Christmas (Part 2)

The trip to Florida was great! I got a lot of rest thanks to all of the people I was able to pawn my beautiful child off to. Even Dad didn't mind keeping an eye on Maya (as long as she didn't mind watching football).

Maya had a fantastic first Christmas full of all kinds of wonderful gifts, but her favorite present was clearly the one from her Aunt Jennifer.

I'm just so happy I was able to catch the look on her face when she realized that the tissue paper was her gift. That kind of joy is what Christmas is all about.

Schwans Parade

Jason got to participate in his first parade! He had fun riding on top of the Schwan's truck although he did get a little cold. It seems that there were a lot of disappointed people when they didn't throw out ice cream sandwiches, just candy.







Maya seemed to enjoy the parade, at least what part she was awake to see. She must have been really tired to sleep through the police cars and fire trucks with their sirens blaring.

Christmas (Part I)

We celebrated Christmas with Jason's family a couple of weeks ago. I was amazed that Aubrie and Jacob were able to stay calm in front of all the presents. I just kept thinking that when I was little it would kill me to be that close to the presents and not get to open them.

We had a fun weekend and Maya had a lot of fun playing with her cousins, but I would have to say my favorite part was watching Jacob on his constant quest for chocolate.






I have a new found appreciation for family photographers. Trying to take the picture of three little ones is no easy task. I'm not sure how anyone can manage to get a good family photo without spending all day in front of the camera. We couldn't seem to get all three kids to look at the camera at the same time and had a hard enough time keeping them still.

Animal Lover

In the last two months, Maya has shown more and more interest in the animals around her. Now, they seem to be showing interest in her. Whenever we let Pepper (the dog) into the house she immediately finds Maya and gives her a good sniff. However, when Maya starts to cry Pepper makes sure to get as far away as possible!
The other day I put Maya on the floor near Beanie (the cat), and I guess she liked how Maya smelled because the next thing I know she's rubbing all over her and pawing at her head. Maya didn't seem to notice. She did this for several minutes, it was kind of weird.*















*no babies were harmed

Thanksgiving

This year, Thanksgiving was an adventure. Lucky us, we got to make the drive with a 4 month old, but it wasn't too bad. The usually 7 hour drive took closer to 10 hours but traffic was mostly to blame. We made better time on the way home once we gave Maya the wheel. I never knew someone so small could be capable of having such a large case of road rage, it's a good thing she hasn't learned to speak!

Thanksgiving has always been about family and this year was no exception with Maya getting to meet everyone for the first time. It only took 4 months but Maya finally got to meet her Uncle Morgan and her Aunt Jennifer (or Aunt Bob as some of us know her). Not to mention getting to meet her fellow rugrats Ariana and Jake. Maya seemed to have a special fascination with Jake and kept trying to grab him every chance she got.

It was especially wonderful to see Maya receive plenty of hugs and kisses from her Great-Grandma and Great-Great Aunt Irene.

Maya's Big Day

We were so certain that something was going to happen, whether it was spitting up, crying as soon as we handed her to the Minister or, my biggest worry, a leaky diaper ruining her beautiful dress. Much to our surprise, Maya's dedication went smoothly. Maya never cried, at times she almost seemed bored, which was fine with me! My one hope for the day was that we get through it with the dress still in one piece. After the service we changed her and I could finally breathe a sigh of relief, the dress made it! It was such a wonderful ceremony and a great day.

First Halloween

Maya's first Halloween was as eventful as it could be for a 3 month old. Jason would hold her by the door as I handed out candy so she could see all the kids in their costumes. I was afraid some of the costumes would scare her but she didn't seem interested at all. Oh well, maybe next year.

First Trip (we survived)

Last week we went to San Antonio, which was our first trip with Maya. Now, I have always been one to overpack but I thought this time I had a good reason. We packed everything we could think of: toys, blankets, pacifiers, a weeks worth of clothes, no less than 45 diapers, even sheets for the crib. Did I mention we were gone for 3 days? We had no idea how she would do on the plane but luckily she was just fine. Jason was surprised at how many people would stop to talk to us because of Maya, I was surprised to see how many people kept touching Maya's face and hands. (very frustrating)
When we arrived at the hotel I was standing in the lobby with Maya when all of a sudden a crazed Nana came running towards us sending chairs, luggage, and old ladys flying. I don't think Mom noticed me or Jason until the next day. Unfortunately Dad was still getting over a cold so he didn't want to get too close to Maya. All in all we had a great time visiting and going to the riverwalk and the Alamo.

It's A Party

Saturday was Jacob's 2nd birthday, we went over for the party and Maya was able to hang out with her cousins. We gave up Maya almost immediately so that she could be properly spoiled by her Granny and Pawpaw. (it's a must) She had such a good time watching everyone play and run around. It won't be long until Maya can participate in the birthday fun.

Oh, Hands!

Maya has officially discovered her hands and feet! Now she's holding her hands and batting at her toys in her bouncy seat. She hugged her teddy bear for the first time, she's just too cute. Well, she doesn't stare at her hands like I thought she would but she sure loves her feet. Every day she loves to throw her feet into the air and just stare at them for the longest time. The other day she was staring at her foot and kept batting it with her hand, it's only a matter of time until she has her feet in her mouth.

Maya's Chair

We were given this seat that's great for babies who can't sit up yet. Since Maya has gotten so good at holding her head up, we decided to try it. It was really cute to see her just sitting on her own but we couldn't help but notice that she kept leaning to one side. I would straighten her out but she would slowly fall to the side. She just looks so cute leaning in her chair.

Building Muscles

It's been so long since the last post and Maya has just been growing by leaps and bounds. She has never really enjoyed tummy time but it's starting to get a little easier for her. It wasn't easy for me to get these pictures because although she is getting better at lifting her head she can't do it for very long. Usually she just lifts her head a couple of times and then lies face down crying into her mat with her legs kicking. Oh well, I don't like working my arms either.

Doctors Are Bad

Friday was Maya's 2 month check up which meant shots. I was expecting her to take it well since she didn't have too much of a problem with having her blood drawn, but I was very wrong. The nurse gave her the first shot and I had actually gone so far as to say "Well that wasn't so..." when Maya started screaming so loud she turned purple. I have to say I was really impressed with how quickly the nurse was able to give Maya the other two shots and apply the band aids, she has some skills.

The chunky monkey weighed in at 12lbs. 14oz. and 24.5 inches long, that puts her in the 95th percentile for height and weight. The Doctor said she's about the size of a 4 month old, at this rate she's going to outgrow her carseat by Christmas.

All Smiles

I can't believe how much Maya has grown. She's getting better at holding her head up although she still makes me think of those bobbleheads. I catch her smiling all the time now, the other day the dresser must have been very amusing because she just smiled at it forever.

Water Baby

Last week I was brave and gave Maya her first real bath. She really enjoyed splashing around. Who knew a baby could make such a mess in two inches of water?