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We got a white Christmas!
I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that before. There really is something special about it. (Even though it’s so far from what Jesus’ birth actually looked like, but that is not a subject I’m going to dive into right now.)
Adorable white boots gifted by my mom – available here from Amazon
My friends keep asking me how I’m liking the Ohio snow (since I was born and raised in South Carolina and lived in Louisiana for a few years before moving up here). Answer: mostly. The first big snowstorm we got was BIG – like A WHOLE FOOT OF SNOW big. I love staying at home, but even I felt a little claustrophobic for the first day or two since I couldn’t have gone anywhere if I tried. We had no snow shovel, no solution for snow melt in the entryway, no snow boots. (We did have 12 snowblowers because my husband decided that being a doctor isn’t enough and has taken to buying and selling used snowblowers on the side. We have a garage but there’s no room in it for vehicles. I digress.)
Now we have a snow shovel. I also invested in a hat, multiple pairs of leggings, and some stellar barely-used insulated snowboots from eBay to round out my winter ensemble. Hadassah has multiple snowsuit/oversuit things that look like oversized sleepers and are very nifty for cold weather. (I did not know these existed since we never really needed them in South Carolina.) We also have carseat covers and a beautifully soft Norwegian “footmuff” (which is a strange name for something I would call a stroller sleeping bag) from two generous friends. We are equipped.
Equipment makes a huge difference, my friends. I like snow now.
Hadassah and I go on walks outside every day, unless it’s actively snowing or raining in which case I go out myself after Ryan gets home from work and can watch Hadassah. She does not enjoy snow in the face. (More on that later.) We also recently bought a treadmill off of Facebook Marketplace. It lives in the garage with the snowblowers (but not the vehicles) and will come in handy for the times when weather prohibits jaunts outside.
PS – Most of our things come from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. My husband has a penchant for good deals. I have a penchant for not spending money unnecessarily. These are not necessarily the exact same sentiments, but they can coexist fairly well.
I had no idea that a cover of snow would make the world so bright. I’m not talking about clean and white, I’m talking about never-gets-dark-outside-at-night. The city lights have something to do with that I’m sure, but the snow reflects every little bit of light and makes walking at night something transcendent.
All that to say – we got a white Christmas, so I had to commemorate with pictures of my adorable daughter. I used to photograph food; now I photograph Hadassah. It helps that she
- is very photogenic;
- loves the outdoors;
- and is extremely expressive, interactive, and smiley.
We take lots and lots of pictures. It’s a creative outlet for me that includes her. She enjoys it at present.
The pictures in this post are definitely some of my favorites so far. The snow, the colors, her expressions…. Unfortunately the photo shoot ended abruptly when I positioned her in such a way that the basket became…uh…unbalanced. She faceplanted in the snow.
No children were harmed in this photoshoot, but one did become rather cold, wet, and red in the face. She was quickly dried off, wrapped in a blanket, and rocked to sleep, and I’m sure she has no recollection of the event.
I do regret that the one shot I got of that pose before she toppled was out of focus.
Hadassah is now 4.5 months old and we’re loving this stage. She grew out of her colic about two months ago and has been making up for it ever since with so many smiles and “conversations.”
She was always a fairly good sleeper once she got her days and nights figured out a week or two after birth. For awhile she only got up once at night, and on occasion she’d sleep all night if her naps got messed up during the day.
About a month and a half ago we hit a major sleep regression all of a sudden and she was waking up multiple times during the night. (Not uncommon at this age, from what I’ve read/heard. Ryan calls me the Google Mom.) This past Monday night she woke up seven times.
Thankfully the last three nights she has gone back to only getting up once, and that’s probably why I’ve published two blog posts in two days. 😛 It’s amazing what you can get done when you aren’t in need of a nap all day and either trying to sleep when the baby sleeps or staying awake but dragging your feet.
I am loving motherhood. It’s hard, of course, but I hope I never take for granted what a gift it is.
I’ll close with some thoughts I wrote down for Hadassah’s baby book.
Dear Hadassah,
I love this stage.
You’re so interactive and just melt my heart.
Your squishy cheeks,
the way you snuggle into me when you’re tired,
your hands grabbing at whatever they can find when you’re nursing,
the way you watch me constantly and smile back whenever I smile at you,
the smell of your neck and your peaceful face in sleep…
I want to hold all these memories in my heart.
This stuffed sloth is Hadassah’s favorite toy, given by some friends from back in Louisiana. It rattles and squeaks and she lights up every time I show it to her.
I love you more and more every day.
I’d do anything for you.
I pray that God will always protect you.
I pray that you’ll grow up following Him.
And the love I feel for you is only a taste of what He feels for us as His children. Amazing.
I never knew I could love anyone this much.
You spur me on to be a better person with your innocence and constant observation.
You have made 2020 the best year despite all the hardships and a global pandemic.
You’re my baby.
JanieHelms says
Thank you for sharing. Love your pictures. Babies grow up so very very fast. Enjoy every moment!!
Siobhain says
Hadassah is adorable, and your pictures are wonderful. Thank you for sharing them. I knew you would be a wonderful mother, but it is fun getting to observe it through your post. Wishing you and your little family many blessings!
Marsha Joy Baker says
Love seeing these adorable pictures of your sweet happy girl! How fun for you to be able to get such great shots of her.
C says
She’s a beautiful child! I promise you will love each stage. Now my little granddaughter who turned two a couple of days ago puts on her own boots & hat. (Strong hint) so Daddy pulled her in the infant sled outside in the snow & my son said she really enjoyed! My granddaughter is a real outdoors person!
Melissa Roorda Mayo says
Please remember sunglasses when outside with other of white snow for a period of time. Its easy to burn your eyes
Carol says
Love the pictures. As someone who has spent almost every year of my life in snowy and slippery winters, please be very careful walking on slippery sidewalks, especially at night. There can be patches of ice you don’t see under the snow. Speaking from the history of one broken elbow, two surgeries and a lot of physical therapy later. Stay safe and happy and healthy 2021.
Amy Yoder says
I love your baby pictures!Baby photo shoot are super fun! God blessed us with twin girls 8 months ago and I used to know what very sleepless nights are like until I was introduced to “taking Cara babies.” Our little girls now sleep 11-12 hrs every night.If Hadassah ever has terrible nights again look it up at “takingcarababies.com”😊
Bonnie Richmond says
Hadassah is absolutely adorable And I love the way you dressed her! Don’t worry about not posting enough….those babies grow up faster than you can snap your fingers! And when you get grandchildren, it goes even faster, because you don’t see them every day. I’m so happy for you and your little family!
JoAnne Ferguson says
Dear Briana, your baby is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing the pictures of her. I got tears in my eyes when I read your letter to her. I am 65 years old and my daughters are grown with grown kids of their own. I hold those memories of my kids and grandkids when they were this age in my heart. The feel of a baby snuggled up against my heart and my face resting on their little head came alive when I read your words. Thank you for that. Enjoy this time and don’t worry about the blog. We will take what you can give when you can give it.
Happy New Year to you and your family,
Sincerely, JoAnne
Esther Jones says
She is so precious! I love her name:) My son just turned 5 months. This is such a fun age. I love watching him make new discoveries all the time.
Thank you for all of your hard work you do creating recipes! I have both of your cookbooks and really enjoy making your muffins that use oat flour. They are so budget friendly and are perfect for busy moms who need a snack:)
Lisa B says
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! I was looking for a recipe & thought of you but I could not remember your name as I had not seen any postings in so long (& fb likes to control what I look at) but I googled thm & found you {yes, I am a google mom too! Love that phrase! My ankle surgeon called it Dr Google & recommended that I not use it 😉 }. But I want to say welcome to Ohio. I live on the “Northcoast” as we call it! The storm was wild! We went to my daughter’s for Christmas breakfast & sadly we experienced whiteout on the way home. I hope you enjoy your time here & I will definitely be reading your blogs! Thank you in advance. btw your pics are amazing!
Sherrie says
Love all your photos and thoughts of your sweet baby girl! She’s precious!
Ginnie says
so sweet so lovely the opening up of a mother’s heart
the Lord is so gracious
enjoy your days together
Janell says
You’re right. Having the right equipment to go out in the snow makes all of the difference. Once you are outfitted, snow is WONDERFUL! My kids love it, and although I hate to get ready, I’m always glad once I get out there with them.
I laughed at the “faceplant in the snow…and that no children were hurt!” Of course she was okay, and won’t hold it against you. They’re forgiving! You learn as a mom that babies can put up with a lot. Not that we are careless, but as moms we see that children move so quickly, and things happen! Glad you are enjoying her. Loved the pictures!
Kristy K. James says
She is SO adorable – and I’m so jealous. You got a white Christmas. In Michigan, we’ve had two light dustings, and are in the middle of an ice storm (which, God willing, will NOT include a power outage!).
I try to pass a suggestion along to new parents. It’s something I read in a magazine one – and loved the idea. I have been trying to do it for my five-year-old granddaughter, and that’s to keep a file of milestones, fun things she does/says, and other things she finds interesting – or not interesting that I thought she would. I’ve made an email account for her and, periodically, I paste everything from the file into an email, along with a note from me, and then I send them to her email account. When she graduates, I will give her the login information. And hope she enjoys reading about her life.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That’s such a neat idea! I’m doing the same thing, only I intend to put it into a book with pictures for her when she grows up!
Wilma Burton says
Loved the pics…She is adorable. The Christmas snow iin Ohio was so special this year. Sharing your baby book posts was so meaningful and they will be so precious for her to read someday. Have a blessed New Year!
M.A. says
I loved your photographs of your baby. She is so perfect and so lucky to have you for her Mother. Nice blog.
Linda La Scala says
Oh, so precious — the photos and your words! Can so relate to those overwhelming maternal feelings, even though my youngest just turned 18! Enjoy every sweet moment!
Julie says
That was so sweet what you wrote to the baby…about the baby… I love it and it gives God glory🙂💙🐑
Georgia says
What joy!! Reading your blog and seeing pictures of Hadassah’s pictures brought back so many memories to me of my babies 35-40 years ago. They were and are such joys!! So happy for you, that you get to experience being a mother.
Sharon Hood says
She is beautiful & adorable. Enjoy every little moment. Babies grow up so quickly.
Since you like photography, you should start digital scrapbooking. It is so fun & so easy.
Just a thought. She is so photogenic.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Yep, when I have time I do digital scrapbooking. That’s how I intend to make her baby book – and order a copy for myself AND one for her in the future!
Cheryl says
The dark nights in the south really are more dark. Even in summer they are more dark. But yes, the snow does make everything more bright. Especially the sun shining on it. You can easily get sunburned by the reflection of the snow and the sunshine combined.
Love the baby pictures and thoughts on motherhood. Colic is the worst indoctrination into motherhood.
Nancy says
She’s beautiful and you are both very lucky to have each other.
Cheryl Leix says
Oh my goodness Briana, she is just the happiest baby, so full of smiles and so adorable! You have been blessed beyond measures!
Motherhood is the most rewarding and yet most challenging thing that will ever occur to you, hope you don’t stop with just one child…I was only blessed with two sons but didn’t think I could have any, so enjoy these times, they grow up so fast!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
We have been so very blessed. We don’t know what the future holds, but we’d love to have more! Ryan is already talking about Hadassah’s need of a playmate. 😛
Janice Chandonnet says
Briana,
So enjoyed your post and pictures. Your little baby girl is beautiful, as are the photos! Great that you are writing down your thoughts. That is something I wish I would have done when my children were little. Savor every moment as they grow up so fast. I now have ten grandchildren and am truly enjoying them. It sure seems time flys. So thankful for my children and grandchildren.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
After Hadassah was born my mom gave me the baby book she made for me when I was little. It was so special to read what she wrote about me and I want Hadassah to have that too!
Lisa says
Shes an absolute doll, and the photos are beyond amazing! I was much the same as you with my firstborn, my photography really started to take off. I’m still loving it nearly 20 years later. I now have my 8th child to photograph, and to share photos on Facebook of a child blessed with an extra chromosome.
My husband is also in the medical field, and he’s one of your biggest fans. Your recipes are his favorites!
God bless you in the new year! Oh… and happy Anniversary on my birthday. You picked a good day!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
So neat to hear – on all counts! Blessings to you and your family!
Sarah Lancaster says
Congratulations, Mama. My oldest just had her 16th birthday, and I still watch her in awe and wonder. Motherhood is a gift that never does seem to grow old. (And my 16 year old is cleaning the bathroom as I type – another gift!)
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Hmm…I’ll miss the baby stage, but that might not be a bad tradeoff. 😉
Tammy Godwin says
She is absolutely adorable Briana.
Jeanie says
❤️
Sharon says
What a beautiful child! You are blessed!
Ann says
Oh she is sooo beautiful and just perfect. Yes enjoy every moment.
Donna Matthewman says
Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed the pictures of your perfect beautiful little girl. 💓💓
Kim says
Lovely post and she’s beautiful!
Lisa says
Ok I’m bawling! My boys are 16 & 19 and the time goes by SO FAST!! Enjoy every second!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Oh, I know! She’s already so big!! I don’t want to miss a moment.
Kathy says
❤️❤️❤️thanks for sharing, I had my first granddaughter in June and it is absolutely the best of 2020. Enjoy as much as you can, it goes by so quickly! Sorry that your family is not close enough for your mom to enjoy as much of Hadassah as I have done with my granddaughter 🥰
Linda says
I loved every minute reading this. God is good. So very good.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Amen!
Leslie Bucher says
Lovely!!! She is soooooo cute!🤩