Bathtime Fun

I know that Emma would be so embarrassed if she knew I were posting these pictures! Ha! She is growing up so much. She sure is a blessing! Elliot and I definately have our hands full--and our parents will tell us that we deserve it! Emma loves climbing...and I really mean that. She has experimented with climbing on the stair gate, climbing the stairs, climbing onto the couch and other furniture too. Today we can chalk 2 more up on the list. She literally fell out of the tub into my arms today while experimenting with throwing her leg over the edge of the tub...shortly after she stacked 6 books up in the living room to get her 'touch and feel' flashcards (from uncle Brett & auntie Ashley) from the top of the TV stand in the living room. She was successful at balancing on her 6 books--only until I called out..."Emma, what are you doing?" She got that, 'Shoot, she caught me' look on her face and giggled!
Like I said, she sure is a blessing!

Walking...finally!

The long awaited video of Emma finally deciding that walking is A-O-K. For the last few weeks she has been experimenting independently and has finally decided that she can move quicker by walking than by crawling--silly little girl!
She still also only has 2 teeth---maybe this whole being born 3 weeks early thing is putting her a little behind schedule. She has been gumming pretty hard so we are waiting for a few more to pop out soon! I will hopefully post a few more pictures this weekend!

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.