Georgia & Joe: Christmas - Joe's first Christmas

For Joe's first Christmas he got his 2 front teeth. He's doing great with table foods now and eats anything, even crab legs! He's starting to use sign language now and is very good at "All Done" and is starting to use "More". He signs "all done" when he doesn't want me to put his clothes on him. Funny boy. He also is starting to wave...rarely when we try to get him to wave but more just when he chooses to. But it's a very good wave with a twist at the wrist.

Georgia was an angel in the Christmas program. We practiced the songs every day so she would know the words, talked about not flapping her arms around even though she had a fun robe on, and not sitting down until she was supposed to.

Each of the kids had a sign to hold and were to read the script on the back. During rehearsal, the signs were on the floor until needed. During the live event, the kids held their signs the whole time. Georgia held hers backwards, upside down, sometimes balancing it on her head. Ben got it all on video. Afterwards I told Gerogia she was acting kind of silly and she said, "Yeah, but I did a GOOD JOB." She was so proud of herself because we'd worked so much on learning the songs and saying her lines "Q is for Quickly" and "R is for Rejoice". And yes, she did great.

Waiting in line to see Santa

Georgia was excited to see Santa but when he asked her what she wanted for Christmas she told him we aren't supposed to ask for things and he should surprise her. We found out later that what she really wanted was a Barbie house which he ended up bringing for her.

Joe, on the other hand, was not quite so happy to see Santa.

We hear all the time "oh, he's such a pretty boy." I know I'm his mom but I agree.

Ben and Georgia made the Christmas cookies. Her apron is the apron that my sister and I use to wear when we were kids.

Christmas morning was spent in Iowa with Ben's family. It was a full house with everyone home this year...all 22 and there will be 2 more added to the family next year.

Georgia LOVES to color and do art projects and she especially enjoys having someone do them with her.

As soon as we got to Iowa, Joe took to Ben's brother. The whole time we were there he wanted to be held by him. It was so sweet.

6 of the 9 grandkids.

I'm only showing this picture to show the amount of gifts, paper, toys, etc in the room. Now imagine a 10 month old who puts EVERYTHING in his mouth. Add to that a handful of kids who are all opening their gifts that have tiny parts.

Joe and cousin Lily

my cute little elf

Grandma Cindy and Joe (not sure who put Lily's bow on him)

Cousin Jack was very fond of baby Joe and loved playing with him and carrying him around. He's getting practice for his little brother or sister that will be here next year.