A Hipp Christmas

Whew!!! This was an exciting and busy month!
From Lincoln's arrival Dec 1st, till my parent's and brother Michael's departure tomorrow, it feels like we've been going nonstop. But in the best ways! We have had some wonderful time with my family on multiple visits, time with Larry's family and extended family, and all the holiday fun we could manage! I'll try to hit the highlights here:

Christmas morning was special with the four of us opening presents in our Christmas pj's in our house. Georgia, being the expert present-opener she is, opened them for all of us- hers, mine, larry's and lincoln's! Aren't they too cute in their pj's?!

Next, we headed to Nana's house (larry's mom) to open presents with her, Heather, Jonathan & Tyler. Georgia was SO spoiled this year! She got so many fun new things- most of which make some kind of noise! Larry has already been going thru the new toys, finding ways to block/cut off/muffle their noiseboxes! Kids make enuf noise on their own that I don't really think it's fair that all their toys have to be noisy too. And Lincoln just enjoyed snuggling with everyone.

Then we joined the Phelps for Christmas lunch with Sandy's family. The meal was delicious and it was great to get to spend part of our Christmas day with good friends. Georgia adopted Sandy's dad, "Papa Go", and they played, played and played, and also shared fudge pie! And, once again, Lincoln spent his time getting passed from one snuggle to the next!

Christmas night Grandpa Albert (larry's dad) came over and Georgia opened even MORE presents! He got her a Sit n Spin, which larry said every kid has to have until he realized the new Sit n Spins have constant music that plays with no on/off switch! It was one of the first "noisy toy" to get "modified", but Georgia still loves it!

That night, the Rodebush's came to town!

A Houseful of Fun

Our Christmas fun continued with my parents and brother Michael arriving Christmas Day (thurs) night and brother Wesley and girlfriend Jen arriving Friday afternoon. We enjoyed a big Christmas dinner Friday night, and opened even more presents! Georgia showed off her present-opening skills and delighted all with her strategic "ooohs" and "ahhhs" as she opened each gift. Favorites include a remote control yellow school bus and a babydoll with carseat carrier, among many (many) more presents.

The rest of the visit has been great with lots of good eating, playing games, watching movies, bowling and laser tag outings, and some shopping. Georgia, of course, has loved the extra attention and playing with her uncles. She has been following Michael around everywhere, wanting piggy-back rides and playing hide n seek. Jen cooked for us one night and made an awesome meal of meatloaf, twice-baked potatoes and asparagus. Everyone has pitched in with taking care of the kiddos, with feedings, diapers, cooking and even laundry. It's been great, not only just for the help, but also so Larry and I could spend more time together and with everyone else.

Uncle Michael is Georgia's buddy!

Wes & Jen with the kiddos...

Wes & Georgia- jumping! Can you see both of their feet off the ground together?!

Merry Christmas, Mommy

I just had to take a moment and share some things I'm thankful for this Christmas Eve day...

Swings and paci's...

and Color Wonder markers!

The markers were supposed to be one of Georgia's gifts, but I got desperate this morning as my to-do list sat untouched and company coming tomorrow! They were still unwrapped, if that makes a difference (which also shows you how behind I am on that to-do list!). If you don't know about Color Wonder markers, they color only on the special book they come with- not on clothes, carpet, furniture, dogs or baby brothers, which makes them perfect for Georgia! And I'll report that they've kept her busy for about 1 hour now!! :)

Phelps Christmas 2008

Every year we enjoy a "Christmas" night with our dear friends Matt & Sandy. This year was pretty low-key as we're still adjusting to having a newborn in the house, and we just ordered pizza and had some yummy cupcakes Sandy made. Georgia was anticipating their coming over all day, saying "Say-ee" (Sandy) and Matt (one of the first names she ever said clearly). She loved the part of the evening with presents and did a great job, tearing off the paper with gusto and ooo-ing and ahhing. 'Aunt' Sandy & 'Uncle' Matt always do a great job of spoiling her! :) I can't wait till their own little boy comes in Feb b/c they're going to be great parents! (AND we'll get to repay them with lots of fun toys that make noise! ;)


Uncle Matt has his arms full of little hippos!

Georgia's very own phone!
What kid doesn't want a direct line to Elmo?!

Yea!! A cute pink outfit that's "so soff"!

...that she immediately tried on, over her clothes!



Thanks, Phelps, for another fun Christmas and a great year together. I love that we continue to share each other's joys, surprises and challenges. Thank you for your friendship, most of all. We're looking forward to an exciting 2009!

True Joy with Emily Joy Designs

I have to give a blog-shout out to Emily Joy Gresham of Emily Joy Designs. She is a photographer that was recommended to me by friend Brooke Chamblee. She has a fairly new photography business, but is gaining experience fast as word spreads of her great work.

I had been wanting to do some pictures with newborn Lincoln and of our new family of four, to use for Christmas cards (coming soon to a mailbox near you!) and to have as portraits. This sweet, so-tiny, wrinkly newborn stage passes so quick and I wanted to try to capture it. She got some beautiful pictures, despite having to work with a busy, whiny 20-month old, a hungry newborn, and our messy house. Yes-she even came to us!

She is very reasonably priced- $50 includes her sitting fee and a cd of all pictures. She does a lot of pictures at the botanical gardens too. And, I love the music on her website! :) I recommend her to you! (She also did the picture that's now the header of our blog & the family picture)

Here are few of my favorites: