More Snow and More Maryssa

Well after the first round of snow, we were hit again. The second storm not only brought a lot of snow, but wind too. For a day and a half you could see outside and then it would turn white from the wind blowing the snow around. As you can see below, it piled up quickly. In all we had 4-5 feet of snow and snow drifts much higher. Some of the roads were plowed so that one car could pass through and the piles were 7 feet on either side. The biggest struggle for us was we had to be in DC two days after the snow for a volleyball tournament. Thanks to a neighborhood tired of beening stuck in our houses, we were able to make it out to a main road! Neighbors came out with snow blowers, shovels and a lawn mower with a plow on it to work on our streets. There were 30 neighbors working on our roads. It was neat to see how everyone came together.

Despite all the snow, Maryssa was able to meet some more of our wonderful family and friends. We started the month with a dinner with a former volleyball player's family, the Stalls. It was great to celebrate Laura's birthday and Shelley was able to get her baby fix in :-) We were also able to meet up with my Aunt Donna, Uncle Steve, and cousins Matt and Ian for lunch at Red Robin. It was great to see them and the food was delicious! After lunch we went to a memeorial mass for Eric's cousin Kevin who passed away 9 years ago. Following the mass we spent some time wtih his family in Chevey Chase. Maryssa met her 2nd cousing Leo who is just 10 months old. Although they weren't able to play together yet, I'm sure they will be great frineds when Maryssa is a little more interactive. Our next visitor was Great Granndma Couch. She was originally suppose to stop by at the beginning of the month, but the snow stopped her visit. She went on vacation and then came through on her way home. It was great to see her and her friend Ron and his daughter Michelle. Last but not least, or long time friend Kim christophel and her two cute children, Rosie and Stewart, stopped by on their way back to Connecticut to see us. I think Eric would have loved their visit a little more if Jesse was able to join us since Kim and I tend to dominate converstaion with "girl Talk" as Eric puts it. Athough these were all short visit, it was great to see everyone this month!

My blog entry wouldn't be complete without a little bragging about our sweet girl. Maryssa is all smiles these days. It's wonderful to get her out of the crib in the morning and see the big smile on her face when she sees us. She's also starting to find her voice with lots of cooing to her family and "friends" or things hanging from her play mat. She also talks to her real friends. Below is a picture of her with Taylor. We just introduced her exersaucer now that she's starting to hold her head up. Although she's not strong enough to sit up yet, I can wrap a towel around her to keep her upright. She's moving her hands all around and discovering the different sounds and textures around her. It's wonderful to see the little acheivements she makes everyday. One of her greatest developments is she can go 10-11 hour stretches without eating at night! Mommy is loving getting a full night's sleep.