Merry Christmas!

Well the anticipation, the driving, and the cooking are over and another Christmas has passed. While this is Leah's second Christmas, it's her first where she could actually DO something. She had a ton of fun opening presents (with the help of Mom and Dad) and got to see all her cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. Unfortunately, Great Grandpa Robran was in the hospital to get a pace-maker put in so Leah couldn't see him over Christmas...but she got a lethal dose of Great Grandma Robran on Sunday the 23rd. We enjoyed seeing the entire family together but did not enjoy the 2 hour ride home due to the 'White Christmas'.

Christmas Eve was spent at Tom and Vicki's where the traditional Christmas Eve pizza was served. As expected, Leah got spoiled by her grandparents and uncles and aunt. You guys are way too generous! Of course, 90% of the toys she received make some form of obnoxious noise or another, so daddy will be confiscating batteries!

After a (cue sarcastic tone) pleasant night's sleep, we went to Grandpa Kent and Grandma Julie's for Christmas breakfast. Once again, spoiled by all. She had a great time playing with her cousin Allie, and was very intrigued by the size of cousin Jacob! Cousin Cale is still just a peanut, but we remember Leah being the same way one year ago (Cale and Leah are 1 year and 1 day apart). My what a difference one year will make! Enjoy the baby stage while it lasts!

Between Christmas's, Jarrod visited Great-Grandpa Robran in the hospital on Christmas day and he looked pretty good for a guy who just got a mechanical device planted in his chest. Although tired, he wasn't too tired to complain about the Vikings.

Christmas afternoon was spent at the Peterson's, and Leah received her long-awaited toy box from Great Grandpa Gaylord! It's a beautiful knotty pine piece of woodwork that took many hours and ounces of blood - but well worth it for his favorite great-granddaughter. By this time, Leah was pretty worn out, so we headed home into yet again, another Christmas snow storm. Yeah. But we all made it home and survived another Christmas with the in-laws and out-laws.

By the way - don't forget to go 'elf yourself' (see link below)

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1633611825

5 Days Until Christmas!

To get everyone in the Christmas spirit, click the link below to watch the Robran family dance to "Jingle Bells". Trust me, it's worth the click.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1633611825
And...
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1634265894

Happy Birthday to...ME!

Yet another milestone - The Big One, 365 days, 1/100th of a century, divisor of all numbers, El Numero Uno. However you call it, Leah Gwen is 1 Year Old!



Leah's birthday party was planned for Saturday, 12/1, at the Country Inn Suites in Mankato. However, due to Minnesota baring it's cold, wintry soul, we had to reschedule to Friday, 11/30, at Grandpa and Grandma Robran's house. Thanks to everyone that changed their plans at the last minute to attend and Grandma and Grandpa Robran for hosting!



Leah spent the evening getting reacquainted with her relatives. Those in attendance were Grandma and Grandpa Robran (hosts), Great-Grandma Robran, Great-Grandma Sanderson, Great-Grandma and Grandpa Peterson, and Great-Grandma Loverink (the first time Leah has been in one room with all of her Great-Grandmas...and we never got a picture!!!), Grandma and Grandpa Loverink, Grandma and Grandpa Thoms, Uncle Derek and Aunt Jenna (mere hours before going into labor), Uncle Josh, Uncle Joe, Aunt Amber, and cousins Timmy, Allie, and Jacob (he's almost as big as Leah!), and Godparents Jesse and Jenny along with their little one, Zach.


After a scrumptious dinner, Leah had a blast opening all of her gifts. Being the girly girl she is, she LOVES getting new clothes. She's been busy all week playing with her new toys, from her Go Diego Go Airplane (perhaps the noisiest toy on earth) to the baby doll from Jesse and Jenny (she likes to rock the baby and pat its back). Thanks to everyone for all the gifts!

After opening presents, Leah still had enough ambition to tear into a cake. Yes, like every parent has done for the past century, we let Leah dig in hands first into her cake. She was a bit skeptical at first, but once that sweet, sweet butter cream hit those lips, any restraint she had went out the window. See the slideshow at the right to see the play-by-play.

Despite having to battle a cold over her birthday weekend, she had a great time. Thanks to everyone for making her birthday so special.

Leah was pretty close to sharing her birthday with her new cousin, Cale Kiefer. We didn't get many details, but apparently Jenna and Cale are both healthy and doing fine.

Congratulations Jenna and Derek!

Click here to view Cale Dean Kiefer's pics.

Thanksgiving Is AWESOME!

Leah just completed another milestone - her first Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving day we went to Grandpa and Grandma Robran's for dinner, where we had all the classics; turkey, squash, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and blueberry cheesecake. Everything was CRAZY DELICIOUS! Leah got to see her cousin Jacob, aunt Amber, uncle Joe, great-uncle Kent, great-grandma Dorothy, and grandpa Kent and grandma Julie. She has finally warmed up to grandpa Kent, so let's hope this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship!


After a nap that never happened, we went to the Loverink Thanksgiving hosted by the one and only Grandpa Tom Loverink. Leah enjoyed hanging out with uncle Brandon, aunt Chelsea, uncle Josh, great-grandpa Gaylord, great-grandma Darlene, and, last but not least, grandma Vicki. Leah got to open her first birthday present (from Brandon and Chelsea), which was a TON of new clothes. She had a blast pulling everything out of the bag and wearing her new hat. Thanks much Brandon and Chelsea!


Leah also witnessed a long Thanksgiving tradition: discussing politics with Gaylord (that bleeding heart liberal!). In the spirit of the occassion, she was sportin' her new shirt that says "I Only Cry When Democrats Hold Me". Fun was had by all and no tears or blood was shed.


We hope everyone had a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving - God Bless!

The Robran household has been abuzz with activity in preparation for the upcoming holidays, including Leah's First Birthday! Kim has kept busy planning the birthday party, coordinating the Robran Thanksgiving and Christmas schedules, and some Christmas shopping on the side. Dad enjoys watching the chaos ensue.

Leah has begun imitation Mom and Dad a lot more as she approaches the one year mark. For example, if Kim puts lotion on her hands, Leah will rub her hands together like she's doing the same. She does a lot of little things like that. She is also beginning to stand up more often. It won't be long until she's running around the house getting into trouble like only a Robran-Loverink mix can.

Leah is also eating more whole foods and is being weaned off of breastmilk. She has taken to whole milk like a champ; soon breast feeding will be nothing but a distant memory. Some of her favorite foods are grilled cheese sandwiches, mac n' cheese, mashed potatoes, bananas, and pears. With 12 teeth to chew with, she's also able to eat some meats, but doesn't like green beans just yet (one of mommy's favorite vegetables). One of these days she'll turn around.

Leah looks forward to seeing her aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents, and friends on Thanksgiving and her birthday. The whole Robran family sends everyone their love and best wishes this holiday season, and reminds the rest of the Robran family (and some of the Loverinks) to not drink and drive!