Bedtime Prayers

Every night after reading some books, I say a bedtime prayer to Maizie. Lately, after starting the prayer she responds, "No mommy." So I thought I would try a new spin on bedtime prayer. I told her why we pray and that we should thank God for people and things we are grateful for. I asked her what she wanted to thank God for and she responded, "Pau." Translation: Her Godfather Paul. How cute is that?! The next night we thanked God for each immediate and extended family member. I then asked her what else she was thankful for. Her response was "cake!" I asked her if there was anything else and she said, "cookies!" I thought it was cute and classic two-year-old answers.

Livia's Baptism

Livia was baptized on 12.27.09. Below are some pictures from her celebration into the church community.

Me and Patrick with Livia's godparents Ryan & Beth.

Grandpa & Grandma Jennissen with our family.

Grandma & Grandpa Felling with our family.

Another "First" Christmas

Christmas 2008 was Maizlyn's first Christmas and Christmas 2009 brought another first Christmas for Livia and her cousin Graham. What a wonderful year and awesome Thanksgiving & Christmas we were blessed with. 2008 and 2009 were two of my favorite years. I love my life journey and look forward to growing older with my wonderful husband and beautiful daughters! Liv slept much of her first Christmas. Nothing is more peaceful than watching a sleeping baby...especially when it is your own. We are so blessed.

Opening gifts at Jennissen family Christmas.

Maizie & Papa Jennissen getting ready to go outside and play.

Grandma Felling relaxing on Christmas Day with her second grandchild.

Papa Felling & Maizie reading books.

Family Picture on Christmas Day. Needless to say, Maizie wasn't up for posing for this picture. Come to think of it, I don't think Patrick was too excited either. Oh well, he'll enjoy looking back at how much hair he had that day. ;-)

Apparently, she'd rather pose by herself!

Graham & Livia chilling together on their first Christmas Eve.

Maizie opening up her toy kitchen set from Santa Christmas morning.

Patrick & Maizie went sledding on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve as a child/teen, my family would go skiing, sledding or do something fun together and Pat's family would play cards & do generic gifts. We hope to do a combination of our traditions.

Maizlyn and I made Christmas cookie cut-outs together. We had fun and I hope it becomes another tradition!

Proud Big Sister

Maizlyn has been a good big sister. She doesn't mess with Livie too much. She'll often go over to her (unprompted) and give her a kiss on the lips or forehead. It's so sweet! She's also a good helper -- getting me a diaper or rattle for Liv. Yesterday she put a bunch of small stuffed animals and rattles in Liv's crib. I had to laugh & take a picture, which I posted below. I also posted a couple snapsots of their first days and weeks together.






11.26.2009 - Maizie had just finished taking a bath and we couldn't help but take a picture of the two side-by-side. It was pretty sweet as they just studied each other for awhile.

12.12.2009 - Miss M giving Liv a kiss...this one was prompted. ;-)

12.12.2009 - Checking each other out on a Saturday morning.

11.28.2009 - The first of many sister pictures.