Christmas 2008

Coral’s First Christmas!

OK, at nine months old, she didn’t have a clue as to what was going on but she had a big first Christmas regardless … like that was a surprise! LOL With five grandparents and two great grandparents, what else would you expect?

Toys were the “gift du jour,” but cute clothes were a big item along with a box of money from her grandma. My biggie to her was a specially designed Rock Hard (RockHardDesigns) “burning water” baby ring. Lesli worked with Rocky to design something special. Lesli said she wanted that (Lesli, not Coral LOL) and that Coral would wear it when she gets older, then Lesli will wear it on a chain and eventually Coral will get it back to give to her daughter … making some assumptions I guess! :) Right now, Coral just wants to look at it and chew on it, like everything else shiny and small enough to get in her mouth. I hope we don't ever had to "retrieve" it ... so she needs to be very closely watched when she holds it. But she loves it!

She got a play kitchen that is sturdy that she can pull herself up on and beat on to make noise. That stays at grandma’s house. Her horse stays there too … and it will be a little while before she can use it herself. But the biggest thing for her was the brightly colored Christmas paper and ribbon, all of which went directly to her mouth. Lesli gave her a roll of ribbon in her stocking becahse she knew! I still think that would have made it a much less expensive Christmas!

She is pulling up now but not yet crawling, unless you count “scooting.” I am not sure she will ever crawl because she wants so bad to stand and walk, already taking steps even if you don’t want to walk with her. She's stubborn and independent! I wonder where she got that! But she smiles and laughs a lot and is a real good baby, even better when she gets her way!

We even got a picture of "four generations" with her grandma (left), Lesli and great grandma ... something not many have photos of.

I had a great visit with the kids, sleeping very well on the air mattress under the pool table. Then after an 8-hour drive home, I am ready for 2009 with high hopes of some great new opportunities!