Visions of Sugar Plums....

At about 4 am on Christmas morning, Lillianna lay in her bouncy seat waiting with anticipation as we finally finished the last of the wrapping and gift preparation. That is correct...we have not yet gone to bed and Lily is still wide awake.

As we gave quite a few framed photos this year, (guess what the subject matter was), Tom spent much of Christmas Eve in the office printing and framing photos while Joy finished the last of our gift wrapping.

Lilly Bug was our special gift this year, so it seemed like a cute idea to put her near the tree. Besides, it was the only place in the newly arranged living room that her bouncy seat would fit.

Here are several photos from Christmas morning and some recent Lillianna gems from the past several days.

Is that a plastic microphone sticking out of the top of Lily's stocking?

Is Santa trying to tell us something about our daughter's future?

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Love that north window light.

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Is that "Maxine" behind the grumpy sweatshirt? Nope it's sweet Grandma.

Wow, look at all of the gifts for me!

Tom's portraiture class paid off this Christmas.

Our Christmas Darling!

We couldn't resist yet another opportunity to get Ms. Lily into the studio again for more cuteness captured onto the memory chip. Prepare yourselves, as this is only Portraiture I. Tom still has Portraiture II and III to go....

Grandma Bea's lookin' good too!

Lily Meets Santa

Lillianna was on her best behavior as she met the one and only Santa Claus at the Mall of America. Santa was just as polite and charming as we expected him to be. He reminded Lily to clean her room and behave her Mom and Dad, and Santa was very nice to allow some photos during his little chat with her.

Santa shares a laugh with Lillianna.

A few photos to share

What kind of Dad would I be if I didn't post at least a few new photos each week. Here are a few fun shots from the studio one from home.

A nice 4 Generation shot

Happy Thanksgiving...Where's the Pie?

It's been a very fulfulling Thanksgiving! The day isn't over and there is still more pie and ice cream to be consumed, but it has been a wonderful day. This is the first time that both our families have been together for a major holiday. It was not quite "Christmas Vacation" but we tried as best we could to live up the the "Griswolds". We did however, manage to have 8 dogs, 1 cat, 8 adults and one newborn all together at the same time without any mishaps...that says something doesn't it?



I have enclosed a few photos below of the past week with Tom's folks here from Oregon (Grandma and Grandpa Archibald and a few from our great holiday today with Grandma and Grandpa Lamolli, Uncle Ryan and Great Grandma Lillian. The captions will explain the rest.....

The Four G's

Grandpa and Grandma Lamolli (left) and Grandpa and Grandma Archibald (right)

Great-Grandma Chapin and Joy watched over the dinner plans

Hey, where's that thing that fell out of my mouth?

Little Lillianna contemplating on Country Apple or Pumpkin? Hmmm.

Grandma Lamolli shows off her buns (can I say that on a blog?)

A few days ago, Lillianna had some hair issues following her bath.

After hearing the the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders would be performing at the Mall of America, we rushed to see them. They had just finished upon our arrival at center court. BUMMER, Lillianna was so disappointed. After reviving Daddy and Grandpa Archibald, we found other things to do at the mall instead. Daddy did happen to accidentally point his camera in their direction and took this shot as an afterthought.

We hope everyone had an outstanding Thanksgiving Holiday!

The Lillianna Mae Videos have arrived!

This first video of Lillianna Mae was taken in her first moments. After the initial "scrub down" and some urgent care procedures, she finally got into her mama's arms.

I have more videos to share and will share them as time allows. Enjoy!

It just keeps getting better!

After 4 days of our new life with Lillanna, our hearts melt every time we see her. Of course she sleeps most of the time (except overnight), but the lack of sleep is a small price to pay for such a beautiful gift. Tom has been taking more pictures than we will ever have enough albums for, but that's ok with us.

This morning we had Stanley Steamer come out and clean all of our carpets. While they were here, we thought it would be a good time to take Lillianna for her first "stroll" around the block. Getting out and walking on such a beautiful and sunny day was quite refreshing after spending 4 days in the hospital and a couple of days at home inside. Lillie slept through the entire stroll, but it was nice to get out and expose her to some fresh air.

Joy's family will be with us for a couple of weeks longer. They have been a huge help around the house and it's fun to have them around during our little paradigm shift.

Tom had class tonight (Professional Wedding Photography), but was back home by 9pm following a quick trip to Walgreens to pick up some prints. We typically print our own photos and enlargements, but when we just need some standard 4x6 prints, it's so much easier and quicker to upload them and then run down and pick them up an hour later. When Tom has more time (ha ha ha..yeah right!). He will crank up the Epson 2200 and print some larger versions of our favorite Lilly pix for framing (will we ever be able to afford picture frames again?)....diapers?...frames?...diapers?...frames.?... Such decisions.

Here are some new photos. Some from the hospital as we prepare for the trip home, and a few from home as we transition into this new life the good lord has provided for us. Enjoy!

Our last day at the hospital. It won't belong 'till we're oughta here!

Lillianna just wanted to fit in with the staff.

Here cute coming home outfit. Though she slept through the whole thing.

Uncle Ryan bought her the cute little pink bear.

Car seat?...Check! (Yep...still asleep)

Still sleepin'

Heading out...Our first family walk around the block.

An unfortunate sign of the times.

'Nuff said.

God's precious Miracle.

Pope Lillianna (actually she should be called poop Lillianna)

Welcome Lillianna Mae Archibald

Lillianna Mae Archibald was born Sunday evening at 6:25 p.m. Our little Lillie Bug weighs 4 lbs. 12 oz. and is 18.5 inches long. She is a very curious little one and loves looking around.

Only a few minutes old.

1st Full Day...