First Day of School

Today was Hazel's first day of school, and Momma's first day back at work. I think it was more tragic for me than it was for Hazel. She smiled when I kissed her goodbye, and again when I went back inside for one last kiss goodbye, then looked at me as if to say "What's the big deal, Mom?" When I went back to pick her up, she was just relaxing in one of the baby recliners looking at another baby sitting next to her. She didn't act overly excited to see me, but rather seemed to say, "Hey, I know you. It's cool that you're here." As for being back at work, I think the hardest part was all the well-meaning people asking, "Do you miss your baby?" Sometimes I wanted to shout, "I didn't until you just reminded me that I left her in the care of strangers!" But honestly, I focused on work, and only worked a half-day, so it really was pretty manageable. I think the real test will be when I start back full-time next week, and start back to Court all day Tuesday. But that's a post for next week. For now, Hazel wanted to share a few more pictures. (Because I know there would be dire consequences if I published a post with no new pictures.)

First a few of Hazel in her Bumbo seat:



And next, a few of Hazel in her first day of school outfit:

Hazel's First Christmas (Part Two)

Once we returned home on Christmas day, it was time to attack the presents under our own tree. Imagine our surprise when we arrived home and found that even though we had been in Illinois, Santa had still stopped at our house and filled our stockings and left us some gifts. We opened the presents from Santa, then stopped to have some Christmas dinner. After dinner we opened the rest of our gifts. Hazel loved looking at the Christmas Tree lights and the wrapping paper, and she was so excited about all her presents!

Opening presents one at a time is not fast enough... Two hands, two presents.

Santa's elves tuned Grammy's piano and Santa brought it for Hazel's Christmas present.

Oooh Daddy, that wrapping paper is so pretty!

Christmas is the best! We should have Christmas everyday!

Uncle Kenny gave me a Tenderheart Bear.

No, Daddy. It's mine, not yours.

All this excitement has worn me out!

And...... I'm spent. Christmas part two is officially over.

Hazel's First Christmas (Part One)

Well Christmas has come and gone, and Hazel had a pretty good one. We spent Christmas Eve at Grammy and Papaw Burton's house in Illinois, and stayed for the party that night, where everyone admired how cute and adorable she is. She also got to meet Aunt Sarah and Uncle Andy for the first time, and some of her Burton relatives. We had presents to open Christmas morning, under Grammy's tree, and after we played with them for a little while, we headed home where there were even more presents waiting for us under our tree. . .

Only one more day to Christmas...

Hmm...which presents are for me?

I think that I will just wait here until we can start opening presents!

I've got my stocking ready, where is Santa?

The Crisafullis couldn't make it to the Christmas Eve party, but helped me look mighty fancy in my new dress.

Our family's first Christmas Eve.

Aunt Sarah loves baby Hazel!

Ok, we will let Uncle Andy into the picture, too.


Hazel with Grammy and Papaw.



Christmas Morning

A new tummy time mat! Hurray!


A new book for Hazel, and her name is on the cover!

Christmas, part one, is officially over...

No returns without a receipt

Well, it is official. Our 60 day window has expired, we lost the receipt, and we can no longer return Hazel. And the hospital doesn't even give out store credit. So, I guess we will keep our favorite 2 month old. Here are some pictures to commemorate her turning 2 months old:

Lounging in her bouncy seat

Getting ready to hit the town

Power to the People!

We missed a great smile picture by half a second

Being a model is exhausting (As is being the photographer)

Polar Bear

With the winter weather upon us (we got a few inches of snow overnight), we wanted to be sure that everyone knows we're bundling Baby Hazel up when we go outside. Here are a few pictures of her getting ready to go out and help us hang the Christmas lights....