My First Christmas- Part I

Last week I got to go on a BIG trip to visit my Grandpa, Nana, and two uncles who all live in Illinois. We all were so excited to be going to celebrate my very first Christmas. Last Christmas Mommy and Daddy told everyone they were expecting me, and now I'm here!
On Friday we flew First Class (Daddy put some of those miles to good use!) to St. Louis with a short layover in between. The airplane ride was so fun and I met lots of new people. We arrived in St. Louis at 10:15p.m. and were picked up by Mommy and Daddy's friend, Kori. They went to school with her a long time ago. She was really nice and we got to stay the night at her house. The next morning I got to meet her little girl, Riley! It was fun to meet another new friend, but we didn't get to be together too long because we were picked up by friends of Nana and Grandpa who drove us the rest of the way. They were nice too, and didn't seem to mind too much that I got tired and hungry on our ride and spent a half hour telling Mommy and Daddy that it was time for our trip to be over. Although our time was short, we had such a wonderful time. I loved all the attention I got from Nana, Grandpa, Uncle Bret, Jessica and Uncle Kurt. I've missed them so much! We celebrated Uncle Kurt's birthday on Saturday, Christmas on Sunday, relaxed on Monday and flew home again on Tuesday. What a whirlwind but we packed a lot in for such a short time! I got lots of fun gifts for Christmas; a new doll, a talking puppy, new clothes, bath toys, teething toys, and lots more! Grandpa even got me a new snow suit that is so soft! I'm hoping when I go back to their house in January that there will be snow to play in! One of the best parts of my visit happened each night when Nana and Grandpa sang to me while Grandpa played the guitar. I love to sing and be sung to! I'm really looking forward to going back again in January but before that I have a big trip to Southern California to see all of Daddy's family along with Uncle Chad, Aunt Kelly, and cousin Keira. I think I'm going to be a lot like Mommy, I LOVE Christmas!

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A Visit From Grami Jami and Auntie Pam

The day Papa Roly had to go home we got more company at our house! Grami Jami and Auntie Pam arrived and I was so excited to see them!
We did lots of fun things together while they were here. On Thursday we went for a walk to Starbucks and got yummy hot drinks.On Friday, Mommy and Daddy opened some gifts from Grami and Auntie Pam. Grami gave us something very special called The Elf on the Shelf. Grami kept hiding him the rest of the time she was here and we had to find him. The first time was pretty easy, but then it got harder and harder. I know it will be so much fun to look for him as I get older too. Daddy thinks we should name him "Hans." We'll have to talk about that when he can understand what I am saying.
On Saturday we went for a walk in the park near our house. It was cold outside so Daddy snuggled me into his jacket to keep me nice and warm. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed walking to the bridge and watching the ducks swim in the river. That night Mommy and Daddy went out on their first date since I was born. Grami and Auntie Pam watched me while they were gone and did a great job! It was so fun to have them all to myself!On Sunday it was time to say "Good-bye." It's never fun, but I'll get to see Grami again at Christmas time which isn't too far away!

Rolling Over

How could I have forgotten to tell you all about the most exciting part of my very first Thanksgiving Day?! While I was getting my diaper changed I was really interested in the movie that was playing on the t.v. and I wanted to watch too. I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to practice a new skill, turning over from my back to my front. I've already been able to turn over from my tummy to my back, so I thought it would be good to try it a different way. Sure enough, I did it!! Not just once, but THREE times! It must have been really exciting for everyone watching because they cheered me on the entire time. I was so proud of myself. Of course, Mommy and Daddy got it all on video so you could see my hard work.

My First Thanksgiving

Today was Thanksgiving Day, my very first, and what a fun day it has been! My Papa Roly and Daniel are here and I am getting so much attention! This morning I woke up to Daddy, Mommy and Papa all singing to me. I love being sung to when I wake up. After my breakfast I got to have some play time downstairs with Daddy and Papa. While I took a nap everyone else was busy in the kitchen preparing a feast. When it was all done it looked delicious! I didn't have any, but I heard all about it. We had such a wonderful day all together and we have so much to be thankful for!

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My Papa and Me

Yesterday was a hard day for me with my visit to the doctor BUT when I woke up from my nap my Papa Roly and Daniel were here! I was so excited to see them both. It's so fun to have Papa Roly here to sing to me when I wake up and change my diapers and play with me. Today was a beautiful day at our house so Papa, Mommy and I took advantage of the sunshine and went for a walk down to the mall. Papa found two beautiful dresses for me to wear at Christmas time, I can't wait! We had such a nice walk before heading back home so I could take a nap. I'm such a lucky girl :)

I am Four Months Today!

Today I turn four months old. The day began the way it usually does. I was excited when I woke up to Mommy and Daddy singing to me. Daddy changed my diaper and put on a new outfit, then I got to eat. After I eat, I usually get to take a morning nap. Today, was different. Today I had to go to the doctor. The past couple of times I've visited the doctor haven't been too bad but today I had to get shots. I don't like shots, they hurt. The doctor was very nice. She weighed and measured me and I'm happy to report that I weight 12 lbs. 4 oz. and I am 24 3/4 in. long. After that she made me do some silly exercises and asked Mommy and Daddy lots of questions. The shots came at the end. It hurt and I cried, but Mommy and Daddy said I did so well. I was really happy when it was all over and I got to be home again with Mommy. I've spent the rest of the day resting...I was exhausted!! I'm glad it will be awhile before I have to do that again.

Daddy, I have something to tell you...

My Daddy has to be at work all day so he, unfortunately, misses out on lots of things I do during the day. I always get so excited when he gets home in the evening so that I can tell him all about the day Mommy and I had. I thought today I would share with you what I did. You might have to shower off afterward though..

Fall is FUN!

Today was such a fun day with Mommy! It was overcast and cloudy, but no rain and almost 60 degrees! Mommy thought it would be a good day to spend as much time outside as possible, so that's what we did. First, we took a walk down the street to Starbucks. Mommy likes to get a hot drink there sometimes. I like to go there because everyone looks at me and tells Mommy how cute I am! Today was no exception. We then headed over to the mall so Mommy could do some reading at the bookstore. While she read I took the opportunity to look around at all the people and all the books! I love books! It was very windy when we walked home and so fun to watch the leaves blow around and feel the breeze on my cheeks. I was glad to be wearing a hat and a warm outfit. After my nap Mommy and I headed outside once again. We thought we'd surprise Daddy and rake the leaves in the front yard. I watched Mommy rake and cheered her on from the stroller while I played with my toys. Mommy thought I did such a great job being patient. Once she got the leaves raked into piles she let me play in one of the piles for a few minutes, such fun! By that time I was tired out so Mommy put me to bed. She told me when I wake up Daddy will be home and we'll get to watch more football....what a great day!

I'm Happy Today!

For the past week I haven't been feeling very well. I've had a cough and a stuffy nose that just won't go away, but I won't let that get me down! I'm still as happy as ever, especially when I have both Mommy and Daddy's undivided attention. The other night we were all sitting on the couch playing. We had so much fun Daddy decided it would be a great idea to video tape Mommy and me being so silly. I love being silly! I hope you like it!

Caught in a Storm!

On Saturday morning we woke up to a beautiful sunny day! Wanting to take advantage Mommy and Daddy decided that after I got fed it would be a good time to take a walk. We bundled up, since it was still pretty cold outside, and I got to ride with Mommy in the Moby Wrap. Our neighborhood is so beautiful with the trees turning all shades of red, orange and brown. There are piles of leaves everywhere and it's so fun to listen to the leaves crunch when you walk. Mommy and Daddy got some hot chocolate on our walk and then decided to spend some time in the nearby bookstore. While they were reading, I was snoozing, and the weather was changing. Before we knew it, the sky had turned dark and it started to POUR down the rain! Being that we had walked it seemed as though we were trapped! Luckily, Daddy is very brave and told Mommy he would run back home to get the car. What a wonderful Daddy!! He ran home and came back to get us with the car and soaked to his knees. I'm glad we hadn't walked much farther! We were quickly back home where Daddy started a fire and kept us warm and dry the remainder of the weekend. Mommy and I are lucky girls to have such a thoughtful, caring husband and Daddy.

I don't feel good :(

Mommy has been sick since Tuesday, I got sick on Wednesday. Mommy and I went for a walk together and when we came back from our walk I took a nap. Mommy was a little curious that I went to sleep so easily and sure enough, when I woke up I had a temperature of 103.7! YUCK! Now Mommy and I are sick together. I had a fever all night long so Mommy and Daddy took turns feeding me and giving me Tylenol. Yesterday I still had a fever and had to go visit the Doctor. He was really nice but told Mommy that it wasn't a good idea for us to go visit Nana and Grandpa this weekend. I'm very sad that we don't get to go on the trip, but Mommy and I really need to get better before we go. Now we're planning to go in December instead. Today I'm feeling better and more like myself again. Mommy is on the mend too. Daddy stayed home today to take care of both of us and hopefully by the time he goes back to work on Monday morning, we'll all be good as new!

Sunday=Football

First I just want to say, RABBIT RABBIT!!

That being said....I love Sunday for lots of reasons. The two top reasons are 1) my daddy is home and 2) football! I'm sure you can guess that I'm a 49er fan. It's tough living where I do and liking the 49ers because people around here are more excited about the Seahawks. When I was just over a month old I got to go to my first 49er game and I've loved them ever since! Mommy took some photos of me enjoying the game today, hope you like them!


Daddy: "Little C, the 49ers are playing today!"
Little C: "Yippee! I'm all ready! Go NINERS!"







"Oh good, Alex Smith is starting today. He did so well last week! I bet he'll win the game for us today!"







"Oh boy, the Niners are ahead! I can sit back, relax, and let the defense do all the work!"







"What a nail biter! They did so awesome against the Colts...I still can't believe they lost!"








"They play again next week? YES! GO NINERS!"

My First Halloween

Today was Halloween. I've never had a Halloween before so I was really excited! I slept most of the day, but in the afternoon Mommy, Daddy and I walked down to the mall to look at all the other kids in their costumes. I was so excited to see them all it was hard for me to take my nap. I know it's better for me to sleep, but there was just so much going on! When we got back to my house I was really tired. I was almost asleep in my bouncy chair when the door bell rang! Mommy and Daddy's friends, Heidi and Tim, came for a visit. I had never met them before, they are really nice! They all had some soup and bread together while I took a catnap in Mommy's arms. After dinner we all went for a walk around the neighborhood to see the houses all decorated and the kids in their costumes. I was dressed as a little pumpkin, an outfit given to me by my Great Aunt Susie. By the time we went on our walk I was so tired I could hardly keep my eyes open, I was ready for bed and I let everyone know it! We got home pretty quick, I got my medicine (YUCK!) and a bath and then I finally got to go to bed for the night. I kept wondering what Mommy and Daddy were thinking keeping me up for so long....and I reminded them ALL NIGHT LONG not to do that again!

Introducing Little C

Hi! I'm Little C and I'm taking over this blog. Not that my mommy and daddy don't have interesting things to say, but let's face it....these days it's all about me! So for starters, let me tell you just a little bit about myself. I was born just three months ago and rocked my parents world. Mommy woke up at 4:00 a.m. feeling those contractions but decided to let my Daddy sleep for a while longer. At 5:30 a.m. they started coming quicker and hurt more so she told Daddy to get up and take a shower and get ready to drive to the hospital. By the time they got to the hospital the contractions were only three minutes apart! Once they got checked in they put Mommy in a warm tub, which she liked a lot! She stayed in it for a long time until they told her it was time to move to the bed so that I could be born. I was born at 10:49 a.m. Not too bad, at least I didn't think so! Mommy and Daddy were so excited that I finally had arrived. I'm excited too! We're going to have a lot of fun together, I can already tell.

Now it's three months later and there has been a lot going on. Every day there is something new. If you're curious, keep checking back and I will do my best to keep you posted! If you need to be caught up on my life until now, you can always look at my photos. Mommy posts new ones every week.

Where did the past 8 weeks go?!

I've been meaning to do this every day for several weeks now, but somehow there is always something else that needs to be done, someone else's needs that must be tended to. By now you know we have had an addition to our family. We've gone from C 'n T to C, T, and Little C. Have our lives ever changed! It has been an amazing (albeit tiring) experience thus far. Little C has brought so much joy to our lives! I've been debating whether or not to continue this blog since I do a mini blog on our photo website, but I've finally decided that yes indeed I will continue blogging. It's just a good thing to do!

Currently we are at my in-laws house in Galt, CA. We drove over last Thursday with my BIL and SIL after being in Capitola to celebrate my FIL's 60th birthday. After spending the weekend here with everyone I decided it would be fun to stay the week since I am lucky enough to not have to work and we were down here anyway. It was a tough decision for C, who had to fly back in order to work. He was not looking forward to a week without his wife and baby. However, we decided he would fly back on Friday and spend the weekend here, then we'd all fly back together on Monday morning. The week was wonderful and very relaxing. I enjoyed napping by the pool while Little C napped in the swing under the covered patio while listening to the waterfall. C flew in last night and tomorrow we are heading to San Francisco to see the 49er's beat the Seahawks!! We were invited to go to the game with Dean and Candy Hadley and will be joined by MIL and Gar-ball as well. Can't wait! Little C's first professional football game!

Ready or not?

It is difficult not to wonder if (hope?) the baby will arrive early. I have enjoyed every single moment of being home this summer and have done my best to take advantage of it. However, now I fully understand what it means to be a part of the "waiting game." I didn't think I would actually find myself sitting on the couch "waiting" to go into labor, but...
So today as I was sitting on the couch I took out my "To Do" list:

-Install car seat √
-Prepare baby's room √
-Purchase all the "essentials" √

-Wash all baby items √

-Read baby books √
-Watch birth videos √
-Watch baby care videos √
-Get toenails painted √
-Prepare meals to eat later √ish (I made meal lists)
-Clean house thoroughly √√√
-Pack bag for hospital √
-Charge cameras, computers and cell phones √
-Pre-register for the hospital √
-Make a call/email list √
-Type up a birth plan √

I felt pretty proud of myself after looking at my list and seeing all of the √'s. It made me feel good to know that I had accomplished this list of things to do. So, as I sat and looked at my list, looked around my house, looked at the bags sitting by the door I said to myself "It looks like we're ready!" but what I was really thinking was "We have NO idea what we're in for!"

9 Months!

So here we are. Officially in the 9th month and counting down the days until our lives are forever changed. Is it possible to be completely prepared? We have the room ready. The baby has a place to sleep. The car seat is installed so baby can come home with us. We took birthing classes and have spent a lot of time reading books. We've listened to lots of good advice. We are packing our suitcase this weekend and finishing the birth plan to take with us to the hospital. Are we ready? I'm not convinced that anything will prepare us for what is about to take place. But we're excited! And soon we'll find out. Stay tuned!

Painting the nursery

What a fun week! I am so sad that it is already over so soon. It seems like it was just Monday and now it is Friday evening. The nursery is painted and looks so beautiful, but Lindsey is gone. The next time I see her will be when I introduce her to her new niece/nephew. I had the best time! Not just painting but shopping, baking the most delicious cinnamon rolls, and just spending quality time together. Thanks for coming up, Lindsey. I miss you already!

I am not going to post the photos here because there are so many of them, but I am posting a link so you can visit our Photo Gallery to see the photos.

Happy Father's Day!

The soon to be daddy!

More guests!

This week was my last week of school, can I get a YAHOOOO?!?! I am so happy to be done! The last day went very smoothly and I was able to check out at 4:00 p.m. that day rather than returning the following day for the scheduled teacher work day. I had been working very hard to clear my things out of the classroom in order to be ready to leave on the last day. My MIL came with me and was a tremendous help getting last minute things off the walls and packing up the rest of the boxes. I got everything checked off my list, handed in my key, and left. All done.

Janet and Gary drove up on Friday and were able to spend time with us as well as with Gary's daughter, Abby, and granddaughter, Brandon. We all got together on Saturday for a scrumptious lunch at a Thai restaurant and to Dairy Queen for dessert. The rest of the weekend was spent cleaning the house, playing in the yard, going on walks around the neighborhood, and setting up the furniture in the baby's room. We now have a crib and changing table/dresser all ready to go! Next is a visit from SIL, Lindsey!

A friendly visit!

My longtime friend, Stacy, came to visit us this past week! What fun we had catching up after not having seen each other in such a long time. She is currently teaching 4th grade in Taiwan at Taipei Adventist American School and absolutely loves it! We had the best time together and I am so lucky to have had her visit!

Baby belly is growing!

We got a little creative with the photos this time. Thought I would share a few of my expanding belly!

Getting ready for baby...

It is a daunting task, but we are slowly preparing for the arrival of our little bundle of joy. This week we set up the bassinet. It was very surreal as Daddy C sat on the floor of our bedroom preparing this teeny tiny bed for the baby. We are so excited!!

Family Photos

My parents got to drive up to Michigan's U.P. to visit my maternal grandparents at what we affectionately call "The Farm" near Calumet, MI. Growing up I spent most every summer there with my grandparents. I have nothing but the fondest memories of being there with them and spending many a day picking berries, delivering berries, going on walks, building forts, splashing in the crick and many other activities. I miss them so much and wish with all my heart that we all lived closer. I am so happy mom and dad were able to go up for a visit, I know it was a blessing for all of them. Wish I could have been there too!!Ben and Bonnie Rendel, May 2009
Uncle Brian, mom, Grandma, Grandpa
Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Brian