Lucy Earns Her Wings

Lucy took her first flight on our trip down to Arizona to visit her Grandma and Grandpa Koberg.  Before the flight, I received lots of great advice from friends about how to fly with children. I was feeling pretty confident that things were going to go well.  Lucy afterall, is a very relaxed and happy baby. She does exceptionally well in restaurants, church and other busy situations.  Boy, were we in for a surprise. 

Paul had a first class seat so Lucy and mommy sat back in coach.  Our seat was moved at the last minute to a middle seat between two men.  This was a problem because I had planned to nurse her during take off and landing, but could not do this with two men on either side!  Her dad had offered to come back and join us back in coach but being stubborn, I insisted that he enjoy his first class seat. Well about 20 minutes into the flight, I was certainly regretting that decision!  We took off at 7pm which was Lucy's bedtime.  We thought this would be great because she would fall right asleep. Unfortunately, Lucy couldnt get comfortable. Instead of sleeping, she became overly tired and very upset.  Lucy cried for about 1 1/2 of the 2 1/2 hour flight.  We had to nurse in the bathroom, and stood at the back of the plane trying to get Lucy to calm down. The men we were seated next to were very nice about the situation even though I am sure they were frustrated.  I had offered to buy them a drink but then realized that Paul had my purse up in first class.  They insisted that they wouldnt have let me buy anyways, and even offered to buy me a drink!  Finally, we landed at 11:30pm and were just thankful that we didnt have to get back on the plane for another week.

A week later, I was pretty nervous for the trip home. Fortunately, this flight went much better!  Paul was sitting with us back in coach, and Lucy enjoyed sleeping in his nice long legs.  She slept most of the flight home and woke only once to surprise us with a blowout diaper.  While this resulted in a wardrobe change at the back of the plane, all in all the flight was a success.  Now we will have to see how she does on her next flight to Hawaii for Thanksgiving!

Lucy Laughs

 

The holidays have passed and Lucy and I have been enjoying some downtime at home. Life was busy in December and we decided to spend some days at home just playing and trying out some new toys like her exer-saucer and bumbo. I was feeling kind of silly and gave Lucy a brzrt as my family calls them, and Lucy began to laugh out loud. At first I thought she was going to cry. She started to make some grunting noises and then she smiled. It was this amazing belly laugh that I couldnt believe I was hearing! Truly one of the best sounds a mother can ever hear! She is growing so fast, and it is great to see her personality begin to develop.

 

 

 

 

Who is this toddler in my 4 month old's pack n play?!

Lucy gets baptized

 

Today was a very special day. Lucy was baptized at First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue. She was surrounded by all of her loving family including Grandma and Grandpa Koberg, Grammy and Grandad Hiemstra, Uncle Matt and Aunt Kristina, Aunty Rebekah, Aunty Leah, Cousin Gavin and Andrew, Aunty Sarah and Uncle Chad and cousins Oliver, Avery and Elliott. In addition, Laura and Isabella Quartiello and Anne Sand were in attendance. 

 

 

 

Right before the ceremony, we lost Lucy's binkie and were a bit panicked going up in front of the congregation without anything to soothe Lucy if she got upset.  Fortunately,  Lucy stayed calm even when she was handed to the pastor.  She did let out a few little squaks just to let everyone know she was there, but overall she did great. After being baptized Lucy fell asleep in her Uncle Matt's arms for most of the service.  We selected a bible verse that Paul read during her baptism service. It was Mathew 5:14-16

 

 

After Church all of the family came over for brunch at our house. Lucy received many special gifts from her family.  It was a very special day and we felt very loved.  

Christmas Eve

 

Lucy had a very busy schedule today.  Christmas Eve is always the beginning of two days of shuffling between the Hiemstra's and the Koberg's.  This year the family headed to Eastside Four Square church to watch Lucy's cousin Oliver in the church nativity scene.  Her auntie Mary was in town from San Francisco.  She and auntie Rebekah were very excited to see Lucy and took turns holding her throughout the service. The music was loud but Lucy ever the calm baby sat throught he service without a fuss.  Other's commented on what a "chill" baby she is. 

 

 

 

After church, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Koberg's for the big Christmas Eve party.  Everyone wanted to take a turn holding Lucy.  She is always so happy to be held and moves from person to person with ease.  We have been blessed with a very well adjusted and laid back baby! 

 

 

PEPS Christmas Party

 

Lucy attended her first Christmas party with her friends from the PEPS group.  She showed off by rolling over from her stomach onto her back. 

 

 

Lucy and the adorable Drew's

Baxter and Lucy enjoyed some downtime after the party

 

 

Lucy visits Molbaks

 

Today we visited Molbaks in Woodinville with Grandma Koberg.  Molbaks is that beautiful place filled with all the things you don't need but can't live without. During the holidays it is a special place to be.  After taking dozen's of photos in front of the poinsettia tree, bear display, sled display, etc. we spent at least an hour picking out a poinsettia for our house.  Who knew there were so many different types of poinsettia plants! 

 

 

Picture time was fun.  There were lots of friendly people volunteering to take pictures of us, and commented on Lucy's adorable outfit.  Lucy is not short of compliments these days, and her Grandma is very proud to be seen with her :-)

We went to Molbaks back in August when I was pregnant with Lucy and seem to have made a tradition of having lunch at Molbaks, shopping around and then heading across the street to the Hannah Anderson outlet to pick out some cute clothes for miss Lucy.


 

Lucy's first visit to see Santa!

 

Today we got Lucy dressed up to meet Santa for the first time.  We headed to Bellevue Square for the big event and then had dinner at Red Robin after.  One of those days that makes you realize you really are a parent!  Lucy did well with Santa.  She didn't seem very interested in the big guy with a beard.  Next year we are expecting some tears :-)