Dancing, singing, and hiccupping

Alena just recently discovered how fun her mobile could be. She usually likes to watch it for 20 minutes before she gets tired of it. It features the antics of cow, horse, and mystery animal (sheep?)

Happy birthday Grandma Dee!

Grandma and Alena like to sit around and visit...

...but they also enjoy lounging around.

Happy birthday Grandpa Ed!

Grandpa makes a good bottle.

See how big Alena is getting, her head holding amazes all the relatives.

Grandpa told Alena to get bundled up because there was a surprise outside.

He had built her a snowman, the first one she had ever seen! With a corncob pipe and a camouflage hat and a mouth made out of wire.

Christmas morning at the Jensen's

Ossman Christmas (purple pageboy)

Merry Christmas!

Alena standing

Christmas smock

Alena wearing her Christmas smock.

Practicing standing

Standing is a lot of work!

Alena prepares for Christmas!

Grandma Dee just told Alena that Santa Claus is coming in less than one week. Alena is very excited!

Unfortunately, Santa had to read Alena's mind as she was too tired to tell him what she wanted for Christmas. It was so nice of Santa to visit Hy-Vee. We left with a couple of pictures, as well as two lemons.

It looks like it will be a white Christmas this year. Unless snow starts melting at -10 degrees.

Christmas at Great Grandma's

Alena loves playing with her cousins! Last night she played with Emily. She loves staring and cooing at her. We can't wait until Emily is old enough to babysit! Today we went to a Christmas party at Great Grandma Horak's house. There were two more cousins to see. There were also some adults, but they aren't as fun. The house was kept at a toasty 105 degrees, so Alena got to run around in her onesie.

Abby and Alena hanging out.

Gabe was really excited to get pants for Christmas!

Alena loves the new doll that Abby and Gabe gave her!

Burrowing baby

Alena loves to bury her head in Dad's armpit. She scoots down, he puts her back on his chest, she scoots down again. You can tell what she has been up to when her hair smells like Degree.

Animal party

How many animals can you spot in these pictures?
Ben does not count as an animal, nor does Steve.

Alena and Mom read a book

Alena really dislikes reading books. Here she is expressing her displeasure.

Pillow pile!

Dad was walking around with Alena when he got the strange idea to put her in the middle of the pile of pillows on the couch. He slid her in a gap and it was so silly seeing her little head peeking out that Mom exploded with laughter. Alena thought it was pretty funny as well and kept smiling (until the camera got too close)! That crazy dad!

Celebrating Aunt Kristina's Birthday

Grandpa teasing Alena with her own burp cloth.

Alena got a little grumpy when she discovered that none of the gifts were for her. Maybe Aunt Kristina will share those pajamas?

Luanne is feeling a little neglected, so she has turned to the tv. Here she is watching a bad John Cusack movie. What is next--soap operas?

Megan comes for a visit. See, she is a natural with babies!

Alena and Daddy having fun.

Pretty awake

Alena enjoys her favorite time of day--early morning! She has decided that the middle of the night is also interesting, with so many things to see. Why would she want to sleep through that?

Alena likes to swing

Alena's first Thanksgiving

Alena had a fun first Thanksgiving. We went to Great Grandma Horak's house where she made a traditional turkey feast. The guest list was a little small this year, and Great Grandma decreased the amount of food accordingly--the first Thanksgiving in history where there were few leftovers! Alena wore her pretty new purple dress and tights. She was awake all afternoon, much to the grandmothers' delight.

Aunt Julianne and Uncle Sam come for a visit!

Alena had a good time this week with Aunt Julianne and Uncle Sam. We strolled around two different malls and the square in Washington while they were here. And Alena has finally started sleeping through the night--three nights in a row! Her favorite activities right now are trying on hats and staring at the wall.

Thanks for the squid hat, Aunt Julie!

Grandpa Ed shrunk his hat from the guard so it would fit Alena.

Uncle Sam and Alena watching MTV.