Putting up the Christmas Tree!

We put up our Christmas tree today. Emma helped out through the entire process. She put up lights:


and garland:


She even helped us put up her stocking, though she wanted to try it on for size first. It turns out that it fit, though it was pretty snug:


And here she is next to it after we hung it up:


And then she helped Grandma and Papa put up some ornaments that were given to us by other people. This one is from Aunt Stephanie:


And this ornament is from Grandma Jean:


And here's the whole family in front of the Christmas tree, after all of the ornaments are up. The dogs were not that interested in participating, but we tried our best to convince them that it was worthwhile:

Emma and Daddy having fun

Emma is now really interactive, and loves to smile and giggle. We were playing with her last night, and managed to get a video of her laughing.



Her other hobby seems to be stealing peoples' glasses and grabbing their hair. Since Daddy doesn't have much hair to grab, she has to make do with his glasses.

Happy Chanukah!

Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Mike came to visit for Thanksgiving. While they were in town, we also celebrated Chanukah (a bit early - it doesn't really start until December 11th). We all really enjoyed it! Here are Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Mike with Emma:


Everybody gave Emma lots of gifts. Here she is, on top of Present Mountain:


And here's Papa holding Emma on her new rocking horse:


Finally, here's Emma wrestling with the Chanukah Bear, who sings the Dreidel song:

Visiting the Tillemans!

When we were in Chicago last weekend, we visited the Tillemans. They didn't get to see Emma when we were in Chicago a couple of months ago, so it was a lot of fun for her to get to meet them! Unfortunately, Emma was a bit grouchy, but we all soldiered on. Here she is with our cousin Patty:


And then with our cousin Katy:


And, finally, we took a picture of Emma on the Thanksgiving platter. This is an O'Shea family tradition that's been going on for a very long time. Emma didn't particularly enjoy the experience, though!

Hanging out with Grandpa Tim

Mommy, Grandma, and Granny are all at a craft fair. Daddy and Grandpa are keeping an eye on Emma. Grandpa is doing most of the work (though Daddy still has to do the diaper-changing... go figure). Here's Emma, hanging out on Grandpa after being fed:


And here is Emma with Grandpa. They're "watching golf." Daddy wonders how they can do that with their eyes closed, but apparently it's possible!

Alexis' birthday party!

Emma's cousin Alexis turns 4 this December 21st. Aunt Christie and Uncle Cort wanted to have her birthday party a bit early this year, since the holidays are always so busy! We are in Chicago this weekend for Alexis' party and to visit with a bunch of relatives on the O'Shea side.

Here's Emma with Grandma and Grandpa, and also her cousins Dave and Alexis:


Just the grandkids (and also Grandma's arm):


Cousin Dave, right before he tackled Emma:


Uncle Scott with both of his nieces and his nephew:


Granny with all of her great-grandkids:


Here's the whole family - Grandma insisted we take a portrait:


The birthday girl and her presents!


And, finally, Alexis' cake. She helped to make it!

What the heck is mommy doing?

I think she's lost her mind!

Dinner with the kids

Emma had some friends come over last night - Nolan and Clara (and their parents). Nolan is nine months old, and Clara is six months old. Here they are for a group portrait.



Here's Emma afterward, getting ready for bed. Daddy thinks she looks like Buddha.

Conked out

It's a baby's life.

Some new Emma pics

Hi everybody! Emma has changed a lot over the last few weeks. She is a lot more interested in what's going on around her - here she is helping Daddy write an email:



And she has also learned that her fist is really, really tasty:



One thing that hasn't changed is that she still seems to be able to sleep pretty much anywhere:

Emma's 2-month checkup

Emma visited the pediatrician for her two-month checkup. She is 21.5 inches tall (10th percentile), she is 10 pounds, 14 ounces (50th percentile), and her head size is 15.25 inches (50th percentile). The doctor said that she's healthy and doing really well!

Happy Halloween!