Hello Pittsburgh Hello!!

For those of you who have not seen That Thing You Do, just ignore the title. And to those of you who have...you're welcome for getting that little phrase stuck in your head.

It's a winter wonderland here in the Burgh and I love it. I'm planning on bundling Mariah up and taking pictures of her in the fresh snow right after she gets up from her nap. She's going to love it...or at least thats what I'm hoping for.

We had a wonderful Christmas thanks to Tanner's parents. The last few years they have started a new tradition of Shepherds' night on Christmas Eve. A family from their ward came with their four children and two of our Church's missionaries came as well. We ate a meal on the floor similar to one the shepherds may have had. We then had a little program that was so wonderful.

Yep, thats right folks, I was the Angel bringing "glad tidings". It was a lot of fun to see the surprised looks on the kids faces when I walked out. Everything is better with children, thats a fact. It was such a great way to prepare for Christmas and remember the birth of the Savior.

On Christmas morning we gave a gift to the Savior before opening our own gifts (Thats how Tanner's mom puts it and I just love that!) . We went to a Retirement Home and sang carols to the residents. I had a blast visiting with all the wonderful people there and Mariah was the girl of the hour. No surprise there. She was ooohed and aaaahed enough to last her the rest of her life.

The only half-decent picture we were able to get there. Our fancy camera couldn't handle the lighting.

We then went home and opened our gifts. I actually took some pictures! I'm pretty proud of myself.

Mariah was a little confused with the present opening, but she didn't mind chewing on the wrapping paper. It was a wonderful Christmas!

A Little Christmas Cheer

There's snow in Kirksville! Everyone kept telling me that it snowed a lot here but I didn't believe them. I'm used to snow by Halloween after living in the mountains of Nevada and the polar ice-cap known as Rexburg, Idaho. But it has finally snowed, and it's a good amount and still going strong. Sorry Kirksville, I believe you now.

Pictures, just in case there are other doubters out there.

Mariah and I are going to camp out at home today. No use trying to brave the blizzard with an 8 month old; at least thats my excuse. I may even stay in my pajamas all day. Not that I need an excuse like a blizzard to do that...

This last weekend we made a quick trip to Salt Lake City for my little sister Brittany's wedding. It was exhausting, and way too short. But I'm so glad we went. The sealing was wonderful, Brittany was beautiful, Mike was dashing and I'm just so happy for them! I love my family.

Mariah got some early Christmas presents from Grandma and Grandpa Young. Perfect timing with this winter storm.

I would never have the confidence to wear animal print and frankly I wouldn't be caught dead in a fluffy, pink jacket bedazzled with sequins (sorry mom). But that is why you have baby girls people! Baby girls rock all those clothes you could not or would not ever wear. It's just wonderful. As you can see from the pictures the hoods really stress her out. And yes, I do make my bed occasionally. It just never seems to be made for pictures. I know, very odd.

Tanner and I have been using a website for our scripture study. It is the 25daysofChrist.com. Tanner's mom suggested it and it has been wonderful. Each night we study a story of the Savior and there is usually a video to go along with it. It has helped me to focus on what Christmas is really all about and I'm grateful for that. So in that spirit, here is a wonderful video. Enjoy!

Eight Months!!

Mom: Another month! I can't believe it!

Mariah: Yeah, it's been a good one.

Mom: What have you been up to this last month?

Mariah: Well, I got to spend a few days with Grandpa and Grandma Crossley which was so fun! I really love those people. I loved Thanksgiving break because of all of the attention I got. Plus I got to spend a whole week with daddy home! I was in heaven. No offense mom, but it gets kind of boring with just you and I in the house.

Mom: None taken. What really makes you happy Mariah?

Mariah: Well I just love other people! Whenever someone walks into our house I just squeal with excitement. I especially love other babies like me. I jabber to them but they usually just stare at me.

This is my good friend Ella. We like to play together. 

Mom: Some people just can't seem to handle your enthusiasm for life, they'll get used to it.

Mariah: I also love to smile at everyone in the grocery store. I think I have a fan club there.

Mom: You're pretty popular. What else makes you happy?

Mariah: For a while I just loved to squint my eyes. I did it when I was smiling or crying. I seem to have gotten over that though. I love when you come get me out of the crib in the morning and after naps. I get so excited I can barely handle myself. I love to give you big, wet, open-mouthed kisses too. It's just my way of showing how much I love you. I like to give daddy kisses too, but I'm not sure how to handle his prickly face. I also love to claw at your face but you don't seem to like that little trick.

Mom: I'm hoping you get out of that phase soon. How is the eating situation?

Mariah: I love when you blend up whatever you and daddy are eating for me to eat! I feel like such a big girl. You even can sneak some avocado in with other foods sometimes. I'm learning my pincer grasp and have gotten pretty good at picking things up off my tray. I'm getting better at putting the food into my mouth but most just ends up in my lap. I love to rub whatever I'm eating all over my face. You seem to really love it too.

Mom: Well it isn't my favorite...but you could do worse things. Do you move around much?

Mariah: I'm rolling all over the place and I don't mind being on my stomach anymore. I even sleep on my stomach sometimes. I haven't really tried crawling yet, I'm lacking the motivation in that department. So when I get bored with rolling I just cry until you come get me. With a mom like you why would any baby learn to crawl?

Mom: I guess you have a point. How have you been sleeping?

Mariah: I haven't really changed much with my sleeping habits. I still wake up 2-3 times a night to nurse. I know I probably don't really need to do that but I just get so lonely in my crib. And you love the special 2:00 am bonding times don't you?

Mom: Probably less than you think. So you're quite the talker aren't you?

Mariah: Oh I'm always chatting it up. I love experimenting with new sounds. My favorite one to do right now is growling. I even try to babble in a low gravelly voice. It just sounds so cool. I also still like to scream as high as I can.

Mom: I don't know where you learned to talk so much...you must get that from your dad. What is one of your favorite things to do each day?

Mariah: Bath time! I just love to kick my legs as hard as I can and see how wet I can get you. I also try to take drinks out of the tub but I'm not very good at it so if I do it without you catching me I end up choking and coughing for a while. You don't like that very much. When you get me out and try to get me dressed I just cry and cry because I'm so sad that bath time is over. But then you read me a story and I feel happier.

Mom: Have you learned any words?

Mariah: I don't know if it's a word, but I like to say "mom" when I'm feeling sad and you get so excited. I don't really know why; I just like to babble.

Mom: Well you are just my favorite and I can't believe how big you are getting! You are such a sweet, special girl Mariah Jeanne and I love you!

Mariah: Love you too mom.