Too cute...

We just couldn't pass up the chance to share this pic of Marie and Joey in their (almost) matching PJs. Enjoy...

Tidbit From Today

This afternoon, Marie was playing pleasantly with her sit-and-scoot car in the living room. She told me she was driving. When asked where she was going, she said "To the doctor." I didn't think too much of it. She proceeded to pick up her "baby" (doll) and go into the kitchen. She got out a green marker and then wanted something on which to "make a note." This was also not out of the ordinary. So, I got out a notebook of paper for her.

The next thing I know, she is at the "doctor." She is sitting on a step stool with her "baby" on the floor in front of her. She asks the baby, "Are you sick?" She then turns and "makes a note" on her paper. Did I mention that the doctor's office is in our half bath?

Winter Advice....

Look closely and you'll see why you shouldn't use fleece blankets to build a fort in your living room in January...

Post-Baptism Fun...Go Steelers!

Well, if we're going to have all the snow here, we might as well enjoy it. Since we had all gone to Mass on Saturday, that left Sunday wide open for lots of fun. The Meinhart clan was around and our good friends the Clausers came over in the late morning. Mark and Erin's daughter, Megan, and Marie are only three days different in age and are great buddies! Their son, Jacob, was born at the beginning of August, so he and Joey are sure to be playmates as well.

Both the big and little kids did quite a bit of sledding. Marie and Megan had lots of fun riding down and then being pulled or carried back up by various adults (Mark, Matt, Jon, Sarah, or Mark Clauser). When the girls got tired, they came in and the boys stayed outside to do some more extreme tricks. Thankfully, there were no injuries, just an occasional face plant into the snow.

The ride down is worth the trek back up!

Megan, at the bottom of the hill.

Marie, up to her ears and loving it!

Superman...I mean Uncle Mark.

Once everyone was inside, we enjoyed a nice lunch. They had worked up quite the appetite!


Later that afternoon, it was time to get ready to watch the Steelers. Actually, we were getting ready all day, as you can see by all the Steeler garb. We, of course, are all very excited about the upcoming Super Bowl...even Joey is getting into it!



The picture below was actually from Monday, but I just had to post it. Marie has been loving all the new toys that we've been getting out for Joey. Actually, a lot of them are her old toys. When Joey was "playing" with his floor mat, she just had to join in.

Joey's Baptism

This past Saturday, we celebrated Joey's baptism. Despite the horrendous weather, all of our expected guests were able to make it. Uncle James, Aunt Jaclyn, JJ, and Aunt Jess made it to Michigan Friday night. Needless to say, Marie was pretty fired up and soon had JJ following her lead - screaming and running in circles around the house. I have to admit, it was pretty cute, even if it was almost 11:00 PM.


Saturday morning, the kids (Marie, JJ, Jon, Jess, and James) took a couple trips down the sledding hill, but didn't stay outside too long. Grandma and Grandpa Meinhart and Uncle Matt came over from their hotel (they had arrived in Michigan late on Friday). Grandma and Grandpa Shibata drove up from Ohio and arrived shortly after noon. Uncle Mark and Sarah also came over. We had a nice (catered!) lunch and enjoyed a Dairy Queen ice cream cake before getting ready for church and opening presents. As you can see, Joey was very excited about all the visitors and gifts!



We piled in our cars to head to 4:30 Mass. Jon and I were asked to bring up the gifts at offertory. More than one person enjoyed watching us. My part was easy, Marie in one hand and the wine in the other. However, Jon was holding two good sized ciboriums with hosts and a sleeping Joey, a feat I won't be trying any time soon.

Following Mass, Joey donned his gown and we were set for the baptism. There was another little girl that was also being baptized that evening. Her name was Mary...how appropriate.


Deacon Dennis did a great job and it was a moving and memorable occasion. Joey slept through almost all of it. He wiggled a little when the water was poured over his head, but that was about it. Of course, we couldn't get out of there without taking lots of pictures. We are so grateful to Uncle Matt and Aunt Jaclyn for agreeing to be Joey's godparents.









The Shibata's started the trek back down to Ohio when we finished. It wouldn't have been quite so bad had the roads not been so treacherous. Thankfully, everyone made it safely.

Daily Life

With all the snow we've had in Michigan (not to mention the single degree temperatures), Marie, Joey, and I have been finding things to do inside during the days. In addition to being my personal assistant, Marie has been doing a lot of coloring, playing with Play-Doh, reading books, and as you can see, painting.


Joey continues to do well and eat like a champ. Note the cheeks that keep getting chubbier and the emergence of his double chin. He is starting to be more alert...when he is awake. He tracks us when we walk by and is more and more interested in lights and dangling toys. I'm pretty sure that I got a genuine smile out of him, though he hasn't really repeated that trick.


Marie's affection for Joey has not even begun to subside. We have to be careful that her "big hugs" don't turn into full body tackles. We can't count the number of kisses that get planted on the top of his head. Today Marie wanted to take a "nap" with Joey. She was only slightly disappointed when he didn't follow her instructions to close his eyes.

Joey...One Month

It's hard to believe that our little guy is already one month old! Before we know it, he'll be crawling around!



He is still quite the eater and has the chubby cheeks to prove it. He is mostly a very happy little one, although he has his moments. We are not certain if he gives himself a bellyache because he eats too much (and so fast!) or if his teeth are bothering him. Yes, his teeth...we noticed a couple of days ago that he has two pearly whites poking through his bottom gums. He's in quite the hurry!!

We've really been enjoying our family time at home...too bad Jon has to go back to work!


Joey and Marie got to "watch" the Rose bowl with Daddy this year. Unfortunately, they'll have to wait a while before they can see another Nittany Lion (football) win. I guess they'll have to start focusing on cheering for the Steelers!


Marie is still a very concerned and protective big sister. Joey doesn't get far without his blankie and she is always quick to tell us that "the baby's crying."

Thanks for reading....more updates soon!

Christmas Fun...

What a wonderful Christmas we had in Michigan this year!! Despite the less than cooperative weather, almost all of our immediate family was able to make the trip north for at least a short visit.

We enjoyed all the usual...getting a tree and decorating, making cookies, exchanging presents, eating way too much, and counting our blessings. Plus there was sledding, a project for the garage, and of course a lot of baby holding going on...not to mention an engagement! This was all made more fun this year since Marie was old enough to participate more fully. Enjoy the pictures we got to prove it!

Joey meets Uncle Dave.

Dave and Mark are good at disguising just how COLD they are.




I know there's a good one around here somewhere, Dad.


Here it is!


Are you sure it's going to fit, Uncle Mark?


Marie had LOTS of fun decorating (and un-decorating) the tree.







Marie...hard at work.





YUMMY!





The tow rope...a.k.a. Daddy.

Look Marie, no hands!!

Our little angel.



By my calculations...it should fit just right.




Our Christmas best...





Whew! This is exhausting!




A visit from the Shibata's....














Congratulations, Mark and (soon-to-be Aunt) Sarah! Yay!

We hope your Christmas was also filled with many blessings and that you had a wonderful New Year. Much love from our house to yours during 2009!