Fisher James

It's a boy! Cole and Sarah (Ryan's sister) had their baby on the 30th- she was due on Christmas Eve so we didn't know what our Christmas would look like this year. We all went up to Des Moines on Christmas Day, came home on Tuesday and made the drive back up on Friday when she was induced. He's so precious and we had a great weekend (and New Years) spending it with a new member of the family.

Their first grandson.

A bib we made for baby Fisher.

This is how we spent most of our New Years while Cole and Sarah were still in the hospital.

 

We're so excited he's finally here and can't wait to watch him grow.

Emerson's Tree

Year 1

Year 2


Year 3

Year 4

Emerson Dancing

Emerson had her parent watch night at her dance class where we got to see what she's been up to these past few months. Her dance class is 45 minutes this year instead of 30 and she gets to wear tap shoes.

They're learning the different "positions" which I thought was pretty impressive.
"1st position!"

Putting on her tap shoes.

Dirt & Worms

The things Ryan does with Emerson while I'm out. But I guess that's what we have dads for, to let loose a little bit and get some dirt under our fingernails.

Baby Van Vark

Over Thanksgiving we had a baby shower for Cole and Sarah. She's due on Chrismas Eve so our plans for the holidays are sort of up to when this sweet baby decides to make an appearance. Ryan's aunt and uncle own the Wabash Winery  in southwest Iowa so we thought it would be the perfect location to have their shower (and it was.)  It was so fun to plan and spoil Cole and Sarah they way they've spoiled my girls the past 4 years- we can't wait to add another cousin to the mix. 

I had Geri and Cole's mom, Sue, send me some baby pictures so they were on display.

I had people write some advice to the new parents ahead of time that we displayed at the shower.

Geri and Courtney split the work with me on the shower and I think it turned out beautifully. Now we just hurry up and wait!

Emerson's Birthday Part III

Emerson had her second party at the farm over Thanksgiving weekend. She got a princess birthday cake (shocking, I know) and was spoiled rotten. She's one lucky gal.

The hit of the party was her Rapunzel wig.  Sounds creepy, and it kind of is, but she absolutely loves it.

Just strange seeing her with straight hair for the first time ever.