August 2010

August was another busy month.  Emily got to go to Niabi Zoo again with Grandma, Grandpa, and mommy. She loved riding on the train. The whole time we were at the zoo she watched for the train. She still says choo-choo, train, and ding-ding. She went on a pony ride, but wanted off the pony after a couple times around.

Emily is back at daycare with her friends. The first week was a little rough. She has learned how to climb out of the pack and play. Amy found her sitting outside the pack and play happily playing with toys. Her usual 2 hour nap has turned into about a twenty minute nap. We are not sure how she is escaping. My guess is she is using her upper body strength and pulling her legs over the side.

Emily is also saying a lot more words. She tries to repeat everything she hears. She loves music. It is fun to listen to her try to sing the ABC song. She has the tune down but not the words.

Emily is also attempting to learn to go potty. Another child at daycare gets a sticker on a chart for using the potty. Emily cried until she got a sticker on the chart for using the potty too.

Those are a few of our August adventures.

July

     The summer is sure going by quickly. We had a very fun month of July. Emily is growing and changing everyday. I can't believe she is already 17 months old. This month Emily got to stay with her Nana and Papa while mom and dad spent two days in Lake Geneva. Emily went on her first pony ride. She loved it. Mom and dad enjoyed a day at the spa and window shopping. We went on a boat tour and saw all of the beautiful homes on Lake Geneva.
 
     Over the 4th of July weekend Emily's second cousins from Ohio came to visit. Emily enjoyed meeting and playing with them. Emily has enjoyed playing with some friends from mom's school during weekly playdates. She is still working on learning to share her toys. She loves having a friend in her wagon with her. Emily would be the perfect age for a sibling(no, there is not one on the way). She plays mommy with her dolls on a daily basis. It is no longer fun to ride in the swing, but she loves putting her baby in and out and pushing the swing.

     Emily was dedicated on Sunday, July 11th. Her grandparents all were part of this special day. She loves the blanket the ladies from church made for her. She sleeps with it each night. Often she carries it around the house with her.

     Emily's Papa made her a cradle for her baby dolls. She loves the cradle. She gets in it as much as the baby dolls. It is amusing to watch her put her head to her knees once she gets in. I believe she knows she is not suppose to be in it and thinks she is hiding when she hides her face. Emily also received a set of dishes she puts in the cradle and then gets in with them. I am not sure where this idea came from. It is humorous to watch her put all of the dishes in the cradle and then to get in with them and throw them all out. A play kitchen will be on her list for Santa this year. She also is really into trains. She has the Emily and Thomas trains and a small set of tracks. Her dad bought her some Thomas videos she loves. She now looks for trains in every book we read. I am a little concerned with this obsession with trains.

     Each day is filled with learning new things. Some of these include climbing on the couch, climbing into chairs, turning the computer off, getting a CD out of the computer, throwing things down the register, trying to stand on tables, piling things up to climb higher, and learning many new words. 

    I look forward to seeing all of the things Emily discovers during the month of August. I really am enjoying her expanding vocabulary.

Busy Week in June

We had a busy week this past week. Ben was in training all week. I did summer school testing Monday-Wednesday and was at graduate class on Thursday and Friday. We are thankful for great grandmas that took care of Emily most of the week. She loved spending time with them. We enjoyed having family around all weekend and having some great family dinners.

Sunday after returning from the grocery story Emily was happy to get her Cheerios. She helped unload the groceries. She took her Cheerios in the family room and tried to open and eat them.

Emily also got a new gently used baby carrier. She loves it. She really enjoys trying to get in it herself. She has found that you can fit lots of little people in it.

Emily enjoyed chasing bubbles and swimming with her cousin Lexi on Saturday! The water was cold.

I know I am not suppose to be under here. I love climbing.

Check out this wet diaper. I got in the pool with my clothes and regular diaper today.

Happy Father's Day! Emily is luck to have such a great dad and grandfathers.

Niabi Zoo

We took Emily on her first trip to the zoo today. Our first stop was the train. Emily loved saying, "Choo, Choo," as we rode on the train. We tried to view the elephants, but they decided to go inside and cool off. Most of the other animals were sleeping, but they were outdoors. Emily's favorite parts of the trip were the petting zoo and ramp. She found a wooden ramp to run up and down. This sure beat viewing sleeping animals to her. She enjoyed having animals lick her hands.

Emily is currently carrying her socks and shoes around and begging daddy to go outside. Her love for shoes has to do with knowing you can go outside after you put your shoes on your feet.

Waiting to ride the train.

I see a little kid over there!

Can I touch the animals?

That feels funny!

He is tall!

This is fun!

I am not sure about this!

Thanks, to the lady the offered to take a pictuer of the three of us.

Choo! Choo!

Summer is Here!

We are all excited that summer is here. We are looking forward to playing outside and going on some family day trips. Our calendar is sure filling up quickly.

Emily is teething once again. It is no fun getting your molars. Mom and dad are hoping to get a little more sleep in the near future. We would love for our little girl to be pain free.

Emily also has developed a love for shoes. She can say shoes. Watch out if you come to visit, she may take your shoes and try them on. She loves playing dress up already.

Here are some recent of pictures of Emily doing some of her favorite things! She loves climbing in things. We hope you enjoy them.

This Weekend

Emily and mommy spent the day together on Saturday. We went out to breakfast at Perkins. Emily ate and ate and ate. She was very excited to get a cookie. Then we went shopping at the mall. Finally, we came home to play and clean. Emily always sees someone doing laundry at our house. She has a special washing machine dance she often performs. She did not like me sorting the laundry in her play area. I had to laugh when she put the sorted clothes back in the hamper.

Swim Lessons

Emily has been taking swim lessons this spring. Daddy says the water is cold. Emily still loves going each week. Here is a picture of Emily and grandma before her swim lesson.

Dress Up

The past two weeks Emily has developed a love for playing dress up. She gets clothes out of her drawers and loves her hair stuff. I did not except this stage to happen for a couple more years.

31 Bag

Emily loves to get in boxes and bags. I am never sure what her plan is when we enter a room. She had a lot of fun getting in and out of this bag. She even tried to stuff dolls and stuffed animals in the bag with her.

I Can Do It!

One morning I was getting ready for work and I allowed Emily to wander into the dining room. I did not know she could reach the table. I had to laugh when I found her baby in the high chair and spoonful of applesauce in her hand. I am glad she wanted to share!

Easter

We took this picture Easter Sunday. Emily had a very good Easter!

Emily very sick

This was Emily the day before she went in the hospital in April. She never has fallen asleep on the floor before or since I took this picture. It should have been a hint she really felt bad.

May 23, 2010

My first birthday party on February 20, 2010.

Hello

Hello Friends and Family,

     I think life has finally slowed down enough that we can blog some of our family adventures. Emily is changing and learning new things each and everyday. Her mom and dad are enjoying all of the fun, silly, loving, and dangerous things she is trying. We hope that you enjoy our pictures and messages.