'Tis the Season...

'Tis the season to be grateful - For family.  For health.  For career.

Olivia's first Christmas is approaching.  She has taken the cutest picture with Santa in school and I have an 8x10 for her scrapbook.  She is recovering from both an ear infection and a cold (likely all related).  I'm ready for my baby to be healthy again.  I can't remember the last time when she didn't have a cough, and it's hurting my heart.

As 2015 comes to a close, it can be summed up in one word - "Olivia".  She has happily, unknowingly, unapologetically consumed our lives and truly, we wouldn't want it any other way.  S and I are so grateful for her.  This little package of cuddly cuteness frowns with a intense dismay that is beyond her years.

We love you Olivia.

On sleeping through the night...

Last night Olivia slept though the night for the first time in her OWN crib!  It is quite an accomplishment.  It feels strange not to have her next to me after nine (long) months.  I was whimpering on the inside while she whimpered out loud.  All in all it wasn't bad.  No loud hysterical crying in the middle of the night.  I heard her usual "where did my paci go" noises, which was much easier to ignore since I slept in the adjacent bedroom.  I scooped her up this morning at 6:30AM.  She was on all fours looking around with her head bubbling up and down.  There was the familiar smile when I kissed her belly during the morning diaper change.  I think we both made it without being too heartbroken.

My BFF visited me this past weekend.  It was just yesterday we were studying and eating and shopping all over NOLA, now here we are talking about our babies.  Oh life...

Family pictures on a beautiful November weekend.  Gerald Park Landing. Photos by Sara D. Harper.