four tiny reindeer

Emma Jane enjoyed a night of Christmas cooking and crafts at Lily's house last weekend. To be extra festive, everyone wore Christmas pajamas. Miss Sara even provided everyone with personalized reindeer antlers! The girls decorated Christmas cookies with red and green icing and lots of sprinkles. They had more fun eating the decorations than using them to decorate the cookies! What beverage is a necessity when eating cookies? Milk of course! These girls actually had fancy chocolate milk with marshmallows and tiny chocolate chips. After their cookie-making session, they got crafty and made snowman snowglobes. They also sponge painted a bag to put their goodies in. Fun was had by all...moms included!

grateful for grandmas

We have been so lucky to have both grandmas stay with us these past few weeks after Vivian's birth. Grandma Di stayed for over two weeks and was a lifesaver! Emma Jane enjoyed playing games and doing crafts with Grandma Di and Vivi loved the cuddles. Grandma Jane arrived this past weekend. Emma Jane loves all of the cool things Grandma Jane sews for her including fleece nightgowns and pajama pants, a hooded poncho, and stuffed frogs! Vivi continues to be spoiled by Grandma Jane's snuggles, too. Walker even gets a little extra attention with the grandmas here! Paul and I are grateful to have moms who are so wonderful and willing to help out.

sleeping beauty

At almost 3 weeks old, this is still Vivian's favorite thing to do!

special delivery from the north pole

Emma Jane received a special package from the North Pole today! Santa sent her one of his elves to determine whether she is being naughty or nice. When the doorbell rang this afternoon, she was thrilled to open the door to find a package just for her. She quickly unwrapped her gift and began playing with her elf friend. We read the book "The Elf on the Shelf" before bedtime and she enjoyed having her new friend by her side. Tonight the elf snuck out of Emma Jane's room and is currently hiding in her stocking. Since hiding is one of her favorite things to do, I don't think she'll have any trouble finding him in the morning!

home sweet home

The cold weather and our sweet little newborn are keeping us homebound most days, but that doesn't stop us from having fun. Emma Jane decorated a gingerbread house today (although she didn't quite understand why she couldn't eat all of the candy decorations!). Emma Jane also spends a lot of time in the playroom and probably watches Go, Go Diego and Curious George too often, but we are trying to keep the days exciting for our busy bee. Vivian is still very happy to eat, sleep, and, well, you know.... Life is good!

tree hunt

We took our first family of four outing (plus Grandma!) to Taylor's Christmas Tree Farm. Emma Jane was very excited to pick out our tree and Vivi slept through it all!

thankful

We had so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We brought Vivian home on Wednesday...just in time to celebrate! My mom and Ron also arrived that day and the Browns arrived Thanksgiving afternoon. Paul cooked a delicious meal and I was glad that I was finally getting my appetite back. Emma Jane had a blast with her cousins Meghan, Auburn, Allison, and Shiloh. Although I wasn't feeling up to a whole lot, it was so nice to have my family here to celebrate the holiday. We are so grateful to have been blessed with a healthy baby girl and happy that Emma Jane is a doting big sister.