfast. I went this whole pregnancy without any cravings and now they kick in, oh well, Corey is very accommodating. He's a great husband! He deals with my sleeplessness, cravings, mood swings, and still kisses my head before he leaves for work. I love him! 

Anyhoozles, before I get too teary eyed from talking about Corey and having an overload of emotions, here is a video of us telling our families the sex of the baby. My mom is the super excited one.

My Oven is Full

This whole growing another human being thing is harder than I thought. The spells of exhaustion, the loss of breath, the muscles stretching, aversion to smells it's all so much to take in. Plus planning a wedding (sigh). It is so much. But, there are so many blessings that have come with this pregnancy, so many new things.


Month 1:

Month 2:

 Month 3:

It's so funny how protective I already am of this little orange, how much I already love him/her. I can't wait to meet you little one! Nothing seems to be getting bigger yet... except my appetite :)