January Snapshots

Emma has very much enjoyed having a highchair for her babies and George. She puts them in, folds their hands to pray and then gives them "food".

She loves her Curious George.

First attempt at finger painting. She really enjoyed it.

Second time around she was more adventurous and there was even paint in her hair.

Can you say bed head? Emma's hair in the morning is always a treat, but it was especially amazing on this morning.

Emma is becoming more and more independent. She has recently decided that she would prefer to feed herself which has been quite interesting. She has just about mastered the use of a fork and spoon and does not like when we have to help her with it.

So proud of herself! She just giggles while she is eating. She is so fun!

Our most recent activity has been to get up on the stool and watch the birds, squirrels and cat for extended periods of time. She giggles and talks to the animals outside...so sweet!

Christmas in St. Louis

On the 26th we set out for St. Louis. We spent a week there with Grammy and Poppa, Uncle Rich, Grandma, Uncle Ben and Aunt Erin, and Aunt Abby, Uncle Andrew and Sam. Yes, we all stayed in the same house. To avoid the nightmare of Emma refusing to sleep in the pack n play at Thanksgiving, Grammy made Emma a special room in the walk in closet. Her special room was decorated with teddy bears, dolls and even had ducks on the wall. Emma loved it so much that she cried when we took her out. Way to go, Grammy!

During the week we had lots of great time together and the six kids (Ben, Erin, Abby, Andrew, Mike and I) even got to go out to dinner at the hill. It was the first time ever that the six of us had gone out to dinner together. We also got to see Ben and Erin's cute apartment in St. Louis. Emma enjoyed all of the treats that everyone snuck her and all of her time playing with her loved ones.

I did not do a good job capturing the wonderful memories with my camera, but here are a few shots.

What are all of these presents?! I am a little overwhelmed!

Present time!

Thank you for my gifts, everyone. (Emma says thank you by putting her hand over her mouth.)

Graco set with highchair, infant carrier, pack n' play and swing...She plays with it all day long. What a great gift, Uncle Rich!

Emma enjoyed getting a special Curious George book from Tante Janet.

BOWS!!! Thanks, Aunt Abby and Uncle Andrew!

And a purse to go with her bows! She knew just what to do with it!

Sam got the little people garage and was super excited. Emma had a great time playing with it all week.

Grammy and Poppa gave Emma the Little People doll house. She plays with it all day long as well. She especially loves to ring the doorbell.

The kids with Great Grandma...Emma in her usual cooperative mood. :)

Christmas in Cincinnati

Christmas morning...Emma walked out to find the tree all lit up and all the lights off.
She was so excited.

Emma noticing her presents under the tree.

I love this smile! She was so excited about her coloring book!

A new puzzle of farm animals...and yes, there are ducks in the puzzle!

The big gift was a water bottle just like Mommy's. Since she was three months old she has been obsessed with that water bottle, and now she has one of her own!

And finally, she got jammies with Curious George all over them. I love this smile too!

While getting food packed for the day's events, Emma swiped a bowl of broccoli and ate it all. She loves her veggies!

Emma and Sarhea at Nana and Papaw's house. We went to their house for a wonderful breakfast and spent the day playing together.

Aunt Sarah and Sarhea

Opening Gifts

Emma tried to play ball with Sarhea. She came in and saw Sarhea on the floor, so she found the ball and plopped down across from her. It was precious.

After Nana's and Papaw's we went to spend time with Mike's extended family. It was a very nice day of family time!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we were so excited to have Daddy home with us. We got up early and went out to breakfast and then to the ZOO! We only saw one other family the entire time we were there and it was just great. The lions roared for us and the animals were all up and watching us closely. Emma just squealed the whole time and enjoyed it so much. When we came home, Emma took a nap and woke up to find that Aunt Erin and Uncle Ben had come to play with her. They spent the afternoon with us and were there to get a family picture for us before we left for the Christmas Eve service at church.

Uncle Ben and Aunt Erin-while they were here, Emma learned to say both of their names and since has developed quite a love of Uncle Ben. She walks around asking about him all day...it is SO SWEET!

Our Little Family

Dancing around the room in her Christmas Dress.

Mrs. Ferone made this dress for Bel last year and Emma borrowed it for Christmas. It is a beautiful dress and Emma loved having horses on her dress. She also wore a bow with a gingerbread girl on it from Aunt Abby! Thanks for sharing the dress, Bel!

More Cousin Time

We were blessed before Christmas to get to spend some time playing with Sarhea!

Festival of Lights

Nana and Papaw took us to the Festival of Lights. Emma so enjoyed her time seeing all of the lights and spending time with Nana and Papaw.

It was so much fun! Thank you, Nana and Papaw!

One of the few pics we took that night. Emma LOVES animals!

Aunt Abby and Sam Come to Visit

Aunt Abby and Sam finally made it to Cincinnati to visit. After several canceled trip attempts because of Emma getting sick, they finally came! We had a great three days playing together. We decided that Sam and Emma could pass for twins, but Abby and I both are very thankful that they are not...how exhausting.

Sweet Cousins

"Hey, Emma...I'm NOT touching you..." He is so much like his daddy!

I had good snuggle time with the kids. It was so fun to read with both of them.

Play Time

I love their expressions!

Emma diapering her baby and her duck.

Sam in the corner reading. He reads by himself all day long. He is going to love books as much as his Mommy and Daddy. I was so thankful for the quality time with him!