Sweet Sophia

Today was our big 3D ultrasound day! We didn't do this with Emma and now I wish we had! It was so incredible to see Sophia stretch, smile, and move around. At first, she was facing my back and we were afraid that we wouldn't get any pictures of her. But she eventually showed off for the camera. The first thing that the technician noticed were her chubby cheeks and her full head of hair. I'm still trying to figure out how to download the video and post it here, and if/when I do I'll be sure to post it here. For now, here are a few of our favorite pictures.

Look at that ear!

Sweet, pouty lips

This was our favorite; she has such a sweet smile!

Christmas with the Roberts'

Last night we met up with our friends, the Roberts', to visit and let the kids exchange Christmas gifts (thanks for the bus with blocks, Matthew!). Emma and Matthew always have fun together and Brad made it even more fun by letting them play with the tissue paper we used in their gift bags. I've never seen kids get so excited about anything as much as these two were about that paper. Forget the gifts!

Tearing into their gifts

What a tough guy!

Whee!

Trying to catch the pieces

It's the simple things in life that make it great. I hope you find your tissue paper today!

Wordless Wednesday-Christmas Card Outtakes

Bath Time

Bath time is always a fun time here at the Stegner house. Emma has so much fun in the bath that she will sometimes get upset if we take her out. This used to be my nighttime routine with Emma, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to do it for the past few months due to a rather large belly. I've avoided being around at all since it was leading to tears and cries of "Mommy!" Now that she has gotten used to Andy giving her a bath, I ventured upstairs to snap a few pictures.

She had so much fun bathing her new baby that Santa brought. She washed the baby's hair, made sure that she was all clean, and gave her lots of kisses.
Her new shampoo has a monkey on the bottle and she thought that Mommy's monkey sounds were pretty funny!

We bought her an Elmo towel several weeks ago and she loves turning into Elmo after her bath. At bath time, you'll hear shouts of "Emma's Elmo!" repeatedly coming from her bathroom. She loves it!

Snow What Fun!

After a little bit of a white Christmas yesterday, we woke up to the yard and streets covered in snow this morning. After breakfast, we bundled up and took Emma outside to play. The last time it snowed, Andy had to work, and I wasn't able to do too much with Emma besides walk in the snow. Since he was home today, he took her "sledding" down our front hill. We didn't have a sled so we improvised! She loved it!

Catching snowflakes on her tongue.

Hit "play" to watch her sled!

Christmas!

We've had a busy couple of days getting ready for Christmas! On Christmas Eve day, we spent the day wrapping a couple of last minute gifts, cleaning and baking. Emma thought she would help by wrapping herself.

Emma and I made her great-grandmother Ortman's sugar cookies for Santa. Once they were cooled, we had a great time decorating them with frosting and sprinkles. Unfortunately, Emma didn't understand why Santa needed the cookies and wanted to eat them all herself.

Sprinkles!

Emma and Mommy...obviously the cookie is more interesting than taking a picture!

Enjoying her own cookie.

Later, we attended the Christmas Eve service at church. Emma looked beautiful in her new Christmas dress and we were so proud of how well she did at church! We went back to Mimi and Papa's house for dinner and presents. She sure got the hang of opening presents!

Of course, the bows are still the favorite.

Writing a special message to Santa on Christmas Eve.

Waiting for Santa!

On Christmas morning we woke up early to see what Santa had brought. Emma had been very good this year and received lots of presents!

Emma and her baby taking a ride in the new wagon.

Peeking in her stocking.

Santa left a yummy Christmas orange!

My family came over later to help us celebrate Christmas Day. Needless to say, Emma must have been very good this year!

She loved her new drawing table! Thanks Auntie Yaya and Aunt Mimi!

Opening her kitchen from Nana and Grandpa.

Now Mommy and Daddy can read to her whenever she wants with her special book!

Washing her hands in her sink.

We are so blessed to have our families here with us to help us celebrate Christmas. Emma is one lucky little girl to be so loved!

Day Two- A New Hairdo!

Emma's hair has been growing like crazy, so today's adventure was a trip to the salon. I went armed with snacks, drinks, books, and toys. You never know if she'll do well or freak out. I tried to avoid saying "haircut" because when I told her I needed to cut her bangs last month she whimpered the whole time and kept saying "Ow!" The lady getting her hair done next to her looked worried at first; I'm sure she was anticipating tears and screams while she was trying to relax. Luckily, she did GREAT! She patiently sat and watched as Jessica cut her hair. At the end she gave herself a big smile in the mirror and said goodbye to everyone! She was definitely a hit!

Before her haircut

Watching carefully

After her haircut enjoying a cookie.