Ringing in the New Year

So the previous post was nothing but pictures from our time in Ohio, but here is the update. :) Dustin, Lyla and Ellen all took a much needed two week vacation and spent pretty much of all of it in Ohio with Ellen's parents and sister. There weren't a lot of activities, just lots of hanging out and resting for Ellen and Dustin. Grammy and Pa wanted Lyla all to themselves and had her sleepover in their room the first week of vacation (Ellen and Dustin didn't complain to much about that offer!). Auntie Em found she is quite the baby whisperer, calming a fussy Lyla right into sleep with her patented bouncing move. Emma also gave Ellen some serious props on her arm muscles for being able to hold Lyla for so long at a time - thank you Emma! Grammy, Pa, and Auntie Em even babysat so Ellen and Dustin could have their first two dates alone since Miss Lyla was born. We're so blessed to have great extended families on both sides - we love you all!

Christmas was quite eventful. Even though Lyla probably had no idea what was going on, we did get her in on the action by having her grab loose ends of wrapping paper and pulling. Christmas was definitely much more special with Lyla in our lives, and it makes us think more about the birth of the Savior and the real reason for Christmas. We are so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy baby girl in our lives and we treasure being able to watch her grow and develop right before our eyes.

In other news, Lyla is making BIG progress! During the Ohio trip, Lyla learned how to reach and grab for objects out in front of her face. Lyla is now learning the taste of various stuffed animals, rattles, and pretty much anything else you put in front of her face. ;) Also, Lyla has become much more of a social smiler, smiling more often when she sees you and when you smile at her. This makes dealing with the crying a lot easier when you get a smile in the end! Lyla even laughed for the first time! She has only done this a few times, and ONLY for Auntie Em. We unfortunately have not been able to replicate this, but hope she starts giggling all the time sometime soon! Lyla also has decided she doesn't totally hate tummy time anymore. She still doesn't like it, but we consistently can squeeze 10 minutes out of her. She can now lift herself a LOT higher than she used to and posts up from her hands. She rolled over twice this past Sunday, but not doing anything too consistently yet on that front. :)

We now find ourselves back in Connecticut and dealing with the realities of Dustin going back to work and Ellen and Lyla spending most of the days alone together. We sure miss ALL family members, and can't wait to see some family again soon!