Yesterday (Sunday) we were able to enjoy time with lots of different friends. We went to Chuck-E-Cheese for our friend Brayden's 2nd birthday. Emma loved all of the different things to do, even though she just sat on things while we took pictures. She rode a motorcycle, dirt bike, rode with Bob the Builder and even Chuck himself. It was a fun party. After Chuck-E-Cheese, we went over to West Fargo for Jace's 4th birthday party. He had a construction zone themed party with a super cute cake and decorations. We had fun there too. Emma couldn't quite keep up with all of the boys, but she did pretty good. Last night we went over to watch the Vikings football game--that was fun too!

Emma's Accident

Our little sweetheart made it almost a whole month after turning one before she had her first 'big owie!' Elliot was at Guard Drill last Saturday so Emma and I were having a GIRLS ONLY day to ourselves. I was checking out some things online with Emma standing up by the barstool next to me. Next thing we know, she's on her back with the barstool on top of her. Needless to say, it was a bleeder. She has a few bruises too, but the doctor was able to glue it up (about an inch) rather than do the whole stitches thing. We had to watch her pretty closely for the 48 hours following the accident to make sure she didn't bother the cut. She made it past that point and it looks to be healing up pretty well. Here's a picture of our little bruiser after her accident.

Emma has recently decided that she can make whatever type of face she wants for the camera. Here are a few of the most interesting!
"It's my birthday! I do what I want.""Really?!"

"Look ma! I'm a mannequin!"

Out of the Box

Matt & Stacy came over this evening for a little get-together before we all go away to for Christmas! Emma initially enjoyed the box that her new present came in more than the present itself. Enjoy!

Emma is one year old!

Reading about Sign Language....she's learning to be a lady. The infamous dog from Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Sluke. She has a love-hate relationship with him.

Caught mid-giggle. What a look, huh?

Look at me, I'm standing!!!

Still has those beautiful, big, blue eyes! We love you Emma!

Emma has had quite an eventful couple of days. She was out sick for a few days this past week and on Thursday, Auntie Jenn from Seattle arrived to spend some time with the family back in ND. Emma was lucky enough to stay home from daycarewith Auntie Jenn on Friday. Here are a few pictures from their adventure.

Emma has been working hard on walking and standing. She is standing alone without us prompting her much more frequently (with Auntie Jenn's expertise). She is also becoming very brave taking a step or 2 if we are lucky before she falls to the ground. Her legs are getting much stronger and she is moving around quite quickly. It won't be long until walking is her main mode of transportation.

Emma also had her one-year check up on Friday. She had 5 shots and one finger prick to test for lead and anemia. She was quite the champ! Here are her details from the appointment:

Height-28 3/4 (36%), Weight-19lb 14 oz (28%), and Head Circ.-45.6cm (65%). She is growing into a strong, healthy girl.

Emma is (almost) 1!!

Today we celebrated Emma's '1st' birthday with many friends and family members. Even though I got all teary eyed during the prayer and could not finish the blessing, it was a great day.

Looking back on the past year, we have so much to be thankful for. We would not be in the place we are today without all of the family and friends who surrounded us at our new house today.

Thank you:

Robin & Cheryl, for all of the great home cooked meals during weekends spent in Crookston;

Marcel & Lisa, for a place to call home for a few weeks before the apartment;

David & Mary, for coming down and watching Emma time and time again;

Jenn Steinbrink, for all the Emma-Auntie Jenn naps;

Jenn Sluke, for coming to visit your niece a bunch...I mean A LOT even though you live 20 + hours away;

Matt & Stacy, dinner, company, loyalty, conversation and friendship

Ryan & Kari, all the parenting support and prayer; and

Kayti, for watching Emma on crazy days.

There are so many more people and instances that we are thankful for and please know that your are continually in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for everything you do supporting us in our journey in marriage and parenthood.

God bless you all!

Emma had a great time when her cousin Sonja was here. Emma has finally caught up to Sonja in size so it is fun letting them wear each others clothes. It was a very rare occasion for us to be able to catch them both looking at the camera at the same time. We were lucky enough to catch them here... Emma thought that she could take off the hood of her sweater just like she does with her hat...

Needless to say, her efforts weren't successful!

Emma loves being in her high chair. She has been trying many new foods. She likes pizza, fruit, cooked carrots and cooked squash!

Instead of motioning to us that she is hungry, she has been waving her arms and screaming very loudly to tell us when she needs more to eat.