Happy Birthday To Me: A little late

Just when I think I get caught up on my blogging, I quickly fall behind again. I blame it on my book club book. Reading George Washington is not an easy task. I think I deserve a gold medal for being the only one in book club to finish it.

Well, since I blog about everyone else's birthday I might as well mention mine. Andy did a great job of planning a few things for my special day. He even busted out The Little Mermaid decorations we used for Emma's birthday. I am truly spoiled. =)

Me and my favorite party goers.

One thing Andy planned was a double date with our good friends, the Seibels. I love going to South Congress and it was fun spending the time with them. We capped off our evening with a huge cupcake. Yum!

I am now officially in my 30's. I can no longer say I was just 29. Hope 31 brings about wonderful adventures and special memories.

Twins!

Abby got two babies for Christmas and they were twins separated at birth. She loves both her babies and enjoys hugging them and giving them lots of kisses. Abby is one fabulous mommy.

Sorry if this post looks different. I was trying out the blogger app for my iPhone and iPad.

Annual Heart Check

Emma had her annual heart appointment today. She was such a trooper as they did the EKG and Echo of her heart. It can be very scary for a little kid to have all these big tests done.

Emma passed all her tests with flying colors. Everything looked great and she still has a small hole but it is not something that will impact her. So nothing new, thank goodness.

Our little heart warrior!

Thumbs up for a great heart check.

We are so blessed to have this little girl and are thankful for every moment we have with her.

Architects of Light

Since my mom and Emma had MLK day off, we decided to go downtown and check out the Architects of Light exhibit. Emma was excited about walking through "balloons" and seeing lights. It was a really interesting exhibit and I think if I did not have kids with me I could have taken in more and enjoyed the true peacefulness of the display.

While we waited in line, Abby loved running around.

The "Balloons"

Once inside, we were in awe of all the beauty. All of the light is natural light. I apologize for the photos. I did not bring my camera and only had my iPhone camera.

Emma loved being inside and trying to treat the place like a bounce house.

Lying down and staring up at the lights.

Abby really did not want to be in there. I wanted to try and capture a picture of her. She wanted to be held the whole time. The exhibit was not for her.

Emma hugging the "tree"

Emma and Gammie taking in the lights.

One more try with Abby but it was a big NO.

I am so glad we went and checked this out. It really was amazing and worth the 1 1/2 hour wait to get in. Thank goodness I had my mom b/c I do not think I would have been able to make this field trip on my own.

Roller Skating

Over the weekend my mom and I took Emma roller skating for the first time. She has been wanting to go ever since her class went ice skating (her teachers covered the floor with shaving cream and the kids got to "skate" in it).

She was so excited and had a blast the whole time we were there. She did not care that she feel tons of times. Emma was a good sport about the whole thing and by the end she really had it down for a kid her age.

Gammie helping her with the little assister.

Trying it on her own.

She is catching on.

A slight slip up.

Completely balanced, which is key.

A video of her showing off her moves.

She is already wanting to know when she can go back.

Pigtails!

Abby has just enough hair to make two little pigtails. I just think it is so darn cute!

Abby yelling at me b/c she is tired of me taking pictures.

Just one more big smile.

Pigtails or no pigtails, this girl makes my heart glow.

Welcome to our Castle

One gift the kids got this year was a fort making kit. They absolutely love it and it makes for some serious fun when we are stuck inside. We have made an igloo, a tunnel, and a castle. I think Emma's favorite has been the castle b/c Princess Rapunzel and Princess Ariel have a place to play.

Our castle.

Can't wait to see what ideas we come up with next.

Emma at 4

We recently had Emma's 4 year well check and I wanted to do a blog post about it so that it is recorded.

Weight: 27lbs (5%)

Height: 36 in. (2-3%)

Her weight for height is better this year then last. Yippee! We were really worried about her size going into the appointment because she has been refusing the eat dinner and sometimes lunch. The doctor told us to remain positive and not to force anything on her. Try to keep meal time a happy time and not have it turn negative. Also, she suggested offering a healthy snack before dinner and try to increase her protein intake.

I also found this Mommy & Me interview and thought it would be a great time to do it.

My interview with Emma. If you click on the image, I believe it will enlarge. She was a hoot to interview, especially since I had no idea that she loved zebras.

My 4 year old on the day of her class celebration. These two pictures were taken with Emma's new camera that she got from her sweet Nana Solomon for her birthday.

Emma you are a beautiful girl and I hope nothing but happiness comes your way. We love you so much!

Hanukkah 2011

Happy Hanukkah! We had a great time celebrating this year. Emma and Abby loved lighting the candles every night and Emma loved helping Andy sing the prayer. We did not do gifts every night this year b/c otherwise it would have led to an overwhelming amount of toys. Instead, I took an idea from an Advent calendar and implied to Hanukkah. Each night the kids got to do something different like open a gift, have a picnic dinner, eat chocolate gelt, etc. I loved changing it up and will probably do it again next Hanukkah.

The lighting of the candles.

Our Hanukkah envelops. One for each night.

Present opening.

Abby super excited about her new toy.

Buddies

During our visit with our family, Emma and Nolan just clicked. They are the same size, quiet at first, and into the same things. These two were best buds and loved being together.

Enjoying a snack together.

They loved running around together.

Also during their visit, Kate loved helping with Abby. Kate is such a sweet girl and will be such a big help to her mom when her new sister arrives.

Last cuddles with Gammie before the vacation ended. Kate and Emma are very obsessed with her.

We had such a great Christmas with our family. I miss them like crazy when we are apart and am always trying to figure out a way to see them more. My new kick is to buy a second home (a very big dream) or rent a home for two weeks in the summer (more practical).