Monday, November 26, 2012

Quote of the week

My favorite quote of the week,
"Mama, you need to understand. . . .I'm an artist"
 
 
Um, that explains it all.  Ha Ha Ha.
 
On that note. . here's her newest "abstract" that she's proudly hanging above her bed.
 



Not only is she an "artist", she's a clown.  She decided that she wanted to be greyhound and sport our newest Hello Kitty martingale. 
 
What a silly girl!
 
And is there anything cuter than sparkly little toes?

Monday, November 19, 2012

Epic!!

Yesterday was the perfect day.
 
Em and I started the day by meeting my good friends Courtney and Heather for brunch.   
 
 
 After brunch we hit the bookstore and then went for a mani/pedi to celebrate Em's birthday.  Em was a true gem.  She sat patient during her full manicure and pedicure and loved every minute of it.  

 
Yesterday evening Em and I headed over to Charlie's for her fabulous autumn party.
 
I was amazed, Emma walked right in, joined the festivities, and perused the crowd like a professional.  I couldn't help but stand back and watch her in wonder as she engaged with nearly everyone in the room.  My meek, shy, tooth picking toddler has been replaced by a gregarious, engaging, confident little girl.  I am so proud of the little lady she has become.
 
If you ask Emma what the highlight of the night was, she'll tell you
 
Jumping on Charlie's bed

and washing dishes with Stephen
And my favorite part of the day was all of it. . . There's nothing better than being with good friends and being able to share my life with this wonderful little girl. Emma truly is a blessing and I am thankful for everyday that we get to spend together.

Friday, November 2, 2012

The kid. . . .

Oh Emma.  Where to start?
 
  I always get asked by friends and family "what is Emma like these days?" 
 
Well, Emma is definitely her mother's child.   
Emma is bossy, opinionated, independent and very stubborn.  She's definitely got a will of her own and I have hopes that she will be a very strong woman.  I can truly handle these traits because she has another side to her that is very sweet, empathetic, caring, and loving. 
 
From her father she's inherited her love of drawing, running, and an "off" sense of humor.. . . one that only the two of them find funny.  Want to make her laugh? Just say "cat butter" or "banana pants".  These two phrases can have her laughing for hours. . as long as you're willing to say them over and over again. . . .(yep, cat butter.  I can thank Charlie for that one). 
 

Emma is still a great eater and has a palette that rivals most grown ups.  She eats most everything.  Well everything except for eggs and scallops.  I was beginning to think that it is a texture thing. . . but she'll eat muscles and clams.  Steamed mussels and clam chowder?  No problem.  She will eagerly down them like a champ.  So who knows.  I'm just greatful that she'll usually eat what I'm eating and we don't have food battles. 

Emma loves animals.  She loves books.  She loves hanging out with her friend Lucy.  She loves Cheetos (I did say she was my kid).  She loves preschool.  She loves ballet.  And after two years of swim lessons. . . she finally loves swimming.
For the most part, Emma is your typical almost 4 year old with a lot to share. . especially when it comes to her opinion and giving hugs.  She seems to have an endless supply of both.
 
 

Schroeder Time

In October we hopped a flight to Rockford to visit Brian's family.  It had been about 3 years since our last trip to Rockford, so it was long overdue.
 
Everyone descended on his grandmother's house for 4 days of family bonding and festivities.
 
While we were there we got to visit the Discovery children's museum.
 
 
This was my favorite exhibit. . .
Meat the Pig! a puzzle of pig cuts.
 
 I believe Em's favorite part of the visit was hanging with Aunt Diane and Cousin Sara.
They got to do all things girly including hair brushing, putting on make up, and spinning and twirling.
 Brian and his mom.  I definitely see the family resemblence.
  All Schroeder
 The entire clan
 I think this is my favorite picture from the visit.
A rare moment indeed.
 Schroeder brothers.
 Em and her grandparents, Nancy and Dick
 Another highlight of the weekend was our visit to the apple orchard. 
Who knew apple cider donuts tasted so good?