Ying and Yang

I debated whether or not to use this picture.  We wanted a photo of Lauren wearing her "I'm One" party hat, but she wasn't a fan.  Emma was a good sport and tried to cheer her sister up, but there was no use.

Got Milk?

We are gradually making the transition from bottles to sippy cups.  Right now we only do water in the cups because they are flung around and tipped over constantly.  Even though they claim to be spill proof, they do dribble from time to time.  Lauren still takes milk from a bottle.  Doesn't she look relaxed in her leather wingback chair?

Time for Tubes

We took these pics on our phone cameras while waiting for Lauren's surgery.  After six ear infections over the course of four months, we had to have the procedure.  Luckily, she was the youngest of the 7 babies Dr. Kelly had on his schedule this day, so she was the first.  (It's not easy for a one-year-old to skip morning milk and breakfast.)  She was terribly unhappy for the first 30-minutes after coming out of the anesthesia, but had a bottle and long nap when she got home.  That afternoon, we had our happy Lauren back.  Cross your fingers that this does the trick!  Bye-bye ear infections!

One Is Fun!

Under the big top was the theme of Lauren's first birthday party.  It's so fun to shop for the decorations and paper goods and then stage the house.  We ordered a cake from Janet's Cakes.  They did a great job on matching the party decor.  Many family members came to celebrate with us.  We love having everyone over for these special events.

Independent Walker

Emma has been cruising for a few months, but has been more and more adventurous about walking independently. She can stand up in the center of a room and take off. Here she is at Great Grandma Charlotte's place in early August.

Little Bit Meets Lincoln

Scott, Grandma Connie, and Papa Ross took Emma (aka Little Bit) to the Lincoln Museum in Beardstown where Abe Lincoln's famous almanac trial took place. Emma brought Mommy home a souvenir Lincoln coffee mug from the gift shop!

Emma, Rex, and Carlee

Scott and Emma took a trip to Beardstown for a few days while I worked in my classroom. Though she was initially fearful of Ross and Connie's dogs, Emma gradually warmed up to the pups. Rex and Carlee followed Emma from room to room. She liked their shaggy fur and sloppy kisses.

Wagon Ride

One of Emma's many birthday gifts was a Radio Flyer wagon. Here she is with her friend, Joan, on an evening stroll. You may recall the shallow-bed, metal version of the Radio Flyer from years past. These days the wagon is plastic with seat backs, seat belts, and cup holders!

Pink Ladies

Emma (12.5 months), Joan (14.5 months), and Ruby (10 months) hung out at our place in late July while the parents visited and supervised. Though they played separately for the most part, there were two moments where I caught them in the same location.

Jungle Buddies

The Bloomington Public Library also has a weekly story time for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Their theme is "Jungle Buddies" and the librarian does a great job of keeping the kids entertained for thirty minutes. She reads several books, sings a few songs, and this week she played a listening game. Afterward we went up to the Children's Department and did some exploring!

All Aboard!

When Emma's friends were over in mid-July, Jude brought his Mickey Choo-choo push toy. Although Emmy has a similar vehicle, she was enthralled with this version.

Emma, Morgan, and Jude

We've had lots of play dates with little buddies last month! Emma's friends, Morgan and Jude, came over with their parents one afternoon to chat, play, and have a bite to eat. Scott taught with Morgan's daddy and Jude's mommy at BHS. We still try to get together every few months.

Lovin' the Library

We brought Emma to another story hour at the library. Emmy also spent some time exploring the toys in the children's department. She wanted to stay longer, but it was time for lunch and a nap.

Emma and Ellie

Emma and her four-year-old friend, Ellie, went to Barnes and Noble for story time and then to lunch with their mommies a few weeks ago. Girl time!

Foley Family at One

After Emma was born, I scanned in baby photos of Scott and myself to create a collage of us all. Now that Emma is one year old, I thought I'd continue this photo-editing endeavor and make it a yearly tradition. It's so neat to compare our facial features in side-by-side pictures!

Birthday Videos

There was so much video footage of Emma's birthday events that we've just now loaded them for you to view! It took Scott several hours to watch the various clips and pick three to post on our site. The first video is of Emma exploring her birthday presents after waking up from her nap on her actual birthday. The second video shows her excitement upon opening her Radio Flyer wagon at Grandma and Grandpa's house. In the third video, we sing Emmy "Happy Birthday," and she investigates her birthday cake with hesitation. Happy viewing!

1st Birthday Party

Emma's birthday fell on a Thursday this year, so we celebrated the day as a family of three. Her Grandma and Grandpa Schultz hosted a party for her the weekend after her birthday. It was a wonderful time with lots of food, presents, and laughter! She got so many cute clothes, a Radio Flyer wagon, Little Peoples Noah's Ark, xylophone, books, puzzles, blocks, and much more from her family! Thanks to Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Chad for taking photos during presents and cake! Prepare yourself for a fifty-picture slideshow!

Precious One Year Photos

We took Emma for professional one year pictures the week after her birthday. When you purchase a lot of photos, you get a CD with the images to use digitally. Emma did really well interacting with the photographers. But she kept putting her fingers in her mouth to feel her sprouting teeth during the shoot. They were able to capture some wonderful images. She looks so different in each one. We think our babe is absolutely precious!