Tea Time

One of the first gifts Emma opened for Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Schultz's house was a Fischer Price tea set. The teapot sings songs, encourages please and thank you, teaches opposites (like open and close), and makes pouring sounds. The desserts come in three shapes for sorting on the plate. Our fast learner was pouring, sharing, clinking, sipping, dancing, sorting, pretend eating, . . . and uninterested in opening any more gifts. That's why there are so many pictures to share of one present!

Da Bears

Emma put on her Bears' cheerleader outfit for the last time this week. First, it is the end of the Bears' season. Second, it is getting too snug. Our seventeen-month-old daughter wears twenty-four month and 2T clothes. She even has a few 3T items that fit. On this recent day, Emma discovered the pockets and insisted on walking around with her hands tucked in them. Without her hands for landing in one of the many bobbles toddlers take, we shadowed her every step.

I also thought it would be fun to toss in a picture of her from last season. She was five months old at that time wearing a nine-month-old dress.

Whippin' Ribbon

Emma had a great time with the bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper, and bows. In the days before Christmas as presents began gathering under the tree, she investigated the pretty packages. She was gentle with them and rarely bothered the tree. However, a few gifts showed evidence of tampering. It's funny how none of her own were touched. Here she is attacking a bow from one of Daddy's presents. We had been using this one during our Christmas photo shoot.

Christmas Cutie

Emma posed for a few Christmas pictures in front of the tree last week. She has really enjoyed the holiday decorations and music. When she sees a Santa figurine or ornament, she says, "Ho, ho, ho!" She also likes to point at the tree and say ball (baw), bow, and girl (gir). We are working on the ending sounds. Her latest melt-your-heart word and action is "hug."

Toys for Tots

Last year we began the tradition of having Emma donate to children in need during the holiday season. As she gets older, she'll be able to pick out the items herself. It will certainly be more meaningful when she understand the significance of giving. This year we purchased several games and donated them to Toys for Tots.

Table and Toy Box

Grandma Connie and Grandpa Ross brought Emma her Christmas presents early. She was thrilled with the just-my-size table and chairs and coordinating toy box. Her favorite thing to do is drag the chairs around. I, of course, continually tuck them under that table, and she tugs them out. Likewise, I try to keep her toys organized in the three bins, but Emma would rather remove every item. These are fun games for us!

Read Any Good Books Lately?

I received a set of Baby Einstein alphabet books at a baby shower before Emma was born. She loves to look at the pictures and can say quite a few of the words or make the sounds of the animals. Scott and I read them to her several times a day on request. Baby Beth and Neigh-Neigh were honored with a reading on this day.

Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere

We experieced nicer weather over Thanksgiving weekend, so Emma was able to enjoy a long walk with her Grammy Jill and Grandpa Mike. They had some bubble fun when they got back.

Cheese!

This family picture was an impromptu shot after dinner out with Scott's parents last month. Say cheese!

Rocking Chairs

Both of Emma's grandmas have children's rocking chairs that she loves to climb into. They were used by us as kids. I should try to get a photo of Scott as a tike and one of me sitting in these rockers. Emma's very much into the climbing stage right now. Her little leg lifts high into the air to get on furniture. She is also attempting to get out of her crib or into the bathtub with the funny maneuver.

He-Man vs. Skelator

Girls sure do like playing with boy toys! Emma and her cousin, Sydney, had a ball with Scott's Castle Grayskull, Snake Mountain, He-Man, Skelator, Battle Cat, and the rest of the gang. I think Scott had just as much fun naming and describing all of the action figures to our curious five-year-old niece and showing Emma the functionality of the fortresses.