Cookies and Milk

Emma and Daddio set out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve. One cookie, two cookies, three cookies, . . . and a glass milk . . . dumped all over the plate of cookies. Oops! We think Emma was trying to move the large mug when it tipped over. She was a little upset and asked Scott to get it off. I jumped to clean it up, but Scott said, "No, get a picture!" Emma also left some carrots for the reindeer. Santa and Rudolph must have liked them a lot, because there were only crumbs left! (Emma was willing to nibble on buttered toast in the late morning on Christmas Day. It was all she ate that day.)

Christmas Eve

It was on Christmas Eve that Emma began running a fever, refusing to eat, and would only drink milk. We opened some presents from each other, took a bath, and set out cookies for Santa. Emma was not enjoying our traditions much. She was generally uncomfortable. At times she had energy, but then would lay down and want to rest. We thought that she was battling a virus or maybe getting a cold. After a trip to the doctor and over a week of numerous symptoms (not eating was the most disturbing) we caught a glimpse of her two-year molars popping through! Well, two of her molars are visible. I guess this means we'll have to experience it all over when the other two decide to emerge! I think her new Mickey Mouse drum and all of her other wonderful presents brought her some comfort.

Christmas Card

Emma rarely pauses long enough for pictures. She'd much rather take the photos. Here are a few fun pictures we took in an attempt to create our Christmas card this year.

First Snow

When we got our first snow in early December, Emma was eager to get out and play. We were all bundled up, but I still thought it was mighty cold. We jumped in the deep snow, scooped with little shovels, and rode around in the sled . . . once. Emma preferred to be IN the snow. She was so upset when we decided to come in after 25 minutes. Yes, we are wimps, well, I am. I thought her two pairs of mittens and coat sleeves were not staying overlapped. It was also spitting an icy snow. I think I'll make a pair of wrist warmers to bridge the gap before our next snowy adventure.

The Elf on the Shelf

Grandma Connie and Papa Ross gave Emma "The Elf on the Shelf" over Thanksgiving weekend. Our North Pole elf, Bobby, will visit us from December 1 until December 24 every year and let Santa know if Emma's been naughty or nice on a daily basis. Bobby moves to different places throughout our house to observe from on high. Children can talk to the elf, but are not allowed to touch him. Each day Emma searched for Bobby saying, "Bobby, where arrrrrrre yoooooou?"