Our Princess

I just thought I would post a picture of Ramona in her really cute princess hooded towel. I have been thinking about how much our life has changed lately. About a year ago when we moved into our new project I mean house, Nick and I went to home depot to get keys made. I jokingly asked him if I could get the key that said princess. He rolled his eyes. I said very sarcastically well don't you think I'm a princess. He said no you are not if you have any doubt about it then I should go look up princess in the dictionary. The guy who worked at home depot overheard our conversation and told Nick that he had the wrong answer. We laughed about it and bought normal keys instead. (Honestly I would never carry a princess key anyway, but I love the opportunity to playfully annoy Nick.) Funny thing is here we are a year later gushing over Ramona calling her the little princess.

To that I say well technically one definition of princess is "a women considered to have qualities or characteristics of a princess," so Ramona mets that standard. She is also the daughter of the King. I am contemplating submitting an alternate definition to Webster to expand the word princess to also include daughters of CEOs. Then we just need to hold our breath that Nick makes it there one day!

Baby's First Christmas

Wow this Christmas really snuck up on us, but we are so grateful that it is here. I could not sleep last night. I was really excited for Ramona's first Christmas. I know that's weird because it's not like she knew what was happening, but I was so excited to see Christmas arrive knowing that from now on we have so much to look forward to during the holidays. I finally got up after laying there sleepless at 5 to get things packed and ready to go to my parents.

We drove out to Aledo on the still icy roads early. We opened presents with the Snowdens and Brunsons. I brought Ramona's presents that we got her over. I wrapped them and figured she couldn't unwrap them, so Bryson could do it for her. He was such a good cousin helping her out! Macie was a little more curious about her cousin today. Maybe because she got a baby doll for Christmas. I don't know but I bet next Christmas the girls will be running the show. Ramona got lots of toys and teething accessories. I can't wait to see her play with them. She got some really cool bath toys. She loves baths, so I'm interested in how she will react to the toys.

We ate Christmas lunch with my family. Then we headed to see Nick's family for another round of eating. We enjoyed time with his Nenaw and Papa and Aunt Cynthia and Darrell. We watched some more Heros before going over to great-Mimi and Papaw's house. The entire Wills family came to celebrate Christmas over there after we cancelled on Christmas Eve due to the weather. It was wonderful and loud with all of the family. Ramona was so tired. I put her in her car seat where she slept through the noise.

What a wonderful Christmas. We are so blessed with amazing family. I am looking forward to many more holidays with our precious daughter.

Christmas Eve

What an amazing day. It snowed pretty much the whole day. It didn't stick at first, but it began to accumulate. It was beautiful. The pictures are of the golf course that our house backs up to. I can't believe that Ramona's first Christmas will be a white Christmas. We had plans to go out to great-Mimi and Papaw's house with the Wills family, but with the snow/ice everyone decided to cancel and go Christmas night instead. Nick and I usually spend the night at my parent's house on Christmas eve, but my mom didn't want us driving out there in the snow. Neither one of us wanted to stay at home on Ramona's first Christmas eve, so we went to Nick's parents.

We opened presents and watched some episodes of Heros from season 1. Ramona is too young for any big toys, but she got some toys she'll be playing with in no time. Lolli and Pops also got her a Gerber grow up plan. She can borrow against it at 18 and can cash it out at 25. I know she will be so grateful when she understands what she got! Nick and I got a pizza stone that you can use on the grill. Nick has been wanting to make homemade pizza. He has attempted it once very unsuccessfully, so we are both excited to make some homemade pizza!

It was a beautiful snowy night. I am glad we got to spend it with family.

Talking

Ramona has been talking up a storm for a few weeks. I told Nick we need to record her talking it up. We used the flip to record her talking and trying to decide if she was happy or upset.

50th Wedding Anniversary

Nick worked from home today, so we could attend his Neenaw and Papa 50th wedding anniversary party. We celebrated at their church in Newark. It was a wonderful celebration. Nick's mom did a fabulous job planning for and putting together the party. She had Ana Mia's Mexican restaurant cater. It was delicious. The Wills family sang which of course got the same reaction from Ramona as it did the night after Thanksgiving. I spent the majority of the party in the kitchen with Ramona. She took a quick nap then she was her happy self again.

Ramona had on a beautiful dress that we saw a the Gap about a month ago. We thought it was precious and wanted to get it for her to wear on Christmas. We went to get it at the Parks and Northeast mall and neither one had it, so I gave up and figured I would need to find something else. Monday night we went to the Gap in Southlake where they had the dress in 0-3 and 3-6 months. We bought the 0-3 since she has some Gap outfits that are still too big for her in 0-3. Well the dress fit but it was difficult to get on, so we went back the following day to exchange it. We came back home with barely enough time to wash it and get ready. She looked adorable. We bought a bow to match at the Brownstones which of course completed the outfit to perfection. We figured the dress would be more fitting for the anniversary party than for Christmas.

We went to Nick's cousin Aaron and his wife Lydia's house afterwards. Ramona was really good, but she let us know when she was ready to go home. As soon as we had her in her carseat, she was calm and after about 5 minutes in the car Ramona was out.

It was a wonderful night. We are so blessed to celebrate 50 years with Neenaw and Papa.

Lunch

Ramona and I traveled to Las Colinas today to eat lunch with Nick and his coworkers Ricki and Sabrina. Most of Nick's team is on vacation for the holidays, but we went anyway. Ramona loved seeing her daddy. Nick was making her smile the entire time. She was extremely happy and just adores Nick. I'm beginning to see her transition into being a daddy's girl. It's heart breaking, but I knew it was inevitable. Ramona may prefer me when it comes to calming her down, but when she wants to play it's hands down daddy time.

Shop Shop Shopping

Nick and I did some Christmas shopping today. We have been putting it off. We aren't buying for a lot of people this year anyway, so it won't take us very long anyway. We shopping for 4 hours. Ramona was perfect. She woke up once. I fed her and she was happy and playful for a while before she was out again. She's a natural shopper. She braved the Parks Mall at Christmas time without a single blink. It won't be long before she's batting her eyes at daddy asking for the keys and a credit card. I have a feeling he will oblige.

Cowboys

We were planning on going to our friend's Bryan and Amanda's tonight to watch the Cowboys play the Saints. However since the whole chicken pox thing, we decided it would be the best decision. Bryan and Amanda have a son that's 11 months. I would just fill terrible if anything happened. Nick decided to make crawfish etouffee in honor of playing the Saints. I think mostly because he's been on a cooking kick and likes crawfish etouffee. Anyway he invited his brother Allen over to watch the game. Then Chase came over too because he had to bring the PA back by Tuesday.

We were treated to etouffee and after half time Nick's hot chocolate from scratch...delicious. I didn't care for the etouffee because I don't like crawfish. After we watched the Cowboys beat the undefeated Saints, we watched Funny People. Ramona was awake the whole time. She knew there was a party going on, and she didn't want to miss a minute. I laid down with her before the end of the movie, and she was out for the rest of the night.

We had a great time hanging out with Allen and Chase. I'm glad the Cowboys won because everyone was in a good mood. Funny People was ok...not really that funny just more disgusting than anything. Ramona was kicking and playing in her play gym happy to be up past her bedtime! It was a great night.

Chicken Pox

Well last night Ramona and I went to my team's Christmas party. We had a great time hanging out with my team at my coworker Julie's house. Ramona was so cute. She went to her Lolli's Bible study party that morning, so she had a full day.

Julie's daughters Annie and Megan got to see Ramona again. They had decorated pumpkins for her around Halloween - too cute. Anyway this morning Julie came into my room to tell me that Annie, her oldest daughter (5th grade), had the chicken pox. It took a while for the reality to set in, but then I was really freaking out. I called the doctor and was trying to figure out how exactly this would effected Ramona.

There are a couple things on our side. 1. Ramona is so young that she will still have some immunity from me since I've had the chicken pox. 2. I'm nursing so she'll be getting my antibodies from my exposure to the pox.

I am just praying she doesn't get them. I would feel just awful. Plus she would have been during her 1st Christmas which is so terrible and it would also mean that we can' t spend it with Bryson and Macie since they are both too young to be fully vaccinated against chicken pox. Let's just pray for her health and protection against the disease.

Coffee N Cream

Nick and Chase played at Coffee N Cream in downtown McKinney. The last time they played there Ramona was still in my stomach. She was pretty fussy the whole day, so I was really nervous about taking her out especially since she didn't do so well at the family singing after Thanksgiving. She did amazing though. Ramona loves to hear her daddy sing and play the Rhodes.

Nick and Chase sounded as good as I've ever heard them. They sang "Silent Night" a cappella which was a huge hit. We had a great time. Ramona was awake for the majority of the set. She was happy the entire time to my surprise and delight.

We went to Cafe Brazil afterwards where Ramona was over being out. She started to fuss. It wasn't screaming, but to the childless 17 year old patrons it was annoying. I went to the car as soon as possible while Nick and Chase finished up. Oh well I wouldn't have traded it. I'm glad we got out and Ramona and I enjoyed listening to daddy and Uncle Chase.

Here she is playing the piano with her daddy the night before while Nick and Chase were practicing.

2 Month Checkup

One of the good things about Nick's job is the flexibility. It is rare, if not nearly impossible, to have a job you love, pays well, and is also super flexible. Nick is lucky to have one especially since my job has no room from flexibility. You have to be there during your contract hours because the kids can't watch/teach themselves. Anyway Nick took Ramona to her 2 month checkup today.

She is 23 1/4 inches long and exactly 11 lbs. She is in the above average for height and slightly below average for weight. The doctor said she looks good and there really isn't anything to worry about except making sure she hold her on her left side. Ramona favors her right side (probably because that is the side she has to lay on to face me in bed), so she has a bit of flat head going on.

She had 5 vaccines - 2 shots in both legs and the other 3 were administered orally. She was not a happy camper. Nick took her to his mom's afterwards. She was really worried about Ramona because she was upset that afternoon. Nick called the doctor and he said to bring her in because he didn't want us to give her Tylenol without looking at her first. Ramona was fine. He gave her some Tylenol. I got home about the time that Nick returned with her from the doctor. She was screaming crying, but once I held her and started rocking her she calmed down. She was fine for the rest of the night. Nick thinks she just wanted me after they stuck her. When she got her shot with me at her 1 month checkup, she cried when they stuck her but was fine the rest of the day. I don't know what it was, but I was glad that she was fine and perfect the rest of the night.

Back to Work

I went back to my 20 first graders today. Nick's mom is watching Ramona for the 2 weeks that I work in December. Nick takes her in the morning, and I pick her up after work. I almost broke down when he left this morning. I was on the verge, but told myself to wait until I got in the car then I'd let myself cry the whole way to Ellis. Nick called me as soon as I got in the car, so I didn't get a chance to bawl my eyes out. If you know about teaching 1st grade, you know there isn't much time to slow down once your day starts. I called to check on her. She was doing great.

We both did really great for our first time apart. I knew she was in capable, loving hands and that I'd be out of there as soon as all my kids were picked up. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I just had to remind myself that it was quality of time that I spent with her not the quantity. It also helps that I work with incredible women and have a really good class this year. I kissed all over her once I got to Lolli's and loved up on her all night. Good thing we have a 2 week break coming up in 9 days!

2 Months

Well I can't believe it's been 2 months since our little Ms. Ramona entered the world and changed our lives forever. She smiles and talks a little. She wears size 1 diapers. I'm pretty sure she has the most sensitive skin ever. She will have a rash on her bottom then it will be gone then it's back again.

Ramona gets bigger right before our eyes. Every day we just marvel at how fast she is growing and how long she is getting. Her eyes are still blue but they are dark. I am not sure if they'll stay or how much longer they will be blue. Either way we will still think she is the most beautiful thing ever.

She holds her head up pretty well, but she hates being on her stomach. She still sleeps in our bed, so I am not anxious for her to start rolling over. I know it will be happening soon enough. She has always been a great sleeper and makes it through the night very well. I wake her up to nurse for my benefit most nights. I could just get up and pump but it's hard to talk yourself into getting up in the middle of the night when she is right there. I wanted to have her in the nursery by the time I went back to work (I go back tomorrow), but I'm having a difficult time separating myself from her. I like to wake up and check her throughout the night.

We feel so blessed to have her and look forward to the upcoming holidays.

Christmas Tyme in Aledo

Nick made it back from Houston in time for us to go to Christmas Tyme in Aledo. My parents had Santa at their Realty World office. Ramona got to sit on Santa's lap for the first time. We tried twice because she just wasn't sure what was going on and wanted me. She was happy and ready then Santa went on break. She was asleep by the time he came back. She was a little upset at being woken up, but she was more startled than anything. I wish we would have videoed the moment. She was making hilarious faces. It was so precious. It won't be long before she is talking Santa's ear off with all Christmas wishes if she is anything like her momma!

It's a new car

We finally bought a car on Wednesday. I had been driving Nick's parent's Tahoe for far too long. It was only going to be a temporary thing, but we've been very indecisive about our next car purchase and the financing on the remodel took way longer than expected. We had very strict criteria which some of which might have been a bit unrealistic. We both love the Prius but didn't want to buy 2 of them. It would just be too nerdy for us to swallow. Nick drives far to work, so we figured either one of us could get the new car. Before the remodel we almost bought a new Volvo XC90 for me. We decided at the last minute to back out and get the house stuff worked out first. Good things because oh how priorities have changed!

So we've been looking and test driving and contemplating. Basically exhausting very option trying to figure out what car will work best with our needs as far as price and practicality. We wanted an SUV but of course it's difficult to find one that is reasonably priced. I found a Volvo XC90 on ebay that we both liked, so we bought it. It is a 2006 and is exactly what I hoped we would find. I think God aligned everything perfectly so we would get this car and in just right time since I need one by Monday (my first day back). We now own 2 cars that were purchased from ebay. (We bought the Prius from a private seller in 2006). The Volvo was in Houston, so Nick took off Friday to fly down there and drive it back. Well Houston got an inch of snow, so the airport was closed. Nick is trying again in the morning which is going to be a little crazy because we have Christmas Tyme in Aledo tomorrow night. Let's hope it all goes smoothly and he makes it in time, but the most important thing is we have a car that works with our growing family. Here it is...