So Blessed!

Part of me is sad that the holiday season is behind us.....and yet I could not be more excited to start 2011! We were so blessed this Christmas with good health, gifts, food, and most importantly by all of the time we were able to spend with BOTH our families this year, getting to see several family members we don't often get to see! I was reminded many times of specific blessings in my life that I can easily overlook.
While at home in Carroll, I stumbled upon a Christmas book that RJ wrote as a 5th grader and was touched by his understanding of what the Christmas season is all about. Similarly, I hope and pray that we can raise Emma to have a true understanding of the real meaning of Christmas.
While watching (and helping) my daughter opening and playing with all of her new things, I was struck by just how fast she is truly growing and all she is learning. I recently let go of my anxiety over Emma still not crawling and I have spent less time worrying about the laundry and dusting and more time just playing with her. I said many times, she'll crawl when she's ready, but now I truly mean it and am not bent on pushing her so much. She can get anywhere she wants to by rolling and scooting and wants to be standing much of the time. She can stand while holding onto something for a little bit at a time. And she may very well be one of those babies that skips crawling and goes right to walking!
She is really getting into looking at books and she is making TONS of new sounds! Lots of little "Oooo's" and babbles. Still just "da-da" no mama, but a few times she has said "hi" very clearly:) So cute! Her favorite thing: her TONGUE!!!! She is playing with it all the time; buzzing it, clicking it, and making so many cute noises with it. She can crack a smile and laugh out of anybody doing it!
Her personality is just bursting out! When she see's mommy or daddy after they've been gone or see's Otto or Nana's puppies, she gets so excited! She shrieks and bounces like crazy and it is so neat to watch:) When people come up and say hi to her, she does this cute little smile and buries her head in your shoulder like she is being bashful. But she peeks at you to see if your still looking at her:P
She is very opinionated......................aren't all girls?:P
Mommy is her security blanket although, Daddy, Nana, Grammy, Uncle Adam, and Auntie are all great and she is usually content with them on her own. Most anyone else is fine from a distance, but strangers who get too close will often get a pouty lip and and scared little wimper. For now that is just fine with me!
I'm off to get some rest, hopefully several hours straight, and looking forward to tomorrow.....SUEsday!!!!:):)