Altrogge Family

Now that we live with a family who has a daughter a couple years older than Charis, our girlie has been exposed to all the pink and purple toys one could wish for. Here she's playing with the baby, crib and blankie set they gave her for Christmas. "Baby" is offically her second word (an enthusiastic, drawn out "hi" was her first and now we are greeted by her whether we've been out running errands or just in the powder room).

Speaking of speaking (nervous laugh), Charis has been repeating a lot of our words. Gagoo is cookie (or cracker for that matter) and gigi is blankie. When we pray, the words, "In Jesus' name we pray," are her cue to utter an emphatic "A-ma!" In addition to her expanding vocabulary, she is catching on to the tune to Amazing Grace. So cute. She has a singing voice and all. Sometimes if I leave her in her crib after she wakes up, she'll sing if she thinks she's alone.

Charis had her first physical therapy session today. The therapist said Charis has come a long way since her assessment. Every concern she might have regarding a child who is delayed, was removed. She was encouraged my Charis' muscle strength and thought we would only need to have someone come for therapy once a month.

This weekend, the pastors college wives were treated to a Christmas Tea. A number of ladies worked extremely hard and planned and cooked to execute this event. The decorations and table settings were beautiful. We were treated to an array of fancy foods, and we laughed a lot. Did I mention the food was delicious? Mmmm. So for those of you at home, here's a picture of all the pc wives with Betsy and Julie (minus two of our gals).

We may not have taken our traditional hay-ride up the rolling hills of PA to pick out the perfect Christmas tree, but in true suburbian style, we took the highway to the nearest Target, and picked out a beauty. I am a white-light type o' girl, and since our first stop was all out of 3 ft. white trees, we got back on the highway and drove to the next Target (Stephen is too good to me. He couldn't care less what color of lights are on our dinky, fake Christmas tree).

Bing Crosby, lattes, reminiscing. . . home is where my family is. What a fun-filled day.