Georgea's First Christmas

We had a wonderful first Christmas with Georgea. She really wasn't sure what all the "fuss" was about, which is understandable at only 19 months of age.

We were so thankful to have her here with us to celebrate the birth of Christ. Georgea was our gift and our joy on Christmas day.

Enjoying some holiday fun with Alexa the Sunday before Christmas.

Checking out the tree. Georgea was very unsure of the Christmas tree initially. These photos were taken a few days prior to Christmas and she still wanted one of us right next to her while she curiously investigated the funny green thing with lights. She did do some tugging on & pulling down of ornaments, which was very entertaining for her.

Staring at the tree. Fascinated & tentative.

My Dad is in AZ for the winter, so we had the joy of his company on Christmas day. Dad was enjoying his morning coffee out by the fire pit. Georgea loves having her "Haba" here.

Christmas day gift opening.

Vida had to get in on the action, of course.

Georgea loved this "Kai Lan" bubble maker. She adores all things Kai Lan.

Giving Kai Lan the "lean of love."

Tragedy strikes. Mama handed the Kai Lan toy to Grandpa to have him remove all the packaging, and baby girl did not understand.

More "give me back my Kai Lan!" drama.

" Hi Kai Lan. I love you."

Georgea was spoiled by her Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends.

Christmas day disarray. Love it!

Merry Christmas Dad. Trail runners, in anticipation of some time spent on the many nearby hiking trails.

Our Christmas was a day of relaxation, celebration and reflection. We sure missed my Mom today. And, we sure are thankful that God gave us the sweet distraction of our baby girl. Merry Christmas to all.

JiaTing (family)!

We attended a FCC Jia Ting cookie exchange on Saturday and it was so fun to see everyone. We've been a little out of the loop the last few months & it was really nice to get together with the group and to see Georgea playing with her FCC friends. It was a beautiful day so we enjoyed hanging outside with the kids, snacking on all manner of delicious holiday cookies and just getting caught up with everyone. Georgea had a great time, and so did we!

Thankful

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Tennessee with James family. It was so good to see everyone, and really nice for Georgea to meet a few family members that she hadn't yet met. My Dad made the trek to TN too and we loved having him with us.

Cousin love! Sweet snuggles with Alison & Caitlynn looking on.

Caitie & Georgea. It was so nice that Georgea had met most of her cousins, and Aunts and Uncles prior to this trip. I know seeing familiar faces made the (wonderful) chaos of so many people easier for her to handle.

Thanksgiving day w Dada, Mama & Haba (Grandpa).

Having just said goodbye to my Mom less than 2 weeks prior, the "crowd" and all the activity of the Tennesse crew was a welcome and wonderful distraction for us.

James parents "Papa" and "Grandma" with Georgea & cousin Jackson. Georgea loves Jackson!
It was so fun to have 2 babies around for the first time in many, many years.

Anna & Meg. Two of our beautiful, smart, darling....well, just perfect (!) nieces. I so love being an Auntie! Georgea is blessed with lots of wonderful, doting cousins.

I just love seeing Georgea in this photo! When we started our process we thought Georgea would be with us for Thanksgiving 2008. Then the wait started to grow & grow. What a huge blessing to have her here this year. I'm still pinching myself, hard to believe it's real.

Papa & Jackson. Look at those baby blues!!

Dad with Ali, Cait, Eva & Meg.

Cousins! James & I have always enjoyed seeing all the "kids" together. They're all growing up so fast...beautiful girls that we love so much.

Daddy & his girl. We certainly have much to be thankful for.

Photos...

Lots of photos have piled up over the past couple of months while we've been consumed with all that was going on with my Mom. Below are some random shots from early September through mid November. Baby girl turned 18 months on November 26 and she's really growing up!

September 5, Happy Birthday Dada!

October, snuggling with Dada. This is one of my favorite shots of Georgea, I love her expression.

Having fun with Grandpa, aka "Haba", as Georgea calls him.

Say CHEEEEESE!!

Halloween! We were traveling from MD back to AZ on this day, so this is as close to a costume as our little sweetie got. At 17 months she was none the wiser! :-)

With my ever faithful friend Heidi. She transported James, Georgea & Me to the airport. This picture was taken at the Hospice where my Mom was being cared for. One last goodbye and hug from my Mom before we headed out. This was the last day that my Mom was able to talk to me. I feel so blessed that I got to be by my Mom's side the last several days that she was talking and interacting.

My Sissy! Georgea loves her Aunt Becky & saying goodbye is always hard.

November 15. James & his brother Randy doting on Georgea at my parents house. She got a kick out of Randy and it was so great to have him with us.

LOVE this picture of the three of them!