We had our 1st Christmas as a Forever Family and it was more than we could have ever imagined! We began our Christmas Season with the annual "Party at the Peaks" at Colleen and Jody's on the 19th. Emma enjoyed playing with everyone, dancing and opening a few presents.

We began our Christmas Eve at church and Grandma and Grandpa Meythaler joined us. Emma loved all the music and clapped right along with everyone.

We then went to Auntie Terri and Uncle Keith's house. Their entire neighborhood goes all out for Christmas Eve with lumineres, hay rides and Santa on a decked out Rhino! Emma loved waving to everyone on the hay ride.

Auntie Terri, Uncle Keith, Clayton and Sterling gave Emma her first doll. The doll cries, breathes, and seems quite real; Emma wasn't sure about it, but is beginning to enjoy the doll much more.

After Auntie Terri's we were off to Denise's mom's house for some more family fun. Emma saw more cousins and even 2nd cousins. She played with Grandma and Grandpa Throw, Aunt Pat and Aunt Kathy and of course Auntie Colleen, Uncle Jody and AJ.

Later that night, Emma went to sleep and mommy & daddy began putting the kitchen together- probably should have at least looked at it before Christmas Eve, but Emma only woke up once during all the drilling :o)

Christmas morning was absolute joy! Emma didn't know what to make of it, but soon warmed up to the idea that the kitchen, bike (Pappa Jitter's doing!), chair and all the other items under the Christmas Tree were for her. It was a fun and an exciting time and many memories were created. Tears of joy flowed from Mommy's eyes as I couldn't believe our daughter was finally here with us at Christmas.

Christmas dinner was at our house. Our home was filled with so much love that at times we just couldn't believe how this little angel, our Emma Bear sent to us by God, has truly blessed so many lives.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Emma's first Christmas a special one.

Love to all and we hope you had a very blessed Christmas,

Brian & Denise

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. It's been busy around the Meythaler household. Being back at work has been an adjustment for me, as I miss my Emma Bear tremendously! My peace in my heart comes from knowing Auntie Colleen is doing fabulous with Emma and vice versa. The love Emma gives, as well as receives, reaches to the heavens and back! I can't explain the love Brian & I have for her, all we know is God's hands were working hard to bring us together.

Emma had a wonderful visit from Uncle Kevin, Auntie Fina & Uncle Frank. Uncle Kevin came in from Kansas, and Auntie Fina and Uncle Frank came from Chicago. It was a great week for all!! Emma finally met her extended family here in AZ; which includes Uncle Butch, Aunt Loanne and cousin Lindsey. Emma has a new cousin, Xander , who is 6 mo. old. He is adorable and she gets to grow up with him!

We are looking forward to the upcoming holidays and the excitement that it will bring us knowing our little Emma Bear is home!

Love to all and many blessings,

Brian, Denise and Emma

Emma and Daddy always smiling!!

Aunt Patty reading with Emma

Grandpa and Grandma Meythaler

Uncle Kevin flew in from Kansas to meet Emma! She enjoyed her visit from him and she is looking forward to the next one!

Emma loves her Auntie Terri!

Emma having fun with Auntie Terri and Uncle Keith

Fun in the Fountain!

Emma loves the water! We took her to an outdoor mall where there are fountains that alternate shooting up water and she couldn't get enough of it. She likes any form of water; bathtub, swimming pool, shower and the list could go on.

God has truly blessed us with our precious Emma Bear and we are grateful for every moment.

The adjust of me returning to work went well. Emma loves her Auntie Colleen and Auntie Colleen loves Emma just as much! Brian and I are able to relax knowing Emma is in GREAT hands.

Emma's been home for 2 months!

We finally have a blog! We wish we would have done this sooner, but now is better than never.

Below are some photos of our Emma. She is currently 17 months old. She is absoultely the joy of our lives and we love her so very much! She is saying a few words and seems to understand most everything we say to her. She enjoys music, the outdoors and loves the water. She dances around and even has better rhythm than daddy!

Emma bonded to both Brian and I while we were in China, but seems to be more of a "Daddy's Girl" at this time. She screams with joy whenever Brian comes through the door. It is so precious and he is the best daddy a girl could ever want.
Auntie Colleen will soon be watching Emma while I return to work, so yet another adjustment. Emma loves her Auntie Colleen and has bonded to her as well, so were hoping for a smooth transition.

Hope everyone is doing well! Lots of love to all...

Proud Daddy!

Emma & Mommy

Auntie Colleen & Uncle Jody

Emma enjoying the pool