The Johnson Family: Merry Christmas!

Here is a little 2011 update on the Johnson Family. Last March, we found out we were expecting our second baby. About a week later, Matt found out that he got a new job. He now works at Visual Logic Group in downtown Waterloo, designing things like touch screens in tractors. They do a lot of work with John Deere. He also gets to travel more, often making trips to Des Moines. He also got to go to Florida. He still does some web designing as well.

In May, our niece Ella Jean was born, and we've enjoyed getting to watch her grow. In June we found out baby #2 was going to be a boy! We got a fence put up in the backyard this summer, and Avery and my daycare kids spent a lot of time outside. Avery got a sandbox for an early birthday present, and had a lot of fun playing there. She also really loved the kiddie pool this year.

September brought Avery's second birthday. We had lots of friends and family over for her party. She really got into it this year, and had a blast opening and playing with all her gifts.

September also brought some sadness with the passing of our dog, Puddy. She was 18 years old, and was Matt's family dog when he was growing up.

At the end of September, we decided that I would quit doing my in-home daycare. Avery and I enjoyed some one-on-one time for the last few weeks before her brother arrived. We did lots of playing outside, going to the park, and painting.

We took Avery trick-or-treating for the first time this year. We went to the "Western Town" at my parents' church, where she had fun running around with one of her little friends. We also went on Halloween and took her around our block. She figured the whole trick-or-treating business out pretty quickly. :)

Sawyer Allen Johnson was born on November 7 at 4:36pm. He weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 20 inches long. He had quite a bit of hair, too! (Most of which is now gone on the top!) Matt was able to be home with us for 3 weeks after Sawyer was born. Mommy greatly appreciated the help. :) We have loved getting to know our little boy, and adjusting to being a family of four. Avery has been a great big sister. She always wants to help, whether it be getting Sawyer a blanket, his pacifier, or trying to calm him down. She often says "Stop crying, little brother. It'll be okay." :) She has been so sweet with him.

Avery had her Christmas program at church, and in typical two-year-old fashion, wandered all over the stage and pulled Kleenex out of a box while the other kids sang. We got a good laugh out of it. It's been so much fun watching her grow. We feel very blessed to have two healthy, happy children.

Merry Christmas to you all, and a Happy New Year!

Love,

Matt, Jess, Avery & Sawyer