12-12-12 Update on Pria's new moves

She's begun to wiggle her body more strongly. She was strong from the start kicking her little legs and waving her arms, but I feel this week she is going through a growth spurt. She pushes her legs against anything touching her feet and flaps her arms so much I have to constantly watch her to make sure she stays in the same spot. Otherwise she pushes herself to a new position or angle. Her eyes focus on me at farther distances in the room. Her smiles and giggles are no longer reflexes. Although she does smile and giggle while she sleeps still. She follows noises and lights turning her head more. She grabs and pulls things close to her. I've lost some strands of hair and almost had some earrings ripped out haha. Quite the grip...
And her sleeping pattern is slightly changing. Still sleeping great at night (half) waking up to just nurse twice briefly. She has 2 long naps during the day and a bunch of tiny 15 minute naps the rest of the time in between short feedings. She is growing rapidly and I am trying to soak it all in while I can but happy for her new little developments.

Pria's Blessing

Pria had her blessing today. Dustin, my dad, Grandpa Sam, Uncle Brooke, Bro Ginn, Bro Correia, and Bishop Christensen were part of it. We recorded the blessing. Dustin did a great job and it was from the heart and felt with the spirit. It was Pria and my first day back to church. We timed everything perfectly and she slept all Sacrament. Family and friends were staring at her sleeping and taking phone pictures.

"Pria as you are welcomed into this world we bless you with a healthy body. That as you grow you will understand your body and know how it should be treated. That you will have health and strength to serve your Heavenly Father and have joy throughout your life.

We bless you with a strong testimony. That you will build a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They will always be there for you to strengthen you to guide you and to comfort you. We bless you with the spirit that it will be with you throughout your life. That you will have strength to overcome the adversary as he tries to lead you astray.

We bless you with this testimony that you will build it and cherish it throughout your life that you will have the faith and the strength to return to your Heavenly Father. We bless you with a desire to seek knowledge, both spiritual and temporal. That you will be a source for others to turn to for understanding and help. And with that knowledge we bless you with a deep understanding of the plan of salvation, that it will comfort you throughout your life and will help you be an example for others and help you be a missionary. That you will be able to have the courage to share the gospel and to always choose the right.

Pria, when the time is right, we bless you that you will find a worthy and loving husband who will take you to the temple to be sealed for all time and eternity. I bless you with a family.. and as you raise your family, you will remember the love and righteous example of your mother.

Respect and love your mother. She will be your best friend.

I bless you that you will be an obedient child of God, that you will honor your parents and you will keep the commandments of your Heavenly Father. I bless you with all the blessing which God has for you at this time. I bless you with his love and I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen"

Powell White Elephant Xmas

The Powells got together that day to also celebrate Christmas with a traditional white elephant exchange that is always amusing.

Routines and chocolate

I've figured out her routine or pattern of how she likes things. Positions, what she likes right after she nurses, when she typically falls asleep...
Of course this routine of specific things applies if there isn't too much stimulation of being out of the house and my least favorite...if I don't eat chocolate or cheese.
I LOVE chocolate! I had chocolate like every other day before. Ugh. And how do you avoid dairy. I don't drink milk or have really cheesy things that much, but I do enjoy some fancy cheese on crackers or Dustin's moms lasagna recipe we made the other day.
This week Pria has a new (awesome) habit of almost sleeping through the night as long as I avoid these foods and eat my greens for the day. She sleeps the whole time minus like 2 feedings that are really short and she goes right back to sleep. And I don't even have to get out of bed to stay up with her for like 2 hours each time. Of course this has only been this week and it could change next week, but for now... I like it.