Christmas in New Haven

As first Christmases go, Montana's was full of walks, naps, and prolific spit-up (a sure sign of her enthusiasm for the holiday). Seeing as how she can't really exercise free will over her clothing options at the moment, she was subject to our whims on that matter, and everyone who saw her agreed that she was a charmer in those outfits. She was particularly excited about eating smokies, since right when Christmas dinner was ready she threw a hunger fit, which in no uncertain terms had to be addressed!

The Zenners, Peppards and Russells arrive in waves this week, so there will be belated Christmas gift exchanges with them; and then Montana's baptism is Dec. 30, punctuating the week of visits.

Montana turned one month old this week, and quite a week it has been. Lots of visitors, an evening in front of the fire at Siobhan's house, and yesterday we went on a serious outing to the (gasp) mall. She continues to have excellent aim with her spit-up, such that many parts of our floor and sofa have been sprinkled with the stuff. Montana is also growing very fast and is quite tall and will soon be out of newborn clothes. She eats like a pack of jackals and is beginning to track black-and-white images as well as our faces. And she looks like a rock star, especially in the outfit pictured above: "I look like my Mom" shirt from Holly; striped pants from Sarah and Amelia; cowboy boots for her Denver roots from Jeni; and edgy hat from Grandma Zenner. In my opinion she looks as if she's about to hop onto a sleigh bound for Siberia -- our nonconformist adventurer. ;)

Montana has enjoyed the company of many visitors in the last few days -- Kathryn, Alice (who was also the first to meet Montana after she was born), and Great Uncle Bill who flew into NYC all the way from Salt Lake City. Plus we've posted some shots of the cute little bundle. And as far as "firsts" go, Montana went to see "Black Nativity" by Langston Hughes at Long Wharf on Saturday night -- and, except for the first few minutes when she squealed during the narration about the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary, seemed to enjoy the show -- by sleeping through the entire thing, which is the newborn form of a compliment.

On Saturday, Mike took Montana to the third annual Winter Ball (she was the belle of the event). Then our friend Julia gave Christy a wonderful t-shirt.
And another cute photo of Montana and Mike.

Montana's three week anniversary of arrival on the planet is tomorrow, and she is (knock on wood) beginning to sleep for longer spurts during the night. This means that Christiana actually has a bit of energy to do other things. Who knew that two and a half hours of uninterrupted sleep would feel so dreamy?! ... Here, a few photos of Christmas themes. Sorry for the sideways shot; the photo for some reason resists rotation when uploaded.

New life in a grad student apartment...

MorMor and Boo come to visit Montana; an outing (what a concept) to Whitney Donut and the first family photo; and Mike gives Montana her bath

Coming home

Saturday, November 24 was the big transition home -- All the leaves had fallen off the trees while we were in the hospital; Montana got to know and love her Moses basket; and she shows off her new snow bunny outfit from Grandma Linda.

... and some Thanksgiving in the hospital with Grandma, Lolo and Jojo

Here she is!

Montana Louise is here! Her two-week birthday is tomorrow (12/4) and so in honor of the event, here are some photos. These were taken in the hospital (11/20 - 11/24).