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.