Emmerson & Claire Bloede

Pop Pop's Birthday

2012-02-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

We went to Fort Wayne for Pop Pop's birthday. It was so fun. We got to celebrate and eat cupcakes. Does it get any better than that?

Happy Birthday Pop Pop!

Emmerson was kind enough to read Pop Pop her favorite book before bed. Apparently it's pretty funny!

Keeping busy in the COLD!

2012-01-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

SNOW!

Emmerson has been talking about snow at school the last few weeks so she has been waiting and waiting for us to have some on the ground! She was so happy when we got a whole 2 inches:)

Helping dad shovel.

Yes, that is a sand toy.

Since this is the only snow we have had so far we have been playing inside a lot and reading tons of books!

While I was feeding Claire, Emme went to read books in our bed. She didn't even look up when I came in!

Emmerson is still crazy over books. It has been so fun to watch her take the next step in"reading" in the last couple months. She now retells (or as she would say reads) her big girl books back to us. The best part is she usually remembers the books word for word!

Claire is crazy over Emmerson's tent...she would stay in it all day if we let her.

Emmerson....Where are you?

We set the tent up on the landing by the basment steps and they think it is great to play in thier "fort".

10 months and counting!

2012-01-24T12:40:00.000-08:00

Sweet Claire bear is 10 months old. She is still laid back and happy ALL of the time! She is funny and does anything she can to get her sisters attention. She is CRAZY over her dad right now. When he walks in the room she wiggles, squeals, and jumps into her dads arms as quickly as she can! She is moving all around the room, starting to pull up on things, and "talking" up a storm. She has taken to a sippy cup very well in the past weeks, which is great since she HATES bottles. Her love for baby food and yogurt is still there and she is interested in table food most days. We can't believe we are starting to talk about her first birthday!

Dinner time!

NO keeping her in one spot for a picture

Just trying to move my crib for mom!

When my sister isn't looking I move as quick as I can towards all of her toys...

2 years, 9 months and 3 days!

2012-01-07T12:43:00.001-08:00

When Emmerson was a bald little baby (or even a bald 18 month old) we use to joke that she wouldn't need her first haircut until she was two! We were wrong...she needed her first trim at 2 years, 9 months and 3 days.

Before

It was very uneventful. Quick, easy and she didn't mind it in the least! She was asking the lady all kinds of questions about the color of balloons they had and if she could go down the slide when she was done.

She thought the hair dryer felt "cozy".

After (not that you can tell).

New Year = New BIG Girl Bed!

2012-01-01T19:22:00.002-08:00

Emmerson moved into her big girl bed on New Years day! She looked so little in this big bed!

As you can see it is very tall...compared to her! She has to work pretty hard to get up and down. She has done very well with the transition. No complaints after the first night and is sleeping just as well as in the crib.

Ready for the first night. It went well once she went to sleep. She called us in a few times to tell us she, " wasn't old enough for this big bed", "I'm real lonely in this big bed", and "I need my crib to be cozy". Now night #3 not so lucky...we woke up at 2:15 from a LOUD noise! I mean loud! woke us both up in our room out of a deep sleep! She had rolled out of bed. You ask how after seeing the rails on both sides??? she sleeps horizontal in the bed and rolled right off the end. Poor thing! That was a far fall!

She loves that we all fit in her bed to read books before bed!

Last night in her crib (as you can see she slept very well that night!)

A visit from our cousins

2012-01-01T19:22:00.001-08:00

Our cousins and Uncle Matt came to visit for a whole week. We had so much fun! We did so many fun things. We went to the a train exhibit, the children's museum, recreation unlimited, a Butler basketball game, we swimming, and played at home a TON! We took a ton of pictures but we forgot the camera a few days and the pictures can't come close to showing how much fun we had! We miss them so much already!

Claire loved all the attention she got from the boys...and that there were toys EVERYWHERE for her to grab!

The boys woke up to snow the first morning they were here. They were so excited!

Emmerson did not go far from the boys the whole week!

Charlie is the BEST big cousin. She adores him!

Adam is a lover! These two will be trouble some day.

Charlie loved holding Claire.

On Tuesday night we had our Emmerson family Christmas! The kids were so excited for MORE toys!

Claire had the hang of opening gifts by this point.

All four of them...at least 3 were looking. Claire couldn't take her eyes of Ads.

Silly!

Claire loves Emme's Polar bear hat!

Claire got a new hat too!

Fishing at the Children's Museum.

We went down the big slide.

The dinos were our last stop so we had a couple tired 2 year olds!

Emmerson got a new tent for Christmas from Nana and Pop Pop and Claire seems to enjoy it as much as Emme.

Nana and Pop Pop stayed at a hotel downtown and we did lots of swimming there!

One night they even talked the dads into the pool.

Three little water bugs!

Claire watched with Nana.

Someone LOVES her Uncle Matt...that same someone is VERY spoiled by her Uncle Matt.

On New Years Eve all four kids stayed with Nana and Pop Pop while we went to Bloomington for the IU game.

Nana's lap as very full all week.

They had a New Years party!

They even went outside to celebrate the new year...a few hours early!

Then had a sleep over in the family room.

Guess who else has already fallen in love with her uncle?!?

As everyone was packing we lost track of this little one...she was stuck under her crib...with a smile!

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T11:53:00.001-08:00

The day is finally here. Emme has asked for days if this was the day Santa is coming! We could finally say YES! We had such a great day. We were home all day and were able to play with all the new toys! Nana and Pop Pop came from Evansville just in time for dinner.

On our way down to see if Santa came.

He did and he listened! All I asked for was a blue stroller and a new baby.

Claire liked her new toys from Santa too.

WOW, puffs! Who would have guessed?!

It was so hard to wait our turn!

Emmerson picked out a baby for Claire.

Christmas is as great as they said it would be!

I can carry my baby like Mommy does!

Emme can't wait until next year...Claire is reminding her it will be here before she knows it!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun on Christmas Eve. We didn't travel at all this year so we were able to just stay home and enjoy!

The girls loved looking at the presents that were already under the tree.

We had to make our reindeer food to put outside.

She sprinkled it all around the tree. She figured this is where the reindeer would wait for Santa.

Twinkle the Elf dropped a gift off right before bed. Since elves are so fast we didn't see him...just heard him!

We opened it right away to find Christmas pjs and a Christmas book.

So we put on our pjs and read our books before we snuggled in.

Snacks for Santa are all ready!

Cookies for Santa

2011-12-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

We made cookies for Santa with Jack and Marcy. I bet he loved them!

It was very hard work.

YUM!

Christmas with the Bloedes

2011-12-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

We had our first Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Bloede. It is fun to celebrate before everything get so busy! As you can see the girls loved it!

Emmerson celebrating with Neigh

Humm, What's in here?

Claire loved all the paper.

Emmerson remembered just what to do.

Thanks for everything Grandma and Grandpa.

Christmas #1 was a success!

9 Months olds

2011-12-25T08:41:00.001-08:00

Look who is 9 months old!?! At her doctors appointment we got her new "stats". With no surprise she isn't huge! She was in the 16% for height (a half inch taller than Emme at this age), and was in the 18% for weight (5 ounces smaller than Emme at this age). She got 3 shots that didn't bother her a bit. She is still the sweet baby that puts up with anything!

She loves to stand and play with these flowers.

She also LOVES this table! Emme's broke so this is on loan from our friend Marin...Let's hope Santa knows we need a new one!

How does our sweet girl turn into this? By simply telling her to "go crazy" she makes this crazy face and shakes her head all around. Emmerson thinks it is great!

She still LOVES to eat! A couple days after she turned 9 months we thought she had something in her month a in the process of investigating we found it was nothing but FOUR new teeth. The top four were in...through the gums IN! How did we miss it you ask...That's how Claire does things! With out a complaint or fuss! Quietly, calm, and happy! SO she now has 6 teeth. Four on top and two on bottom.

She still adores her sister and toys! And...still makes us smile everyday!

A visit with Santa

2011-12-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

We went to a Christmas tree sale at the Indiana School for the Blind today. Santa was there! It was freezing out but we had so much fun!

Though the pictures don't show it Emmerson was not scared of Santa at all. She told him she wanted a "blue stroller"??? never heard that one!

Our buddy Jack and his family were there too! Long awaited reunion!

Look at the little trees.

Jingle John brought his reindeer. We got to pet him! Even Claire thought he was pretty cool.

The Holidays are so fun!

This is what Emmerson looks like when Jack does anything she thinks is funny...notice he is laying on the ground in the background.

A lot of our friends were there!

Emmerson's competition....her sister!

Christmas at the Indianapolis Art Museum

2011-12-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

We live so close to the IMA so it was fun to be able to take advantage of some of the holiday fun they offer. It was a cold night but we bundled up and went anyways!

We followed the candle lit path to the Lilly House.

The girls loved the Christmas decorations.

Emmerson LOVED the BIG fireplaces...

Silly girls!

Burrr. Look at this sweet face!

What a weekend!

2011-12-04T17:57:00.000-08:00

Well, the holiday season has officially started at our house! Which means busy, busy, busy! This weekend was the start of it all! We had so much fun!

Friday morning we went to make gingerbread houses! It was so fun! Can't you tell how excited we were to go?

A gingerbread what?

Coloring while we wait on our supplies!

Emmerson filling her sister in on what she is doing.

I am pretty sure Emme ate as much as she put on the house.

Some of our friends were there too!

One lucky Mom to be having so much fun with these girls...huh?

Finished product!

Next up was a trip to the Children's Museum to visit the Jolly Days exhibit. Marin went with us and it was her first trip to the museum!

Playing in the "ice castle".

Brushing Santa's reindeer.

Couldn't miss showing Marin around Playscape, our favorite room.

I am finally strong enough to make it go!

Claire got to play too! They have a great section that is for babies only!

Yep, I am that big! and that SWEET!

Best buddies! (notice who is the most cooperative)

A snack for the road!

We had so much fun we took Daddy back on Saturday...Yes, we are crazy!

SO fun when Dad can come with us!

And to finish off a great weekend we went to play with Anna and Owen Sunday!

Look at those faces...These girls are going to be trouble!

Time to rest up until Tuesdays play date at Jolly Days, Christmas at the Indianapolis Art Museum Thursday, Fridays first birthday party, and a visit with Santa on Saturday! Tis the season!

Thanksgiving weekend

2011-11-29T11:22:00.003-08:00

We had a very busy Thanksgiving weekend! We went to Evansville to spend time at Grandma Emmerson's house and to see our cousins.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just catching up with my cousin...she is 5 weeks younger than me.

During Thanksgiving dinner Claire did some entertaining! Out of nowhere she got the giggles! We thought it was so funny!

Funny story Nana!

SO, my cousin noticed I liked his red shirt. With this he took it off for me to wear! I am really not sure how to explain the basket?!?

Emmerson loves playing with her cousins!

Grandma got lots of snuggles and smiles!

Here are 8 of the 10 great grandkids.

Over the past few weeks we have learned that someone has a soft spot for her Pop Pop! I don't think it bothers him too much!

Grandma is sure she is going to find a way to get these two to Evansville more often!

Another spell of the giggles!

We went to a bounce house place. Usually this is not Emmerson's thing but she had so much fun!

It didn't hurt that Baylee was willing to get her use to the bounce house.

We couldn't find Emmerson at one point and this is where we found her. Telling Grandma something really important!

We found an empty one and Emme went wild!

Even Claire got to get in and bounce a bit!

A day with the GIRLS

2011-11-29T11:22:00.001-08:00

Our friend Anna came to spend the day with us! We had so much fun! and kept VERY busy...

They spent most of their day at this table doing Thanksgiving crafts!

So busy!

One of our finished products.

A quick snack break.

More of our finished products...

and a dance party!

There was even a little time for toys!

A visit in Fort Wayne

2011-11-29T11:21:00.001-08:00

We went to Fort Wayne for a week while Daddy traveled for work. We kept very busy visiting all our Fort Wayne loved ones.

Can you believe my Dad was gone for a whole week? (so serious)

We got to go visit Aunt Margaret, Aunt Molly, Aunt Terry, Uncle Charles and Uncle Paul. Claire couldn't take her eyes off the dog.

Look what Emmerson did to Nana and Pop Pop's house! She keeps very busy with her toys!

Night time picnics in front of the fire are the best!

8 months old!

2011-11-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

Our sweet girl is 8 months old. She is SO happy all the time! She loves to eat, play and watch her sister! She is still sleeping great and is busy being the easiest baby ever!

This is what she usually looks like! Silly girl!

She still thinks Emmerson is the best! No matter what she does to her...

She LOVES to eat! She will eat any baby food offered and anything else she can get!

This is what she looks like the whole time we are at the dinner table. She keeps her eyes on her sister to make sure she doesn't miss anything funny!

She loves her dog!

and could spend the whole day pulling toys out of this toy bin!

Most importantly....she still has really crazy hair!

Halloween

2011-11-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

Emmerson was so excited for Halloween this year. I am sure being a year older and all the Halloween activities leading up to it helped!

Emme's favorite part of the day...dressing up poor Bella!

Happy Halloween!

We went to Maggie's house to play that morning. We even decorated Halloween cookies!

So fun!

Don't these look yummy?!?

Time to go trick or treating with Jack!

Is there anything cuter than this? We told Emme to move closer to Jack and she put her arm around him...They are best buddies!

She can't believe all the candy!

Boo! I can't eat candy yet!

With our favorite babysitter! Jack needed Emme's hand for this one. He was a little worried about being left with the babysitter.

Such a cute little bee!

Our little bugs!

SO sweet!

Good night!

Yep, shes that BIG

2011-11-02T06:54:00.002-07:00

and...

thinks her sister is the funniest person she knows!

tolerates her swing (at best)

Loves bath time with Emme

and peek a boo!

More IU

2011-11-02T06:54:00.001-07:00

We took the girls to their last game of the season last weekend. It was a chilly morning that turned into a beautiful day!

Claire was all bundled up!

Poor Claire tailgated in the trunk again...

Emmerson's favorite thing to do...run around at IU!

We got to see some of our cousins!

Emme got to play with her friend Maggie. She likes popcorn as much as Emme!

Claire and her friend Nash love to see each other! It is so cute to watch. They grab each other, smile and talk!

Trunk or Treat

2011-11-02T06:37:00.001-07:00

Emmerson's school had Trunk or Treat last Friday. Daddy took the morning off to go with us!

To no surprise she had to pick just the right one...

Emme loved looking at all the decorated trunks.

No more ear infections at our house!

2011-11-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

After Claire's 5th ear infection her doctor sent us to see the ENT and we knew what that meant!

Yep, it's true...they say I need tubes! She really didn't seem to be too bothered by ear infections, slept fine, didn't run a fever, ate ok, but enough is enough! The ENT said it was time and they even got her in for surgery a week after our first appointment. She beat her sister! She got them at 7 1/2 months and Emmerson was 9 1/2 months!

When we got there (at 7:00am) this is what we found! Only Claire would be smiling with a hat over one eye and a VERY empty stomach!

So, they are going to fix this ear...

Umm Dad, What is this lady doing to my finger?

Just hanging in my hospital bed, waiting my turn!

25 minutes later....poor baby! She was SO out of it! Eyes closed, SCREAMING!

After a good nap...she's back to our sweet girl!

Pumpkins!

2011-11-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

Emmerson was so helpful while carving the pumpkins!

She couldn't believe all the guts!

Claire wanted in on the action too! She kept looking at us like, are you really letting me do this?

SO fun!

Finished product!

So cute it's scary!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-01T06:03:00.000-07:00

We made our trip to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins to carve. Emme was so excited because they had been talking about pumpkins at school.

These were SO big!

Believe it or not she did grow this year!

Our sweet little scarecrow!

Feeding the animals

Corn maze with Dad

We lost Dad!

The pumpkin Emme picked out for Claire.

Emmerson's pumpkin

Is this mine?

We liked the hayride...notice Claire is holding on to Emme! She doesn't want to fall out!

Emmerson was telling Claire all about her pumpkin. Best. Big. Sister. EVER!

Zoo Boo

2011-11-01T05:44:00.000-07:00

We went to the Halloween celebration at the zoo. It is fun because the zoo is open at night!

Headed in with our bugs!

It was really sunny so we couldn't get anyone to look up at us!

A quick squeeze break!

Our friends came with us!

We had so much fun!

Fall FUN

2011-10-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Though the proof is limited we did get to spend some time with our friends that moved to Evansville this weekend! The Selms spent the weekend downtown so we got to meet them for dinner and to spend sometime walking around downtown with them!

NO one fell in somehow... Aubrey and Emme still love to play in foutains, which worked out well for us as for keeping them busy!

We also played in the leaves again...while Dad TRIED to rake again!

Of course fire trucks went by as I was taking pictures!

Guess who?

2011-10-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

Is already 7 months old!

This sweet girl! She is still calm, happy and SO fun! She loves her sister, her toys, being outside, watching her dog, playing in her exersaucer, and being held by her Mom and Dad!

She has two little teeth! That came in as a surprise with no complaints!

She is sitting up...though an occasional tumble is not unheard of.

She is very silly! she does silly things and waits for you to look at her. When you do she smiles with pride!

Soccer fan?!?

2011-10-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Emmerson went to the IU vs. Butler soccer game this week. The plan was to just go on a walk to campus to take a peek at the game since it is so close. Two hours later they made it home after going into the game. I am not sure if it was the soccer or just hanging out with Dad, but either way she had fun!

She was a little upset that we wouldn't let her wear her cheerleading outfit since it was cold. She finally settled for her hat since it matched Dads.

Fall is here!

2011-10-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

I remember playing in the leaves for hours while my Dad raked the piles over and over. Those days have officially started at our house. Emme would play in the leaves all day long. Poor Daddy just rakes pile after pile for her to destroy. This is her favorite, the pile at the end of the slide!

Pure JOY!

And then we hear, "ONE more time"

What a weekend!

2011-10-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was very busy for us! On Friday Daddy and Emmerson went "camping". Camping in this case means going to a friends house and playing in a tent, having smores, and sitting by a fire...until 9:15. Either way she loved it! I don't think any of the Dad's minded a night with the girls.

Kate and Emme in the tent

All the girls-Emmerson, Molly, Anna, and Kate

Then we got up and left early Saturday morning for the IU game. Emme absolutely LOVES going to Bloomington. She even likes going into the game. (the popcorn helps)

Liz came without Baby Miles but she still seemed to have her hands full most of the day!

Not really what our tailgates looked like 10 years ago...or even 5 for that matter! We wouldn't have it any other way! The kids have so much fun together!

Luke and Emmerson talking about the game!

Claire and I sat this game out. We sent Dad and Emme in alone. She looks pleased with our decision.

Then we again got up early Sunday morning and headed to Fort Wayne. Dad had Monday off so we had a little extra time to visit. One of our family friends that we grew up with was coming home from Arizona with his baby girl. We couldn't miss that.

Happy Nana's

Happy Pop Pop!

Hanging with Delaney

Delaney is 4 months younger than me. Yes, I know...she is gaining on me. This is an example of the 90% vs. the 18%.

Chris and I spent MANY hours sitting out by this pool as kids. Now our hands are full but it is fun to all be together!

Sophie the giraffe is back in our life!

My new trick....I can fly!

Sweetest baby ever! (with her 5th double ear infection and doesn't even care)

Backyard fun

2011-10-06T12:51:00.003-07:00

Wednesday was walk your child to school day...So it started just that way. Dad took the day off due to some neighborhood meetings he had. He thought he would walk with us to school and then relax a bit....WRONG!

On our way!

Then this happened...Mom made friends with a crew working on a house in the neighborhood and ended up getting a new play set for us. Which means Dad and Grandpa worked very hard on his day off!

Thankfully it was just a couple houses away so they were able to keep most of it together and just walk it down.

Notice Emmerson making sure they are doing everything just right!

She just couldn't wait for it to be done!

The next morning we were late to school because she HAD to swing for a minute!

We haven't hung Claire's swing yet so this is her "play set".

Do you think she likes it?

Fort FUN!

2011-10-06T12:51:00.001-07:00

We made a quick trip to Fort Wayne this week. It was so fun!

We got one last trip to the Fort Wayne zoo in.

We went to see Pop Pop at school...Emme's favorite place!

Claire had to take an important call

The ramp! Emmerson could run up and down this all day!

Emme and Pop Pop spend some time in the pre-K room.

Sweet Potatoes

2011-10-06T12:50:00.002-07:00

Claire got her first taste of baby food this weekend...a taste is about all that went it!

Anna and Owen

2011-10-06T12:50:00.001-07:00

Emmerson still loves to play with Anna (not sure what this smile is)

And now...Claire is starting to notice Owen!

Do you want to come in my tent?

2011-10-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

There was a tent in Emmerson's classroom last week. With this she became crazy over making tents at home. This is one she made on her own in her bedroom. Of course she wanted Claire to join the fun...poor Claire!

BOO!

2011-09-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

We are not sure when it happened but these girls are getting SO big!

Are you ready for some football?

2011-09-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again where we get to spend lots of time in Bloomington! Each year Emmerson loves it even more! This was Claire's first trip and she seemed to enjoy it too!

Tailgating before the game.

Claire loved hanging out and watching all the people.

Claire's "bedroom" for nap time!

Too much fresh air for this one!

Football time!

Hanging with my friends.

She is SO sweet!

Best way to spend a day together in the fall!

Pretty sure this one is going to love Bloomington too!

Headed into her first game.

Children's Museum

2011-09-20T13:31:00.002-07:00

Nana came and spent a week with us and we did lots of fun stuff. One of them being going to the Children's Museum!

She loved the dinosaurs

Dad liked this one...

She loves playing house.

(Jack this one is for you) She drove the digger because she knew Jack would LOVE it!

WOW

Serving Claire and Mom some ice cream. As you can see Claire wants in on the action!

Finally...some real food!

2011-09-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

As hard as it is to believe Claire turned 6 months old last week...yes, half a year! SO with that we started giving her cereal. We forgot how funny it was to watch the faces that comes with the first bites! Call it humor or poor parenting but we caught it all!

Huh, this seems like fun...

Did they make you eat this Emme?

Oh man this is rough!

Really? more?!?

Come on...enough all ready!

I guess it is not so bad.

SiStErS are so FUN!

2011-09-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Before Claire was born all everyone told us was how lucky Emmerson was that she was going to have a sister. I assumed they were correct BUT I had no idea how much they would love each other this early on!

All smiles...all the time!

Look how big I am getting!

Claire is big enough now that Emmerson expects her to be part of the fun with Daddy!

Daddy date...at her request!

Labor Day in Evansville

2011-09-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

We got to spend Labor Day weekend in Evansville with Grandma and the rest of the Emmerson clan. We got to play at Grandma's a lot and see our cousins. Emme wanted to stay and has talked about going back nonstop! Here are a couple pictures but all the good ones are on Pop Pop's camera...so more to come later!

Poor Claire had a double ear infection...and somehow had to take a bottle and got left in the care of Pop Pop!?!

Emmerson DOES NOT have any illness...just slept really, really GOOD!

Both girls loved spending time with Grandma! I am pretty sure Grandma enjoyed it too!

Can you believe there are donuts in Evansville too?

Just playing around!

2011-09-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Who is this you ask?....the BEST sport ever!

She just goes along with what ever Emmerson it up too. I guess she has no choice but she does smile and seems to enjoy it. Today they are at school. All lined up and ready to listen to a book.

"Good girl Baby Claire"

2011-08-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

So this is what I found when I came in the family room from unloading the dishwasher.

I heard Emmers saying, "good girl baby Claire" she had lined all the babies up with Claire to do tummy time! SO funny!

I guess she didn't mind!

Nana and Pop Pop's visit

2011-08-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Who me?

Nana snuggles-as Emme would say!

We took Nana and Pop Pop to the zoo for the first time!

Emmerson loves the elephants now that there is a new baby!

There is the baby!

We went on the train...for the first time! Thanks Nana and Pop Pop for showing me that...mom had worked hard to avoid it!

Emmerson loved it! Last week one of her library books was about a train ride at the zoo so she has been talking about it!

BIG girlS!

2011-08-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

All ready for Sausagefest

Still loves her toys!

Sweet baby! I wish my bed looked this cozy! Check out her mohawk and chubby cheeks! (23 weeks)

Our mornings are the BEST! We are very slow starters! Emme usually wakes up first and comes and lays with me until Claire wakes up. Then she joins us and we snuggle for awhile before we all go downstairs for breakfast! Emme always talks about how poor daddy has to go to work...so sweet!

More new tricks and can grab my toes and roll over!

We love when Daddy gets home!

Daddy thinks I look like a turtle when I pop up like this!

I can't resist a sleeping baby! She is completely turned around and at the wrong end of her bed.

First day of school

2011-08-19T12:22:00.001-07:00

Since Mom is Staying home with us for now Emme started a new school. It is a big change to only go two mornings a week. AND to a new school, with new teachers and friends! We hope she will love it like she loved her old school!

Ready to go! Very excited!

Outside the school waiting to go in!

My new playground.

My hook...for some reason this was really cool!

In my classroom.

The big playroom.

End of summer FUN!

2011-08-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

Too bad Claire isn't comfortable in her tub! (21 weeks)

Still have a Mohawk

We have spent lots of time downtown walking on the canal this summer. Emme loves the fountains.

Claire just loves anything she can get to her mouth!

We have been spending lots of time at different parks too! Emme loves to help Claire swing!

Claire likes to swing.

Pretty sure Emmers likes to take Claire down the slide more than Claire enjoys it. Good thing she is a good sport!

Sweet Claire's Baptism

2011-08-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Claire was baptized on Sunday August 7th. It was at least a million degrees in the church and outside! Claire did great. She seemed to enjoy the whole day. Even the water on her head...probably felt good to cool off a bit!

Marin and Emme waiting for it all to begin.

Claire is paying close attention.

Sweet baby!

She just smiled at us the whole time!

Claire's godparents...she's a lucky girl!

Look at my crazy hair.

State Fair

2011-08-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

When Matt and Charlie were here we went to the State Fair. It was hot but we had a lot of fun! Again with a little proof that we did take Claire. What a good girl!

E loved feeding the animals.

All we heard was "more food for the goats".

She couldn't believe how big the horses were!

Planting some corn.

A pink tractor!

They had school buses to get on. Charlie is starting kindergaten this fall so it was fun to try it out!

Let's hope Emme grows a lot before she goes to school...she is STANDING on the seat!

Watching the circus acts!

Racing cars.

Emme waved everytime they came around.

Charlie and Uncle Matt's visit

2011-08-17T12:22:00.001-07:00

Uncle Matt and Charlie came to visit. We had so much fun. Emmers worked hard to keep up with Charlie and dominate all of Uncle Matt's attention. Claire held Charlie's hand most of the weekend. He is such a great big cousin!

Charlie taught Emme how to use Uncle Matt's IPad.

Charlie was so sweet to Claire. She loves him!

Cousins...we missed you Ads!

Someone LOVES their uncle...

This says it all. Emme couldn't get enough of Charlie!

Charlie taught me all kinds of new tricks?!?

Claire stole some snuggle time when Emme wasn't looking!

Bedtime books!

Good Morning!

19 weeks

2011-08-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Emmerson continues to blow us away with her love for her little sister! There still is not an ounce of jealousy. She can't wait to see her each morning and can't get enough of her throughout the day! The love goes both ways. Neil and I joke that Claire won't take her eyes off Emmers long enough to look at us! Emme gets the biggest smiles and the loudest laughs...melts us every time! 19 weeks old today!

Don't worry...Emme has plenty of love left for Bellie Boo!

Emme had been asking to give Claire a bottle after seeing a friend giving her daughter a bottle. I had been putting her off for a couple weeks. So she asked again and I thought why not?! So I fed her first and then just put an ounce in a bottle thinking she wouldn't really take it and that Emme would lose interest. NOT true. She took it all and Emmerson was in heaven! Is there anything sweeter than the way they are looking at eachother and how Claire is holding onto Emme's hand?

Time Flies! 18 weeks

2011-08-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Claire is getting big SO fast! She is doing more everyday and is so much fun!

I love to play in this...but as you can see I am a bit short. My feet don't reach the bottom!

This is so fun!

I get to sit at the table with my family finally but they just eat in front of me! BOO!

Emmerson still loves her Popsicles!

Daddy is so fun!

Bedtime

2011-08-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Bedtime is much more fun with two...At least Emmers thinks so.

Some nights we read our bedtime books together. Claire is really starting to like to listen too!

We usually talk Mom and Dad into some cuddle time too!

Oh how we LOVE Marin!

2011-08-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

We have been able to spend a lot of time with Marin this summer (and of course Aunt Bridgee and Kevin too). Emmers has always loved her but it is so fun to watch them play together now that Marin is getting older. And Claire adores her. She giggles every time Marin talks to her! So sweet!

Our favorite hiding spot!

Our library has a BIG fish tank.

Look Marin

Big girl!

2011-07-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have been asking for pigtails like my friend Silvie...mom finally gave in.

And we wonder why it takes so long to make dinner. Mom has plenty of help!

16 weeks old. I love playing with my toys now. They all go right to my mouth!

4th of July weekend

2011-07-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

We went to Fort Wayne for the whole weekend! We had so much fun. The weather was great so we spent most of the weekend by the pool at the Holms.

My crazy mom put this on my head...

We went to a party at Jerry and Sandy's.

oops! look at how fast Nana can move!

Somebody LOVES Caty (and Chuck and Nikki)

Just hanging by the pool!

We watched the bike parade.

Nana and Pop Pop might get turned into CPS...A dog cage.

and manual labor?!?

Rough life! Naps by the pool all weekend long!

Nikki held me all weekend!

Emmers was in the pool ALL weekend!

Painting Daddy's nails.

Babies and beer?!? which one is more comfortable?

A visit with Molly's family

2011-07-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

We got to spend some time with Molly and her family over 4th of July weekend. It is always fun to be with all the kids.

Poor Charlie...Lily was "helping" me check his ears.

There is plenty of room on Molly's lap!

Baby Claire is 8 days older than baby Elsie

Packed house!

Working with Daddy

2011-07-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Daddy's work has a special day were everyone brings their kids to work for the day.

We are on our way!

Just typing a few legal documents.

Reading some books.

and we made necklaces! She had so much fun!

Even more from Florida

2011-06-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

A few more and some videos from Florida.

They let us go meet the pilot since it was Claire's first flight. Emmers is there too but she was a bit busy looking around.

Emmerson LOVED playing on the steps.

A quick break from swimming to call Daddy.

Can you say SASSY and or naptime?!?

Visiting GG

2011-06-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

We went to Florida to visit our Great Grandma. Nana went with us THANK goodness seeing as we traveled with a double stroller, two car seats, two suitcases, a diaper bag, and the two of us! We had a great time and were excellent travelers!

Ready for take off...Claire missed it all and Emmerson loved sitting in her own seat!

Meeting GG for the first time!

Meeting Great Aunt Thelma.

Trying out my new blanket GG made me. I think it works.

At the Tampa Aquarium

Aunt Candi came with us.

I got to touch cool things.

My cousins Bradlee and Colin came too!

Can you tell I am having fun?!?

The cool cave...so cool I needed Mom and Claire to come in too!

The "rain" wall. Thanks for being a good sport Nana!

Ice cream!

Claire catching a ride with GG.

Check out my bucket. Have you ever seen one this big?

Don't I look big?

This picture is a perfect picture of what our sweet Claire looks like all the time! HAPPY!

This one not so much! After a nap this is what I found...check out the hair!

Emme lined up our babies.

We got to go to Bradlee's house to play and swim!

GG makes me happy!

Couldn't you just squeeze her?

Hanging with my cousins while my sister took a nap.

Emmerson loves dogs.

Aunt Candi loving on me.

and my cousin Tony.

I got my thumb in my mouth!?!!

Emme liked the little palm trees

and the golf cart!

Ready to take Claire swimming for the first time. We swam a lot! Everyone loved the water!

Look I can blow bubbles.

Emme didn't really want any help.

Poor Claire took a few naps at the pool. She looks like it bothers here huh?

Claire loved the water too!

Rough life!

Waiting for the plane home:(

Father's Day

2011-06-26T10:53:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Father's day on Saturday since the girls and I were leaving for Florida on Sunday. We had such a fun day!

Of course the day started at the donut shop!

Then we headed to the zoo. It had rained earlier so it wasn't very crowded and the animals were very active! It was a great day to be at the zoo!

Look at the monkey in the background.

Waiting with her dollar to feed the giraffe.

Emmers was a little concerned that some lady we didn't know was holding the camera.

Claire was awake almost the whole time we were there.

Happy Father's day Daddy!

Hooray I finally got to see some animals!

13 weeks old

2011-06-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

Look at how strong I am getting!

My tummy time partner!

Summer FuN!

2011-06-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Now that it is summer and I am not in school I have been able to spend lots of time with my friends. Here are a few pictures of the things we have been doing.

Playing on Anna's new play set. This is my super excited face...

Jack and I have played a lot and even been on an ice cream date.

I love Marin. I am "helping" her get up here. This picture is from a picnic at the IMA.

I still LOVE fountains!

Again with the "help" this time it is walking!

We have visited a few playgrounds too!

HOT, hot, HOT!

2011-06-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

We had a few really hot days! Emme sent lots of time playing in the water!

Jack came over to play and have a Popsicle!

Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan

2011-06-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend back in Grosse Pointe! It really doesn't get any better than that! We LOVE to go back and spend time at the parks, on the water, in our old neighborhood, eating at our favorite restaurants, and visiting with the Boutons!

We went to Fort Wayne Thursday night to break up the trip a bit. (don't mind that Pop Pop is missing a shirt)

Betsy loves Claire.

The piano was lots of fun!

Good thing Claire is such a good sport because Emmers still loves to hold her!

We went to Jack's T-Ball game on Saturday and Betsy was teaching me how to play soccer.

We spent time at the park down by the water, which we LOVED!

We played and had dinner in the park.

Emmers loved playing with Jack and Betsy.

The Boutons

Popsicles in the park

This place wears me out!

Playing at the biggest playground I have ever seen.

The slides were a little big so Daddy joined me.

A quick stop at Nana and Pop Pop's for a
bath in the sink.

Trying out the bumbo

2011-06-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am all smiles these days! I love trying out all of my toys!

Check out my chin...

I am still not real strong but I can sit in the bumbo! I like it because I can see my sister better.

Nothing like a slobbery kiss for my sister!

We LOVE summer!

2011-06-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is here! We love to spend time at Butler during the summer when the students are gone. It is like our own personal park.

Emme's favorite fountain!

Teaching Claire how to put her feet in.

The "little house".

I like to wear my sunglasses on my head now that I noticed that is what Daddy does.

Baseball

2011-06-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Daddy and I went on a date to the ball park to watch the Indians play!

Splash Day at Emmers school!

2011-06-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

On one of the last school days Emmerson's class had "splash day". Claire and I went to play too. It was so fun to see her in that setting!

Jack and JJ are two of Emme's best buddies! They have all been in the same class since they were about 5 months old.

Ms. Krista! God love her! Emme takes a running leap into her arms each morning and that makes us feel better about leaving her! She also tells us often what she is going to show Ms. Krista, tell Ms. Krista or what Ms. Krista will like...such as her painted nails, dresses, and shoes.

Silvie...another favorite friend!

"Reed" aka- Mrs. Reed

She was in Emme's room last year too! Emmers ADORES her and so do we!

All kind of water toys were out to play with and in!

Got it!

All done and headed back into the classroom!

When they got back in the room they sat at the tables and waited to be changed and waited on lunch. While they wait Ms. Krista was singing with they and reading them books! They all loved it!

Emme loves school!

Girls Weekend

2011-06-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

Since Daddy was going to the race and Pop Pop was going to Evansville we decided to take a road trip to Fort Wayne to spend Memorial Day weekend with Nana. We had fun see all our Fort Wayne family even though everyone was sick.

This sweet little girl got her first ear infection...double in fact! Not a single complaint! We didn't even really know she was sick. We were at the doctor for Emme and decided to have her looked at too since we were there and she seemed to have a cold.

We got to spend some time with Jerry and Sandy. As you can see Jerry has the best "rocking game" . He is so fun!

Claire got some love too!

Oh Chuck, Thanks for teaching Emmers how fun it is to drink out of little glasses...

Emmerson packed her toys to walk across the street to the Holms, while there she got wet so this is what she looked like on the way home.

Heading into the Fort Wayne Zoo!

Claire might actually stay awake for this trip to the zoo!

This was my favorite when I was little...Emme wasn't so sure yet!

The horses were a favorite but she wouldn't ride them yet. She kept saying, "Emmers will ride the horse next time." We will see...

Baby Claire got to see them too!

Guess what I found in the diaper bag? a cookie!

MoRe Dancing!

2011-06-06T17:12:00.000-07:00

Emmerson put some dance moves to one of her books!

10 weeks old...

2011-06-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Still sweet as can be! Not a single thing we could complain about!

She loves to watch her sister...Emme doesn't mind an audience while she dances either!

Kennedy came to visit from Kentucky. She fell in the tub with her diaper on!

9 Weeks old!

2011-06-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Claire had her 2 month appointment and we were SHOCKED with how small she is! We thought she was bigger than Emmerson was! NO such luck! 1/2 inch shorter (who would have guessed that was possible) and only 1 ounce bigger.

Summer is here...as for the weather! That means Popsicles!

YUM!

Bella the babysitter!

I am getting stronger!

She loves to look at herself in the mirror. It is so cute. She smiles so BIG!

Here is the front view!

We LOVE Marin!

2011-06-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

We have been able to spend lots of time with Brigee and Marin lately! We can't wait for her to get out of school so we can play even more!

Emmers is sharing a snack with Marin. Funny thing is...it is Marin's snack!

Emme is telling Claire all about the fun things to do at Brigee's house.

2 months old...ALREADY!

2011-05-16T15:20:00.001-07:00

It's true sweet little Claire turned 2 months old this weekend! She is doing great! She is so calm and sweet! We are having so much fun loving on her! One of her best qualities...she sleeps like a champ! An average night is 10 pm- 6 am then she eats and goes back to sleep until 9 or 10. If she could just talk her sister into sleeping in we would be all set:) She is smiling now which melts us each and every time we see it!

Some of the sweet smiles we have caught.

She still falls asleep all the time no matter what is going on.

Besides the old man hair style...it is curly.

2 months old and already headed to her second baby shower.

She was hungry but it was nap time for Emmers so I put her in this chair (crying) and laid this stuffed animal on her thinking she was not going to be very happy when I returned...this is what I found. A sweet sleeping holding on to the elephant! Sweetest thing ever!

My sister still LOVES me!

So funny!

If only we could be this comfortable at any given moment!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day weekend was one of the best we have had! The weather was great (finally), the girls were great and we were able to do some really fun things!

Makenna's 5th birthday party!

On Mother's day we went to the zoo after breakfast. We had so much fun!

Just checking things out.

Bouncy bridge...it's the best!

Not sure if you can see Claire under there but she was with us...slept the whole time!

Emme loves when the "teachers" are out letting her touch things.

After naps we headed downtown for a walk on the canal and to have dinner.

Wearing our "sunnies" though she is busy looking at the horses so she couldn't look at us!

Just a little proof that we do take Claire with us!

Her favorite seat! Daddy doesn't mind either!

Round two in Evansville

2011-05-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

We came home for a day after Easter to get more clothes and wait on Uncle Matt. Then we headed back to Evansville for a week to say our good-byes to Grandpa.

I got to meet Uncle Matt!

My cousin had a baby in the same hospital that my Grandpa was in. It was on the other side of the hospital so Gram and I caught a ride over to meet her!

I got to spend some time at the Selms playing with Aubrey and Makenna.

Trying on Pop Pop's hat.

Pop Pop and I found a quiet spot to take a nap at the hospital.

I had my first oreo one night...can you tell if I liked it?

The girls were so good at the funeral home

As you can see the funeral wore Claire out!

Easter

2011-05-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

We did Easter a little different this year. Since we were in Evansville on Easter we celebrated as a family when we got home.

Our little bunnies

Checking out what the Easter bunny left.

Jelly beans and money! My favorites!

I loved looking for all my eggs. It was nasty out so they were all inside.