Christmas Times Three

The last several days have been filled with food, presents, family, and snow. Daddy's 2 week vacation started a day early when we were due for our first big blizzard of the season. We were very happy he was home as the snow was heavy and coupled with rain which meant a miserable shoveling experience. Daddy Aaron was so sweet and didn't let Mama Jamie help at all. Instead, she hunkered down with Baby Lorelei and made sure Daddy had 3 warm meals for him.

On Saturday, we had Christmas at G-Honey and G-Pop's. It was also Lorelei's 4 month birthday. It was a day of egg bake, cookies, beef tenderloin for dinner, and Lorelei got showered with many, wonderful presents. And, it was so good to see Uncle Adam, Aunt Nicole, and Cousin Jackson again. Also, we were able to Skype with Aunt Andra in France and her new boyfriend, Jean-Marc.

 

 

 

On Christmas Eve, we spent the afternoon/evening at Grandma-ma and Grandpa-pa Special's home for Christmas. It was also Grandma-ma's birthday so we celebrated that as well. After a wonderful ham dinner and lots of playing with Lorelei, smiles, and laughs, we got down to business. Grandma-ma and Grandpa-pa Special completely spoiled Lorelei with lots of clothes, toys (including her first tv remote control!) and, an actual mini baby grand piano!

 

 

 

 

On Christmas Day, we decided to make it a tradition to just stay home and enjoy the day. We had lots of food, snacks, and opened more presents!

 

 



 

Too much Christmas.

Video Montage

Here is a little collection of fun, random videos:

Merry Christmas !!!

The last professional photo shoot we did was when Lorelei was 2 weeks old. We thought it would be a good idea to do another one especially in time for the holidays. Enjoy:

Where's The Baby?

Can YOU find Lorelei in this picture?

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town !!!

Last week we went to the Hartland Library for 'Storytime With Santa'. All ages were invited and we were told to bring our cameras. During a break between stories, we asked Santa for a quick photo opp. Lorelei was a perfect angel and only cried when we took her away from Santa! It sure beat going to the crazy, busy mall this time of year. Here are some pics:

 

 

 

 

 

Growing Up So Fast!

Lorelei started holding the bottle herself last week. She still needs some help in tilting it up, but, she is getting there!

Hi-Ho-It's Off To Work I Go!

Last week, Jamie started a part time job in the drop-off daycare center at the YMCA where she teaches cycling classes. On Mondays, she is with the 3-7 year olds and on Fridays, she is with the babies. The best part is that Lorelei comes with the whole time.

 

 

 

Fun Noises!!

Here are some fun videos of our little talker. I apologize for the camera work. It's a little difficult to do with one hand. :)

Break Out The Earplugs!

I went to go get Lorelei out of her carseat and heard this:

A Variety of Videos

Here is a random variety of fun videos.

Meet The Baby Party

We had a fabulous party this past weekend for Lorelei. We called it our 'Meet The Baby' party and we invited all of our family and friends to come by to see our little bundle. We had such a wonderful variety of friends and family there including school cousins, uncles, aunts, friends of Aaron, a few of my girlfriends, and even my college professor!!! It was such a fantastic time and Lorelei was a complete angel during the party, allowed everyone to hold her, and even fell asleep.

Here are a few pics from the day:

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Lorelei had a great Thanksgiving weekend with her family. We spent the day with Grand-ma-ma Kohlweiss, Grandpa Special, and Aunt Jenny. Lorelei spent a lot of her visit napping until we got her up for a feeding. It was a very special day as it was also Lorelei's 3 Month Birthday.

The funniest highlight of the day was when Grandpa Special was holding Lorelei and she was getting a little fussy. Aaron told him she likes to be walked around and that will probably calm her down. Everyone knew (except Grandpa) we meant she likes to be held in someone's arms and for that person to walk around. We all had a good laugh when Grandpa attempted to stand Lorelei on the floor and have her walk around by herself! So funny!

Jamie also went Black Friday shopping and scored some GREAT deals on diapers, toys, and clothes for Lorelei! See pictures below.

 

                          

 

 

 

3 Month Milestones

Lorelei is turning 3 months old this Thursday, on Thanksgiving Day. I don't think we need to tell you what we're thankful for this year. :) She is so healthy and happy--we are blessed beyond words. She is reaching her milestones right on schedule, which include: recognizing mom and dad, smiling and laughing (last night she was laughing at mommy--we have no idea what was so funny!), holding head steady, doing mini push-ups when doing tummy time, bearing weight on legs, 'talks' to us, rolls over from tummy to back, and is 'gumming' her hands. Below is a great video of her rolling over and just some fun pics. Enjoy!

She's a Sconnie!

Lorelei's a true Wisconsin girl. Here are some pics of her sporting her latest Packer outfit. Also, are some pics of a nice visit we had with Great Aunt Maureen, Cousin Toni, and her beautiful, grown-up daughter, Aleaha.

 

I'm what place in line for Packers season tickets?!?!

 

Ch-ch-changes!!

After many discussions with Aaron and countless nights of nursing Lorelei and having special little moments with her, we have currently decided that I will not be going back to work at this time. So, I am officially a 'domestic engineer'. Batteries Plus (my current employer as a Product Representative in the light bulb division) were very kind, supportive, and understanding of this decision. I was told I would be missed and would be welcomed back to work there at any time. We currently plan to put her in daycare around 1 year of age and I will then re-enter the workforce. And, what they say is true--this is the hardest, but, best job I'll ever have. How could I leave this face?

First Overnight Trip

We got back today from Lorelei's first overnight and out-of-state trip. Aaron, Jamie, Lorelei, and Grandma Honey (Aune) drove to Mora, MN to visit family and especially Grandma Barker (Aaron's maternal grandma and Lorelei's great-grandma). Aaron's cousin James, his wife, Lisa, and their daughter, Livia, also came and visited Grandma and us as well. Grandma was in a great mood and was very excited to see everybody and show baby Lorelei to all of her friends.

The next day we drove back down to the Twin Cities area to visit Uncle Brian, Aunt Starla, Cousin Julie and her husband Eric at Brian's sports card shop. Lorelei was very hungry so after a nice meltdown, a bottle, a blow-out, and change of clothes, we were finally ready to be in a good mood and give nice smiles to everyone.

Also, this night, Aaron and Jamie had planned to go to the Madonna concert in St. Paul and Grandma Honey was going to baby-sit. As usual, we planned to work the scalpers at the event. We were unusually swarmed by tons of scalpers and by a couple whose friends were suppose to come with, but, they had to cancel at the last minute. They really wanted to go inside, so long story short, they gave us the tickets for an exchange of a couple of beverages. Unbelieveably, it cost more to park for the show than for us to actually get in!

And last, but, not least, Lorelei slept driving to and from home the ENTIRE time.

Happy Halloween!

An Eventful Week!

We have had quite an eventful week which included Lorelei's first baby-sitting experience with Grandpa Special, her 2 month doctor's visit (with vaccinations!), her first trip to an indoor playground, and her first Trick or Treat. Everything went exceptionally well at the doctor's office and we were pleased to find out her length is now 21.25 inches long. She is strong and healthy!

Enjoy these pictures and video: