Firsts

My heart aches for the tragedy that has taken place in Connecticut.  So many lives shattered and broken.  I can't help but wonder what those parents and loved ones are going through right now.  It has made me realize just how lucky I am to have my sweet baby on earth with me.  I  have even come to cherish those late night feedings.  Any chance I can, I am holding her and looking into those sweet innocent eyes.  

I know she is only one month old, but it makes me kind of sad to think how fast she is growing.  She has been experiencing a lot of firsts lately.  It is so much fun being her mom and going through each moment with her.

She has become accustomed to her new elephant binky.

Her little neck is getting so strong.

She loves tummy time.

She even lets me dress her up and pretend I am a photographer on my phone.

She got to play baby Jesus at a Christmas party, red bow and all.

She smiles for me, when I talk to her.

She got to meet Santa for the first time.

She has now grown out of her newborn diapers...... tear.

She went to church for the first time today.

I experienced my first time using the mothers lounge....

I am loving every second of motherhood.  I have never been happier.  My heart is full, especially at this time of year.  I am so grateful for a loving Savior and the Atonement that can heal broken hearts.  Being Penelope's mom is the greatest gift I could ever ask for this Christmas season.  I pray for those who lost loved ones and may each of us hold our loved ones a little closer and cherish each moment we have with them.

Penelope's Name

You may wonder where we got the name Penelope Betty from.  

Penelope was named after her Great Grandma Betty Jane Cleveland.  

I knew from the moment I met grandma Betty that there was something special about her.

I fell instantly in love with her name and her spirit.

She radiates with love and kindness and is a true disciple of Christ.

How could I not want to name my daughter after her?

I have such a special place in my heart for Grandma Betty. 

She is so sincere in all aspects of her life.

One of my favorite things that she says is, "I love you with all my heart."

She is so special and I wanted Penelope to always carry a piece of her within herself.

**********

As far as the name Penelope goes, Tyson and I had the hardest time agreeing upon a name.  There were plenty of names that I loved, Tyson not so much.  

We were driving down Parleys Canyon as I was going through P names in my head.  Penelope popped into my head.  I was nervous to spout it out, in fear that Tyson would shut it down.  I asked Tyson what he thought and much to my surprise he liked the name.

From then on it stuck Penelope Betty Parker!

Baby Essentials

I have a couple of friends who are prego and thought it would be fun to make a baby essential post for them.  I wouldn't call myself a baby expert by any means, but I will tell you, these baby products have been such a huge help to me and Penelope.  

I was so happy when I found the most darling site for adorable headbands and bows for little girlies. Lou and Lee makes the perfect sized accessories to adorn any little ones head.  

The Mamaroo has allowed me to get things done around the house and take a shower everyday.  Penelope loves the ride it takes her on.  You can even plug your ipod into it to play music.  It has lots of different settings and sounds.  Don't know what I would do without my Mamaroo.

I have to use my Boppy when I nurse.  This thing has saved my back.  I honestly don't know how people nurse without it.  I found a cute cover for it at Pottery Barn Kids.

Along with breast feeding, comes pumping.  Oh what a joy.  My Madela Pump in Style has made pumping a quick and easy job.  

aden + anais make the softest most wonderful swaddling blankets.  They have so many cute and colorful styles to pick from.  You can't have enough of these laying around the house.  

aden + anais also make the perfect burpy bib, which doubles as a burp cloth and bib.  Again, it is so soft and is the perfect size to save your clothes from all of that good stuff that comes out of baby's mouth.

Tyson and I are equally obsessed with our BOB Revolution SE Stroller.  It glides like no other and is so easy to take in and out of the car.  The car seat easily pops in and out as well.  I can't wait for these next two weeks to past, so I can take this bad boy out for a jog.

We have tried out almost every brand of diapers and have found the Pampers Swaddlers do not disappoint.  The others left for a big mess, if you know what I mean.

Little Giraffe makes the softest most silky baby blankets.  My niece carries hers around everywhere to this day.

My mom used a similar Sheepskin Rug on us kids when we were younger.  It is the perfect little mat to lay your baby on when they get out of the bath.  It also makes for some cute photos.  

Solly makes the cutest baby carriers.  This is nice when you don't want to lug around the car seat or the stroller or just want your baby close with having your hands free. 

Boon makes the neatest baby things.  I especially love their highchairs.  They have wheels that allow you to move it around the kitchen, can slide up and down, and are easy to clean.

I love my Lawn countertop drying rack.  It is a great way to dry all of Penelope's bottles.  They also have really cute accessories that go along with it.

Pottery Barn  has a great variety of crib sheets and bumpers.  I love what they have added to her nursery.

Carousel Designs has so many options to pick from for changing pad covers. 

And last but not least I couldn't live without my Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag.  You can carry it either as a backpack or a regular bag.  It also has a pull out changing pad, that has come in handy many times. 

Tyson and I bought a few things every month, while I was pregnant so that it wasn't a killer purchase at the nine month mark.  I love all my baby essentials and have had so much fun shopping for them.  Let me know if there is something you can't live without.

1 Month

Dear Penelope~

I cannot believe you are one month old.  Where has the time gone?  Your dad and I have enjoyed having you in our home so much.  Words cannot fully express how much you have changed us for the better.  You fill our home with such a sweet spirit.  You have already taught me so many things.  I am learning more fully how to have patience, time management skills, and how to love in a way I never thought possible.  

You have become such a good nurser these past few weeks.  We never thought this day would come.  You are getting chubbier by the second.  You have the cutest rolls I have ever seen.  Your smile lights up the room.  It seriously goes from ear to ear.  Your mom and dad continually smoother you with kisses, who could blame us.  You have almost grown out of your newborn diapers.  Please stop growing.  It takes you a while to latch onto your binky, but once you do you love that thing.  We laugh at night hearing you go to town on it.  When you don't have your binky you are trying to suck on your fist or arm, it's hilarious.  Bath time is one of your favorite times of the day.  You must get that from your mom.  You love laying in your Mamaroo, but not as much as you love being held.  You love to sleep with your hands by your face. You still sleep constantly.  You are only awake a few minutes of the day.  The cutest sounds come out of your mouth.  Mom calls you her little bug, butterball, or birdie.  Dad calls you his little angel.  

We can't get enough of you.  We love you to the moon and back baby bird!

Love,

Your mama and papa

Holiday Happenings

I have been having so much fun around these neck of the woods lately.  I have Christmas music constantly playing, whether it is on my phone or in my car... Thank you Pandora for the Carpenter's Christmas Station.  

Tyson has been busy putting up Christmas lights, not only on our house but three others.  He is getting mighty quick and might have found himself a new side job.

I love pulling into my driveway seeing my house lit and filled with Christmas cheer.

I love sitting in my living room admiring our Christmas tree and mantel.  The fire is constantly burning and Christmas candles lit. 

Pulling out the decorations has to be one of my favorite things to do all year.  I love reminiscing about each decoration and the memories that go along with them.  One of my favorites, is our nativity scene from Russia.  Tyson picked it up while on his mission.

One of my favorite traditions that Tyson and I have is driving down Candy Cane Lane.  It was so much this year being able to take Penelope with us.  We were also able to steal Gigi away from the breeder for a couple hours, to enjoy in the fun.

We first stop by In n Out and order milk shakes and fries, it's the perfect combination.

Another highlight of the holidays, is the variety of goodness at Trader Joe's.  I could eat the Candy Cane Joe-Joe's by the box full.  The Sea Salt Caramels are also another guilty pleasure of mine.

And who can beat Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate?

I am still looking forward to the annual Ugly Sweater Party, decorating sugar cookies, driving down Christmas Tree Lane and the white elephant gift exchange.

Tis the Season!