Happy New Year!

Here's to love, luck, and laughter in 2010.

And a little drool, of course.

So This Is Christmas (War Is Over)

I promised my sister I wouldn't steal too many of the photos she took today, since I also used her camera and don't have anything else to post. Joey received this toy train from my sister's in-laws. It came with a track and everything, but since it runs just fine on the floor (carpeted or otherwise), we left the tracks at home.

Joey and his best friend/cousin Shae spent at least 30 minutes playing with the train, making tunnels out of their body and throwing the pieces around. (Not too hard, and not necessarily intentionally, but pieces were thrown.) I'm hoping it doesn't go off too many times while we're on the airplane. May need to remove those batteries first.

Christmas at Grandma's

Christmas is all about family, and trust me, there's plenty to go around. My niece, Shae, absolutely loves "her" Joey, and after this visit, I know the feeling is mutual.

It's really cute because Joey does not get to see Shae much, except for her picture on the refrigerator (which he absolutely loves). But when he saw her yesterday, he just couldn't get enough. The first time I told him to give Shae a kiss, he did it. He doesn't even kiss Mommy that easily! I think he can just tell how much love she has for him, and can't help but like her.

Shae also loves her Uncle Joe. She had no problem going over and sitting on his lap. I think he provided the luck on the scratch-off ticket - a $10 winner!

Nana was in her glory with her two grandbabies. At this point they didn't necessarily want to pose for more pictures, but it's not always about what the kids want.

After Christmas dinner, we trekked up to Aunt Cyndy's to visit with the Haldaman family. At this point (stupidly, we waited until the end of the night), neither of the kiddies wanted to pose. All Joey really wanted to do was go to bed, but we wanted to get one more picture. Maybe next year we'll learn from our mistakes, but I doubt it.

I Believe

I finally have a few minutes, and I wanted to share a few pictures. Christmas morning wasn't quite the hustle and bustle I remember from my youth, mostly because I don't really remember what it's like to be a one-year-old on Christmas morning. Next year, I'm sure, will be pure chaos. In the meantime, I did get to enjoy watching my little one and his grandparents, and it was fabulous.

Next year, though, I think we'll stay in Chicago, open presents in front of our tree, and make sure we have our video connection set up so everyone can see. I love being in Pennsylvania, but there's just something about leaving milk and cookies at your own house and waking up in your own bed. And seeing the look on the little guy's face when he sees how wonderful Santa can be.

Mele Kalikimaka

Merry Christmas to all! Things have been a little crazy around here, getting in tons of family time with the clan in Pennsylvania, not taking nearly enough pictures. Fortunately, my sister Rachel got a shot of Joey and Shae last night, which you can check out here.

Hopefully there'll be more posts soon, but in the meantime, I wish peace, joy, and love to all.

Christmas Shoes

Joey was a bit fussy tonight, so I pulled out the oldest trick in the book - I let him play with his shoes. Heaven!

It was actually quite cute. He kept trying to put them on himself. So I'd put them on his feet, and then immediately he'd try to take them off. He was getting quite good with the velcro. Unfortunately for him, it was the velcro at the top of the shoe, closest to the toe, so it didn't help him at all. But he's getting there. And it's good to know that we always have an instant toy for him, especially when we're traveling.

Joey also enjoys playing with his sippy cup. And laughing at Daddy (who was fortunately next to me, so we got some good smiles). We're practicing so we can get at least one good shot of him and Shae this Christmas.

Christmas Time Is Here

We're headed back East for Christmas this year, so we had Christmas with my in-laws on Sunday night. It's kind of funny because I think they had these images of Joey ripping into the wrapping paper, and he had no interest at all. (Which I suspected, since I tried on St. Nick Night and he couldn't have cared less.) But he was a typical kid in every other aspect ...

He played with some of the toys we opened, especially these bristle blocks.

Joey had a bit more fun, though, playing with the plastic packaging that came in the toys. We should have all known. Could've saved us a lot of money if we had just bought him the packaging.

Joey also had some fun playing with his Busza and some paper mache ornaments. Of course he thought they were edible and we had to take them away from him, but he had his fun while he could. Then mean old Mom had to take them away. And he went back to playing with cardboard and plastic. Didn't even miss them.

Christmas Is Coming

As you know, I've been trying to get pictures of Joey in front of the tree. This morning worked perfectly. Of course it helped that the Wonder Pets came on just as I started snapping. We were playing in the kitchen for a bit (Mommy was washing dishes and baking more cookies) and I decided it was time to head to the living room to play. But first, since he had gotten some energy out in the kitchen, I thought I'd press my luck.

So what if he's not looking at the camera in a single one? They're adorable! And it helped that Daddy and I bought Joey a few more presents Saturday morning. The additional colors just make it look so much more festive! (No, he doesn't understand Santa yet, or even want to open the presents, so I took the opportunity to have presents out early. Can't wait to have to hide them next year!!)

My freshman year roommate Meg and her husband also came to visit with their little girl Emmaline. Unfortunately, this is the best picture we have. In all the other pics at least one of the adults is not looking at the camera (in addition to both babies), and Emma gets more red in every shot.

Let It Snow

I almost had to steal my sister's blog post (she's done it to me a few times this holiday season). Then I remembered this Boyz II Men ditty, which seemed more appropriate anyway. (he he)

We bought Joey the full snow suit this year. He didn't mind putting the pants on, but he didn't like the snow much. I'm not sure what he could actually feel, since we had him so bundled up, but as you can see, he didn't look happy.

I did manage to get our two babies in one picture. Took a little maneuvering (and some obedience on the dog's part, which she wasn't very good at today), but I got one!

We were able to get a smile on Joey's face. OK, Daddy was able to get a smile on Joey's face. And of course he was on the driveway, so Joey wasn't looking at the camera. But at least it's a smile. All those white lines you see - that's the snow with my camera shutter open long enough to get enough light. (Hint, hint, Daddy, if you're reading. Which you're probably not, but my faithful readers can feel free to tip him off.)

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

"She didn't see me creep, down the stairs to have a peep ..."

Joey was having some fun on the steps again tonight. (Big shocker there, I know.) I think he was tired, though, because he never quite made it all the way up. He got up one stair, peeked out a bit from behind the banister, and that was it.

He climbed back down, and then decided he was going to just start talking and talking. This one is a talker, you know.

And a he's on to the paparazzi. You'll notice he's not quite so smiley in all the pictures anymore. Yeah, he's figured the camera out. Won't even look at it at daycare. But I'll keep trying.

You may have noticed the lack of a pacifier in the last few days of pictures. We decided this past weekend we were going to ween him off of it. Not cold turkey, of course. He still gets it at naptime and bedtime. But during the day, nothing. Joey seems to be adjusting just fine, and talking even more than before.

Rudolph the Red (or Green)-Nosed Reindeer

This was what was waiting for me as I got home for dinner Wednesday night. Daddy had made Joey vegetable with beef soup, and was serving him the larger pieces. And apparently some of the soup, too.

There was a plate at one time, but if you look closely at his hair, you'll notice there's food in it. We took the plate away when he started putting it on his head. I'm also not sure when the pea ended up on his nose; it was there from the moment I walked in the door. Dinner time sure is fun!

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

I have a little catching up to do, so I'll see what I can get done. It gets a little hard to keep up when we only have one computer at home, and Joe needs it to download music for work. But I digress ...

Isn't this the cutest skater boy ever? (Should I have written it sk8r boi? Would that have made me cool?) We were getting ready to go to school Monday morning, and we usually let Joey play in the kitchen a few minutes. Here he's getting ready to go after the magnets on the fridge.

This picture is for all those who wonder if Joey ever cries. Yes, he does. And no, I'm not always this smiley about it. But this was hilarious. He's started playing with the markers, and decided he was going to climb the stairs with the markers in his hands. (One marker in each hand.) Mommy was having none of it. And Joey cried and cried and cried every time I took the markers away. It did actually get to be a bit amusing. Apparently we've spoiled him and he's not used to hearing no. Well, he better get used to it.

Tuesday night, back on the stairs, sans markers. Much happier Joey.

Playing in the living room, with markers. I think shortly after this shot he made a break for the steps. Needless to say there were more tears. I'm starting to build a tolerance, which doesn't bode well for Joey.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Have I mentioned before Joey likes the Family Guy? I have? Then you won't be surprised by this picture.

I think this was Saturday night. He started clapping when it came on. Seriously.

When Grandpa and Bucza came to visit today, they brought Joey his own chair. He is absolutely smitten with it. He just loves to sit there and look around. It's a totally new perspective for him.

Smiling, happy ...

And still able to catch a glimpse of the television.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Earlier this week at daycare (on Tuesday, I think), Santa came to visit with the kiddies and hear what they wanted for Christmas. Mommy picked out a nice sweater for Joey to wear, thinking maybe this could be the Christmas card.

Clearly Joey was having none of it. And the teachers said they took a few pictures. This is the one where he isn't crying. I guess we'll save ourselves some time and not even bother with the Santa at the mall.

A Holly Jolly Christmas

When I got back on Thursday, I decided to try one last time for a picture for the Christmas card. If I didn't get one I'd like, I just use one from before. Here are some of the outtakes. Enjoy!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUNT MICHELE!

Ding Dong Merrily on High

I was able to get back from Dallas a day early, and Joey was so happy to see me!

OK, maybe he was really just yelling for his Daddy. Or enjoying the Christmas tree. But he does look happy, no?

This one I love. I don't know what it is about the "thinking" faces, but they're just too adorable!

Rockin' around the Christmas Tree

You may notice from the outfit that these pictures are also from Sunday night. Since the trip to see Santa wasn't successful, I thought I'd see what I could do at home to get a picture from our Christmas card. These aren't horrible, but I'm not sure. I may keep trying. I still have a little time, right?

We have a few presents wrapped already, so I thought they might serve as an appropriate distraction, keeping Joey in place and maybe even interested in the photo shoot.

It worked about as well as expected for less than two minutes.

I also thought it might be cute, and add some color, to put his stocking in the picture. This wasn't nearly as interesting as I had hoped.

In this picture, he's already starting to lean to his left, getting ready to crawl out of frame.

I figured since he loved the steps, maybe he'd sit there for me. Daddy held onto his pants to make sure he didn't go anywhere, and this worked out as well as the Christmas tree and presents. Lasted less than two minutes. And since my flash is slow to recharge, this is the only usable picture I got.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

We went to Woodfield Mall on Sunday afternoon to get Joey's picture taken with Santa. When we showed up at 4:30pm, there was an hour and a half wait to sit on the big guy's lap. Needless to say, we opted against waiting in line. The "elf" recommended we come back Monday or Tuesday night, as it is usually not so crowded. We'll most likely take that advice. In the meantime, we decided we'd still do a little shopping, since we were already there.

Don't you like Joey's new winter hat? It's reversible with a black fleece on the inside. We wanted to get him the black one, with the old school logo, but they didn't have any youth versions and the adult was just way too big, even for his big head.

I Wonder as I Wander

Sunday morning, while we were playing, Joey was cruising along the gate we have around the tree.

I absolutely love this picture. He just looks so deep in thought, trying to figure out why the lights light up, or how he can get to all those fun ornaments. Either way, I just love this face.

Joey has also gotten quite proficient at climbing stairs. He spent the night on Friday at Busza's, and he climbed all the way to the top of their staircase. Here he is trying to make his way up ours. (He got about halfway there that morning. Much harder at our house because we have hardwood floors and their steps are carpeted.)

He also likes to peak out from behind the banister. Sometimes he'll grab for the little Santa figurine I have on the speaker. Always trying to see how far he can go.