So much to do, so little time

We are busy, busy, BUSY over here these days. Milestones galore! Moving, never sitting still for long, and learning new things every moment (at least it seems that way to Mommy).

Amy is soveryclose to taking those first tentative steps, but still gets a little flustered when she finds herself standing without holding on! She knows when we're about to let go of her as well, and pre-emptively crouches into a sit so we can't make her stand on her own! Cheeky girl. But for now, she LOVES walking behind her push'n'ride toy, and I guess practice makes perfect! :)

She has crossed the threshold from baby foods to more table foods, and boy does she love to eat! She never would sign "more" for us (despite 5 months of effort on our part!), and instead moved right into speaking it! She asks for "Muh!" after every bite, or when she finishes what finger foods she has in front of her.

Speaking of...speaking...This morning, when I told her to say "Hi, doggy!" to Vera (our morning ritual when we wave good morning to the dog), she leaned forward, waved, and said "ha!" Color me amazed...and yet a little skeptical, until...this evening, George was saying "hi" to her, and she would say "ha" back. Then, when I asked her to say doggie, she looked at Vera and said "Dah!"

So.

Words.

Also, breaking news: Clapping.

And teeth. (FINally)

That sound you hear? Oh, that's just my heart breaking into a million small pieces because Stop It. Seriously, Amy. It's too much all at once.

She was in a brilliant mood today, and we had such a fun time together. I found myself watching her so much today, realizing how close she is to toddlerhood, and how quickly she is moving away from being my baby. I felt like I was about to turn inside out with how much I love this girl and how wrenching it is to watch her babyhood disappear. I know. I KNOW. There are amazing things on the horizon, and I have always loved the year from 1 to 2. But while she is so busy doing so many new things, I feel the time ticking away and suddenly it feels so short. And then I am so. glad. that I get to be there for it. People say to me sometimes, "But you need time away from her, time with grown-ups." Or, "It would be good for you to be working away from home at least a little bit." And to that I say, Nope. What is good for me is to be right here with her, every day, seeing every little thing she learns to do, experiencing every small moment. It's not that way for everyone, I understand. And I don't judge. But for me, this is as close as I'll get to heaven on earth. I pray every day that God will continue to bless me with this luxury.

As for George and I? We're good. Just continuing to do our best to follow God's will for our lives. We are very, very blessed.

The Day You Were Born...

This entry is dedicated to my awesome brother Josh who continues to amaze me by becoming an inspriring, incredible grown-up.


The day you were born, I was wearing a pink sweatsuit, and a pink headband. It was my very favorite outfit, and I picked it because it was a very special day. I remember walking down the hallway of the hospital, vaguely hearing dad talking to me about making sure to hold your head or whatever. All I could think about was holding you, a baby. I LOVED babies...just in case you didn't get that. And now you were here, our family's very own new baby! I can still feel the excitement I felt that day. And holding you...I can still see in my mind's eye exactly how you looked. I can still remember looking at you and loving you so much.

And now here we are, 18 years later, and I still look at you and love you SO much. The man you're becoming is awe-inspiring. Your compassion, you empathy, your kindness, your goodness...there are so few young men these days who could hold a candle to you. I am proud to call you my brother, and proud to call you my friend. I'm sorry I can't be there to hear your speech or to see you walk across that stage. But know that as you do, I will still be thinking about the little baby I held for the first time so many years ago, and thanking God for bringing you into our lives. I love you, Josh. Congratulations!

Love, Emmy