Emma and the Chrismas Tree

New Years

Emma showing off her precious poncho and giving her cheesy smile.

We thought it would be fun to let the girls take a bath together. Emma was obviously not for it. She normally loves the bath.

For New Years this year, we headed to my parent's lake house. The Wansley's met us there. It was a very relaxing few days. A much needed break after going, going, going for Christmas. We did absolutely nothing. We would lounge in the mornings, eat, let the little ones play, eat some more, and then head outside after naptime.

Chritmas Day

Like everyone, our Christmas was chaotic but so much fun this year. Michael and I felt like kids again at Christmas. Emma did not understand Christmas and all that goes with it. She would say "Ho, Ho,HO" when you asked her what Santa said and would find Baby Jesus in the manger. She slept late every morning starting Christmas Day until past New Years. She was wiped out from being sick and from going non-stop. She was a trooper and did great. When we brought her downstairs Christmas morning, she was very shocked to see toys under the tree. After we played with her toys, had breakfast, cleaned up after a diaper incident, we headed to Florence to celebrate with my family.

Christmas Eve

Emma taking all the choas in!!! There was wrappiing paper everywhere!
Me showing her how to hold her baby!

Emma was such a trooper Christmas Eve. We took her to the 4 o'clock Mass at St. Peter's. She made it through most of the service but got a little wiggly towards the end. Instead of wrestling her, I just took her into the nursery. After that we went to Michael's parent's house for dinner and presents. Poor thing was not feeling well but we thought she had another cold. Of course when we got home she had a fever.

"O Christmas Tree"

Emma sees the tree decorated for the first time.

At Haromn's looking at the animals and freezing!!!

We found the bunny running free.

Looking for the tree. Pictures are obvously out of order!

Michael's family has a tradition of going to Harmon's Tree Farm to cut down a Christmas Tree every year. Ever year since we have been married we have continued the tradition. Of course we go straight for the Frasier Firs and do not even bother cutting down a tree. We took Emma last year but she was only 6 weeks old. This year she took it all in. She was a little unsure at first. Harmon's is a great place. They have a petting zoo. Emma and I even found a bunny running free.

Emma and Santa Meet

The lady who keeps Emma had a Christmas Party at her house in December. Santa made a special trip to visit the little ones. Emma was fascinated with Santa from a distance, but when I went to put her on his lap she gripped on to me so tight. She admired him but wanted nothing to do with him. This is the only picture we have of Emma and Santa.

Happy 1st Birthday to Emma!

Emma turned ONE on November 12. To celebrate her birthday, we had family over on November 9th. Her birthday theme was ladybugs. My mom made the cutest ladybug invitations and an adorable dress with a ladybug applique for the birthday girl. You can check out the whole birthday ensemble on her blog: artforyou-geniatyson.blogspot.com. We had 2 ladybug cakes. One especially for the birthday girl and one for the attendees. I bought the book Ladybug Girl and had everyone sign it so she could have it when she is older. Emma loved all the attention. I had visions of her having cake all over her face, but she had NOTHING to do with her cake. She poked the ladybugs but would not eat the cake. It is crazy to think this time last year I had a tiny baby now I have a little girl who is all over the place. I could not get the pictures in order but here are some pics from her big day.

"Meme, they actually expect me to eat this!!"

The birthday girl!

Michael was a little nervous at this point. Emma was fascinated with the candle and wanted to touch the flame.

Here are a few things Miss Emma is up to these days:

1. She weighs right at 18 pounds. She is still rear-facing in the car.

2. She is still not walking but will stand for a long time. She has taken 3 steps. She is a little unsure of the whole walking thing. She will walk everywhere if we hold her hands.

3. She still LOVES dogs.

4. She is down to 2 bottles a day. She is not to into her sippy cup and wants someone to hold that for her.

5. She is becoming VERY uninterested in baby food. Coming up with ideas for food for her to eat is mindblowing.

6. She still loves to look at books.

7. She sleeps well at night but her naps are a little iffy.

8. She is in day care 2 days a week.

9. She laughs and smiles A LOT. She cries when she is tired or hungry.

10. She loves to be outside. She will point to go outside and even try to turn the doorknob to go out.