Gender Predictions

In one week, on January 7, 2010, we will have our first ultrasound to peek in at baby Delta.   At this point we should be 19 weeks 2 days.  As long as Delta decides to cooperate, we intend on finding out if we should use masculine or feminine pronouns to describe Delta.  As I did with Jenna, I will be happily accepting guesses of Delta's gender all week.  Let me know your predictions (if you haven't already)!

2 Dinner Parties

On Tuesday evening, we hosted a dinner party including guests Larry and Rita Beckley, Bob and Jo Rentchler, and Matt Carla and Ciara Schenk.  This was the (almost) annual Beckley/Rentchler Chili and Corndog supper.  The food was good and the company was superb. 

On Wednesday evening, we hosted a dinner party with guests of Joe, Charity, and daughter Jordan Price.  Joe and Christa went to high school together had stayed in touch for several years while Joe was in the Army.  Christa and Joe ran into each other and found out both were in the Evansville area and we should get together to catch up (and to meet each other's spouses and child).  Last night I made a salad, Lasanga, garlic bread and green beans.  We had a very nice time visiting and catching up. 

It has been lots of fun having company over the last couple of evenings!

Christmas Time

Christmas brought much joy to us this year.  We had a  nice get together with the Hofmann and Williams family on Christmas Eve at Lance's Mom and Dad's house.  As a family tradition, there is a family photo taken every year. 

Since I figured we would have a picture of the Hofmann Family, I thought we should also have a photo of the Rentchler family to start adding to the collection.  Christmas with the Rentchler's was on Christmas afternoon, hosted by Christa's Mom and Dad.

As for pictures of Jenna unwrapping gifts, they really don't exist this year, because she didn't quite understand ripping paper to see what kind of gift was underneath.  We worked with her to get her to tear the paper, but she didn't have much interest in it this year.  I am sure after watching Kent and Ciara this year, that opening Christmas gifts will be MUCH different next year.  From our family to yours, have a  Happy New Year!

New Firsts....

This week has started several firsts for Jenna.  Jenna gave Mommy her first kiss on the way down the steps to the babysitter's house.  She leaned over and puckered up and muah! 

Jenna started looking at Lance and saying Dadda and looks at me and says Momma.  I am sure it's a fluke, but we thought it was neat. 

Jenna got her first wrapped box to open on Friday.  Jenna tried opening it.  Here is how Jenna opens presents....

First, take off the bow and try to eat it.

Second, stand up against the package and then try to pull on the paper.

Then sit down and try to pull on the paper more.

Finally, get daddy to pull the paper off, so she can play with the paper and the toy.

We put up the Christmas tree a couple weekends ago on Saturday.  Theresa said Jenna never paid an ounce of attention to the tree at daycare (after the first day).  She did the same thing here, never really cared that the tree was put up in the corner of the living room. 

Until yesterday when she got curious.  I found her playing with a glass Santa ball.  She found a beaded star and started playing with it.  Needless to say, she thinks she has found a new toy, regardless of how many times she hears "no, Jenna, leave it alone!" She has even figured out how to take the walker over to the tree so she can get there faster.

Right now, the living room is lots of fun (and a little bit of trouble)!

Mr. Claus

Sunday was the first start I have had a feeling in the Christmas Spirit.  Maybe it was the pitch-in dinner, a visit with the big jolly guy, finishing Christmas Cards and getting the tree up and decorated that did it to me.  I feel like Christmas has finally arrived.

Sunday afternoon, Thresherman's Antique Club had a dinner with Santa Claus.  I wasn't sure how Jenna would do, since some Santa's can be a little scarey looking.  She seemed very intreagued by the Jolly Man's beard.  She acted like she wanted to touch it, but I don't think she ever did.

Of course, once she figured out there was a camera snapping picutres of her, she stared hamming it up!

I would like to specially thank Laura for taking these pictures since my camera battery was dead!  Thank you Laura for capturing Jenna's first visit with Mr. Claus.