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

Expectations: 7 Quick Takes Version

Disclaimer:
This is not the post about our visit to South Carolina, which is forthcoming. I promise.

1) When I became a mother, I expected the love...and there has been a lot of it. I love this child more than I could have dreamed possible. And the love she gives us is even better.

2) I did not expect her to be so independent. A part of me is sad that she isn't a particularly "cuddly" child. She wants me near her, yes, but not holding her. If she lays her head down when I pick her up, it's only for the briefest moment, and then she wants me to let her go. But then, another part of me is proud of her for wanting to do things herself.

3) I expected to worry. And I do plenty of that. About legitimate things: "Is she gaining enough weight?" (And for the record, at her weight check in March she was up 2 pounds from her 6 month appointment!), and about not-so-legitmate things: "Are her legs too short for her to be able to support her weight when she wants to walk?" (Yes, really. I wish I were kidding about that one.)

4) I didn't expect to be reduced to tears watching her "cruise" from her activity table, to the overturned laundry basket, to her exersaucer. It just amazed me when I realized all that she has learned to do in 8 months.

5) I expected her to be sassy. Just not this sassy.

6) I didn't expect her to be so tough. When you think of little girls, you tend to think of delicate things, or soothing the tears that will fall after a small injury or frustration. Not so for my girl. She falls, maybe whimpers for a moment if I look concerned (which I try not to do...I'm a very "Whoops, oh well!" type of mom, because I don't want her to react based on my reactions), and moves on. And while I don't want her to be a whiny kid every time she gets a "boo-boo", I guess she just surprises me at how little time it takes her to recover and try again.

7) Few things about being a parent fall into the category of what I "expected", but I find I'm kind of glad. It's much more exciting this way. Also a little challenging. But still exciting. :)

And again with the time going by all too fast...7 Quick Takes

I confess this is not an original idea. I have seen it on other blogs, but saw it for the first time on http://www.billandameliamayer.blogspot.com/, of whose blog I am a loyal "lurker" (to use a blogger term) So, here is our 7 quick takes debut:


1. We have survived the first bout of sickness to hit all of us. I can't remember the last time I had to take antibiotics, but I am grateful that Amy and I had a pretty healthy winter until now.


2. Amy got to go outside in the snow for the first time the other day. She was totally fascinated by the HUGE flakes that were coming down.

3. Yesterday, we took Amy to the park. It was a little chilly, but much nicer than it has been for a long time, so we decided to let her try out a swing! At first, she seriously doubted our capabilities as parents, but after a little while (and finding the right position for her to sit) she started to enjoy it. I'm really looking forward to the summer and all the outdoor things we'll be able to do!

4. Amy has been very slow to put on weight the last few months, and so she was scheduled for a weight check a month following her 6 month appt. When she saw the doctor when she was sick (which was two weeks after her 6 month check), she had put on 7 ounces! The doctor was really pleased with that, so we're keeping our fingers crossed that at her next weight check on the 17th she gets another good report.

5. I've been doing some extra office work for a family I used to nanny for - the dad has his own accounting business. It's been such a blessing to have a little extra income, and I can take Amy with me during her naptime. Fortunately she sleeps well in her carseat, so I can get some work done while she sleeps. Who knows how long she'll be so cooperative! :)

6. We have been doing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace program for three years now. There have definitely been some bumps in the road, but this Lent, I am making a sincere effort to be even more dedicated to our efforts in our debt snowball, and a better steward of the gifts God has given us.

And I saved the very best for last!

7. On Valentine's Day, my mom, my brother Josh, my sisters Mary and Sarah, and George's family joined us as George became a member of the Catholic Church! It was such a special day for us, and I am so grateful that our little family is now all of one faith! I am mostly so glad for Amy (and any other children God blesses us with), that we will be unified as a family in our faith, and that George and I will be able to lead our family together.

And now, some pictures for your enjoyment, because I know that's what you're really here for!

Six Months

I really have no words. She is getting so big, and I am quite thrown by the whole My Baby Is Starting To Look Like A Little Girl business. So here. I appease you with pictures of the last 6 months. Nom Nom Nom.

In the blink of an eye...

Suddenly my girl is Oh So Grown Up. It seems like only yesterday we were waiting in breathless anticipation for these milestones, and now I feel like I can barely keep up with each new skill. She sits up all the time, all on her own. She doesn't really need the pillow I set behind her, she almost never topples over anymore. She can pick up cups, pick up a ball with one hand, and drink from a sippy cup.

I feel tears come to my eyes a dozen times a day

as I try to take a mental snapshot of these moments when I see her learn something new and I feel so acutely how quickly she is growing up. There are brief moments when she rests her head on my shoulder, thumb in mouth, only to pick it back up again and screech in my face, waiting with a smile for me to mimic her.

She knows how to feel the textures in the touch-and-feel books, loves when we pat our hands over her mouth as she makes one long sustained sound. She reaches out with her little hands to explore my face, and we nuzzle our noses together in the quiet sleepy moments. I am trying to relish even the challenging moments when she is whiny or clingy, knowing the time is just around the corner when she'll be off and running and not need me so much anymore.

She amazes me every day, and I feel so, so blessed.

In Which We Take Pictures Of Our Child In Various Hats For Our Own Amusement

Hi Momma! Hi Daddy!

Wait a minute...what are you guys up to?

I'm not participating in this. You guys are on your own.

What are you laughing at?

Daddy's hat.

Indiana Jones has nothin' on me.

Salud Chivas!

OK, guys. You've had your fun. How about I take my bath now?.

Don't even think about putting that tupperware container on my head. Yeah. I know you thought about it.

Ode to sweet potatoes

Mmmm...appetizing, yes?

The part where she practically grabs my hand to get the food to her mouth because Oh My Lord, woman, you are not moving fast enough!!!

Finally.



Must lick all remnants off face...

"I honestly don't know WHY it takes you so long between bites mother. I'd do it myself if my fine motor skills were better. "



It's hard work being such a big girl.