Here and There

Lately things have been a little crazy at Patterson Place. Emma was down with a horrid cold, but thankfully has recovered completely (other than learning how to fake cough :) ). Daniel has been traveling a lot the past week, and Emma and I have been missing him fiercely! We did get to go stay at my parent's house, which we were so grateful for! It's nice to have a couple of extra hands around when Emma is getting more mobile.

Just the girls while Daddy was away

During Emma's illness I was reminded how much she loves to sneeze. Not just a little bit. This girl loves to sneeze. Here's a during and after shot of her sneezing while she was sick.

Mid-sneeze

The after-sneeze smile

In other developmental news, Emma is getting more chatty each passing day. She loves to chat with my mom in particular. Ever since she was a tiny thing, her favorite chatting companion has been her Nana. She has always talked the most to my mom--which of course, Nana loves! Yesterday at the grocery store, Emma was at her chattiest and the fellow shoppers loved it! She's really into bi-labial sounds (bbbb-bbb-bbb), blowing raspberries, and gaaa-gaaa-gaaa, as well as a few da-das here and there.

Emma is now excelling at independent play time. As long as someone is close by. (Nursery at church is still not going wonderfully though...) Emma can also pick up objects with both hands and play with them together. I'm working on helping her clap...but so far, she can only figure out how to clasp her hands together in the middle. It's a work in progress!

We're glad to be getting into a regular routine now that Daniel is home and school is returning to normal with the semester beginning. In just over a week sweet little Emma will turn 8 months! Tune in for an 8 month update!

P.S. I got a new video camera for Christmas, and very soon I will learn how to post some video to the blog so everyone can get excited about hearing our little chatty sweetheart!

{MSP}

7 months old!

I woke up today to find the most beautiful little 7 month old in our nursery! I can't believe Emma is growing so fast! I've already started planning her 1st birthday party! I know it will sneak up on us! We are savoring every day and loving on our little girl so much!

Emma is rolling over and scooting around but no immediate signs of crawling yet. This past week Emma learned how to wave...and she loves it! Seriously, this girl waves all the time. Such a smart girl! Our petite lady is still in 3-6 month clothes. (I did pull out the 6-9 month clothes in preparation, but I think we still have awhile.)

This month Emma started solids...she now eats bananas, peas, sweet potatoes, and apples. In addition to nursing, I decided to make Emma's food at home. I completely support people who buy formula and store-bought baby food, but for our family I decided I would make it for Emma. It's super easy and I know exactly what's going into her little body. And this little baby loves to put on her slick bib, sit in that high chair...and she loves to eat too!

Our girl is so happy and loves to laugh and smile. She babbles and coos and keeps us well informed of everything happening in her world! Emma's favorite time of day is when Daddy comes home and scoops her in his arms, throws her in the air and gives her kisses. We're definitely looking at a Daddy's girl and we love that!

We're so proud of our Emma and are eager to see what developments come with each new day! Mommy and Daddy love you, sweet Emma!

{MSP}

Christmastime!

Christmas was a very festive and busy time at Patterson Place! We celebrated in Louisville with the Sills side and then had our own little celebration and rounded out the holiday with a visit down to Clarksville to see the Pattersons! We missed getting to spend time with all the Mississippi folks, but look forward to next year!

Emma, of course, didn't have a clue what was happening, but loved playing with lots of wrapping paper. We loved getting to help her play with all her new toys. We are immensely grateful for everyone's gifts and love seeing Emma enjoy her new things.

Little Emma had a hard time adjusting to her new sleeping quarters at the Patterson's in Clarksville. The biggest plus to that was when she woke up early on Christmas morning I got some alone time with my sweet girl!

Daniel's sister, Kimberly, is a budding photographer and took some darling Christmas pictures of Emma for us! (If you'd like to book her to take some photographs for you, I can hook you up!)

Isn't this what every child should look like on Christmas morning?

Emma with her Great-Grandaddy!

All in all, we had the best Christmastime with the sweetest little baby girl in the world! We hope that you all had lovely Christmases and wish everyone Happy New Years!

{MSP}