Cole Family News....

Jenna did good for her first Christmas (save for her visit with Santa - see below) - especially since she did the Christmas routine a total of four times.  We always go to Clemson for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with JP's family, then back to Irmo for Christmas lunch with my Mom and then to Chapin for Christmas dinner with my Dad and Mary.  We did our Christmas at home on Monday morning, so it all worked out well.   We discovered that Jenna does better with following instruction when there are other younger people around to model what is supposed to be done, and although we were worried about all of the traveling, the road time gave her a chance to nap so she was refreshed for each visit.  All in all, it was a great time.  And Jenna is officially walking now.  She took some test steps over the week, but really took off this weekend - just in time to show off for family! Oh yeah!  I almost forgot...she also earned a new nickname...

And the fun begins!  Jenna's first Christmas!  Everyone keeps asking, "What did you guys get for Jenna for Christmas??"  Ummmmm.  Hmmmmm.  Well.....yeah...uhhhhh...nothing, so far.  Seriously.  I have come to the realization that, at least for this year, Christmas is about us, and not really about her.  The evidence to support this belief: Her: She has no interest in the Christmas tree. Us: Thankful for this, as I have read a bunch of stories about making sure they don't put an eye out on a branch, choke themselves on an ornament or ornament hook, and so on.  Her: Has no clue who Santa Claus is.  Us: We are going to take her to have a picture made with Santa on Friday - for memories sake - but I have a feeling Santa will make her cry.  Her: Has no attachment to toys.  Case in point: her favorite toy right now is the safety door knob covers from the child proofing kit and the running a close second is ...

Where does the time go?  I just can't believe Jenna is 10 months old already.  She has changed so much in the last few months.  She is so tall now (32 inches and counting) and starting to lean out.  The chunky thighs are giving way to solid toddler legs, signalling that our baby is growing into a little girl.  Here is a picture of her from this past weekend...

Promises, promises...right?  Last time I swore I would keep this blog updated...and here we are...over a month out from the last post.  I guess I can just promise to try to do better? :)

A quick review of the early days of this blog just lifted my heart!  I am so very grateful - for my husband, our sweet baby girl, our family and friends.  How did my life get here from where it was before?  Grace and mercy, for sure! Thank you to each and every one of you for your love, support, prayers and faithfulness.  Life is truly an amazing a precious gift! Julie

One thing that Jenna LOVES to do is shake her booty.  As video evidence suggests, I have been "dancing" with her (i.e., making her dance) since she was a newborn.  As she gets older, anytime there is music around, she is dancing.  I wonder who she gets that from?!? This first video is from early October... This second video is from the end of October.  In this one I was putting up clothes in her room and she was dancing away, not even aware that I was video taping her...