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.