Monday, May 23, 2011

Emma's Birthday Weekend

We got home late Sunday from Cincinnati.  Unfortunately, we hit some traffic from a wreck on the way home, and had one over-tired toddler in the backseat.  She amused herself by throwing goldfish crackers everywhere.  We were all pretty cranky by then.  But other than that we had a great time.  Our weekend was pretty busy, and Emma definitely did not get enough sleep, which I will be paying for this week!  We headed to the zoo first on Saturday morning, along with everyone else it seemed.  It was hot but we left without sunburns, which I am always thankful for.  It's still a little hard to take Emma to the zoo, because we have to use the stroller and so we're constantly taking her out and putting her back in it.  She can't really see the animals in the stroller, but she can't yet walk through the whole zoo, and she's definitely too big to carry.  Hopefully, next time I will have a better carrier that works for older kids too.  Anyway, we had fun seeing the animals, and Emma even got to pet a few goats and play in the kids' area for a while.

Daddy is so fun!
Mommy got a real hug...hardly ever happens
This was her favorite goat...she wouldn't pet any of the others
We finished Saturday off by doing a little shopping for Mommy...which ended up being for Emma, since she got new shoes and Mommy got nothing!  We also picked up the last of Emma's birthday gifts at Toys 'R Us, since our store didn't carry them and I didn't want to pay for shipping.  We woke up Sunday and drove to Ikea, where we spent way too much time, and got some great stuff, mostly for the kitchen.  After that, we drove around for way too long looking for a Chick-Fil-A, only to remember much too late that they're not open on Sundays!  After lunch, we stopped by at the Children's Museum.  Emma loved it!  It wasn't too big, but had a lot of small areas just her size and toys for her to play with.  Her favorites were the water and sand tables, the building/hammering station and the kitchen.  She was at such a great age for it, and it made me really excited about taking her to the one in Chattanooga in a couple of months.  When we were at the one in Chicago last year, she couldn't even walk yet, so this was a lot more fun for her.  I wish there was something like it closer to BG.
Emma is obsessed with water suddenly...she loved this fountain
Mowing

Getting Mommy wet!

Helping Daddy build
They had several different kinds of drums...too bad we don't have these at home!
We had a great time and I wish she could take more trips like this.  Even though we were busy and all a little tired, we have so much fun spending time together, and we never seem to have enough of it.  And just for fun, here are a few pics of Emma and some of her birthday toys.



Sometimes I really wonder what she's thinking


Happy Birthday Emma!  I hope you had a fun weekend.  In just a few short years, you'll want to spend your weekends with anybody but your Mom & Dad.  But for now, we are loving spending time with you and watching you grow.  We love you!

Friday, May 20, 2011

New Beginning

I know, I know, what's the point of having a blog if I never update it.  I've been sort of busy, for the 2 people (probably overestimating there) who read it.  I'm almost 18 weeks pregnant with our second child (woohoo!) and have not felt so hot.  Seriously, the idea of looking at a computer made me throw up most days.  But, I'm hoping that all of that part is over with now, so I can enjoy being pregnant before it's almost over and I'm miserable again!

But I mostly wanted to blog today about Emma.  My baby (ha! not so much) is two years old today.  She is quite the character.  We still enjoy going to storytime at the library, and she loves going to "play with boys and girls" or "see babies."  We've been to the park a few times this spring, and she won't get off the swings.  She has no interest in anything other than swinging.  She still loves to read books, although she can't sit still long enough to get through many books anymore.  She has so much energy, and her new favorite activity is running circles around our couch.  She tells us to "get Emma" or asks for "more Mommy get you."  I can't keep up with her.  I don't think we're into the terrible two's yet, but she is getting more independent and at times, defiant.  Fortunately, we usually get by with only one time out per day, and only one or two toys put up.  Ha, I think that's pretty good.  She is talking like crazy, and picking up new words all the time.  We really have to be careful with what we say around her, because she repeats everything.  She opened her presents from us yesterday and got some from her Nana and Pop this morning.  Her favorite was definitely her power wheels, but she also got a basketball goal, which should be fun for Mommy!

Emma at 8:12am on her 1st birthday
May 20, 2010
Emma at 8:12am on her 2nd birthday
May 20, 2011

Emma's backpack...how grown-up is she?!

She calls it her tractor

Happy to help Mommy with the coupons

A little unsure about it this morning

She needs some practice
Emma, I hope you have had a great birthday!  I know you don't even know what it means yet.  We have a few more fun things planned for you that I think you'll enjoy.  I never thought two years could pass by so quickly, but it sure has.  I'm excited for you to meet your new brother or sister, because you're going to be a great big sister, but it's bittersweet.  Your Dad and I are so enjoying this time with just you.  You will never know what it has meant to me to be able to stay home with you, and I am not exactly looking forward to putting you in preschool (but I will).  You and me are so similar, and sometimes we butt heads.  But I am so glad that you have such a strong personality.  I think we're driving Daddy nuts though.  Happy birthday!