Blabbermouth

One thing has recently become abundantly clear:  There is no secret-keeping with a three year old in the house!  As we've been gearing up for Christmas, it has been such fun to include Emma in the preparation of the festivities and gift-giving.  This is the first Christmas where she really, truly "gets it" and is enjoying every aspect of the holiday season.  Like most people, we have been doing a lot of shopping as of late, and I've found that Emma has made a very entertaining sidekick in the process.  She's loved having a say in the gifts purchased for others, and particularly "helping" with the wrapping of gifts.  She has especially relished preparing gifts for her Dada, which has been so incredibly sweet. 

This has come back to kick me soundly in the backside though, as Emma has also had a good time telling Dada exactly what is under the tree for him!  To quote two instances:

"Dada!  Your secret is the duck shirt!"  (in reference to his new UofO shirt she helped to *secretly* pick out for him) 

and...

"Dada!  You're going to like these movies!"  (said as she's waiving two wrapped DVD's in the air)

These and several other scenarios where Emma and my covert holiday activities have been outed have certainly provided a lot of laughs.  There is never a dull moment with an ultra-chatty little kidlet around!

Cookies With Santa

Last weekend our good friends, the Cooneys, threw a fantastic Santa party in which the featured guest, Santa himself, arrived bearing gifts for all the little people!  However somehow our fearless three year old decided she wanted nothing what-so-ever to do with the man in red.  Luckily Santa presented her with something she's had her eye on for a while - a brand new toy guitar, just like Mama and Dada's Guitar Hero toys (only far less fragile and spendy if broken), winning back her affection.  It was a wonderful afternoon with great friends, delicious cookies, and holiday spirit!

Party hard, sleep hard

A big birthday celebration takes its toll on a kid - even a big partier like Emma.  I couldn't help but sneak in and snap this shot after she crashed for the night following her birthday bash...

Three!

Its hard to believe our little Emma just turned THREE!  To celebrate the big event we had just a few family and close friends over for pizza and cake on Sunday, December 5.  Em fully enjoyed being the center of attention and having her favorite people around her!