Venturing Out

After a 3 week hiatus, Sydney and I went back to church for the first time yesterday. It was fun to finally put her in one of her darling dresses.

My only complaint: almost all of the winter dresses for babies have short sleeves. What gives? She wore her coat the whole time to keep those tiny arms warm. I have to say I loved those tights, mostly because they weren't tight at all, and I know she will outgrow these tiny clothes before we know it.

Giving Thanks

We spent this Thanksgiving at my parents' house and had a really great time. As we tend to be big "gamers," we played a little Scrabble the night before. Spencer and I were on the same team so we could take turns with Sydney, but it pretty much ended up that I played the first game (and won), then he played the second game (and won). Just had to put that on the record since it doesn't happen often :)

This little turkey does not like to sleep in her pack 'n play, so in order to help Spencer at least get some rest, I slept in my Dad's super comfy rocking chair with her in my lap. It actually worked really well- she only woke up once!

I sure am thankful for these two.

While Thanksgiving dinner was cooking, the girls danced as Grandpa rocked out on the guitar.

Had to laugh at little Riley, who thoroughly enjoyed bossing around Elayna and James. She dressed them as a bride and groom, then had them come downstairs and parade around the family room for everyone to see.

Since I know the kids enjoy crafts, I brought stuff to make these cute little pilgrim hats. Thank you, Taste of Home magazine, for the idea!

The whole gang watching Home Alone. Somehow I never think to take pictures of my whole family until just before we're getting ready to leave, so I guess the back of everyone's heads will have to do this year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We Love Her

Just a few shots of things that made me smile this week:

When I got out of the shower one day, I found these two cuties taking a nap on the couch.

I always put in her crib when I have to run to the bathroom. On this particular day, I expected her to be screaming when I got back, but instead I found her completely content just checking out that bear.

We got her all suited up yesterday to go out and run some errands, and I just thought she looked so snug and comfy. As usual, she tried to eat her jacket.

The Bj's

A few days after my Mom left, Spencer's parents and Grandma W. came to visit for a few days to meet baby Sydney. They thought she was beautiful! I felt so spoiled while they were here, especially since there was always someone willing to hold Sydney so I could do other things... like shower. They also came bearing gifts- it was like having another baby shower. I think Sydney's wardrobe practically doubled!

Four generations: Sydney, Spencer, Barbara, Grandma W.

So comfy in her Grandma Bj's arms.

Hangin' out with Grandpa Bj.

Barbara and Grandma W. cooked up a storm and left us with a freezer full of yummy dinners. Sydney is almost 3 weeks old now, and thanks to help from Moms and wonderful Relief Society sisters, I still haven't had to cook a single meal!

We're so glad you could come visit. We love you and certainly appreciate all of the help!

More Pictures with Grandma H.

Spencer took these pics when my Mom was here, but they got "trapped" onto the camera's internal memory since I forgot to put a photo card in. I just figured out how to get them on to the computer...

Cutie Pie

My Mom came up last Tuesday to spend the week with us, and unfortunately she had to go home this morning. It was so nice to have someone here to chat with all day, and she was such a huge help around the house- making meals, doing laundry, holding the baby so I could get some extra sleep, etc. Thanks so much Mom. You're the best!

Grandma holding grandchild #7.

This is the outfit Spencer and I bought when we found out we were having a baby. The pants are kind of huge, but I couldn't resist putting it on her. I think she looks adorable.

So content sitting on Daddy's lap.

Can't believe she's already been with us for a whole week!

Our Sweet Girl

We are already smitten with our little Sydney, even if she does pretty much sleep most of the day. In fact, the hardest part so far is trying to wake her up so she can eat!

Our little family.

The proud daddy.

Just hanging out.

Spencer went back to school on Thursday, then he and my Mom came to the hospital later that afternoon to take us home. They got Sydney all dressed up (except for the fauxhawk- the nurses did that in the morning), then we signed the paperwork and headed home.

She looked so cute in her little outfit...

but she was totally swimming in her 0-3 month clothes :)

She looked so tiny in her car seat- we had to adjust the straps about 5 times to get them tight enough.

I felt silly being pushed out of the hospital in a wheelchair, but protocol is protocol. They also made us put a hat on her before we left, and the nurse found us this little yellow one that looked like a party hat.

It is so nice to be home where I don't have to worry about someone knocking on the door every 15 minutes to check on me or check on her, etc. Love those nurses, but boy is it nice to have some privacy.