Christmas Is Coming...

I'm In the Mood for Christmas

On Saturday, Josh, Hannah, & I went to the Chris Cringle Craft Show at the Assembly Hall. I have always wanted to go to this but have never made it. It was very fun and definitely put me in the mood for Christmas. I got some new Christmas decorations including a super cute family ornament (Illini Snowmen). There were also three baby girl hairbow stands... I couldn't resist :) Thanks Josh for understanding :) Hannah has some Christmas clothes that may not fit by then because they are 0-3 months so I decided to dress her in some for the day. I am so ready for Christmas now! I'm excited to have a baby this year to start new family traditions with. 'Tis the Season...

Hannah's Room is Finally Done (I Think!)

Does Life Get Any Better Than This?

Lately, I can't help but think... does life get any better than this? I know this whole stay-at-home mom thing is new to me, but I finally feel that I am where I want to be and doing what I want to do. I have a great husband, a beautiful new daughter, a house in my hometown Catlin.... what more could I want? This is such a contrast from last fall. Around this time last year, I was not a happy person. It seemed that nothing was going right. My job was AWFUL-I was sooo miserable! I was at my breaking point at work in January when I found out that I was pregnant. Otherwise, I might have finally just quit. But all of a sudden, there was light at the end of the tunnel, and I have been so much happier ever since! I guess in some ways I should be thankful for the job that I had. It made me realize how good I have it now and reassured me that is NOT how I want to spend my life. It also prepared us financially for me to stay at home so that we hopefully wouldn't have to worry about money for awhile... Not to mention that health insurance that has certainly come in handy the last couple of months.... but anyway... I almost feel guilty that my life is so much less stressful now. It's almost hard to remember what it was like to not be stressed out... I almost feel bad that while Josh is working hard, I am running around with Hannah having tons of fun. Of course, I still have all of the cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. to do and someone has to take care of Hannah, but I guess I just feel so blessed that it is ME!! Ahh... life is good :)

Leaving Hannah for the First Time

Family Picture at Grandma and Grandpa Gurtler's house after the game

All the "kids" at the Gurtler's House (Josh's brother Tristan, step-sister Bridget, step brother Miles, brother Jordan, future sister-in-law Courtney, Josh, Stephanie, & Hannah)

"Aunt" Courtney holding Hannah at the game

Grandpa Gurtler on the big screen receiving his award during halftime

Josh and I at the stadium for Bob's banquet

Hannah on Halloween

Hannah in her pumpkin outfit with Grandpa Gurtler

On Friday night, I left Hannah for the first time (since the NICU). Josh's step-dad was receiving a big award at the U of I and we all went to a banquet to honor him. All of Josh's brothers and sisters were together for the first time since Cancun two years ago. We really debated whether or not we should take Hannah and really didn't decide not to take her until that afternoon. I was just worried that the dinner and speakers would drag on too long for her and that she may disturb people. As it turned out, she probably could have gone and been fine, but we just didn't know. I cried when I left her, even though I knew she would be fine. My parents said she didn't cry at all in the four hours we were gone. Sounds like she did better that I did.... the speaker at the banquet was apparantly very funny but I just pretended to laugh because I couldn't concentrate on what he was saying. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be leaving her any time soon...