Christmas of firsts

Joe and I spent Christmas morning with our baby in our apartment.  It was such a great feeling to wake up when we wanted and open presents in our pajamas.

Being that I'm at home on maternity leave, it was a huge blessing to be able to prepare for Christmas: both physically and spiritually.  I felt like for the first time I was able to take it all in, not having finals or work or a wedding to plan.

Not only was it our first Christmas as a married couple, but also the first Christmas for Maureen.  Although I tried to explain it to her, I'm not all that convinced that she got it.

I spent Christmas Eve putting the final touches on the apartment and preparing breakfast for Christmas Day.  I'll admit, I was more than giddy.

It was funny to think that it was just the three of us here and that all the preparations were a little silly, but I stumbled upon a meditation that reminded me how important such work is:

Mary spend nearly every day of her life like millions of other women who look after their families, bring up their children and take care of the house.  Mary sacrifices the ordinary everyday things -- what some people wrongly regard as unimportant and insignificant: everyday work, looking after those closest to you, visits to fiends and relatives.  What a blessed ordinariness, that can be so full of love of God!
J. Escriva, Christ is Passing By, 148

With Joe at work I prepared the dough for the famous Christmas Day pecan rolls.  I reminded myself that I wasn't just cooking for my family, but to welcome the Christ Child into our home.

The alter of our "domestic church"--above the wine cabinet. Fitting.

Baby sleeps as the sun comes up.

Did I mention it was snowing?  So perfect.

Our tree, fully decorated (okay, no topper...I'll work on that) with ALL the presents wrapped.

I was particularly proud of the ribbons. 

Let's fast forward to Christmas morning.
We all loved our gifts.

Amen!

Joe was especially excited.

The table set and ready for dining.  I'd folded the napkins to look like stockings.  Adorable.

I hate to brag, but I was such a rockstar mom.

         

Merry Christmas!

New Developments and something sweet

In the past week Maureen has discovered her hands and works very hard at putting time into her mouth. She also, just within the last few hours, has started putting her hands together. I'm working with her to open her hands to hold a rattle and feel that this next step is quite close to working.

I feel a little silly writing about such tiny stages of development, but I know that any other parents reading will understand. I'm excited to see her hold onto things and be interested in toys, so even these small steps are actually huge accomplishments.


Along with that, enjoy this little story from the week:

Joe, Maureen, and I went to the CatholicVote Christmas party at their downtown office this week. I was quite proud of myself and limited my food intake, which so often goes nuts at a party. Let's be honest--I love to eat. I focused my attention on Maureen and socializing when she was asleep. It wasn't until probably 10pm that I finally made my way to the dessert table and was very selective in my cookie choices. I picked 2 of my favorites and one recommendation by the baker. All was right with the world as I ate my sugar cookie. And I had done so well limiting the food I ate.

As the party wound down I somehow unconsciously made my way back the that very same table and realized, a few cream puffs in, that I was the lady wearing the baby standing alone stuffing my face with sweets.

So awkward.

Aaaaand we're back!

Ok. Seriously. Maureen is nearly 2 months old now and this blog has so little to show for it.

I'm finally starting to get a feel for being a mom--not nearly as stressed (except for the crying spells and the thought of going to the grocery store). This week I've been busying cleaning the house and getting things in order for Christmas decorations, which will hopefully make their way upstairs later today. I'm enjoying the time at home, especially now that I'm not so freaked out about the contrast compared to working full time. In fact, I've hardly left the house at all this week, and I'm very okay with it. Our first real snowfall arrived this morning, which gives me even more reason to turn up the Christmas music and continue cleaning while Maureen sleeps.

More blogging from now on, I promise.

Here's a few goodies for you:

Here's a video in contrast to the one that we put up last time. Maureen is much older, and much more active. She is such a joy first thing in the morning--incredibly playful and talkative. This video is just the half of it.


Maureen is great at holding her head up and her legs are super strong. I know it is a bit early, but I was dying to see how she'd react to the Johnny Jump Up.

A family Christmas card

I was spending way too much money on Shutterfly anyhow, so I added on a few Christmas cards that were free from a previous order (thanks!).  I must admit, I'm pretty proud of how it turned out.

Good Blessings Religious Christmas 5x7 folded card

Shop Shutterfly for elegant custom Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.