Meeting Some of Daddy's Side

Eleanore, you haven't been introduced to the whole Piciulo side of the family yet; that'll happen this summer in the Adirondacks.  But you were able to meet some very special people.  You connected with your Great Nana right away as she made funny faces and noises that got your attention.

I'm surprised you've got any cheeks left since Great Aunt Amy has been threatening to chew them off for months now.  :o)  The whole Tangelder family was so excited to finally meet you.  Lauren and Natalie did a great job holding you, and you really enjoyed making the same faces they did.

As always, you were very content whenever you were in Ga's arms, falling asleep immediately.  You met a few very special family friends too: your daddy's best friend and hiking buddy Tom, and your Nona's good friend Rosemary.  You were a hit no matter who's arms you were in!

4 Generations (Piciulo Side)

We were able to spend some time over at Nona (or Mimi, or whatever you decide to call her!) and Ga's house too.  You were able to meet your Great Nana.

Here is another "Four Generations" picture of you, your daddy, Nona and Great Nana.  How amazing it was to have all four under one roof!

Stocking Stuffer

I couldn't pass up this picture!  Your Grandma made you a stocking, Eleanore, that was big enough to fit YOU inside of it!  So, naturally, that's exactly what we did.  :o)

Merry Christmas to you!

Meeting Your Briggs Aunts & Uncles

Eleanore, we have been VERY busy these past few weeks.  You had your first road trip up to Michigan to meet the Briggs side of the family.  Everyone was anxious to see you.  You weren't too happy for the first four hours of the trip (and therefore either were we), but the rest of the ride was pretty smooth sailing. 
Uncle Lucas got to Grandma and Grandpa's right when we did and you loved him already, although I think his facial hair gave you a little scare at first.  I think it may have been the antlers he was wearing too...(not pictured).

But once you realized that you both have the same pajamas, you two got along great.

(Future) Aunt Dayna was very excited to meet you too.  She pretty much ignored the rest of us and went straight to you when she got there.  I don't blame her though!

Then Uncle Nate and Aunt Siah came into the picture.  Unfortunately Aunt Siah was sick, so she didn't get to spend much time with you.  Uncle Nathan took advantage though!  He's obviously a pro with babies already, you two were an instant hit with one another.   I know you're looking forward to Utah in March when you get to visit with them again, and get to know your Aunt Siah a little better.  :o)

Your First Christmas

Well, for being less than three months old and not even really aware of what's going on, I'd say you made out like a bandit this Christmas!  Santa filled your huge stocking with lots of goodies for you to play with and chew on.  You even got your very own cradle and doll, and a puzzle of your name.  Lots of cute outfits are waiting to be worn too.

 You got to spend time with Daddy next to the Christmas tree and you even saw your first snowfall in Michigan!

I'm not sure you liked the snowball that Daddy put into your hand though...Uncle Nathan captured your expressions perfectly.  :o)

 Grandma and Grandpa were happy to have everyone under their roof.  If you can tell by the pictures, Grandma held you as often as she could!

Even though you slept through most of the extended Briggs family Christmas, you were still greeted with lots of love and smiles.  You even got to say hello to your new 2nd cousin Bennett (via Great Aunt Mart's sweatshirt) and your soon-to-be 2nd cousin Baby Grunder (still in Melissa's belly).  All in all, I'd say the 14 hour drive, though long, was well worth it.  :o)

4 Generations (Briggs Side)

Well Eleanore, you were finally introduced to your extended Briggs family at Christmas this year.  You actually slept through most of the introductions, so unfortunately I don't have many pictures.  We did, however, manage to get this very special picture:

This shows you meeting your G.G. and Great Grandpa Briggs.  Grandpa is in there too since they are his parents.  With you and I, that makes four generations of Briggs!  What a special Christmas treat.  :o)

Two Months Old!

What???  I can't believe you're already 2 months old!  You turned two months on your Grandpa's birthday.  :o)  What has changed in the last 62 days?  Let's see...

• You are spending a lot more time awake, taking in your surroundings.
• You make eye-contact a lot, studying our facial expressions and watching our mouths as we talk, laugh, and eat.
• Your cry now varies depending on what you want or need.
• You smile more often and even giggle now and then.
• You're just beginning to coo, talking to Mama during the day.
• You're enjoying bath time instead of screaming through it.
• I'm finally starting to notice a pattern in your sleep and awake times...thank goodness!

I tried to capture a smile to share...here are my best efforts:

Okay, not a smile, but too cute to pass up!

Two Months Old