Hahahahaha!

Let's just start the way I started off my day. This is what Eisley was wearing when I got her out of her crib this morning!

HAhahahaha! I laughed so hard! Last night as we were picking out what she would wear to church the next day, I tried these pedipeds on her to see if they fit. Well, I forgot to take them off before putting her to bed. Yes, it probably would have been even funnier if she had put them on herself; maybe in a couple months she'll be up to that kind of shananigans.

We spent the evening at my parents' house doing a little birthday celebration for my mom. Our gift was to set up a Christmas tree. So while she was at a rehearsal my dad, my brother and the kids bought a tree and set it up. My mom was thrilled when she got home!

A few pictures that were taken on our way out the door.

This first one cracks me up!

Brown coats with fur-lined hoods

Three of 4 of our family members (you have one guess three it is) have brown coats/vest with fur-lined hoods. Eisley was the only one I could capture a picture of, maybe someday I'll get a picture of the three of us.

The 3 of us!

Today the kids spent time with Grandma and Papa while I helped a friend with an all day photography shoot. Then the kids and I went to our friend, Zander's, 3rd birthday party. The kids had a blast bowling down bottles of water and chasing each other with foam swords.

Macy's 8th Floor

The Christmas season is a great time of year for tradition. One of our favorite is going to the Macy's 8th Floor. The kids and I went this morning and we had a great time. We did all sorts of things while at Macy's.

We walked through "Santaland: A Day in the Life of an Elf."

Emmett's favorite display was the animals decorating the Christmas tree. He waved at them and loudly proclaimed, "Hi Animals!" over and over! (I apologize for the picture quality, I was taking it in the dark and couldn't tell where/if I was focused).

We ate cookies.

We did NOT see Santa - per Emmett's request. He was quite pleased just seeing the Elves.

We had lunch at Leann Chin.

And what else do you think we did, that would result in this pattern all over his pants?


Oh, and I went out to eat with friends, Becky and Jennifer! That is a VERY special treat for me and we had a blast!

Bragging about my baby boy

Emmett is amazing. I know I'm his mother, and I'm a little biased, but still I'm very impressed with my 3 year old son. Please be forewarned, this post is written by a very proud Mama (probably will only be interesting for the grandparents - and maybe aunt)!

I brought Emmett to his 3 year well-child exam today. I'll start off with the basic stuff:

Weight: 30 lbs fully clothed - 30th%

Height: 35.5 inches - 10th%ile

Normal hearing and vision

One part of the exam we fill out a questionnaire about what he's doing. According to his verbal level, knowledge of colors and numbers, the way he interacts with other children, the way he processes information, his ability to communicate, his level of independence... he ranked at the level of a 5 year old. I couldn't believe it!

During the hearing test the nurse set the tone on a pulsating rhythm. She instructed Emmett to raise his hand when he heard the beep. As we watched Emmett with his colorful little headphones, he broke out in a huge grin, made eye contact with the nurse and began raising his hand repeatedly in rhythm with the pulsating beep. It was just darling! The nurse had never seen anybody do this before. That's my son for you! He also participated in and passed the vision test with out a hitch. He really seemed to strive in this testing sort of environment. It was interesting to see him in a new situation almost giddy for his next task!

Just a few weeks ago one of family friends asked, "How old is Emmett? Is he turning 3 or 4?" I answered that he'll be 3. Our friend responded, "Wow, when you talk to him... he's like... all there!" This is a father of 4! I thought it was quite the compliment!

One thing I (mostly) appreciate about Emmett is that he is very independent and likes to do things himself. He is surprisingly thoughtful (offering a snack to a friend before getting one himself, calls my nanny girl "sweetie"...) and desires to help others. The picture below is of him making us all lunch - toasting the bread for our sandwiches. It was his idea. I just have to be careful that he doesn't overestimate his abilities and ends up doing something unsafe because he hasn't asked for my assistance.

the girl loves her jewels

While Emmett and I were at his 3 year Well-Child doctor's exam, Eric was home with Eisley. Eisley disappeared and Eric found her here. And like a good husband, he grabbed the camera to document Eisley's early fascination with jewelry/putting things on her head.

Eisley does this adorable little walk where she swings her hips and bounces her shoulders. You can kinda see it here (hopefully someday I'll get a video). It's so cute!

"CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE"

Artists

We spend a lot of our time coloring, cutting, glueing, chewing on markers, spitting out crayon pieces and wiping marker off body parts.

Some fun spelling and learning our letters!

Simple Things

Sometimes it's the most simple things in life that little ones enjoy.

Eisley was entertained for quite sometime as she reached through the tiny little unzippered section of this blue bag. She didn't know what was in her hand till she pulled it out. How fun!

And if you can't find Eisley anywhere, just look for a walking apron, helmet, underwear, pajamas, or scarf. Anything that will stay on her head, she puts it there and walks around until she hits something. She does this darling little foot shuffle and swings her hips - you can just tell she thinks she's pretty entertaining - and she is!