bliss list ~ december

I'm having a hard time with this Bliss List.  Not because I'm at a loss of things that have made me blissfully happy this month.  On the contrary, there have been many things that have made me smile.  It's narrowing it all down that has been the hard part but as I sat last night, my first bliss moment was a no-brainer.

Baby Sunggles ~ Last night I was home alone with Nora.  She woke up early from her afternoon nap --- 3:30 pm --- so by the time 7:00 pm rolled around she was nearly unbearable.  I knew she was exhausted.  She was crabby, fussy, and had red eyes.  After her nightly routine of a bath and jammies, I sat down to give her a bottle.  Nora NEVER falls asleep with her bottle.  Sometimes you think she is but she's just super relaxed, eyes closed.  Last night, however, exhaustion caught up with her and after her bottle she was out.  I put her up to my shoulder to burp her and I was reminded of those early baby days when she would be blissfully asleep after feeding.  She would snuggle in on my shoulder and I would listen to those baby breaths and noises.  I could eat her up.  I held her a little longer last night, enjoying the moment.

{a rare snuggle from a busy girl...no good photos of mommy and tired baby snuggling}

Health ~ After spending nearly half of the month with an awful cold, I am so thankful to feel normal and healthy again.  I hate when you know a cold is inevitable.  You get that scratchy swollen throat and you know you're in for a seemingly never ending battle with the Kleenex and a Vitamin C fix.  It seems my colds linger ever since I had pneumonia three years ago and rest is sort of a rare occurrence these days but I managed to kick my cold just in time for Christmas!  Thank goodness!

Peppermint Mocha Coffee-Mate ~ In an effort to lesson my trips to Starbucks AND to take a healthier spin on holiday drinks I have been pouring splashes of Coffee-Mate's Peppermint Mocha to my morning coffee.  I really like the minty zing it adds and even though the holidays are nearing to a close, you better believe I snatched up another bottle when I was at the grocery store this week!

Twinkle Lights ~ One of my most favorite parts of the holidays is the lights.  My husband reminded me Chirstmas lights aren't very green.  True, but they are so pretty!  I love it when our little downtown area pulls out the lights and decorations.  I get a happy feeling when I drive down the street and see lights adorning neighbor's homes and can catch a peak of their tree lights through the window.  I so enjoy the glow of our own tree lights early in the morning and in the evening.  Hubby is so thoughtful to my Christmas light obsession that he made sure he plugged in the lights if he was the first one downstairs in the morning or the first one home from work in the evenings. 

Holiday Greetings ~ During the month of December, I always look forward to getting the mail.  I LOVE to receive holiday cards, photos, and letters.  I enjoy reading cards and see pictures of friends and family and display the photos year round so we can look back at family and friends...will also be a great thing for Nora as she grows older and she becomes familiar with people.  We were quite generic and did a picture this year...no card, no letter, just the picture.  Thank you, Shutterfly, for cute designs and quick processing! 

If I did have time, there are some fun prints via Etsy to possibly bookmark for next year.  {and if you're really ambitious, you can stock up for next year as many sellers are offering their creations at discounted prices}

{via finedaypress}

{via PikakePress}

{via atelierdesigns}

{via sweetperversion}

Hope you had a delightful December!

Click to check out last December's Bliss List.

winter weekend ~ part 1

A couple weekends ago we experienced our first taste of winter.  My grandfather passed away on December 11th and knowing that we wanted to attend the funeral, travel plans were in the works.  We would be traveling to west central Minnesota during the middle of December.  Never an easy feat.  Traveling anywhere in the winter is difficult let alone the snowy, icy midwest.  The weather reports weren't looking very promising but we wanted to give it a go.

We decided it would be best to drive to Omaha Wednesday night, stay with my sister, and then she would join us for the travel up north.  It was great to have her along and she did a great job keeping Nora company in the back seat.

Driving to Minnesota, I was reminded by how spoiled I am living through winters in much milder Missouri.  Granted we have very chilly days, see both snow and ice, but as we were driving down the snow-packed, icy, frigid highways, I was thanking my lucky stars I didn't have to grip the steering wheel so tightly on a daily basis.  Finally after 9 hours of driving, we arrived at our destination --- snowy Battle Lake, Minnesota.  We stayed at the home of my uncle and his fabulous friend and this was our view from their sitting room.

{the frozen lake...lots of ice houses and cars and trucks DRIVING on the lake!}

Even though we were there for a sad reason, we had the most wonderful time with family.  We don't often travel up to that area so it was a very needed time to catch up with everyone and introduce them to Nora, who was a huge hit!  All of my Dad's 4 siblings were there with their kids and grand kids, and many stories and laughs were shared.  Nora even made a new friend.

{my cousin's son}

She also had lots of cuddle time with her Grandma and Grandpa and her Great Aunts and Uncles, who were all pretty smitten with her.

{nora's honorary great auntie}

After two very short days in Minnesota, we hit the road again, dropped my sister off at her home, and stayed the night with some great friends.  I was so happy to spend some time with my buddy, Leah, and Nora was thrilled to spend time with her boyfriend, Archie!

Nora spent 24+ hours in the car over the course of 5 days and was FABULOUS.  We couldn't have asked for a better traveler.  She was even willing and ready to get back in it on the way to her sitter's Monday morning.

First major {winter} road trip was a success!

music monday

She likes to listen to her Daddy's music.

{click those cheeks to sneak a listen}

happy christmas

Our Christmas will be much merrier this year.

Enjoy your holiday!

let it snow!

Perfect picture for Christmas Eve.

nora ~ 4 months

{click on Nora's photo above to view 4 month photo outtakes}

Last Sunday, on the 19th, Nora passed the 4 month mark.  The time from 3 months to 4 months went so fast.  I returned to work, we celebrated Thanksgiving, Nora had her first major road trip {future post}, and we prepared for Christmas.  She was a champ during all of these transitions, celebrations, and milestones.

During her third month, Nora's personality really started to show.  She can be quirky, happy, crabby, and cuddly.  And I love all of it.  Her smiles melt my heart and I can't help but look over my shoulder and watch her watch me as I leave a room.  She's so aware of herself and her surroundings now --- starting to stare at people and objects for longer periods of time, grabbing hold toys with her tiny fingers.  The other day I saw her looking at her pacifier that had dropped beside her.  She stared at it for about a minute.  It was as if she knew what it was and that she wanted it but couldn't figure out how to get it.  I love to see things slowly starting to click for her.

{curious}

{morning smiles in the big bed}

{playing with some toys}

{off to the sitter's to play with friends}

Nora's Current Stats

Bedtime:  7:30-8:00 pm {So easy now...she lies right down and rarely fusses...a blessing!}

Wake-Up Time:  6:40 am {She typically wakes before then but we are usually able to get her back to sleep with the aid of her pacifier.  Most days we have to wake her to get her ready for the sitter's.  Sometimes we are lucky on the weekends and she'll sleep until 7:00 am.}

Naps:  Has a quick 30 minute catnap about 1 to 1/2 hours after she wakes up then usually has another morning nap for about and hour or hour and a half.  Has a longer afternoon nap every day for about two to two and a half hours.  Love that we can depend on that.

Eating:  Every 3 to 4 hours, about 5 oz. per bottle.  She doesn't always finish her bottles but is a good eater.  We're still dealing with some spit-up after eating...sometimes hours after eating but it seems that nothing is wrong, she's just a spitty baby.

Favorite Toys:  Nora likes to be upright.  She likes to sit in her exersaucer but doesn't really know how to play with any of the toys yet.  The other day I caught her touching a few of the toys but I think it may have been an accident!

She also loves this rattle.  When I shake it she will stare at it and if I hold it in front of her she will reach out and grasp it with her fingers.  She'll shake it around although I don't think she gets that she's doing the shaking.  Nora will stare at this book that I actually got at Target.  I think she likes the sparkly pictures.

Firsts/Milestones:  Placing Nora in front of a mirror is hilarious.  I like to hold her up before or after her bath and let her gaze at herself.  She stares for a minute, the smiles and shakes with excitement.  I can't get enough of it.  She's also taken her bubble blowing to a new level.  She now sticks her tongue out as she blows and sometimes will let out a shriek of excitement as she does it.  I now understand why parents think their kids are the most adorable things in the world.



holiday traditions

This will be Hubby and my third {married} Christmas together.  When getting ready for the holiday season this year I started to think about traditions we would begin with Nora.  Then I realized Hubby and I already had a few traditions of our own. 

Clearly our first year together in our own house welcomed the opportunity for many traditions.  It's funny how you hang on to memories of your youth.  We both enjoyed turning up the holiday music while giving the house a festive feel.  Hubby remembered snacking on peanuts and M&M's.  I added in the cider and we had a sweet decorating party.

Even though we knew Santa probably wouldn't be visiting us that first year, we still wanted to have stockings.  Hubby had the great idea to pick out one anothers stockings.  I chose his and he chose mine.  I think we both did a great job choosing the perfect one.  This year, we were able to continue that tradition as we both picked out Nora's stocking together.

{mine, Nora's, hubby's}

A couple of years ago my mom started giving me pieces to Willow Tree Nativity Set.  This is such a beautiful set and I enjoy putting it out each year.  I have memories of setting up my mom's nativity set.  When we were younger she had a simple Mary, Joseph, and Jesus figurine set but then moved into a nativity set given to her by my grandmother.  I'm not sure why, but I always enjoyed getting those pieces positioned just so.  Now I have my own to arrange each Christmas.

When the decorating is done Hubby adds one last touch --- placing the Bible underneath the tree.  This was something his family did each year and I think it is a great tradition.  Twinkling lights, glitter, bows, and traditions aside, He is the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

music monday

Happy Christmas.

growth

How can someone change so quickly in just 4 months?

Nora at 1 month:

Nora at 4 months:

Amazing.

homemade decor

I tired using some nature for our holiday decor this year.

These came from this:

I know they won't last through the whole Christmas season but they definitely add some natural beauty for now!

I wish I was a bit more creative and crafty when it comes to decorations.  The best I've done in the past couple of years is this and my simple homemade advent candles I worked on last year.

Here are some other homemade holiday hopefuls...

Rachel at Small Notebook creates deocrations made from food.

{click picture to read post}

Tsh from Simple Mom makes handmade decor.

{click on picture to read post}



And my friend, Tara, made this beautiful Christmas calendar.  Such talent! 

{click on picture to read post}

Such talented ladies!

pedestal {winter}

Last month I told you about my new pedestal.  My fall decor lasted a bit longer this year than in previous years.  Two reasons.  I decorated later this fall than in years past.  I really believe in celebrating one season at a time.  So, I really didn't have a problem keeping my pumpkins through the end of November. 

Last weekend Hubby and I did our Christmas decorating.  I was excited to add my new pedestal to the mix.  This season, it has moved from it's spot on the sofa table to the mantel --- the pedestal has earned a star position.

Deciding what would go under the dome wasn't too difficult.  I picked up these fun, glittery snowfalkes at the Holiday Mart the same day I got the pedestal.

{sorry for the glare}

Krystle, what's your pedestal looking like these days?  :)

sarah!

I LOVE Sarah Richardson from Sarah's House.  I became a fan this summer when I DRVed reruns of her HGTV Canada show and watched them during many sleepless pregnant nights.  And now...she's going Christmas!



I was bummed to learn I missed the original air date but my good old DRV is set for the repeat airing tomorrow at 1 pm.  Tune in to HGTV to see her Holiday Party.  Yay!

music monday

Strange video.  Great song.

early morning

It's early.  And it's Saturday.  But I'm awake and everything is so peaceful.  The lights are glowing on the Christmas tree, I'm snuggled under a warm blanket, and the coffee is brewing.  Funny how I approach the early morning differently now than before.

The weekends are so different now but different in a good way.  Much of our time revolves around a sweet baby girl.  But life hasn't totally changed.  We still enjoy {some} rest.  We still have our early morning coffee with the paper.  But our priorities have shifted.  Much less hustle and bustle and more cuddling and playing.  While I don't mind our busy weeks and rushed week nights, I look forward to our slow-paced, peaceful weekends when the rush is done and we can spend time admiring smiles and coos.

last night

Was a good night. 

Christmas shopping done.

Home to a warm house, Christmas lights on, candle lit, Christmas music playing, baby smiling.  {Thanks, Hubby!}

Tired baby in bed by 7:40.

Pajamas and wool socks.

Glass of wine.

Wrapping Christmas presents.

A great night.

fall weekend ~ part 5

We had much to be thankful for as we celebrated a great Thanksgiving with family.  It has been so much fun adding Nora into the mix.  Since she is the first grandchild on my side, she definitely gets a lot of attention!  She had plenty of company while she ate, played, and even slept. 

Nora finally met her new friend, Archie, who was born 2 months after her on October 20th.  I can tell they are going to be great friends just as his mom and I have been for nearly 25 years.

I am so very thankful for family and friends and for my little family.  I am very blessed.