keeping up with the hensons...

I was talking to a friend the other day about how I finally feel "ready" to have another baby. (No, I'm not pregnant!) She thought I was crazy because she's reaching the end of her pregnancy and is ready for it to be over. When I look back to being pregnant, I don't remember the bad parts, I don't remember childbirth being painful or the way complete lack of sleep made me go a little crazy.

I mean, I remember it, but it seems like I must have made a big deal out of nothing because I could SO do that. Except, I do know it was hard and besides, we can't afford another kid in daycare and we are so happy how things are for now. 

Emmy's first ride in the car-cart! She drove this sucker around like a mad woman (or was that me?)...

This is all to say, I am reminded at how quickly we forget things.

I can't remember when Emmy started clapping her hands or when she first said "mama". I go through pictures in my phone and the chronology surprises me. I'm going to have to get better about tracking milestones and even little things on this blog. 

So, what's up with Emmy and the Henson's right now?

ake up! (wake up!) while slapping us until we get out of bed
ahbeeahbeeahbee or emmyemmyemmy sometimes she gets it right, but she always says it over and over again like that!
dobby (doggy) I am about to let her rename him Dobby!
momma, mommeee, daddeee. 
hi or hieeee (she likes to acknowledge people when they come into a room)
cup
no (but she prefers to shake her head)
up, up (to be picked up)
okay (pretty much entirely random)
what (she only says this when we say her name to get her attention)

Emmy can feed herself with a fork or spoon, brush her teeth (or suck all of the toothpaste off a toothbrush), walk around the house without help, and even work my iphone! Seriously, she pushes the home button to light it up, works her little fingers until it's unlocked and then scrolls through the apps. She has an app called "peekaboo barn" that I let her play but now that she knows how to update a facebook status, she can't be trusted!

She also loves giving kisses. This is her kissy face and she does it more for her Aunt Ash than anyone else. It was so fun having her around to help with Emmy and just to see the two of them playing together. Emmy is very lucky to have a big family that loves her so much.

Speaking of the Hensons... we have been busy. After getting another solid round of pneumonia and bronchitis (all 3 of us) we are happy to be healthy and able to enjoy the beautiful weather.

We spent memorial day weekend at the lake, at my mom's pool, the park and we even made a stop at Avondale brewery. 

Emmy and Aunt Yelli by the lake - 

Joe feels pretty comfortable at his Nanny & Papa Bill's house - 

Emmy and Aunt Ash playing outside the brewery -

Emmy + Sandy at my mom's pool

Emmy and her cousin, Hannah - (They are going to be best friends!)

This week back at work was long and rough. The mortgage industry isn't forgiving but most things that are rewarding are not easy. I look at these pictures and remember what the work is about. I keep going back to the office so I can enjoy the time I have with my family and especially my little Emmy. 

My day is long tomorrow but it will be family time soon enough!

emmy is walking (and dancing)!

I know I keep thinking that "these" days are the best days but these really are. She has so much personality and as long as  she isn't on steroids and breathing treatments, she is so sweet!

And, now she's a walker!!

Emmy loves music. I can tell that she can feel it in her bones and I literally tear up every time she rocks to a song. She loves this one, "To Build a Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra. There is a piano part that builds up and she waves her head like Stevie Wonder. 

I can't wait until she and I can play Just Dance together!

emmy's faves (12-14 months)

Even though we just got back from the beach, I feel like I need a vacation! Traveling with a baby is both tremendous fun and exhausting. I'll be working on a post about our trip with lots of pictures... get excited!!

This trip also reminded me of how a "new" toddler is in a unique stage between infant and toddler. She doesn't sleep as much as she used to so the car ride is full of goldfish and silly faces and singing to keep her entertained. She doesn't care much about a movie and her toys only entertain her for a few minutes. 

I've also noticed that Emmy doesn't need a lot of toys. She has  a few favorites and the rest stay in a basket unnoticed. I'm sure she will eventually love them but for now, her all-time favorite toy is a plastic spoon and bowl. She pretends to feed herself for HOURS. She also loves her xylophone and beats it with anything she can find. My mom knew what she was doing when she bought one for Emmy. It's loud and annoying and send shivers up my spine but she is happy so I let her keep it. 

The Fisher Price laugh and learn dog is adorable. She kisses his nose and he sings or says something sweet to her. She uses it as a walker and loads up the middle part with anything that will fit. She has a little pink car that has groceries in it that she can steer better but this pup wins all her kisses. 

I am obsessed with TOMS shoes for babies. The cordones above are the easiest shoes to put on and they look adorable with everything. She has a blue and white pair and I'm going to be buying more in every size as she grows. Maybe one day I'll even splurge and by myself a pair!

Finally, those little food packs. We buy only organic and I try to get a good variety with yogurt, spinach or kale, quinoa, etc. I know these packs are probably not helping her aversion to fruit textures (she still refuses most fresh fruit) but at least until she gets a little older, I know she is getting the nutrients even if it isn't the preferred form. These are really convenient too. She can feed herself and most of the time she doesn't make any kind of mess! 

If all we had during most days were those items above, Emmy would be completely content. I am so absolutely in love with this little girl and the happiness she spreads. I can't wait to post about the beach trip (except I can because I know it's going to be a long one!)