Emma Kate met Mrs. Clause and Santa for the first time on Saturday. She didn’t cry, nor did she smile. But I still think it’s a cute photo.

Grandma Kirkland holding the chubby little girl before going to get her picture made with Santa:

Santa:

Grandma and Grandpa Kirkland come up on Wednesday and stayed with us through Saturday to celebrate Thanksgiving. Neither could believe how much Emma Kate had grown in size and personality over the last two weeks. It was truly amazing and is definitely one of the things we are thankful for.

Thanksgiving afternoon, Emma Kate was mighty comfortable sleeping in grandpa’s arms: 

A few sweet photos before going out to eat:

Upon my recommendation, we ditched the traditional Thanksgiving meal for a treat from Maggiano’s. Boy, was it good! We had an antipasti platter with prosciutto, smoked turkey with focaccia stuffing over a bed garlic mashed potatos, lemon and herb salmon over green beans, lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, two types of salads, pumpkin praline cheesecake, and apple crostada with vanilla bean ice cream. Yummmm. And we had enough leftovers for 3 more meals! The first photo is slightly out of focus. Sorry about that!

The last few weeks have been incredible. Emma Kate has started smiling a lot more and laughing. She’s also started showing that she recognizes Alison & me. Her face lights up when one of us walks in the room, and she giggles when we talk to her on the phone. It’s the most incredible feeling. What a joy!

Emma Kate getting a ride in her Jeep carrier, November 6:

Pretty in pink, November 11:

Playing on her play mat, November 15:

70’s outfit, November 17: