Christmas with Aryn

Aryn's first Christmas was amazing. I couldn't have asked for any better - except that she be awake!!

Aryn turned 3 months on December 14 and it seemed to be in the middle of some sort of major development - and therefore from then until the 22nd, she was a real pill. She cried all the time, woke up countless times during the night, I could never make her happy, and all the while this was all happening during my work deadline so in between cries I was trying to call people back and send out work emails, etc. In short: I was at the end of my leash. There were tears and frustrated walk-outs and angry voices at God saying "WHY?!?!?!?!"

Then we had to go to Ryan's family's farm for Christmas. We left on Wednesday the 22nd and I gotta tell you: I was nervous. I didn't even want to go. I didn't want her crying all the time and everyone say to me "man, she cries a lot" because then I'd feel bad that they thought that about my beautiful daughter when I know there's more to her. I didn't want anyone to think she was anything other than perfection.

So we left in the morning right at the time of her first nap. She slept most of the way, with 2 wake-up cries that were quickly soothed with the insertion of that life-saver soother.

On that drive to the farm, something changed. For the next 4 days, Aryn was awesome. Smiles, coos, giggles, happy kicks, and instead of eating ever 2 hours, she ate every 3-4. I felt like a new woman. Oh and night sleep.... she slept AWESOME. In bed at about 8:30pm, up once at night to eat, and sleep again until 8:30am. On Christmas morning she slept until 9:30am (and incidentally missed present time!!)

It was awesome. I fell even more in love with Aryn during those 4 days than I ever thought possible. She.Was.Amazing.

Aryn, THANK YOU. You made this Christmas the best Christmas yet. I loved watching you get spoiled with books, Christmas ornaments, clothes, toys, and a few other things that I loved seeing you get. You are just so loved. I'm so happy to have you in my life and I can't wait for a million other Christmas' with you!

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In early December, my good friend Tiffany Matson of Tiffany Jade Photography took some photos of my baby girl in exchange for some infant clothing for Swaddle Share and they turned out amazingly. If you are in the Calgary area and need a photographer for weddings, pregnancy photos, baby photos or family photos, USE HER. She was amazing and here is some proof of how amazing she is!!!

Thanks Tiff!!!! <3