Holidays, Houseguests & transitioning to daycare

13 weeks old. Wow - where does the time go??? Each day finds new milestones reached and new wonders to marvel. Our Hannah today knows where her feet are, ganders in amazement at her hands, grabs at toys - and when successful in catching one - thrusts them greedily into her mouth, cries in frustration when she can't get the toy she's batting, rolls - quite accidentally - from her tummy to her back and bears weight on her feet. She loves her Octopus toy, the sound of her Daddy and most of the time her bath.

She is finally on a reasonable schedule - thanks in large part to our friend Stacie who recommended a book - "The Baby Whisperer" - to us making us understand who our little munchkin is as a person and finding the right rhythm of "eat, activity, sleep." It's not perfect - she has her good days and her bad - but we have bed time down pretty well (find some wood - will you - and knock loudly for us!). She is down no later than 10 - although we are inching that time back - and up no later than 7:30.

Hannah has had the great fortune of spending time with much of her extended family. Nana and Pop were out in October and spent some good time with the little peanut. Nana Clare - aka the Nana - came out for Thanksgiving and provided the neurotic Mommy a reasonable transition into getting back to work. Aunt Michele and cousin Emma tapped in when the Nana went home. And rounding out the transition team were Grandma and Grandpa.

During all that time, we had plenty of "firsts" - Daddy's Birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Haden's Birthday & Christmas.

While she slept through Dad's birthday - she did help mommy disburse candy on Halloween. Ok - so we are slackers and didn't dress her up - but she'll thank us later for not exploiting her cuteness for our own entertainment! :D Haden went trick-or-treating as a gypsy with her BFF - Christina - while the monkey and mommy stayed at home to serve the goblins in our neighborhood.

The Nana came into town on Thanksgiving - and Maria and the newly "outed" boyfriend - Jeremy came over to partake in the Feast of Turkey and Ham ( also known as Nicole and Wade). We ate too much of everything - had great conversation - many laughs and played baby pass - where Hannah got some sugar from both her Aunt and her Nana.

Of course, the dreaded Monday following Thanksgiving came - and Mommy was headed back to work. There were tears (as hard as I tried to NOT) - fortunately - the Nana was there to take point and govern the beginning of the transition. That first day - Monday - was - let's say challenging for the Nana. Hannah cried - screamed really - most of the day - resisted every nap - and was seemingly inconsolable. Well - that made two of us! The rest of the week improved - as she learned some fun songs from the Nana - including my personal favorite:

My father is a butcher, mother cuts the meat & I'm the little meatball that runs around the street!

The week sadly ended and the Nana headed back to North Carolina to rest and recover.

Then Aunt Michele and Cousin Emma arrived to take the baton and help with week two of back to work transition. Hannah took almost immediately to her Aunt Michele - who after 3 children is a natural. Haden and Emma made fast friends and were helpful - but sought more fun endeavors than poopy diapers in playing video games, riding bikes and decorating Christmas cookies. While with Aunt Michele, Hannah discovered her hands and begin to reach for her feet. Emma made sure the Octopus went everywhere Hannah went to ensure there were smiles all around.

Albeit by accident, while having some tummy time during tree trimming, Hannah rolled over with the glow and twinkle of the colorful lights on the tree. Such an accomplishment!
Hannah also enjoyed her first two visits to restaurants this week. The first with Aunt Michele and Emma at Wendy's. Apparently everyone "oohed and ahhed" over the baby. Then on Sunday late morning, we took her to Keegans - where she slept quite soundly during the meal!! Yay - daddy and mommy can look forward to meals outside of the house again.

With sadness, we sent Michele and Emma back to join Mark, Charlie and Noah - knowing we would miss them dearly.

But hark - we were upon the last week of the transition team - Grandma and Grandpa! Hannah started sucking her tongue loudly this week - which Grandma observed and shared. (we saw it the following week and noticed she did this when concentrating on something - like her hands or grabbing at a toy. Very cute. Also - the precursor to a cry-fest when she can't have her way with the toy!)

Grandma had a snuggly way with Hannah - having her fall asleep on her in a way mommy can never get her to do! And Grandpa - who knew?!?!? He could settle the nugget down when Grandma couldn't. It was a good week. But as all good things - it had to end.


Then came big sister's birthday party - the one celebrating a decade. And off to Chuck E Cheese's we headed. Haden along with several friends from school and her cousins Michaela, Craig and Cody - ran around - played games - ate pizza & cake - had photos taken with Chuck E. All the while - Hannah observed, surely wishing she had her land legs so that she could participate. Maybe next year.

Then - finally - came Christmas. Baby's first Christmas. Having experienced some of these other "firsts" - I had moderated my expectations. At three months - I knew we would be lucky to have her awake for a portion of the festivities - and not crying for a percentage of that time. Consequently, I wasn't disappointed. Aunt Maria spent the night (after managing an exploding toilet issue at her house) - and we enjoyed the fruits of Santa's visit as well as a pretty large breakfast and dinner. Hannah participated by observing and being mesmerized by the lights - and napping at regular intervals. We look forward to next year when her favorite gift will likely be the discarded wrapping paper.

The last two weeks of the year, Miss Hannah has had Daddy time. Wade has been at home and caring for Hannah with Haden - who is on winter break. He's been awesome. Changing diapers, bathtime, reading, Baby Bjorning around the 'hood - he's a veritable Mr. Mom. And let me tell you - Haden can secure a diaper better than either of us! She's a great help!

So, we are contemplative this last week of 2008. Grateful for all the many blessings we have. Haden & Hannah - they bring us such joy. (We'll forget the worry for now :)

Our parents - Tom, Pam, Clare, Mike & Linda - we hope we provide the same love and support to our kids as you have us. Thank you!

Our families - We have the best sisters & brothers imaginable. Michele, Shannon, Jason, Shelby, Maria & Mikey - you guys are the best :) And lest we forget the sisters and brothas from other mothas - Mark, Scott, Doug & Ellie - we love y'all too!

Our friends - Thanks to all of you for participating in so many important elements of our lives this year. Making cross country trips for us - John & Shelly as well as the couple sometimes known as Charliane. Hosting parties for us - Tia Shelly & Rebecca. Our lives are complete because of all of you.

So now that I've waxed sentimental (and filled Maria's coffers full of ways to make fun of my newly acquired mushiness) - I want to wish you all a Happy, Healthy New Year.