Friday, December 26, 2008

Merry Christmas!



This post is actually coming on the 26th of December, but Merry Christmas nonetheless!

Christmas this year was obviously extra special for us, having Riley to share it with. Sure, she didn't have a clue what was going on and she slept through the Christmas Eve church service and through opening gifts on Christmas morning, but being able to hold her and look at her reminded us of the greatest present of all - our precious, precious daughter.

She was certainly spoiled by all of her family members. Auntie Rhonda and Uncle Scott bought her some gorgeous dresses and a fancy coat for this time next year, along with three great books to add to her book collection. (Remember that book rack that was supposed to get hung before she was born? It's still sitting on the floor of her room ...). Auntie Heather and Uncle Jay bought her some adorable outfits along with a musical doll. Grandma and Grandpa Nichols were very generous with providing money to start Riley's college fund, along with a "Granddaughter's First Christmas" ornament. Grandma and Grandpa Balaban bought her an adorable outfit, a teether, a musical water globe that is engraved with her name and birthdate, and a savings bond to add to that college fund. Aunt Courtney and Uncle Mark bought her an outfit, some books, and a stuffed giraffe. Mommy and Daddy bought her some toys that she isn't quite ready to play with yet, but she'll be there soon.
One gift that Riley gave us last night was the gift of sleep! It was her first night sleeping in her crib rather than the bassinette in our room. It wasn't intentional, but as I was cleaning things up around the house late last night, I had laid her in her crib and she was so fast asleep that I didn't want to wake her. The little booger slept in there from 10pm to 3am! A FIVE HOUR STRETCH! That was the greatest gift of all! And then after her 3am feeding, she and Daddy slept sound in the rocker from 4am to 7:15am this morning. Now she is back in her crib, napping away. What a great baby. What an amazing Christmas.

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