The man in red

On a cold, windy night, Kennedy met Santa and Mrs. Claus for the first time.  She looks super impressed here!

This past week the three of us headed to the big city to do some Christmas shopping and the little lady had her first hotel experience.  We purchased Kennedy's first Christmas ornament - a tradition that we plan to do every year for her.  One of many traditions we will share together as a family. I love family traditions :)  I can't wait for Kennedy to be old enough to enjoy them!

An evening with G&G

Today K and I spent part of the day at my parents house helping to get ready for our early family Christmas by setting up and decorating the Christmas tree.  We are so fortunate to live close to my parents (3kms away) and see them on a regular basis.  K was a pretty happy girl, giving smiles and a few laughs with her grandma and grandpa.  I'm so glad she gets to see them as often as we do and that they get to spend so much time with their granddaughter.

Then tonight I was out for dinner celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday.  With my hubby working night shift, we enlisted the help of Grandma and Grandpa to babysit while I was away. 

I was on my second glass of wine, and had just pushed my plate away, looking forward to the leftovers that I would have in my fridge to eat tomorrow.  It was a great meal and I was enjoying chatting with the wonderful ladies.  Then my cell rang.  Although I couldn't hear it in the background, there was apparently some major crying going on at home.  Could I come home? 

I had carpooled with my sister, so I stole her keys and hit the road - trying to get home quickly to soothe the babe and give relief to the grandparents who I know felt bad for calling.  I pulled in the driveway, and flew in the house, only to be "shushed" by my mother.  The babe was in my dad's arms, fast asleep as he paced the floor singing Jingle Bells.

Hopefully they all make up the next time they see eachother.  I'm sure it won't be hard to forgive and forget about their little "disagreement". 

Skype Dates

Each day, I swear she is doing something new and it blows my mind how quickly the past seven and a half months have flown by.  Our new "fun" thing is to attempt to stand on our own.  With mommy or daddy sitting close by to catch the fall, we laugh and smile and laugh and smile.  It's like she knows that what she is doing is such a big deal! 

With the time flying by, it was also very exciting to have our first skype date last night with K's uncle who is currently living overseas.  Although it has only been 2 months since he has been gone, I'm sure he noticed last night all of the changes that have happened in her.  Our little lady did some babbling in front of the computer and was amazed that the computer was actually talking back, waving, and smiling at her.  We are so fortunate to have this great piece of technology to bring us closer together, even though we are miles apart. 

A night away....

We are gearing up for a big wedding this weekend that will take us 2 1/2 hours away from home.  I'm so excited to share this special day with my cousin and his beautiful bride-to-be and the rest of my amazing family.  My dad has a big family, so our get togethers are always lots of fun when everybody gets together.  Unfortunately, it doesn't happen often enough.  But what better excuse than a wedding.

As much as I am looking forward to it, I am also dreading the night.  This will be the first time I leave my baby girl for the night.  She will be almost 7 1/2 months by the time we go, and I am nervous.  I know that I shouldn't worry as we are leaving her in great hands.  Her grandma is coming and staying at our house to keep her in a familiar environment and so we don't have to pack up house and home to leave her for..... 24 hours.  Eek.  That seems like such a long time.

I worry that she will wake up in the night and wonder why I'm not there.  I worry that she will not take a bottle well.  I worry that she will cry all night long and that she and grandma won't get much sleep.  I worry that I will miss her like crazy and not enjoy myself at the wedding.  I worry that if she needs us, we will be so far away and it will take us too long to get back.  But mostly, I worry that she will be scared when I don't come back after a few hours... and she will think that I am not coming back.

I still have a few days to prepare.  Wish me luck.  Wish HER luck.  Wish us all luck!  I am sure things will be okay, and everyone will have a great night!

7 months

My little lady turned 7 months old on Halloween.  Our Tinkerbell enjoyed touring around to show off her outfit to the grandparents, and then got so tuckered out, she feel asleep in the car.  What a fun night!

Two days ago, we had another exciting event when another of my best friends welcomed a new baby boy into the world. Off we went yesterday, to the hospital to meet the little man with a head full of dark hair.  Another potential boyfriend for Kennedy - or perhaps just another bodyguard!  How exciting to be able to share mommy-hood with friends.  I look forward to the upcoming weeks and months when we are off on maternity leave together, and for the years ahead when our kids grow up together.