Happy Holidays!

We had a wonderful holiday season this year. It felt like Emma's first Christmas since last year she was only a few days old. Emma was not sure what to make of all the gifts but she appreciates all her new goodies. We enjoyed a nice Christmas at home with my parents. The day was full of presents, cookies, a delicious dinner, and lovely memories. We could not have asked for a more perfect day. We hope that everyone had a blessed day!!

To Emma: On the day you were born!

On the day you were born, the world stood still.
On the day you were born, God smiled down on us.
On the day you were born, your father and I fell in love all over again.
On the day you were born, I learned about miracles.
On the day you were born, I was blessed with the greatest gift...you!

It is amazing you are already one. My goodness the time has flown. It still feels like yesterday that I gave birth to you. You have accomplished alot and have overcome many hurdles in one year. Everyday that I look at you I am reminded why you are my hero, my superwoman.

Emma Irene
Born on 12/20/07
12/28/07: Learned that heart surgery was in the near future.
One month of age: A pro sleeper and believe it or not a good eater!
2 months of age: Smiles that would melt your heart started appearing.
2/22/08: First feeding tube put in.
3/18/08: Second feeding tube put in.
Three months of age: Was baptised.
4/7/08: Underwent heart surgery and came out a stronger person.
4 months of age: Life was full of smiles again.
5 months of age: Started physical and occupational therapy. Ate solids and liked it!
6 months of age: Started laughing and saying Dada! Took first airplane ride to Colorado. Rolling like a pro.
6 1/2 months of age: Saw the ocean for the first time. Experienced swimming.
7 months of age: Became a strong independent sitter.
8 months of age: No more feeding tube!! Started a playgroup. Discovered swinging at the park is awesome!
9 months of age: Started commando crawling. Went to Minnesota and visited the zoo for the first time.
10 months of age: Got both bottom teeth.
11 months of age: Got both top teeth. Started standing up.
12 months of age: A bottom molar appeared. Table foods are becoming enjoyable.
Turned one year old!!

Happy birthday to my beautiful girl!

Caught, red handed!

Someone was trying to sneak a peek at their Christmas/Hanukkah gifts.

It's my party...

Emma celebrated her 1st b-day on Saturday with friends and family. Her real b-day is still a week away so she will have another small party on her special day. We were thrilled to have everyone over for the special occasion. I do not think Emma knew how to handle all the fun. She was a little overwhelmed. Oh well it is her party and she can cry or laugh if she wants too.

Tasty cupcakes!

Santa Came to Town!

This weekend Emma met Santa and Mrs. Claus for the first time. Our neighborhood had a holiday festival and the big guy made an appearance. Emma was not scared of Santa. I think she was enjoying hanging out with him and Mrs. Claus.



Emma in front of a huge snow globe.


Emma and Andy take a ride on the train.

Baby, it's cold outside!

Yesterday we went to the park and played with Kenzie. It was a very chilly day for a Texan. We bundled the girls up and had a great time swinging.



Someone was very exhausted from all the fun. Don't you love her new ride? Thanks grandma and grandpa Erickson for the new carseat!

Up and Down

Lately Emma has been trying very hard to stand on her own (well kind of on her own. She still needs something to help her).

Were up...


and were down.


Now I think I have it!

Trot Trot to Turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving!! We had a wonderful day and started it off at the Turkey Trot, a 5 mile race. It was extremely busy with runners and turkeys (well people dressed as turkeys). My parents joined in the fun but after we started the race we were quickly separated from them. Emma wanted to go full speed and beat everyone. She did not beat everyone but she did beat Andy and I by a jogger wheel. Andy and I have never ran across the finish line together so it was wonderful completing it as a family. I think Andy made up for all the calories he burned off while running at dinner. Mya, Brandy, and Ryder joined us in the eating festivities at my parents house. We had a blast hanging out and watching the girls play. By the end of the night we were exhausted but it was well worth it.


Family photo before the start of the race.


Mya and Emma hanging out.


Family photo at the end of the night. Can you tell I am tired?

Thankful for friends

Today we had a lovely playdate at Mya's house. Emma is very thankful for all of her friends and enjoys spending time with them. I am also thankful for all of her friends and their moms. I love my play group!! These women are amazing moms and I enjoy learning from them. Thanks to all of them for being apart of the group and hanging out with Emma and me.


The whole group (minus Alex and Cassie)


Emma lounging with Henrik.

A Week of Thanksgivings

I believe everyday we should be thanking our blessing but especially this week as we celebrate Thanksgiving. So this week it is my goal to post something everyday that my family is thankful for. Today we are thanking our wonderful therapist. Every week they assist Emma and many other children in overcoming hurdles. These women work very hard in helping Emma become a better mover and eater. They deal with all of Emma's ups and downs and do it with a smile. So thank you Samantha and Jennifer!


Emma with her physical therapist, Samantha.


Emma with her occupational therapist, Jennifer.

Happy 11 Months!

It is hard to believe that Emma is already 11 months old. Wow it has flown by! I get one more month to officially claim her as a baby =( So sad. You will always be my baby Emma no matter how old you are.

Playdate Galore

Emma has been very busy this week. She went to her friend Kenzie's house for Thanksgiving craft playdate. Then she went to her friend Zoe's house for another fun playdate.

Lets play ball!

Emma's favorite thing to do at her grandparent's house is play with this princess ball. She enjoyed hanging out with her grandparents this weekend and of course playing with the princess ball.


Hands off! This is my ball.


Do you think it will fit in my mouth?

Happy Great Grandparent's Day!

Ok I know there is a Grandparent's day in Sept. but I am not sure if there is a Great Grandparent's day so I am making my own. Happy Great Grandparent's day!! Emma is blessed to have 6 great grandparents and she has met them all over the course of her life. They are all great people and we love them dearly!


Emma with her Great Grandma Wicker. This is my grandmother. (9 months of age)


Emma with her Great Grandpa Erickson, Audrey, and me. This is my grandpa. (9 months of age)


Emma with her Great Grandpa Solomon, Grandpa Solomon, and her dad. This is Andy's grandpa. (6 1/2 months of age)


Emma with her Great Grandma Solomon. This is Andy's grandma. (6 1/2 months of age)


Emma with her Great Grandparents the Hermans. These are Andy's grandparents. (3 months of age)

Fancy meeting you here...

While grocery shopping this morning, Emma ran into her friend Kenzie. Everyone was loading up on goodies for the week.

Hostess with the Mostest

Emma hosted some neighborhood friends last night for a family happy hour. It is a monthly get together in our neighborhood where the parents can socialize and the kids can play with their friends. We are all very tired this morning but we had a great time. Emma was a big hit among the kids. They just love the baby!

And the winner is...

Get Out and Vote!

Today is a very important day in history. Make sure you do your part.
So who do you think is going to win? Emma is anxious to know. We had a hard time finding a John McCain sign. There was not one at the polling place in our neighborhood. I had to sneak into someones yard and take a picture of Emma with the sign.

Race for the Cure Pics

The girls all decked out in pink!


Crystal and me getting ready for the race.

Race for the Cure

Today I participated in Race for a Cure with some friends. It is a great cause and I was excited to be apart of it. Rumor is that there were 25,000 people that turned up for the event. Wow! I am amazed by all the people out there trying to help find a cure for breast cancer. Hopefully one day a cure will be found. As soon as I get pics from my friend Crystal I will post them. She was kind enough to carry her camera with her so we could take some fun pictures. Take care everyone!

Trick or Treat

Emma had a fabulous first Halloween. She started her day off by meeting with some friends at the mall for a trick or treat play date. Then she headed out for the night to load up on some delicious candy. Yum!

Emma hanging out with Kenzie at the mall.


Emma ready for a night of fun.


Hey, where is the candy?

Life is Good!

I just want to share with everyone how happy I am to have my little Emma. After watching Oprah the other day and crying my eyes out over all the miracle babies she talked about I just hugged Emma so tightly and thanked God for blessing me with her. She is my miracle! Even though we have had a tough start I could not imagine it any other way. So with all that said life is good!

Dress Up!

Yesterday we had the group over for some costume fun. All the kids looked so adorable in their Halloween costumes. We enjoyed having playtime and Halloween treats.

The group photo. Always a fun challenge =)


Annie telling Emma it will be ok. Just smile and then it will be over.

Fun Filled Weekend!

We had a busy weekend between our community fall festival and Emma's friend Annie's 1st birthday party. Each party was filled with good times. Emma was worn out by the end of the weekend.


Emma trying to be a cowboy. I do not think she cared for the sun in her eyes. Where is that cowboy hat to protect her eyes?


Emma all bundled up to go on a morning run. She is such a trooper to put up with it. Thank you Emma!


Emma and me at Annie's party.


Emma with her friends at Annie's party. It was a costume party. Don't they all look adorable?