Getting Ready for Christmas

 Yes this post was supposed to be published before Christmas.

Our little family will soon be with wonderful family for Christmas. We're so grateful for the life and Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lisi feels the same way. But, she also loves lights. Here's Lisi right after she saw our Christmas tree for the very first time:

Thanksgiving

My dad came out to see us (Lisi) for Thanksgiving. Despite Lisi's first really bad cold, long nights, and cold weather, we pulled together a pretty nice meal.

 And Grandpa Mike had a special touch with his first granddaughter, even when she was miserable from her cold.

He also had a special talent for eliciting poop explosions, but I didn't ever get a photo of that.

Nerdiness

Maybe it's because Maren's always been a nerd at heart, or maybe I'm just rubbing off on her.

But the other day (as in about a month ago) after Lisi's bath, Maren said, "Dave, look. She looks like the chubby guy from Star Wars with a monster."

That's right, the Rancor keeper from Jabba's palace.

So proud.

Breaking News! Lisi's First Laugh!

Lisi's had a lost of firsts this weekend, and I was blessed to be here when they happened. First notice of her hands. First night with enough arm control to spend it sucking her hand. First really good day of naps.

But this evening takes the cake. As Maren was breaking down some packages from Grammy that had contained Lisi's Christmas presents, Lisi started to giggle. Maren and I both looked at each other in joyous disbelief. Then we enjoyed her second giggle with tear (or two) of happiness. We rushed for a camera to document the third. Sorry you didn't get to be surprised by her first giggle, but here, preserved for all time, is Lisi's third laughing fit.

You're welcome. You'll notice that Lisi doesn't find our laughs funny. Just the destruction of boxes. She's also close to tears by the end. Whatever it takes.

Catching Up and Growing Strong

Lisi is growing up! It's so crazy to remember when our little girl was a sleepy newborn slug:

And now she's a big (ish) baby of almost 3 months! One thing that hasn't changed is her famous little cockatoo hair!

And since we've neglected giving very many updates over the past few weeks, here's a video I took this afternoon to get me through another week away from my girls. Hope it gets you through a few Lisi-less moments of your own.

My little girl is a hard worker!