Christmas trip (the last post)

Chiara was blessed by her father Stuart Allen Larsen on her Aunt Gigi's birthday January 4, 2010 in the Oakbrook ward in Summerville, South Carolina. She wore a blessing dress made by her Grandmother Cheryl Bruno out of the same material used to make Chiara's mother Genevieve's wedding dress. She was named Chiara Sophia Larsen and blessed to remember the things she learned in the premortal world. She also was blessed to have a good memory and remember the things that she was learning and experiencing now, especially the things her parents taught her. She was blessed to have good examples of people in her life and to find good friends. She will be able to see people for what they are and not compromise. She also was blessed to hearken to the teachings of the gospel, to prepare in all aspects of life, and acquire all the talents the Lord has in store for her. She was blessed to one day be sealed to her future family in the temple. We feel so blessed to have Chiara in our family and think she is a precious daughter.

Christmas trip (part 5...one year anniversary)

I LOVE YOU!

Christmas trip (part 3)

Another special occasion on our trip was that my Grandparents (on my mom's side) who live in North Carolina were able to drive down to visit while we were there. It was very cool to have 4 generations all together (the oldest girls for 4 generations...girl power!) My Grandma Nancy Lund and Grandpa Neal Lund were able to meet their first great grand-daughter. That doesn't happen every day!

Christmas trip (part 2)

After our fun time in Colorado it was time for our almost 3000 mile car trip. Why, you might ask, did we choose to take such a long trip across the United States with a tiny baby? Well, we actually didn't plan it that way. Back in September before Chiara was even born we bought airplane tickets so that we could visit my parents for the break and bless Chiara out in South Carolina. Suddenly on November 2nd, the week before I gave birth, we were contacted by the airline, that they were discontinuing service to Charleston...It took them over a month to refund our money, and by that time our only option for going out east was to drive...we couldn't afford almost $2000 for the tickets being so last minute. Luckily, Chiara was an angel the whole trip as long as her mama was in the back seat where she could see me, and Stuart did amazing job driving the whole way practically unassisted. I was so happy to leave the bitter cold for the milder climate.








It felt great to stretch our legs after that trip, and finally we were able to get some good picture with all three of us thanks to my mom!

Christmas trip (part 1)

We just got back from our whirlwind vacation to Colorado and South Carolina. After 3 straight days in the car I am happy to be starting my life as a stay-at-home-mom. The first item on my agenda was to unpack and take down Christmas...however my baby has her first cold, so I get the pleasure of cuddling her all day...if I put her down she gets so sad. I hate that she feels bad, but she's just so cute! Luckily last semester I mastered the art of one-handed typing, so I am using the few days she is sick to update my pictures and blog here! This is the beginning of ALOT of pictures.

First we spent Christmas with the Larsens in Colorado. It was Chiara's first time to meet her Larsen grandparents and Aunt Sharon and Uncle Andrew.












Chiara was thrilled with her stocking. She also liked the presents that she was awake for. After a delicious Christmas ham and turkey dinner, Daddy and Mama snuck away for the very adult activity of...Sledding :) We enjoyed our time in Broomfield with all 14 of the family.

Tis the Season

We are having too much fun getting ready for Christmas with our sweet little Christmas present Chiara. So far we went and picked out our tree (live, of course), decorated the house, went Christmas shopping, went to the Christmas devotional in Salt Lake, saw the lights on temple square, and visited Santa! Daddy and Mama are looking forward to finishing their finals next week so that we can continue the festivities in Colorado and South Carolina!

One of Chiara's favorite things so far is story-time with Mama or Daddy. She's such a smart girl :)

Chiara's 2 month stats

a break from Christmas pictures...don't worry there are more.
Chiara had her 2 month check up today. Dr. Fairbanks said not to worry but "she isn't the biggest baby in the nursery".

GO! FIGHT! WIN!

We are true, blue, Cougar fans and we got Chiara started early. She wore her BYU cheerleader outfit to go support our team against Utah! She pretty much slept through the whole thing, but we had alot of fun with an exciting game that went into overtime, and of course the main ingredient to a fun game...victory! Stuart joined fans in rushing the field after the winning touchdown, and Chiara and I joined him after getting her picture taken with some of the players. We love those Cougars!