Hannah Hurd and The NewCastle Background Singers

A few weeks before Christmas we attended Hannah's preschool Holiday Concert. It was the cutest/funniest thing I have ever seen!I was impressed with how many songs they taught the kids. There were many classic songs, but also many that I had never heard. They were very diverse in their songs also, singing "Feliz Navidad" and another you might recognize...

Hannah was in her element. She was the loudest singer by far! The teachers had signs that they would hold up to remind the kids to sing louder. The one child who sang louder every time the sign went up was the one that didn't really need to...Hannah! Here is a video clip showing the increasing volume to her singing.

I was laughing so hard I was crying! Here is another video of her cuteness!

We were very proud of our little singer!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas has totally snuck up on me this year. I was thinking there was one more whole week before the Christmas week, but I was mistaken, so we bought our tree a little late this year. We enjoyed decorating it together. Chad did all of the lights (which is my least favorite part) and Hannah and I did the decorations. Grace slept! Too bad we won't be here for Santa to put our presents under our beautiful tree! We are in Rexburg with Chad's family (and missing my parents, it is weird being in Rexburg without seeing them, especially at Christmas)! We hope you all have a great Christmas and enjoy your trees and gifts!

For Your Christmas Eve Entertainment

Hannah performed a cute dance at her Christmas Recital to the song, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." It was so fun! Her costume was adorable and she did really well!Not sure what that dance pose is called!

Isn't she such a beautiful girl?!!? I love the little hat!

Here is a short clip....

Too Much of a Good Thing?

When my sister, Mandy, was here for a visit she purchased a Christmas advent calender for Hannah. We were both excited-Hannah for the chocolate and me because my grandma would buy an advent calender for us each year when I was young. One countdown is fun and great.

Then Hannah decided to make her own countdown. With this one she adds a drawing to her paper every day to make a Christmas scene. Two countdowns are a little much, but still fun.

When we opened the box full of our Christmas decorations we found another countdown to Christmas that was never made the previous year. Hannah said we just HAD to make it and use it this year! Three is a little excessive, if you ask me!

In our house there is no doubt about how many days are left until Christmas!

A De"light"ful FHE

For Family Home Evening a few weeks ago we loaded up in the van and drove to Thanksgiving Point to see the Christmas lights. They were really fun and it was enjoyable to stay in our nice warm van and listen to Christmas music.I fed Grace while we were driving through the park, so I sat in the back and Hannah was able to sit in the front! She thought that was pretty great!

There were even real reindeer to see and feed.

As you can see, Grace really enjoyed the lights too!

One of Those Days

Some days with a new baby you feel a little out of control. With little sleep and weather too cold to play outside it can sometimes make you a little crazy! Hannah and I have had a few moments like this the past week!

My Big Helper

Hannah has been a big help since she became a big sister. Sometimes her "help" is more distracting and more work for me, but the other night she folded all of the towels in the laundry basket!

It was very helpful and cute to watch her learn this new skill. She was so proud of herself once all of the towels were folded, and so was I!!

Bath Time

Hannah was dying to help us give Grace a bath! We had given her a couple of baths since being home, but they were all when Hannah was sleeping. She was excited to help, until the crying started. After that she was a little reluctant to help and once Grace peed all over Chad's hand Hannah was done! She didn't want anything to do with helping until Grace had a diaper on and was wrapped up in a warm towel.

The Past 2 Weeks

I can not believe that our little baby is two weeks old! This has been a very busy, but uneventful two weeks. We are all adjusting to living as a family of four. The past two weeks has been full of hugs and kisses (My sister and niece came for a weekend after Thanksgiving. Thanks to Kate for entertaining Hannah and thanks to Mandy for keeping me sane!), pictures, feedings (no pictures of that...you're welcome!), and of course diaper changes!

We are adjusting well and loving life. Grace is a really sweet and easy baby. She rarely cries and will sleep for 4-5 hour stints on most nights. She really is a sweet addition to our family!

Grace's Birth Story

Here is just a quick recap of the birth of Grace. We got a call from the hospital at 5:30am on Sunday, November 22, 2009. They told us to be at the hospital by 7:30 to start the induction. We arrived right on time.

They got me all set up with an I.V. and checked me. I was dilated to a 3. The doctor said that if they weren't inducing me that morning I would have most likely gone into labor on my own that night.

The Pitocin started at 8:00am and then the doctor came in and broke my water. I started having strong contractions really fast. I requested the epidural around 10:000am. They had a difficult time getting it in. The anesthesiologist said that I had scar tissue from my chemo treatments that I got in my spine. He was worried about how well the drugs were going to work. It seemed to work well in my legs, but I was still feeling a TON of pressure.

They checked me around 11:15 and I was a 7. I was VERY uncomfortable and so the nurse asked the anesthesiologist to come in and give me some more medicine. Soon after I felt like I really needed to push. The nurse checked me again and said, "Oh. Yes you are...she is right there."

She called the doctor and after 3 short pushes little Grace made her appearance right at 12pm on the dot! It was a very fast and smooth labor. Our doctor and the nurses were so great. We were so happy that she was here and healthy.