My Little Ballernia

This past Saturday Emma had her very first dance recital. The week leading up to it we had two rehearsals. One was on Tuesday and the other on Thursday. The Thursday practice was a dress rehearsal so I got her all dressed up in her costume with her makeup and her hair up. She looked adorable. So on Saturday morning we got up and started the task of getting everyone up and ready. Which was not easy because we had to be up at 7. It was not fun. But it was so worth it. My niece Allyson, two of my friends little girls Gracie and Natalie are all in the same dance class. To be able to watch all of them was great. Everyone of the girls did great. They all danced their hearts out. I beamed with pride and joy as Emma was on that stage. I even teared up. I just can't believe my baby girl is growing up. All she wants to do is twirl and dance. She loves it. These are a few of the pictures we took on Saturday.

Emma's Pre School Graduation..

Emma is offically a preschool graduate.This makes me sad because this means she is going to Kindergarten. They did a nursery rhyme theme and it was so precious. Her teachers found nursery rhymes with twist to them. The kids loved it. All the kids dressed as their favorite character. Emma dressed as Little Miss Muffett. I have to say she made the most adorable Miss Muffett I have ever seen. But I may be a little bias on this matter. The morning after the program we had their end of the year party at Jungle Gym. The kids had a blast.

Emma and her best friend Paytyn. Emma and her teacher Mrs.Brown Emma and Brett

Emma and Mrs.Wilson

Paytyn, Emma, and Julia

Happy Birthday Emma Claire!

Today Emma Claire turned 5 y/o! March 10,2oo4 was one of the best days of my life. I became someone's MOM! The greatest thing I ever been chosen to do!! I can't believe how time has flown by. Mark and I were talking about the day she was born this morning while we were watching her sleep. Five years ago today we were being rushed from one hospital to the next not knowing what the good Lord had in store for us. At 8:33 that Wednesday night our beautiful 2lb 9oz bundle of joy made her entrance. She was so tiny, which you would never know it by looking at her now. Finally after 9 1/2 weeks in the NICU and 2 eye surgeries, we were able to bring her home. I don't think you have ever seen two more proud parents than Mark and I were that day walking out of LSUS! She weighted all of 4lbs and 6 ozs! Which may not seem big to most but she was HUGE to us compared to what she came into this world weighting. Emma is by far the greatest thing we have ever done. She is the light of our lives!

This past Saturday we had her party at Kiroli Park. She had so much fun. My friend Jackie made her cake, which turned out so CUTE! All her friends from school and dance came along with our friends and family. She got so many presents I don't think we are going to have to by anymore until Christmas. Tonight we are taking her to her favorite place to eat besides Olive Garden, Chile Verde. I swear I think my child has some hidden Mexican heritage that I am unaware of, because she could drink salsa from the bowl. Here are a few pictures from her party this weekend. As you can see she by the picture of the presents she is a little SPOILED! Oh well we would not have her any other way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!

The Birthday Cake. Emma and Stormy

Julia and Emma

All her presents!

Our Zoo Trip

Today was a beautiful yet chilly day here in good ole West Monroe. Emma was out of school so we took a little outing with my sister and niece to the zoo. Em loves going here because she likes to chase the bird around. It was a fun afternoon. Here are a few pictures from our little outing. Emma and Allyson

Chasing the Peacocks.

The Kiddos in the Gopher Hole.

"Wii" Are Addicted..

One of Mark's Christmas presents was a Wii. That thing is so addicting! We have played everyday since he has gotten it. Emma loves it! She likes the bowling game and might I add that she is pretty darn good. My mother-in-law loved it. Mark's hillarous. Today I went out and bought the Mario Kart game. I came home popped in the game and had the best time playing all my myself. I haven't played video games in years, so this is liking getting accquantied with an old friend again.

On a different note, I registered for school yesterday. I felt like a little kid on the first day of kindergarden. My stomach was in knots. I have not been in school since Emma was 1 so I am a little nervous. It will be fine. I just have to get used to the school routine all over again.

Here are a few pictures of Mark and Emma playing the Wii. Don't they look like they are having a blast!

Christmas Morning 2008

Christmas this year was a BLAST! It had some very interesting moments but worth every minute. On Christmas Eve my mother-in- law and brother-in-law arrived to spend Christmas with Emma. Note, I said Emma because there is some unwritten rule that when you have children you are no longer important. I wonder why that is? Oh well so back to Christmas. I rose extra early to make sure "Santa" had eaten at least one cookie and had taken the "reindeer food" that Emma had so carefully left for him. He had indeed done what was expected of him, but along with that a mess for me to clean up. Gotta love Santa! When Emma woke up, she rubbed her sleepy eyes and squealed with excitement. "Santa" left the only 2 things she had asked for: a vacuum cleaner and a Barbie bike. She was so excited. That little girl had so many presents under the tree that her Uncle Chris got tired of handing them to her. She loved it. There is something about seeing your child on Christmas morning that makes everything in the world seem right. I loved it! Here are some of the few pictures we got on that morning. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas with the ones you love!

City of Lights

Mark and I decided to take Emma down to Natchitoches to see the lights. The city is famous for all the decoration that go up every year. I have gone a few times before Emma was born but this was her first time. We drove down on that Saturday afternoon, did a little shopping at all the shops on Main Street. The shops were fantastic. After a few hours of walking and shopping we started the search for the perfect spot to see the fireworks. Once we found "the spot" we settled in for the wait. The fireworks were amazing. They lasted for about 45 mins. It was the most amazing fireworks display that Mark or I have ever seen. The only bad thing was that is was so cold. I am talking bone chilling cold. We are all bundled up but we were still freezing. Ohh well, it's the price we pay for our children's delight!