Friday, December 25, 2009

First Christmas

Wow. I can't believe our first Christmas as a family of 3 has come and basically gone. And boy has this Christmas been full of adventures.

It all started on December 19th. We left Greenville around 10 AM by car and endeavored a 15 hour car trip to Rockford, IL. Jewell did just splendid. She took about 2, two and a half hour naps and entertained herself quite well in between them. That is, until it got dark out. Jewell HATES dark car rides. This of course was when I decided to drive. After about 25 minutes of listening to piercing screams, we decided my driving was just not going to do for our little one. We pulled over, switched drivers, and of course I calmed our little Jewell right down, by holding her. It was crazy. We did however make it to Rockford around 12 AM central time. :) Happy times. Of course, the coat she decided to destroy on the way (this was how I discovered she needed a size bigger in diapers) went straight to the dry cleaning pile when we arrived!

The next day we went to Northlove Baptist Church. This church played a great part in my husband's life growing up. Matt's Dad built and took care of many things there. We had lunch that afternoon at the Pastor's home, which Dad built, and we enjoyed remembering Dad for the day.

On the 23rd we celebrated Christmas with Matt's family. Jewell was all dressed up in the Clause outfit that her grandma bought for her. The family just loved seeing her festive outfit and her happy smiles. I of course put her to bed promptly at 8:30 and she slept until 7:30. :) I know, a little crazy of me to put her to bed before she opened her presents, good thing she's too young to do that!

On the 24th we packed the car again and we were off to a lovely Swedish Breakfast at the Stockholm Inn. Swedish pancakes are definitely worth trying! Jewell even got to sit on Santa's lap while we were waiting for a seat. Approximately one hour later we headed out for the second leg of our trip, Lambertville, MI!

6 hours later, I was finally at my Grandpa Kistner's Christmas Eve dinner. This is my favorite dinner of the year. I haven't been home in 2 years so this was very special to me. I was able to introduce my darling bundle of joy (Jewell) to her Great Grandpa Kistner. He was so happy. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner, a ton of present opening, and lots of catching up. It was just splendid!

And then we had Christmas Day! Jewell has been excellent! I woke her at 7:30 to feed her and she went right back down. This of course was a wonderful present to me because it's been ages since I've been able to just sleep in. We had a great day at my parents house together. Jewell was just well--a Jewell!

Tonight I can honestly say that I have been blessed with the best baby God could possibly give someone. She's only had 1 day of fussiness and has slept at least 10 hours each night (except those that we traveled and put her to bed late). And of course, she loves being the center of attention. So, Merry Christmas to me!



Jewell got a bath the first morning in Rockford. This was her first bath in a sink ;)


She likes to fall asleep when I burp her.


Jewell loves to be in her Daddy's arms.


Nap time!


For all you Southern folks...this is a snow plow! Boy was it good to see one of those again.


Jewell is all dressed up for Christmas.


Laughing...


First time on Santa's lap!






Andrew and Emily--LOVE them. I missed my brother so much.


Jewell finally got to meet her Great Grandpa!


The three of us ;). I am very close to Grandpa. I hope Jewell can be too.

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