January Happenings

Pictured below are some photographic moments from January.

Claire putting on one of her many shows. . .

This is what happens when Claire gets to Emma waking from a nap before I do. . .a crib full of stuffed animals!

Each of my girls has their own personal obsession right now. For Claire, it is "cooking" and creating things in the kitchen. She received a Paula Deen (one of her favorite chefs) cookbook for Christmas, and she uses it as her recipe guide. Unfortunately, she is doing this while I am attempting to cook dinner, and without the reading assistance of an adult, her creations are less than appetizing. Don't tell her that though!

For Emma, the obsession is Cinderella. Other than her recent favorite saying of "Ohhh, man.", all we hear throughout the day is "Lella, Lella, Lella". She got a princess nightgown for Christmas (which she often wears all day, and screams bloody murder when you try to take it off), and has been hooked ever since. Interestingly enough, it has nothing to do with the movie. She just loves the character. Below, she is in her own world reading a "Lella" book.

Mardi Gras Ball

The next day. . .

Next year, Jeremy's parents will be the Etruscans "Emblem Couple". Claire was checking herself out in the mirror as she tried on the hat Jeremy's mom will wear.

A couple of weekends ago, we made a trip down to south Alabama. It happened to be the weekend of Jeremy's parent's annual Mardi Gras Ball. Each year, before the actual Ball begins, all of the members get together in costume to do a skit show and present the king and queen. This year, the theme was Disney, so I took Claire to see the tableau (what they call the "skit show"). I think more than anything, Claire was super excited to be at a Ball. As the king and queen did their first dance, Claire decided to do her own dance up in the bleachers. She was also excited to see Aunt Kristi and Uncle Andy all dressed-up before the Ball. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of Jeremy's parents and brother and sister-in-law in their costumes. They were part of The Little Mermaid skit.
After the tableau was over, I took Claire home to bed. Several hours later she came running into our room in the middle of the night as a sick little girl. The poor thing had a stomach bug (which Claire has since debated as to whether it was a wasp or a fly), and was laid out on the couch with nothing to eat for an entire day. Although it was a quick 24 hour bug, it unfortunately and quickly spread throughout the family. Somehow, I was spared, but it was hard to watch the domino effect. However, I am happy to report that all are once again well.

The Children's Museum

Owen enjoying the Curious George exhibit in his slumber. . .Emma after her wall painting. . .Oops!

George!

Claire reaching for a coke outside of the World of Coca Cola Museum. . .
Notice the line of people behind her. That was just the beginning of a very long line of people waiting to get into the museum. Thankfully, it was not on our agenda for the day.

Back at the beginning of January (when Claire was still out of school for the holidays and I was searching for ways to fill our wide open days), we decided (along with every other family in the Atlanta area) to make a last minute trip to the Children's Museum. They were having a Curious George exhibit that I thought the girls would enjoy. We even brought Aunt Stacey and Owen along with us! Crowds aside, we all had a great time.

Oh, Happy Day!!

Emma in her own baby doll heaven. . .

She has arrived! Finally, after a long, dedicated search process by Jeremy, and a gracious donation by my PaPa, Emma has a doll just like Claire. Santa must have really brought a one-of-a-kind on Christmas because we ended up having to go through ebay for this doll. All of that aside, the girls are both thrilled. Now, Claire can play with hers in peace, and Emma can have all of the hair her little heart desires. Hallelujah!

Happy New Year!

Emma is ec'static' about 2010!!!

(Please note the hair stuck to the couch.)