A Christmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13

I read this good reminder on my friend, Connie's, blog:

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchens, carol in the nursing homes, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

--Author Unknown

Jelly Belly -- Two Weeks

Baby Jelly Belly is weighing in at 6 lbs. 9 oz. at the two week mark. She is eating and sleeping well (most nights) and that is about all you can ask of a newborn.

She doesn't seem to mind "tummy time". We all continue to marvel at how tiny she is. Below is a picture from her photo shoot with Os. We call it, "Just Barely Bigger Than Papa's Slipper".


I took a couple of pictures of Baby Jelly Belly this afternoon and our little peanut flipped herself from front to back. Our pedeatrictrian said little babies sometimes manage that acrobatic feat until their tummies get bigger. Here she is making her move.

The boys are still doing well during the adjustment. They get her pacifier or offer me advice about why she might be crying. Moose and BiggiE have been bickering among themselves more, but I'm thankful they don't seem to associate their frustration with the baby. BiggiE has yet to be photographed with her -- maybe he has his father's aversion to posed pictures. Below is Moose being a lovin' big brother.

Jelly Belly -- One Week

Our little girl is already one week old! My mom was here for the week and, unfortunately, had the stomach bug that has been going around almost the whole time. I tried to encourage her that I was still able to get more naps than I would have if she had not been here.

Moose is loving being the big brother again. The jury is still out for BiggiE. He is very sweet to his sister, but not interested in holding her yet.



I can't believe how tiny Jelly Belly is. I have long digits, but this is still a itty bitty foot.

I love watching Os with his daughter. A couple of times he has gotten choked up just being with her.

Baby Jelly Belly is Here!

Baby Jelly Belly was born Friday, December 5th at 7:00 AM. She weighed in at 6 lb. 8 oz. (2 lbs. less than her brothers!) and 19 inches long.

My water broke at 12:10 AM. We headed to the birthing center at 3:45 AM. And our little baby joined us by 7 AM. Now that's my kind of labor.

Her name is the French spelling of Christmas. If you need a hint, there is a carol "The First ______" and it is spelled with an -elle. Her middle name is my first name (a family name) and also the name of Isaac's wife in the Old Testament.

Now for a few pics:
Here we are moments after the birth. I transitioned so fast I never made it into the tub.
Taking a snooze at the birthing center.
Meeting her big brothers for the first time.
Os, Moose and BiggiE made Jelly Belly a birthday cake today to celebrate. (Look at all the pink in this picture. It is stretching me already! And "Princess" -- yikes. I am trying to be brave.)

Baby Come Out

I have tried to be coy about the actual due date of our little girl since both boys were eight days late. For those of you who are wondering, the doctor and ultrasound calculated date has come and gone. The first of December was the official day and it passed without much ado, except for the celebrating of Os's dad's birthday which he will not have to share with a granddaughter.

I am actually feeling quite serene. It is nice knowing the baby will be born some time in December. There is no more wondering if we will have a Thanksgiving baby, etc. I have hung my hat on December 9th. If that day passes (8 days -- like her brothers) without the arrival of this little one I won't be answering the phone.

Moose has written a song for baby Jelly Belly entitled, "Baby Come Out". He said he can't sing it now because it is for AFTER the baby is born. It sure seems to me that she could a little encouragement from those lyrics now.
Maybe hugs and kisses will work just as well.

Our First Christmas Tree

In keeping with a holiday season of firsts, Os and I went with the boys to get our first Christmas tree. We have been married nearly nine years and have never had a tree because we have always been in Colorado for Christmas. Not only was it our first Christmas tree as a family, but it is the first fresh tree I have ever had in my life. Ahh... smell that fresh noble pine...