Stella's First Christmas

We had a full house for Stella's First Christmas and it was lots of fun!  Stella hasn't learned how to unwrap a gift yet but Mommy helped her out.  She received lots of nice things - clothes, toys, books, and Santa brought her a big girl car seat which her cousin Dana helped her unwrap (Dana noticed right away that it would be too big for Stella to unwrap by herself!).  We enjoyed a delicious Prime Rib dinner at Aunt Mary Jane and Uncle Neil's where we spent most of the day.  It was a relaxing and memorable day!

Stella pulling herself up at Aunt Mary Jane's

This purse ornament was a gift from Nancy H - it is the perfect size for Stella to carry around, although this isn't exactly what we had imagined...

Stella is doing well pulling herself up and pulled herself along the church pew on Christmas Eve.  She is starting to be a little bit more brave as each day passes, despite a few falls here and there, and it is fun to watch her learn and prepare for her first steps!

This week Stella and Mommy will head back to Burlington for a routine check-up at the Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic and a visit with Auntie Caroline.

Stella's Standing!

Stella is doing very well progressing toward taking her first steps.  This week she has mastered pulling herself up into the standing position.  We captured her pulling herself up in the bathtub (which was fun and a little scary for us) and telling us all about it.  The video is pretty dark but we thought it was worth sharing anyway!

Stella Stands Up

Other news this week is that we learned that Trey's monument has finally arrived from Vermont (of all places!) and is ready to be placed at the cemetery.  Since we are covered in snow here the placement may have to wait but we are happy that it is ready.  Uncle Dan and Aunt Melissa, who are also Trey's Godparents, thoughtfully had some wreaths placed at the cemetery, one with their son Timmy, and one with our sweet Trey.  Thank you for making these arrangements Dan - they look great!

The boys: Timmy and Trey

Trey's Cemetery Plot - We are looking forward to having his stone placed when the weather allows.

Shop 'Till Stella Drops!

As Christmas Day approaches we've been busy.  This Saturday Stella spent the whole day with Mommy and Gianna so Gia's parents could do some holiday shopping.  It was so much fun to see the girls entertain one another!

Sunday we literally shopped until Stella didn't want to shop any longer.  She was so tired but wouldn't give in to all of the hustle and bustle so we headed home.  She was a happy girl when we visited Santa though and it really was a productive day.

Stella and her new friend, with an angel looking over her shoulder.

So far Stella doesn't seem all that interested in our Christmas tree which we don't mind at all!

Other news this week: Stella has begun to prop herself up on her knees and will reach for things.  She is so proud of herself when she is able to pat the couch!  Also, she is working on learning how to use a sippy cup and is doing a great job!

Stella Meets Santa

Stella spent the afternoon with her Grammie on Saturday while Dad coached a game and Mom officiated at an indoor track meet.  Stell Belle hasn't been feeling that great but her and Grammie ventured out to the VFW Christmas party for just one hour. 






                                                                         


Stella had a great time meeting Santa and receiving a whole bag full of goodies just for her. 

Stella was fascinated with the gift tag on her present, which is no surprise to us...  We take pleasure in knowing that the simplest of things amuse her now because we know it won't always be that way!

 





Thank you to the Ladies Auxiliary for throwing such a nice party, and thank you Grammie for spending the day with Stella!