Birthday celebration

 We were very happy to have my parents come to celebrate Emma's birthday this past week. It felt like a quick visit but we're glad they could make it, even though the weather here was crazy snowy before they arrived. 

Emma is a reading rockstar and is loving chapter books lately. She loves her school teacher and is having a great time at school. She wants to be a dancer and loves to show people her dance moves. Hopefully we can get her in a couple dance classes over the next year. 

For her birthday I got to pull her out of school during her lunch time to have a Jamba smoothie and homemade quesadilla in the van. She came out wearing a paper birthday crown that her teacher made for her which was so cute. She was so happy and enjoyed having out in the van with me. Henry came out of preschool midway through her lunch time so he was able to hang out with us too. We walked her back up to the school so she could make it to recess. 

My mom made chicken pot pies (and vegan pot pies) - of various sizes since I just have 1 pie pan - for dinner, per Emma's request, and made her a yellow cake with fondant decorations. I made and applied the frosting and added berries, and Emma added rainbow sprinkles and candles. 

First birthday with a sister!

Emma is bright light in our family and we love her a whole lot. 

Plus, pictures of our visitors with the littlest!

Christmas day

Christmas we had a good, relaxed day. In the morning the kids went through their stockings, we made and ate breakfast, and then were able to video with my family while opening presents (which took us a while - we are very blessed over here). It was nice to sort of feel together even though we're many miles apart. 

The kids loved the day. My favorite part may have been the kids coming in our room in the morning and Henry excitedly exclaiming "it's Christmas!!" He had been such a grump on Christmas Eve and it made for a not very fun day, so his happy attitude the next day was great. 

 

The aftermath. 

Gwen lately

She has become more aware of her surroundings the past couple of weeks. It's nice to see her looking at things. She enjoys the bouncer now which is great, although she doesn't like to sit in it for more than about 5 minutes. 

She is also getting better at sleeping in her bassinet and does well through the night, usually just waking once or twice. This past week she's actually been sleeping a 6+ hour stint most nights which has been great. 

She likes baths now and doesn't cry during them which is great. She smiles SO CUTE and just yesterday laughed for the first time - at Henry who was making a snorting sound. Ha. 

Her hair is still dark like it was when she was born but the hair that has been growing in seems lighter. 

We love our little Gwen and look forward to getting to know her more as she grows.