Christmas Laughter

It's Christmas night and while the boys watch the Packers play, Mommy thought she'd update the blog.  We drove to Wisconsin Thursday night after work, with the best driving conditions I can remember.  Yet, somehow, we still got detained because Eric got pulled over.  No ticket, but a warning.
We attended the Christmas Eve children's service, which was a dream come true, with children participating in the mass, and lots of other vocal children in the congregation.  Elaine was sure to add to the "choir".  Christmas morning we opened gifts, took a break to feast on the big meal, and picked up where we left off later in the day. 

Here is Eric's dad teaching Elaine how to shake the gifts and play with the ribbon.

This was probably Elaine's favorite gift from Santa, it's a bumble bee that lights up, makes sounds and that is just her size to grab and move things around on. 

Here is our little Santa dolly being extra cute. 

And here she is doing her cute little giggles after I fed her the evening meal.  She loved her first Christmas and tommorrow we head to Peoria to have a Frost Christmas!  Ho Ho Ho!

Ho Ho Ho!

The list of Elaine's "firsts" continues to grow!!  This weekend we had no shortage of firsts!
First Food - PEAS!

Now that Elaine is 5 months, we got the okay to give her "food", and I use the term loosely.  I was convinced if we started her with something delicious like apples or bananas that she wouldn't really want things like peas or beans, so her first food was PEAS!  We captured it on video, just to see that squished up face and look of disgust.  She managed to eat it two days now so we're off to a good start!

 
First Visit to Santa

Well, I can't tell you how much I dislike malls this time of the year, but for the sake of Elaine and a good quality memory of her first Christmas, I decided we needed to go to visit Santa, if nothing else, for one photo.  So we headed to Valley West Mall first thing on Saturday (well okay, 10:00am is NOT "first thing" these days), so that we could hopefully avoid the lines and get a parking spot.  The line was only about 10 - 15 minutes and Elaine sat nicely with Santa for our ONE photo.  She did great!

First Christmas Gift

Nikki and Quinn brought over Elaine's first Christmas gift, which was a handmade tu-tu!! So of COURSE the next day we had to do a photo session. I think I might have another one since she was photographed out from being on Santa's lap and all.

First Packer Loss

We had the realization that since Elaine was born, Eric's football team has not lost a game! So we've been calling her the lucky charm. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. The Packers were defeated today, and as usual, she joined her dad watching the game. This photo has nothing to do with this, I just loved the cute faces I was getting while she had tummy time on our bed this weekend!

Can't wait to start celebrating Christmas with our families starting Thursday through New Year's Eve!  It has already been such a special time with Elaine in our lives, and babies really add to the magic and that warm feeling inside this time of year!

Not-so festive fever.

Well, this week Elaine got her first fever and I got the dreaded call from daycare that we needed to come get her.  Since Saturday, her fever has gone up and down, so first thing Monday morning, we took her to the doctor to get her checked out.  We got the okay as her temperature was normal, and all other checks turned out fine.  Just said it was a cold and sent us on our merry way!  I decided to even go to daycare over my lunch hour to feed her a bottle and give her some extra TLC, since they were having trouble getting her bottle down.  She drank it for me like a champ and I got her situated for a nap.  An hour and a half after I left, they called saying she had a temperature and that we needed to come get her.  So, back to daycare I went, and sure enough, she was red-eyed and whimpery in her crib.  I would describe her noises as like that of a newborn puppy, very high pitched and sad.

We gave her a bunch of extra snuggles last night, and I even slept in the bedroom next to hers, doors open, leaving the baby monitor off for the night.  It was as close to sleeping in her room as I was going to get.  Eric enjoyed an entire night of uninterrupted sleep, and I also slept better, only getting up when she really needed me, not for those fussy sleep sounds that keep me tossing and turning, checking the monitor all night. 

Today I stayed home with her in the morning and Eric took the afternoon.  She seems to be doing much better - her smiles have returned, she took an interest in her toys, and I am funny to her once again. 

This might be funny to only me, but I had to video her making sounds the other night.  Eric is rocking her in the yellow chair by the X-mas tree.  I'm calling this "singing Christmas carols".

Elaine's World is A-Changin!

Elaine continues to grow and surprise us every day.  This weekend we had a nice relaxing time just spending some time with each other and delighting in each other's company.  Saturday, one of Elaine's "firsts" unfortunately, was a fever.  Eric noticed her forehead was hot and sure enough, she had a 100.5 degree temperature.  So we gave her plenty of extra TLC, and she did a lot of extra sleeping.  She was definitely more groggy than normal, and suddenly mom's goofy songs were not funny anymore.  But she did give us LOADS of snuggles, complete with naps in our arms.  We even had a full family snuggle, Eric arms around me, my arms around Elaine, and somehow both of us were holding each of her hands.  So, despite her being sick, we still enjoyed the love and cuddles she was in need of and we were more than happy to oblige.

The most major changes for Elaine have to do with her diet.  She's been eating rice cereal once a day since Thanksgiving, and in a week, we get to add baby food to her diet!  Eric dealing with the mess has been quite entertaining for me, and I'm amazed he still has his sanity.  Another big diet change has been the introduction of formula.  Although my milk production hasn't gone down, the amount she's eating each day has gone up.  Being back at work, it's much harder for me to try and increase my milk supply, so as I'm about halfway through my frozen stash, I'm realizing it won't be long before that is gone and it's not a choice anymore.  SO, tonight for the first time I mixed formula (1 oz) with my milk (5 oz).  Elaine knew immediately and put up a fight but after several scenery changes, and perhaps growing hunger, she drank the bottle like a champ.  Big exhales from mom and dad!  We both dreaded the day she'd have to drink the stuff (it smells gross), but we're taking it one day at a time and trying to make it a painless adjustment and only supplementing for now.  I'm glad I don't have to drink it, I know that! 

She's also testing the volume and sounds of her voice.  She's really trying to get the sound of a "P" or "B" out.  It's hilarious to watch, although watch out, you WILL get a saliva shower when she does it.  She is really the light of our lives and makes us thankful for every day.

In the absense of any photos, here is one of her stocking, hung with care, with the hopes that St. Nick will soon be there!

Elaine's Baptism

We had a wonderful weekend with family celebrating Elaine's baptism. We enjoyed celebrating Mike and Julie's wedding anniversary, and decorating our Christmas tree, and Sunday we had Elaine's baptism!  Here is a mini photo shoot I did with her before heading to church.  She is sitting on a beautiful handmade gift from her grandma Julie - she crocheted her a baptsm blanket. 

Elaine also wore a family gown that has been worn by several of Eric's cousins, as well as her aunt (and godmother) Amy.  Here she is wearing that complete with the bonnet!

Here is an arial view of the dress  - it's got quite a train on it!

Here are Eric and I with our newly baptized baby girl - she did wonderful!!!

Here we are with Elaine's godparents, Amy and Dan.  Elaine loves the sounds Dan makes with his mouth and she loves Amy's curls when she bends down over her.  She definitely has a soft spot for these two!

Here is Elaine with all of her grandparents.  It meant so much to have them all here to celebrate her special day.

And here is a photo of four generations.  Grandma Rita, Julie, Eric and Elaine!

 

Gobble Gobble and Elaine's first food!!

What a Thanksgiving weekend!  Thanksgiving was in Peoria with the Frosts this year.  Thursday, Thanksgiving day, marked a big landmark in Elaine's life - her first time eating food!  The doctor gave us the go-ahead to start her on 1 tablespoon of rice cereal mixed with breastmilk to start.  We weren't sure how she would like it, but she managed to at least humor us!  And, yes, we got it on video.  I've got a blog to think about here!

Another highlight was her visit with my grandma and grandpa.  We got to see them twice that weekend!   Here we are visiting them.

Here is a video of my grandma with Elaine.  It's so fun to see them both light up.  By the way, I got Elaine's dress at Von Maur - it had the trifecta of baby clothes - polka dots, bows, and ruffles.  Elaine enjoyed putting all the various bows in her mouth, of course!

Here is a great picture of the three of us... if I can't get a family photo scheduled, you may see this again on our Christmas card!  :)

Here is Elaine's Aunt Missy holding her.  She sure knows how to get the smiles and giggles out of babies!

Saturday there was a joint birthday party at the bowling alley for Lauren and Adam.  This was the best we could do for a photo with the two girls!  We'll keep working on it!

Here is Conner in blue and Adam in the adorable firefighter suspender shirt.  SO CUTE!

Here is the birthday girl just before she dove into her cake!

And Adam in his birthday hat!  Great party!!!

The latest at the Morse house!

As Elaine grows each day, we continue to love and cherish every moment with her. Friday of this week we hosted a shower for Kylee and Nick, who are expecting their first (girl) in January.

 Here are the hostesses with the guest of honor in the middle.  I rediscovered my love for UV blue raspberry and definitely paid the price the next morning - ouch!

Meanwhile, Elaine had a "date night" with Marji and Tony's son, AJ.  He was born the day before Elaine and Marji generously offered to watch her while we were at the shower.  I did get her dressed in one of my favorite outfits - she had to get all dolled up for date night!  Don't worry, they slept in separate rooms.  :)

The next day, I thought I would show you how we eat meals at our house.  We have a new dining room table centerpiece - Elaine in the Bumbo!  She loves being on eye level, being part of the action and inspecting our food.  I also keep her on the counter in the Bumbo while I cook.  She is transfixed watching me make a mess in the kitchen.  Wish I could say the same for dad - he pretty much follows me around with a paper towel.

And here is a video of Eric reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to Elaine in her room.  I actually took about 3 videos of her laughing at her bumble bee light next to Eric, but it turns out I wasn't taping the whole time.  Oh well, this one turned out pretty good.  She LOVES having her dad read to her!   Notice how she smiles when he ad libs or goes off script.  Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!

Splish Splash Elaine was takin' a bath!

Since last weekend there were no photos of Elaine, I thought I would add this video of Elaine showing off at bathtime tonight.  She loves to wiggle around and kick her little legs.  She was especially cute tonight... enjoy!

First Night(s) Away!

This week marks the first two nights spent out of town and away from Elaine.  I was dreading this on the list of "firsts", but I managed to get through it.  Luckily I arranged to have a fridge in my hotel room so I could store all my milk and bring it home, so I felt really great about that.  I also got pictures texted to me from Eric each night when he picked Elaine up from daycare, and each morning I called around Elaine's wakeup time and got to be part of the morning routine on speakerphone.  I did miss her first snow, but when Eric pulled the blinds to show her, I was on the phone.  I think she'll forgive me someday.  :)

Another first this week was our first paid babysitter on Saturday night!  We had a wedding for our friends Amber and Kyle here in town, and we had a blast!  We had Mikayla, a high-school senior that helps out in the nursery at daycare in Elaine's room.  And, yes, mom, per your instruction, I did tell her "no boys".  The night went off without a hitch!  Eric and I enjoyed every minute of our night away, and only texted her to check in once.  Here are some photos of our big night out!

This is our group of girlfriends with the bride!

Here is a fun picture of the "baby boom" being experienced with our friends.  Here they are in order of due date.  All four of these girls sat at my table at dinner, so since we're all taking in more food (since I'm still breastfeeding), we all had an extra cupcake!  :)

Here are the other girls in our group who are now moms.  We had a cheers to being out with babysitters at home!

And of course, here is Eric dancing with the bride!  We had a great time and Elaine was fast asleep when we got home.  Yes, we both peeked in and gave her soft kisses goodnight before hitting the hay!

Visit from Gma and Gpa Morse!

This weekend we had grandma Julie and grandpa Mike Morse visiting and they got to see Elaine's latest tricks, like her cooing and her drooling!  Not to mention her greatest trick of all - SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!  That's right, it started Thursday night - she slept 11 hours straight.  Eric and I realized it around 5:00am, and while we should have had a quick hurray and back to sleep, we were so excited we chatted until 6:00.  Oh well, it was a huge milestone!  She did the same Friday and Saturday too!  We are loving it!!!  It was wonderful to have them over and everyone enjoyed the extra cuddles!
Here is a funny picture of Eric reading to Elaine from Saturday.  Her faces always have us asking - what is she thinking??

Here is Julie greeting Elaine with some smiles and love after a nice afternoon nap.

Even changing diapers is an event the whole family piles in her bedroom for.  I guess since the changing table is her favorite spot of all, and we get the best smiles out of her there, it makes sense!

Grandma, Grandpa, and Elaine pose for the picture.  This is Elaine's "serious face".

And here they are doing final hugs and kisses for the weekend.  Thanks for a great time, guys!

Trick or Treat!

Well, Elaine bravely wore her bumble bee costume here on the eve of Halloween!   Here in Des Moines the trick-or-treaters come out tonight so Eric and I have our bowl of candy ready to go and I'm ready to pass out candy in my "costume".  No telling if Elaine will be awake long enough tonight to see any of it, but we managed to have our mini photo shoot while she was happy and awake!

BZZZ!

Alivia Grefe's 1st birthday party!

Miss Alivia Grefe turned 1 this weekend and Elaine attended her first birthday party!  Leslie and Brian hosted a pumpkin themed gathering on Saturday, and we all wore orange!

Here is Elaine before we left the house wearing pumpkin head to toe - literally!

Here is Elaine with the guest of honor dressed as a pumpkin princess!  I'll give you one guess who made the dress - DANA!

Here is Alivia having her first bite of cake!  It was DELICIOUS - petit fours from the Bake Shoppe.

Here are Eric and Jay with their girls on the back deck!  Quinn's outfit was to die for!

Here are proud mama Leslie and proud Poppa Brian with their little pumpkin!

And here is a photo of us dressed in our orange at the party!

This is my favorite photo of the night - Grandma Dana with both Alivia and Elaine.  She has that magic touch!  What a great party!!

Sitting in the Bumbo!

Elaine has started sitting in the Bumbo chair!  It is amazing how fast she's growing.  We have been getting out new toys and devices like crazy and you just never know what is going to get a good happy squeal out of her!  Today we saw lots of drool, lots of putting her hands into her mouth, and she could actually grasp some of the toys we gave her!  Her happy personality is really coming to life and we laugh at the funny things she does every day!  The toy of the day is the Whoozit!  Enjoy!

Saturday Morning Smiles

As wonderful as it's been to travel and see family, we have been long overdue for a relaxing morning at home with our precious Elaine.  You become so grateful for every smile, every coo, every laugh when your time during the week is limited to the one hour she's happy when she gets home before she totally conks out for the night.  Anyways, here is a taste of our pj time in the morning. 

First Visit to Peoria

Well, despite a cold plaguing both mommy and Elaine, we visited Peoria for the first time for some very important introductions!  First Elaine met my grandma and grandpa Frost!  My grandma just happened to be wearing the exact same color outfit as Elaine, which I thought was great.  My grandpa wasn't able to hold her but I think he enjoyed our visit just the same.

This smile on her great grandma's face says it all.

Then we went to Andrew and Missy's for a birthday party/chili cook-off.  Missy arranged for her sister Courtney, who does photography, to take pictures of all the cousins and my sister Julie picked out the girls' matching outfits.  Here is pose 1, just a candid from my camera - Courtney's will be way better!

Here is my favorite fall pose - here we have Connor, Lauren, Elaine, Adam, and Caleb!  Melt my heart!  You should have seen all the parents jumping around squealing and clapping  to get the kids attention.  It was hilarious.  I think I have a video of it somewhere.

And of course here is Elaine meeting her Uncle Andrew for the first time.  It's funny to watch your self-proclaimed redneck hard-nosed brother melt like a popsicle on the 4th of July over your itty-bitty baby girl.  Needless to say, I could have cried watching how gentle he was with her and the little sounds he made.

And here is Aunt Missy with Elaine!  She's always had that special touch with babies so no surprise Elaine loved her!  Only person I forgot to take a picture of Elaine meeting was my cousin Shannon, but luckily Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we'll see them all again!