Ildri's First Christmas

Because Kirstin was due right around Christmas, we decided early on in December to just wait to do our holiday visit to Ames until she went into labor.  Since she was due December 20th, we figured we'd end up there right before Christmas.  However, with the holiday rapidly approaching and no sign of cousin Matthew's arrival we decided last minute to venture out to Ames on Christmas Eve day.  We had a lovely visit, and Ildri had a blast opening presents.

For her first Christmas, Ildri received several books, a Leapfrog alphabet toy, clothing (including a flower-print dress from Great Grandma, a pink Adidas track suit from Aunt Kirstin and Uncle Khyle, an Iowa Hawkeyes shirt and a hat and mittens from Grandma Barb and Grandpa Bill, and a t-shirt from one of Uncle Erik's travels), a birdhouse toy and the coup de grâce, a sing-along "stage" with a large mirror and microphone.

On our drive back to Coralville, mom got her best Christmas present when Ildri pulled her hand into her mouth to chew on mama's fingers - Ildri's first tooth has appeared!  This was the first time I genuinely felt that my little baby isn't so little anymore.

We can't wait for next Christmas, when cousin Matthew will be almost one, and Ildri will be 16 months old.  That should be a hoot!

Splashing!

Ildri has discovered the joy of splashing in her tub.  Whoever bathes her usually needs to change into a dry shirt after the entire production.  I think we're going to have to move the show into the "big" bathtub to avoid cleaning up the kitchen floor/walls every night.

Ildri has a Cousin!

Ildri's first cousin, Matthew John Clute, entered the world on December 30th at 5:05 AM (with just a little help from his mama, Aunt Kirstin).  He shocked us all by weighing well over eight pounds.  Mama has met the little guy, and Ildri and Uncle Dave are excited to greet their new family member as soon as possible.  

I must say, I am so excited for my sister and brother-in-law to be parents.  Not only to David and I get to share the experience of being a new parents with them, but I've always known that those two would make a wonderful team as parents.  Matthew is truly a very lucky little boy.