Thanks for all of the input so far! (Even the drawing, Ike.)
I have been trying to come up with plans on where to put each person exactly so when I go to take the pictures I can just say "OK, you stand here and you sit here and you need to put your hand here...."
I may even be able to try several options of different poses, so if I have a few ideas that will work as well.
The whole group is very patient and cooperative. For the picture posted above they were all asking me what to do, where to stand, if there was anything they could do to help (move furniture, lights, etc.) Just a great group.
I see minor things so far that I would change, such as move the people in the back row closer together. Maybe I could even get two rows of people behind the sofa, a "tall" row and a "shorter" row in front of them. I am still trying to think of what to do in the front, if I don't have people sitting there. I want the photo to look "finished", and am wondering if it will if there are just a bunch of feet there. But, maybe it will be fine.
I also appreciate the suggestion to lower the camera. I realized that after the fact, that I could go lower at the top to get in more of the sitting people. I was worrying more about not getting distracting lights from the other room, getting everyone to look at me, and checking the babies, that when I saw everyone's face and smiles on them (at least those who will smile at all) I was pleased.
If you have any more comments or critiques or suggestions on how to specifically arrange this group, please let me know!! I will be taking the next photos on December 24.