Hugs and Kisses

Here's your valentine...a little early.

Want Some Lovin'?

I just had to post this separately.

Emma loves her Auntie JoJo -- and it shows! Here is a series of pics taken at the airport. Need a five minute hug? Give Emma a call - she's got it covered.

Vancouver, Part Deux

The rest of our Vancouver trip was great. It was definitely a white Christmas, which was great fun.

We had a relaxing Christmas morning opening our Christmas stockings. We moved on to breakfast and chasing Emma up and down the stairs. We then moved on to some nibbles, and the Hall tradition of Dugald dressing up like Santa Claus and the Christmas Fairy (Jo) passing out gifts.

In the afternoon we had Christmas dinner, and then headed out for some time in the snow. Emma was in heaven! We even made a snowman!

All in all, we had a great visit. It was nice to visit with Dugald's family for Christmas -- his first in six years. Lots of snow and laughter, and a few tears as we had to say goodbye.

DJ Emma

Just hanging with JoJo

Playing in Mom's boots.

Just catching up on some reading.

Nibbles...

Frosty - nice view, eh?

Christmas table

Snow baby!

Hall Trio

Snow anyone?

Cup-o'-tea?

Dad & Dug at the Vancouver airport

Vancouver, Part One

Snow anyone?

After a long day of travels on Monday, we made it to Auntie Jo and Uncle Andrew's house in Horseshoe Bay.  It had been snowing for a bit, so our trek from the airport was quite an adventure in the minivan.  Needless to say, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie J and Uncle A were happy to see us!

Emma's first plane trip was great -- she was such a trooper, especially with the 16-hour cross country haul.  She LOVED the plane and made quite a few friends in the surrounding rows -- anyone surprised?

On Tuesday, we took our first trek in the snow - down to the bay and back.  Emma was happy to be outside bundled up in the freezing weather.  We have plans for her first real snow angel.

We've settled in well and enjoying some much needed R&R.  The snow is continuing to fall, so it's pretty clear we will have a white Christmas.

Happy Holidays!

Hanging out on the plane.

Playing with chalk with Grandma.

Dad, Emma, Jo, Grandma & Grandpa in Horseshoe Bay.

All bundled up with Jo.

Snow angel!

Out on an adventure!

Let it snow!

The Hall Trio in Horseshoe Bay

All bundled up with Dad

What's going on out there?

It was a long November...

November proved to be quite a long month for the Hall trio. We started out the month with Emma's 15-month appointment, which went just fine. She had some mild conjunctivitis, but nothing major. Coming in at an astounding 18 lbs and 1 oz. (about 8.2 kg), Emma came squealing in at the 3rd percentile for weight and 25th for height - she's petite...not a surprise.

The pediatrician didn't seem too concerned about her not walking - normal variation for walking is 12-18 months, so we went along our way. After about a week, we landed back in the office with a fourth ear infection in four months. After seeing a different pediatrician, we walked out with an ENT referral, and two others...just to make sure all is well with her development. Unfortunately, Emma's minor conjunctivitis was shared with her dear mother, so I headed off to the opthamologist a few days later for $30 eyedrops...ouch.

The next week we went to the ENT, and he scheduled her for tubes two days later. Bright and early at 5:30am, we headed off to outpatient surgery. She did really well -- and they have made such a huge difference. Within days, she was wild -- crawling all over the house and constantly talking.

Looking forward to the Thanksgiving holidays, we packed up for our second trip home of the month. About 40 miles out of town, traffic slowed to a crawl and then stopped for two hours. Although we were stuck in traffic, it wasn't all bad, as Dugald received a job offer from the UAB Research Foundation. We had been waiting all month to hear some news -- and news it was!

Our Thanksgiving holiday was great - it was nice to spend a few days away from the grind. Emma surprised us all by pulling up on the window sill and saying "pop," "yeah" and "baby" in one weekend.

Although our month was long and frustrating, we have much for which to be thankful. Dugald's new job is a new direction for him personally as well as our family. We are truly grateful for his new opportunity - as many others are not so fortunate in today's economy.

On a ride at Mimi and Pop's house.

Feeling much better after tubes!

Sweet Emma with Daddy.

Ear infection & fever -- but look at those rosy cheeks.

Fascinated by the sunlight on her fingers.

Turkey frying -- our new holiday tradition.

YEAH!

The Thanksgiving trio.

Hanging out with Auntie Kate at the fire station.

Thanksgiving family...

This and That

Things are pretty good here in the Hall household. To be honest, it's been a tad stressful on a number of fronts, but we are keeping on keeping on.

We've tried to spend as much time outside in the glorious autumn weather. Last week was a bit warm, but the nights have finally cooled off again...lovely.

Here's a little of this and a little of that from the past week or so.

The ball popper -- our favorite!

Flower princess after her bath.

Giving Daddy kisses at the park.

Hall trio at the park at dusk.

Giggle box! (with beautiful leaves)

Gorgeous fall leaves from our neighbor's tree.

Golden carpet...

Just Buzzin' Around

Emma was such a cute bumblebee! It was actually freezing here the week of Halloween, so Emma was happy to keep on her costume. On Tuesday, we headed over to Homewood for a costume parade. On Wednesday, all of the kids dressed up at school. Finally, on Friday, Allison took her to Whole Foods for a little party in the morning, and then we headed to our friends for another celebration. Quite a week!

Emma and John enjoying a morning snack.

Little ladybug!

After the parade

On the playground with Dad.

Don't worry, bee happy!

Sweet thing!

Stella with her flower power.