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!