Christmas 2008

 It was so fun celebrating the Christmas season with our own little Christmas baby. 

We enjoyed the lights and animals at the zoo.

Christmas at Grandma Laurie's.  Emma is wearing the party dress Shannon gave her for her birthday.

Grandma gave Emma her first Doll.

Emma and I were supposed to fly out to Iowa on Christmas Eve to be with Trenton (he had driven out with his mom earlier) but the flight was cancelled due to snow and ice.  Our next flight wasn't until very early Christmas morning.  So we had our very own cozy celebration at Shannon's and slept under the tree. Around three in the morning I woke up to the sound of a little mouse.  But it was Emma getting into Shannon's candy bowl and quietly eating Hershey Kisses.  She had probably eaten 20 of them before I realized it.  Little sneak. 

We finally arrived in Iowa to be with Trenton's family.  We had lots of yummy treats, played BINGO, and opened gifts.  So fun.

Since it was such a rushed trip, the only time we had to spend with Trenton's dad was when we were driving back to the airport.  Emma got some good cuddle time in though.

When I got back to Denver, all flights had been delayed/cancelled.  It was so frustrating knowing I was only an hour's drive from home, but I was stuck.  I noticed a grandma with a Christmas sweater that lit up in the line for rental cars and figured she'd be safe to ask if she'd like to split the cost.  She agreed and we found two other people that were headed to Colorado Springs.  In less than 20 minutes we were on the road.  I got home around 4 in the morning and found Heather and Shannon awake and waiting for me in my family room.  We shared some ramen and finally drifted off.  The next morning, I mentioned how I hadn't been feeling well the past week.  Heather suggested I take a pregnancy test- and wouldn't you know...The line was faint, but there...it was positive!

We celebrated with pancakes at IHOP and I waited impatiently for Trenton to drive back from Iowa.  Best Christmas present ever!

Janet

Emma's First Birthday

My baby girl is one!  How has the time gone so impossibly fast?  We celebrated on her actual birthday by going to Red Robin and letting her enjoy her very own ice-cream sundae and cupcake.

Her favorite gift was a bright pink ball.

Since Emma loves swimming so much, we decided to have a Luau/swim party.  Unfortunately, her birthday fell around the same time that OSHA decided to shut down all the swimming pools across the country until all drains were repaired to regulation.  So we had all these cute little water babies showing up in their swim suits in the middle of December with no pool to play in.

Oh well...Thanks to all the help from our family and friends that came to celebrate, the Luau was still a success.  

Even the Christmas tree got a tropical makeover.

This little one year old was very spoiled.

 We celebrated Emma's first birthday, shared in both family's Christmas celebrations, and are now headed to Iowa. When I'm home, I'll sit down and put together an album for you to see, but for now, I hope you enjoy these.

December 18th, 2008
Dear, darling, little Emma,

Yesterday morning, I woke up and walked quietly into your room while singing, "Happy Birthday". You peaked at me through your blankets and I could tell by your eyes, that beneath your tightly held pacifier you were smiling brightly. This has been my favorite year. Together, we have learned more about love and how to appreciate life than I have in my 25 years. I love you Emma. You and daddy are my best friends. I find it hard to believe that it was one year ago when we met for the first time. I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of being your mommy. I look forward to when I can get you up out of your crib in the morning and see what new things you have learned. I love deciding what to feed you throughout the day, and where to take you. You have been a pleasure to take care of, especially since you are one of the most easy going children I've come across. You love to laugh, and smile. You get a kick out of the silliest things-including Gary, your beagle, running around the house. You just recently decided that you don't like most fruits and vegetables which is surprising since you've always been a champion eater, and although I still insist on doing your hair everyday, you've gotten pretty good and ripping your bows out once I turn my back. You love taking baths in the big tub and play with your shark and fishy bath toys. You say the words, "Mama", "Dada", "Thank You", "Yeah", "Ball", "No", and "Gentle", and "Puppa"- how fast you learn! I hope you take this ability and desire to learn with you througout your life. Your actual birthday was such a swirl of emotions, filled with happiness, pain, and exhaust. The first time I held you, I couldn't believe you were real, let alone my child! I loved the way you smelled, how soft you were, and the sound you made when you sucked your pacifier. I still enjoy those things, in addition to the squeal of delight you make when you're swinging at the park. I love the way you shake your little hips any time you hear music. I can't get enough of the games you play: patty cake, "how big is Emma", peek a boo, give me five etc. I love that when you grin, there are also two little teeth smiling back at us. I love that your favorite toy is a ball, and that you're sitting in your "big-girl" car seat, and starting to take unassisted, wobbly steps. I love that you're mine...all mine!

Happy Birthday Turtle! My beautiful little 1 year old.

I love you,

Mommy

Sorry if I Don't Make Much Sense...I'm in a Sugar Coma.

Well, I made it through an entire week on my own. Trenton got back from his business trip in California after leaving for more than just a few days for the first time since Emma was born. I am happy to report that Emma and I both made it out alive and well. Obviously I prefer having him home, but it gave Emma a chance to brush up on saying "Mama" instead of her ever-constant, "Dada". Trenton used to go on business trips all the time before Emma came along, and it was always so excruciating to have him away from home. I remember looking forward to having a child- a buddy- a companion while Trenton was at work or traveling and I am so thankful to finally have my little girlfriend to play, shop, and dine with. On Friday, my mom and three sisters came over to have dinner and watch a movie. There is just something so comforting about being in a house full of women that you're related to. There aren't any expectations-you're free to talk about anything without worrying about being judged. It reminded me of when I was growing up- we all used to pile in Heather's bed late at night when we couldn't sleep. Some of my happiest memories are of us draped across the bed in the pitch black making up stupid songs.

Speaking of female traditions-Emma and I went over to Laurie's to engage in our annual cookie/candy making extravaganza. I call it that because the amount of chocolate in that kitchen was truly a sight for sore eyes. Laurie made us all new aprons...including one for my little sous chef. It was fun seeing you, Cindy, Courtney, and Corey!

Saturday evening we went to the Festival of Lights and then had Chinese back at our house. Even with all my efforts I hadn't been in the Christmas mood...until now!

Here is the Search and Rescue "Float". I am eternally grateful to this group of individuals that brave all types of weather, terrain, and odds to find our loved ones. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have my husband (who doesn't seem to understand that Mother Nature is stronger than him). Thank you Search and Rescue!


Here Comes Santa Claus...



I'm ready...Bring on the mistletoe!
Love,
Janet, Trenton, Emma and Gary