Christmas Eve and Christmas

Garyldine, Jim, and my parents came over for Christmas Eve, and then my parents were back over for Christmas morning.  Katie was a little overwhelmed with all of the unwrapping of presents this year and all of the commotion, but after things were cleaned up, she has been enjoying her new things as they have been slowly introduced to her.  It was a Christmas to remember!

Opening Some of my Presents on Christmas Eve 

Santa's  Toys for Katie

Playing on Christmas 

Having my Christmas Snack of Rice Krispies

Elf on the Shelf

Waiting for Christmas

As Katie waited for Christmas, Jennifer's friend, Dan, gave her some Christmas books…still Katie's favorite thing. Books are a big part of Katie's every day routine. When we're not reading with her, she entertains herself with her books.

Now that she's walking, she's also trying to climb up on the furniture. She tosses her leg up onto the couch and tries to pull herself up. She hasn't been able to get up by herself yet, but I'm always amazed at her flexibility!

I love books! 

Enjoying the Snowmen 

I think I can get up!

Trying to Help Chloe

When the garage repairman came to the house last week, Chloe (not surprisingly) greeted him with her continual barking. I (not surprisingly) put Chloe out on the deck to calm down and quit barking. Katie quickly went to the door to see what Chloe was doing. She barked back at Chloe for awhile. Then she attempted to rescue Chloe from outside, so she tried and tried to open the door to let her into the house. She wasn't successful, but they entertained each other until the repairman left!

What are you doing, Chloe? 

Chloe: Bark, bark, bark!

Katie: Woof, woof, woof! 

I can almost get the handle! 

Hmmm…now what? 

I'm trying to help you. 

Another Try 

Aren't you going to help me?

Katie is Walking!

On Thanksgiving, November 24th, Katie took her first two steps. It was more like a stumble, but she was moving on her feet. She practiced with one or two steps at a time, and on December 6th, she officially started walking. She started walking about six steps at a time.  She gets more steady every day!

Beginning the Holiday Season

Katie had a great first Thanksgiving! We had dinner at our house, and my parents, Jim, and Garyldine joined us for dinner.  Katie discovered the joys of Jim's creamy mashed potatoes, and as always, she enjoyed mashed sweet potatoes.

The next day, the only Black Friday shopping we did was for Katie. My mom, Jennifer, and I went out to get Katie some holiday clothes. When we returned from shopping, we invited my dad over so he could watch Katie's fashion show!

One of Katie's first holiday gifts was bubbles from her friend, Patty. Katie LOVES her bubbles. Thank you, Patty!

I'm ready for Thanksgiving! 

Go ahead…begin the stuffing! 

Black Friday Fashion Show

Black Friday Fashion Show Continues 

Out for a Walk on a Cold Morning with Mom and Grandma 

I love bubbles! 

 I love Patty even more!