White weekend

We were not home long to enjoy the first measurable snowfall of the season, but It sure looked pretty on all the fields.
Robert and I had a date planned this weekend in DSM. Grandma and Grandpa came up and entertained Em and Bo, while we shopped, saw a movie, ate wings, watched the Cyclones lose, and attend what could have been my last ever company party! The party was at the Casino in Altoona, it was a tad more elegant looking affair over the last years it was held in Ames. We opted to stay over in Altoona as well to sleep in (we are officially old now, because that resembles about 7:30 - 8:00 am to me).

Big thanks to the grandparents for giving us a nice retreat, we appreciate it. I am sure pictures will come with mom's post of the weekend.

Robert and I also managed to pretty much tie up the Christmas shopping, I think we have 1 or 2 more things locally we might pick up. This is unheard of in our family to have presents bought before Thanksgiving. It sure makes me look forward to the season. Rob's hanging outdoor lights as we speak, he lucked out as it is pretty balmy outside today.

Em's song

We have been listening to the holiday station Holly on Direct TV. Tonight while Frank's version of Jingle Bells was playing, Emily started singing.
Emily - "Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle bells, (long pause)"
Me - Wow, how do you know that song Emily?
Robert - We sing it in the truck.
Emily - "Robin layed an egg... Jingle Bells"
Me - "so you taught her that version first!"

We broke out in laughter, while Emily kept singing to us!

Emily and her Pom!

Emily cuddling with her bears and blanket

New fruit among other things

My friend Fariba from work gave me some fruit to take home today. We were talking about persimmons initially, so she sent me home with a really ripe one, and also a pomegranate. I have had both before and really like pomegranate. I recently had a Minute Maid juice that was flavored blueberry pomegranate, so delish. Tonight I was getting dinner ready, I had my usual helper up on the counter with me. She kept calling the pomegranate an apple, I explained what it was. I don't think she has ever had one. I know Aunt Jen had some at Thanksgiving last year, but I don't think we ever gave her any. I sliced the persimmon and we tried it, Em didn't really care for that. Then I slice open the pom. I scooped some fruit/seed out and was putting it in a bowl. I had her try some, she loved it. After that I basically couldn't scoop it out fast enough to keep up with her. Soon enough her sweatshirt was drenched in dark red juice, chin was stained and she was trying to grab the fruit out of my hand!

...Other things her favorite lately is six. Ask her what she wants and it is always six, six chicken nuggets, there are six balls, I want six blocks
We have been trying to bounce baby names off of Emily, we ask her to repeat things, to see if and how well she can say the name. If you want a sneak you can try asking her if she has any names in mind.

'Tis the Season

The first interaction I had with the world this morning was hopping into my car, turned over the engine and the first thing I hear is Miss Piggy singing/screaming "Five Golden Rings"...

-I love Christmas!

6 weeks out

We have gotten a lot of things done lately around the house. This Wednesday all of our vehicles will be ready for winter. We are still debating on garaging the Chevelle. Robert is planning to bring home the baby in it no matter what the weather.
We have entered into baby name discussions, so we have that ball rolling. Emily is settled into her room and is doing really well sleeping in her bed. I have started digging out newborn stuff from storage, and washing things that need to be cleaned. Seems we will at least have bedding and a couple of sleepers ready for this baby.
Robert is playing in the church Christmas musical once again this year, it is always excellent and something we look forward too. I feel like I have a good start on my shopping lists, if you haven't sent me a list there is still time... you know who you are!

Emily is talking our head off these days, she says the most interesting things, and is coming up with her own opinions now, not just regurgitating what we say.

These are pictures from the first nap Emily took in her new room/new bed. We then happened to take a few days break from sleeping in there as she requested "little bed". Last night she spent her first overnight in the bed, and she is napping their again today. We haven't had any issues thus far, but you can see we have a really big roll-out safety rail!

Happy Halloween

Emily and her friends caught on fairly quick to the concept of trick or treating. The first two houses we had three hesitant toddlers, but soon the mounting candy and pencils in their buckets helped convince them of this wonderful concept! Emily went as Minnie Mouse, she wore the gloves and the ears all night long!