Since the weather isn't cooperating for building a real snow snowman, we opted for creating a construction paper one. Mommy had so much fun getting all of the pieces ready and watching Emma play with them. I, of course, help guide her to place the objects in the correct spots when we do these kinds of projects.
Emma has to experience food on a few different occasions before she'll decide it's yummy. Apples and grapes were shunned for months, but are now fruits she begs for! On this day, I tried an orange slice, and she liked it right away! For a fruit with such an unusual texture and tart taste, I was surprised. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries . . . we are keeping our fingers crossed that she'll accept you one day!
While on Christmas break, we worked on decorating a paper tree with ornaments, candy canes, garland, pine cones, and stars. I cut out the pieces during her nap, and Emma glued them on during art time. She loves glue!
Emma was able to spend time with her Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Chad as well as Great Aunt Pam, Great Uncle Marty, Great Aunt Heidi, and her second cousins Jamie, Ricky, Ashley, and Lindsey on Christmas day in Manhattan. Grandpa Mike and Grandma Jill were there, too. We had a good time visiting with each other, eating delicious food, opening gifts, sledding indoors, and playing with new toys.
Emma's Great Aunt Pam bought her a toddler sled. Even though the snow was rapidly falling on Christmas evening, she greatly enjoyed being pulled around the living room. Emma held on tightly to her baby, Beth. Now if we could just have a 30 degree day with some fresh snow, we'd really be able to break in the sled and snowsuit!
Santa and his reindeer left Emma some wonderful presents this year! When she woke up on Christmas morning and walked down the stairs, Emma spied her stocking with Abby and Grover stuffed animals peering from the opening and said, "Abby!" We opened a few presents, ate breakfast, and opened a few more. Emma had a little time to investigate her new things before we cleaned up and hit the road to visit family up North.
Ooooh! There's a snowman on this cookie!
Sneaking a nibble for herself . . . yum!
Can you see the one Emma took a bite out of!
Sharing a bite with the Santa on the plate!
Counting the cookies . . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!
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.
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.
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."
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.
