First Christmas

My first Christmas was filled with meeting my wonderful family and with lots of fun activities.  After meeting Papa in Houston, we drove up to Oklahoma to meet my Sperling side of the family.  Once there I was excited to meet my Grandpa, my Uncle Andy and Aunt Jackie, and my cousins Kate and Evan.  We had a fun week together playing, being held, and getting snuggled.  

I even went to the Rhema Christmas lights.  Can't you see me there under that bundle of blanket? 

 I took my baths in Grandma's big kitchen sink just like my brother did!

I went to my first Christmas Eve candle light service and slept through the whole thing on Grandpa's lap.  Jacob slept on Grandma's lap as well.

After the Christmas service we went home and I had my first cousin's pj picture.  The boys were not as cooperative as us girls.  I also entertained people by making balloons stick to my head.  Christmas morning was so exciting I decided to sleep through all the present opening madness.  I guess my theme for my first Christmas is sleeping!

I had a wonderful first Christmas celebrating in Oklahoma with my Sperling family.  I'm so happy I was finally able to meet everyone.  Can't wait till we get to see them all again.  Now it was time to head back to Houston to meet the rest of my Gilbert (Wallace) family.  

Meeting Santa- For Real

I know I met Santa at the English tea but lets be honest, that wasn't the REAL Santa.  His beard was way too fake and he just didn't have that jolly feeling.  So we went to see the real Santa while we were in Oklahoma.  He was at the Bass Pro Shop that's really close to my Uncle Andy and Aunt Jackie's house.  Unfortunately, my cousin was sick so they decided not to join us for meeting Santa but we did get to see them later in the day.  Once again, I slept through most of the process but look how cute my outfit is!!

First Trip to USA

My first long airplane ride and trip to the USA was on December 16 at 6 weeks old.  We boarded the plane at 7:30 am Doha time.  My day was essentially the same as any other day.  When I wanted to be held, Mommy held me.  When it was time to eat I was fed and when I wanted to sleep, I slept.  I don’t know what all the fuss is about this airplane stuff.  After 17 hours on the plane we finally landed in the USA for my first time on US soil.  We made it through customs easily and had the bags and then it was time to see Nana!  I was so excited to see my Nana again.  Then we headed to Nana and Papa’s house, which is only about 15-20 minutes from the airport. 

Waiting in the airport

On the plane

Once at Nana and Papa's house, I patiently awaited the arrival my Papa.  This was my first time to get to meet him.  Since we were so jet-lagged, Mommy didn't take enough pictures.  However, I did get lots of snuggles in with Papa that night while Mommy and Daddy took care of stuff. 

I spent just a few days in Houston trying to get used to the USA and get over jet-lag before we made the 8.5 hour drive up to Oklahoma to start our Christmas festivities.  

Proper Tea

In early December, I experienced my first "proper tea". The tea was at the St. Regis Doha.  I spent most of my time at the tea hanging out with my friend Cora and watching my brother play with his friend Tilly. It was also my first time to meet Santa!

Month 1

My first month of life outside of Mom has just flown by.  It's tough getting adjusted to this world but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Unfortunately the doctor doesn't think I've been gaining quite enough weight so we are going to have to work on the eating thing for a while.  Here are my 1 month stats:

- weighed in at 7lbs 10 oz. so as I said before, I'm having to concentrate on my eating skills
- 21.5" long - I've gained .5" since birth.  Mom and Dad weren't really too sure about my birth measurement so it's hard to have an opinion about this
- I eat about 3 oz.  It's hard to really tell since most of the time I'm nursing off of Mom but when I do take a bottle it's 2-3 oz.
- During the day I still eat, maybe have some wake time, then sleep. I eat about every 2 hours. In the evenings I like to cluster feed and eat almost every hour to hour and half. 
- I typically go to bed around 11pm and then sleep until around 4. Then I take a bottle and sleep until about 7:30.
- This first month Grandma or Nana have been giving me my middle of the night bottle allowing Mommy to get some solid sleep time.
- I really mostly enjoy diaper changes and baths! Mom doesn't know what to think about this since my brother hated them so much. 
- I tend to fall asleep during tummy time.  I think once they will let me, I'm going to sleep on my tummy. 
- I was able to celebrate my first Thanksgiving. 
- I have played with my brother, been to parks, gone to church, eaten at fun restaurants, and met lots of new friends.
- We are still waiting on my passport but are hoping it arrives soon

This whole month I have been one spoiled lucky girl having tons of people around to hold me and cuddle me.  Sadly, Grandma left right before my 1 month birthday but I still had Nana for a couple more weeks.  I also have a great big brother who loves to hold me and show me all my toys.  I love to lay on my jungle gym mat while Jacob shows me everything it can do. I'd say we've had a pretty good first month.