Eleven Months Already??

With Emmalee now running instead of just walking, our eleventh month with our little one has been not stop go, go, GO!  We are so lucky to have a winter baby and be able to enjoy the holiday season with her at an age where she is so aware of her surroundings and at a time where everything is just so NEW!  This month we celebrated Thanksgiving with both the Lindeman's and the Rowleys.  With so much to be thankful for this year we found ourselves reflected on how lucky we are to be around so many people we hold dear.  Emmalee had her first tree to the tree farm, (a Lindeman family tradition).  Emma saw Santa at the Tree farm as well, which did not go to well, but really, what first visit to Santa does not produce some feat and tears.  I guess that is why we attempted again, second time a charm? Nope.  We went back to the same tree farm to get a wreath and take a tractor ride, so we thought it would be fun to try seeing the jolly old elf again.  This time was worse, and even sitting on my lap, on Santa's lap did not help.  Oh well, there is always next year.  We also had a wonderful night with our nieces, Brie and Rachael, and took them with us to North Bend's Christmas tree lighting festival, which solidifies why we love living in a smaller town.  Smores, Santa, a snow machine, carolers, the whole works!  It was wonderful! We also had a wonderful FRIENDMAS with a few of our closest friends and their kiddos.  It was super special celebrated the holiday with people we love and especially cool to watch all the little ones enjoy each other as well!  Another favorite moment that we fullfilled was a family tradition with her grandma and grandpa Lindeman.  We all went to Nordstrom on a Sunday afternoon to get Emmalee her first pair of walking shoes.  It was wonderful, and they make a really big deal about how special it is, both for the parents, and the little walker!  Emmalee is an early walker, so they did not carry shoes small enough to fit her feet, but we special ordered them and they let her borrow the bigger pair for the pics!  I think her favorite part was the balloon they gave her and simply walking around the kids department looking at Christmas decorations!  Special thanks to grandma and grandpa for such a lovely memory, and her new shoes!

This month Emma has truly mastered many things, but my personal favorite is her hand holding and walking around, everywhere!  She loves to be with us, and to explore the world around her.  She is a lover of the outdoors and we are so excited to share in many years of outdoor activities with her.  For me, this month was a bit difficult because I know that we are approaching her first birthday, and while I am beyond excited, I am a little sad at how fast one year has gone and how fast Emmalee is growing up!  I feel like yesterday we swaddled her and laid her down in her bassinet next to our bed, and now she is climbing the stairs to her own room, and pushing away from us rocking her to go to sleep!  I know that her milestone birthday will be bitter sweet, but I could not be more proud, happy, blessed, and grateful to have the most amazing little girl as my own!

MILESTONES THIS MONTH-

-Mastered walking, now running.
-Talking more clearly, ball is her favorite word!
-First visit with Santa and the tree farm
-Thanksgiving....so much to be thankful for!!
-Lots of laughing, not just giggles, but full on fall over laughs
-loves to play sleepy...ALOT!
-Pointing at snowmen and santa all around the house
-Climbing everywhere!  Emma is fearless!  You would think in a gated room with no furniture and only toys she would have nothing to climb, but don't worry, toy bins turned upside down are awesome for standing on!!