Let's call this the "maybe not so witty, but full of photos and video" update - 'cause it's been way too long! We had a really nice Christmas at home with my parents here. We also hosted the Doggett (Lindsey) family party, which was a lot of fun. We really appreciate so many people making the drive from all points Texas to share some holiday time with us in our home. Some of our friends and neighbors were even brave enough to join us!
Our wonderful neighbors, Scott and Lauren - recently engaged!
My mom/running buddy, Cynthia. We ran half of the White Rock Marathon together in December - with no strollers!Hannah spent Christmas as most babies do, enjoying the wrapping paper and bows and falling asleep in her high chair. She received so many wonderful gifts from family and friends. It's been fun to watch her explore new things - and dress her in new cute clothes! (And she got to repeat it all a month later at her birthday! See below...)
She only got away with this because Grammy was watching her!
Yeah, whatever mom - this looks like something I can tear/eat!
After the presents.
A couple of days after Christmas, we left my mom and dad to close up the house (including taking down the tree - THANK YOU!) and drove to Copper Mountain, CO for the annual LeCuyer ski vacation. We had a fabulous time skiing, and thanks to my wonderful in-laws, I spent more time away from Hannah than ever before! Of course the close-in condo also meant that we got come back for lunch and a bit of play with the munchkin - and Elliot and Juliet, our niece and nephew, who were tons of fun. One of the highlights of the week for me was baking Andy's birthday cake with Elliot, who's almost four. What a good helper! (Not to put the pressure on, but once again the good photos are on Andy's mom's camera, so you'll have to wait to see them...)Of course we couldn't get too settled at home, because Hannah turns one tomorrow!! We had her birthday party this Sunday to avoid any Superbowl conflicts. It was really fun to have a house full of friends and babies. Props to the single friends who braved the crowd! Hannah once again enjoyed the wrapping paper and of course had fun eating her cake and a taste of chocolate mousse. Her dork mom made a virtually sugar-free, half whole wheat carrot cake. Then I covered it in cream cheese frosting that had nothing low-sugar or low-fat about it, just in case it was too bland for the adults! Andy made superb chocolate cookies, which got way more compliments than the cake, but at least it was edible!
Hannah and her friend Caroline have fun at the after party.
Don't think this one needs a caption...
In addition to all of the holiday festivies, we've been having a great time playing with Hannah. She's sooo close to walking right now. She's gotten to the point where she'll take several steps to get to a toy (or food), but she's also just as likely to drop and crawl. It's exciting, but I'm really in no hurry to be chasing a toddler! The rate at which she learns new things right now is astounding. It's such a joy to watch her find new ways to play and communicate. Our favorite is probably her kissing sprees in the mornings. And they're getting much less sloppy!
Exploring her world.
In the mama report, I think I'm starting to hit the point where I'm needing some more intellectual stimulation. So I'm starting a book group and am currently registering people for another session of baby music classes. I'm shooting for 3 classes this time, so it will almost be like having a real part-time job! I'm excited, but also apprehensive about adjusting to having a real schedule that's not dictated solely by Hannah. I think I've got it figured out, but I also realize that her schedule will change in the 8 weeks of classes. But for now, it's not enough income to justify child-care, so Hannah is automatically enrolled in every section!
On the more professional front, Andy's with an in-town client right now, so Hannah and I will both really enjoy having him around more. Even if it means earlier mornings to say goodbye on his way to the gym!
The first video was my best attempt at getting Hannah walking. I now understand why these videos are taken with 2 adults around! The second is her after her nap today. Sleep sacks rock!
