Birthday Party

Emma went to Chuck E. Cheese today for a birthday party for her friend Colton. Chuck E. Cheese is still a little to old for her. She really liked the rides, but she didn't get most of the games. She did have a great time! And it was nice to see my friends at the party.

Imaginary Pets

Emma is just so imaginative. The a few months ago Emma had her hand all balled up. I thought maybe she had a button or coin in her hand and I pried her hand open because she wasn't being very cooperative. When I realized that nothing was in her hand I asked her what she was holding. She said, "a bear." "Oh, a bear", I said. Ever since then I've noticed that she carries around an animal in one of her hands. It changes regularly, it's been a kitten, bear, giraffe, pony, ect. I am starting to wonder if she picks an animal based on her emotions. Mostly I have noticed when she is in a new environment where she might be scared it is usually a big animal like the bear. One day I asked her what animal she was holding and she said "a kitten". What color is your kitten I asked. "Pink" she replied. Well, what is the kitty's name? "Hmmm, thinking", she said as she tapped her chin. Then she said "tickle". She carried around a pink kitty named tickle for a while. It is interesting to watch her carry it too. It is very real to her. When we are out and I want her to hold my hand and that happens to be the hand she is carrying her animal, well, then she switches it to the other hand. When she washes her hands after using the bathroom she puts her animal on the counter and then picks it up after she is done. Keep in mind this is all imaginary, she really isn't holding anything. It is just amazing to me. It probably comforts her somehow. I just can't believe a 2 1/2 year old could be so clever.

Me do it all myself!

I probably shouldn't post this picture and I'm sure Emma will be so embarrassed one day that I took these. This picture is the result of "me do it all myself". She has her panties on inside out and she put both legs through a leg hole! For some reason she hasn't figured out to keep her panties on around her ankles when she goes to the potty, she likes to take them off completely. It is so weird to have to teach our children these little things. Doesn't anything come naturally?

Posts

Ok, here is my attempt to get caught up on Emma's blog, now that Christmas is over and I'm feeling much better! Wish me luck, I'm 3 months behind! =)

Arts and Crafts

Play dough and coloring. Emma loves doing arts and crafts. I wish I were better about doing them with her. I only get around to doing it about once a month. It seems such a hassle to drag everything out. She sure does love it though.

Piggy Bank

Santa brought Emma the cutest piggy bank. Papa gave her some change to put in it. She just loves putting money in it!

Starry Night

We cracked out the art supplies and used Emma's new easel today. She loved painting and coloring. Here is a video of her painting a picture and she titled it "Starry Night". Wow, I'm impressed.

Christmas Afternoon

After we opened presents at home we went over to hang out with my Mema and Papa. Of course they had a ton of presents for her so it was like a second Christmas. They got her the neatest doll house. Emma played with it for hours.

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Santa has come! Yeah! He even ate the cookies and drank the milk.

Wow, look at all the presents!

Look, Santa brought the purple bear that Emma asked for!

And a princess piggy bank!

A new tradition. Kevin and I are going to write a
Christmas card to our children each year and tell them why they are so special to us.
Emma doesn't really appreciate it now, but someday she will.
Oooohh, a pick necklace!

Look Abby, paints!

Emma loves cooking!

A Grinch, this will go great in her room!

A box of dress up outfits! Emma loves to be a pretty princess! Daddy too!

Now it is our turn to open presents. Notice Emma laying by Kevin when she realizes that all her presents have been unwrapped.

Look, baby Jesus has come! This nativity scene was my Christmas present from my mother and I just love it!! We left baby Jesus out of the scene until His birthday. Every day Emma would look to see if baby Jesus was born. We were so excited to show her that he had been born!What a great Christmas. It so much fun being the mommy and watching Emma open presents. I love starting new traditions and continuing with old traditions.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we did several fun things with Emma. We put out reindeer food in the front yard so that Santa would be able to find our house. Set out cookies and milk for Santa. And we read her The Night Before Christmas and the story of Jesus's birth. I can't wait until the morning, it will be so much fun.

Christmas Tree

Kevin really liked the lighting off the Christmas tree so he took some cute pictures of Emma by the tree. It is so nice to have a photographer in the family.

Silly Papa

Mema and Papa stopped by tonight and Emma was playing dress up. Papa put Emma's tutu on her head and Emma thought it was pretty funny!