October 28th

Good morning, potty trip with Boo in arms!

Dear Emily -

Time is passing so fast, every day you are changing.  Especially lately!  You are back at trying to potty train again, as well as repeating words or vocal sounds someone makes which often leaves us laughing.  You like to choose your own clothes to wear for the moment, and more often then not end up stripping back out of them.  The *velcro* sound of your diaper is all too familiar.  You then ask to nurse, and I have no desire to be peed on so ask that you go and get a new diaper..... you turn, and cute little legs go running for the bedroom, to return with a new diaper in hand :)  You are adorable!

Playing doctors, what a good patient you were for big sisters

Yesterday your big sister, Katie, had a doctors appt.  Leave it to your big sisters to find fun in trying out these doctor items when the doctor left the room, and you were their patient!  Lucky you :)

Daddy took you out again yesterday for your play class, but you were cranky and not too delighted when they'd change activities.  He sure loves you, and seems to grasp every minute possible with you.  I grin when hearing his stories, and it's so neat to see his pride and love for you radiate while he talks.  You are one lucky little girl!  I find myself thinking about when you'll have your first sleep over, and how you'll do.  I'm excited for both of you :)

Below is the ducky toy your daddy bought for you yesterday, it's adorable and you love it! 

Duckies!

 As much as I love when Wednesday comes and you head out with your dad, I find myself having moments of longing for you.  I really enjoy it when your daddy calls or texts and shared how you're doing and a cute moment that happened.  I smile :)  At the same time I miss you, but love that I have so much trust in the person you're with.  You are safe, and I am able to do other things ~ such as take a nap, or do laundry!  When bringing you in from the car today, I hugged you and thought about what the first night would be like with you not with me.  I love you so much, every single moment.... I am excited for this time to come for both of you, and nervous - - it's coming too fast.  Everything is too fast.  You were just a baby yesterday!

Signing for nurse, wanting just a little before leaving

You have moved on from nursing often to just more or less, snacking.  You comfort nurse at night, which I enjoy.  I am in no rush for this time to end, and am so thankful that I'm still able to be here to take care of your pasifying needs as well as provide you with the extra benefits that breastmilk gives.

Your eyes look tired, you aren't feeling too well today.  Two separate families who we are with often have kids who are sick.  I think this is most likely what is starting to pull you down. I hope you're able to fight this off quickly if it's a bug.  You've been extra clingy and quite cranky, both which aren't normally you.

I love you Emily, more then I ever imagined possible!

First outing with dad, by yourself!

Dear Emily -

Yesterday you went on an outing with your dad for the very first time all by yourself.  I have to admit, I was nervous.  Samantha patiently listened to me prior to the day, and then just as patiently listened to me all mushy talk about you and your dad after you pulled away and came back.  I am so proud of both of you, sweetheart.  You have a dad that loves you so very much.  He's an amazing dad also.  He said you loved your first day at this class he took you to, so signed you up for this next month.  Every Wednesday you'll be able to spend the day with him :)

I was able to quickly snap this picture of the two of you before you both headed out, before my phone died.  It was perfect!  You two looks so happy, and so much alike too!

Since you were born I've been waiting eagerly for the day to arrive where, by himself, he could experience this amazing joy of one-on-one time with you.  As I've watched you grow and change, and experience new things in life, I've often wished he could experience them too ~ I missed that for him.  And we waited.  I shared everything I could with him in words almost daily, and we waited.  Waited for when the time felt right where you wouldn't be upset being away from me.  What was most important to your dad was your security and confidence... he waited for you to be ready.

Although I eagerly waited for this day to arrive, I was nervous.  You are almost always with me, I couldn't imagine you not being with me.  Even after I buckled you in to the carseat, gave your dad helpful hints, and proudly watched you pull out of the driveway and head down the road, I felt that hint of nervousness.  I hoped you would be ok, but also knew you would be.  I didn't doubt anything you would throw at your dad he'd be able to handle.  I was excited for your dad to have this precious time with you, and looked forward to the stories he would share :)

I love you sweetheart, so very very much.  I am so thankful to your dad for the blessing he is able to give being in your life and showering you with all the love he feels for you as well.  You are so lucky and blessed.  Your life holds so many possibilities, and I'm thankful you have both of us to support you along the path in different yet very important ways... that only a mom, and only a dad, both you love you, can do.

First pair of walking shoes!

Shoes have finally appeared on this childs feet.  Finally.  Long past due!!  But, I have my own reasons for leaving her shoeless for so long that I stand behind, but the time has come.... for the most part.  The shoes were lost in the car a few times today, as they were immediately pulled off once we were driving by little Emily who's rather go barefoot.  But, when walking around she had no problems with them.  As soon as we arrived home though, she took them off.

Just like teaching a child to go in the potty when the time has arrived, I guess this will now be shoe training to keep shoes on when we're out in public.... or outside.  The wet season is right around the corner.

They're so cute.... a friend passed them on to her, and I'm sure soon enough she will have outgrown these.  Hopefully Emily will be the wonderful recipient of her friend, Kaitlynn, shoes. :)  If not, we'll be heading in to the store to get the next round of shoes :)

I wonder if she'll be a shoe lover too?  Both her sisters are crazy about shoes, especially sparkly, fancy, high heel ones!

Her first potty video! She did it!

She did it!!  Emily peed in the potty for the very first time!!  I wasn't the one sitting in front of her when it happened, so my heart just wanted to squeeze big sister for grabbing my phone and video taping it.

Emily's taken a hand in her own potty training.  I am terribly lazy when it comes to this, since it's really not that important to me.  I have no school waiting that needs them potty trained, and I don't mind changing diapers.  I do believe that by making it a non-issue a child will want to start using the potty on their own.   This is the phylosophy I followed with my other children, and what I'm following for Emily also.

And so she is.  Just before 15mo she was introduced to the potty seat just because I found a super cute one.  She showed signs that she was ready also, and so I am following her lead and just not making it a big deal.

So my little girl pulls on her diaper, takes my hand and leads me to the bathroom.  Lifts the seat and puts her potty seat on, asking for a help up.  She is remarkable.

Good job, Emily :)

School time has begun!

Well, not for Emily it hasn't... not officially.  As her big sister Alyssa is doing work I plan to have work for her also, although our entire day is always filled with something educational.  She wanted to put a backpack on though and carry it herself, and wanted to march herself on in to the school.  It's where we did go next, and as a teacher filled out a form for Alyssa to take a dictionary home with her Emily crawled on up and sat in one of the desks.... ready to start.

My two oldest children are attending school out of this "alternative" school building -  brand new, state of the art teaching equipment, three alternative programs, and a group of incredible teachers.  I feel so bless that we have such an option available here and that it's a perfect fit for two of my children.

Katie, just entering 1st grade, was enrolled in to the main public school this year and came hope beaming after her first day.  I suspect it too is the perfect fit for her learning style.

And Emily?  Emily I believe will follow Katie in her foot steps, and push to be challenged.  She already is well ahead of herself, I hope I can live up to the challenge and continue to keep her challenged!  I bet I can :)

Waving bye-bye to mom

Potty Time!

Dear Emily - 

You have found your new fascination, the potty.  I haven't really done "potty training" with you persay, just when the opportunity strikes I'll set you up on the potty.  I found this adorable winnie the pooh potty seat a few weeks ago and it seemed just perfect for you.  You love it!

These pictures are from a few days ago, first thing in the morning after waking up.  Can you see your eyes still tired?  I thought I'd sit and play with you while you sat on the potty, but Katie came in and thought she'd use the time to give you a beauty treatment.  She buffed your feet and painted your nails.  You thought it was great!!

Tonight, while Katie took a shower, you walked to the potty and tried to take your pants off.  What a great opportunity to encourage you!  I helped you take off your pants and diaper and climb on up.  You motioned your little hand that you wanted toilet paper.  You are so precious :)

You definitely have the idea down.  It will be an exciting day the first time you actually pee :)  I really thought you were going to do so tonight, and no doubt I'd be calling your dad to share with him the great amazing feat! :D  There is no rush, it's all on your time.

I'm so proud of you Emily :)

Another day playing with horses

Way, WAY too cute!!

With our belgian, Holly

Brushing Holly

A girl on a mission

Investigating how this hat thing works

Emily and Sierra

Dear Emily ~

I think the time has definitely come where I need to set aside time specifically for you to spend with Sierra. Sierra, who has floated from Jonah, to Alyssa, and to Katie, will soon enough be your pony. Today you spent time with her brushing and leading her. Only once did you yell in fear and concern, and that was when towering above you was this muzzle/mouth that was a bit on the concerning side to you.

You sure are brave though, even at that moment you tackled what you wanted and went for it. You continue to amaze me at your strength in power and being. Sierra sure seems to enjoy the attention from you, but be forwarned my dear, she will give you a run for your money. She has an attitude to match yours if you don't stay please and thank you to her :)

You have entered this interesting stage, it sure seems like a two-year-old phase. Most especially when you're tired! I can work with this new way of expressing yourself, I just hope you never loose your strong confidence and being. You are brilliant and amazing!

Today we ended the day picking blackberries to freeze. You love to help, love to pick and place in my container. I need to get you one of your own, a plastic one, since glass jars don't fair too well with little helping hands. But, you picked away and loved dropping them in the container, and would ask if I could give you the ones I picked for you to drop in also. You're quite the adorable one.

One of the things I appreciate most about your personality, is although polite and asking for permission for things, you also are independant and a "do it myself" type of child. You problem solve and come up with solutions, rather then expecting someone else to do it for you. You think and find an answer. It continues to amaze me :)

You're not too in to picking these and eating them right away, but you sure love them in smoothies to drink!

You, Kaitlynn and Luke

Dear Emily -

You can't seem to get enough of the outdoors. You see the front door open and you are hi-tailing it, trying to reach it before it shuts. You just want to be outside. And our little kiddy pool? You love it. Love swirling sticks around in it and climbing on in to stomp your feet around. Kaitlynn is your partner in crime, trying to run for the door when it opens also so she too can be outside, and just as with you, heads right for the kiddy pool also :)

You, with Kaitlynn and Luke. Just as their mommy was at your birth, I was able to see both of them come in to the world also. Special memories all around.

Holding hands :)

First Bite / First Time-Out

Dear my sweet little Emily ~

I undestand that Kaitlynn can be a challenge sometimes, with her strong nature, not wanting to share, and being a bit on the rough side, but she's also very loving and gentle too. When you were looking out the window today and she came up and squeezed you against the window frame and she wouldn't move, because she wanted to be in that spot and wouldn't listen to you voicing your disapproval, although I can completely understand your reasonings, vice gripping your teeth on her arm wasn't the best idea.

I had to put you in your very first time-out today, and it made my heart so sad. I tried standing you in the corner, before realizing that you were ONLY 14mo and sitting would be best. You were upset, but you did seem to understand.

Please try not to bite again. You have very lovely powerful teeth, and a strong mind to match them, but these teeth are best left off other peoples skin. I also didn't enjoy removing these teeth from her arm, along with one very ticked off girl that sported them.

Love,

Your mom

Another day of picking

With the blueberry batch seeming pretty well picked of all the ripe berries, we turned to blackberries. Yum! Emily once again dove in to help with the picking... and eating!

Well, there was a blackberry in that jar. It either hit the ground or Emily's mouth. Tasty treats for the tummy :)

Big brother, Jonah, and Emily playing on the tractor pretending to drive. So very very cute. Emiy completely got in to it and pretended to drive, noises and all, once Jonah got off :D

Dear Emily ~

You, without doubt, love picking blackberries and blueberries. As your brother and I head down to the blueberry patch to fill containers to freeze for smoothies, you eagerly want to join in also. You are so strong and independant!

The two of us <3

Mmmmm.... a perfectly ripe blueberry!

Brother, sharing his blackberries...

Always great to share, even with the dog :)

Bathtime Fun

Dear Emily ~

Kaitlynn came over to play today for the afternoon, and although she had her first timeout with me here because she hit you with a shoe, you guys had a great time!

Playing with someone so close to your age, or development, caused some issues to arrise. She wanted to sit in your doll stroller, you wanted to push it without her in it. She wanted to stay, you wanted her out. You have quite the voice on you, my dear. No room to question your thoughts! Try to be patient with her Emily, she is such a sweet little girl but tries to rough and tumble as much as her older brother does. He's 3yrs older.

Kaitlynn was born 9/4, just a handful of days before I tried to see if you were ready to start growing and join our family. She's a pretty special little one.

Tonight you tried hot dogs for the first time, cut in to small rounds and then in to quarters. I handed you a fork and watched you so carefully pick up each little piece with your fork. How come some kids choose to eat with forks and spoons while others choose their hands? You don't seem to mind taking the time to eat this way :)

Following dinner, the two of you girls definitely needed a bath and in to the tub you went. You thought this was FUN! Next time I'll pour in the tub toys and welcome the two of you to hang out play in the water for a while :)

It was great to have two girls to wash down, and wash hair, who didn't mind water running over their face. Sure makes things easier! Your sister Katie hated having water near her face with a passion. Not so easy to wash a toddlers hair in cases like this. You though, no problems at all :)

First night with the number board

Dear Emily ~

Last night I took your number board that your dad bought you and started working on it with you for the first time. You were so very excited about sitting with a purpose to learn. So much so that when I went to lift you up to dance, you wanted nothing to do with that, sat back down, grabbed your board, and went back to work, haha. I look at you and really wonder. Wonder what next month is going to bring in your development.

I love you :)

Total Silliness

Dear Emily -

If you haven't realized it already, our family is weird. You have a sister, Katie, who can be the silliest most off the wall 6yo I know. Alyssa, who is nearing 12yo, is quite proper but paired up with her friend Sana, they can be so full of life! Jonah... now Jonah is full of so much humor that he often has me rolling in tears.... literally.... tears running down my face.

You have absorbed this humor. You know you are funny, and you know you are everything. You too have me laughing, kissing you, and just giving mommy mushiness! I do try to encourage this, and find the moments you're trying to be silly to laugh and encourage it. The humor I see coming out in you is so great!

Yesterday Katie grabbed some things while I sat next to your brother, "HOLD STILL!!! Oh, this is going to look CUTE!!" and she started decorating us. The necklace there that's on my head, you did end up breaking it accidentally when we were in the store later that evening, but no big deal.

Jonah making a sad face next to Monster drinks at the store, something he knows he wont be able to have another of now that he's arrived back home :P

Your sister, Katie :)

Sleepy Mornings

Dear Emily ~

One of my most favorite times with you is the morning times. To watch you peacefully sleep... little fingers twitching, wondering what you could be dreaming.

I co-sleep with you and have since you were born, and I did with my other children also. For me it's perfect, for you it seems perfect... what I didn't expect was that it would end up most likely saving your life back in the beginning when your body kept wanting to stop breathing. I don't think I've ever been so exhausted and so afraid. You haven't had an episode since you were 6mo.

This morning as you awoke, you streeeetched and said "DA! DA!" a few times, rolled over and up on to your knees and signed that you'd like to nurse. You love to nurse, and I cherish each day since all too quickly the day will come when you wont want to anymore. You settled in and fell back asleep. So precious.

My baby girl, I love you. So very very much.

Your sister, Katie, does too!

.... and Jonah, who was still fast asleep in his own room, and Alyssa who was out watching a tiger documentary.