Mothers Day 2013

Dear Emily,

It's been over a year since I've written here.  Life with you sure has gotten away from me!  There's so much I want to share with you, pictures I want to post, but think it's going to take quite a number of entries to catch things up.

Your baby sister was born January 26th, 2013.  An incredible little girl for you to always be a big sister to.  You were there when she was born, pouring water on my shoulders, stroking my hair, and reminding baby sister, "No Biting", when she went to nurse for the first time.  You were absolutely amazing, Emily.  I feel so proud of the two of you.

You started Montessori School last June, and flourished.  They welcomed you to start 6mo early since you were at the developmental milestones needed.  Since the very first day you have loved going to school, and always wake up excited to go to, "Tracy's School!!"  This past March you were also enrolled in a bilingual chinese school a few towns over.  It's been an amazing balance between the two schools.  In Montessori you have this freedom, while in the chinese school this strict structure.  For who you are, I believe both have given you exactly what you needed as you continue to work towards your educational development.  You love your chinese school, and your teachers love having you there.  In Montessori, they are impressed with your pen-to-paper work.  In your Chinese School, for your age, they are amazed with your focus and ability to sit quietly listening to your lessons.  I am proud.

With the birth of your sister you slipped back in your potty training, but your dad and I don't mind.  We are just waiting for you to be ready again to continue moving forward with it.

You love still nursing, and I cherish this time knowing that all too soon it will be over.  You call them, "My nursies".  You had a bit of jealousy as your baby sister would nurse, and are just starting to understand that I need to pump before you nurse and wait patiently until I am done and milk is available again.  I limit your time to the just nights before going to bed, and sometimes when you wake up in the morning.  It works well for us.

Until your baby sister was born, you were staying with your dad from Fri - Mon.  Now that your dad has settled in to full-time fatherhood, and the start of your Chinese School, you now are being picked up Monday after school and dropped of Wednesday morning for class.  You keep amazing track of your schedule, reminding us parents who's picking you up and what school your going to the next day.  How do you remember all of this?  It's pretty amazing.

I love you so much, Emily.  I look at you and continue to be so thankful you are my daughter, and can't imagine my life without you.  I am so thankful to your father, so thankful to him for you.

Dear Emily ~

I look forward to keeping this blog up to date more.  Time has passed so quickly and it's gotten away from me.

You are now in 1st grade, turning 7yo only a handful of months away (June 8).  You are working one to two years ahead of yourself.  With this, you now live with your dad full time so you can attend a school that best meets your level of learning.  I miss you tremendously, but your dad keeps me up to date with pictures, reports, extra curricular activities that you're enrolled in, and anything else pertaining to your life.

I love your dad tremendously for not only the man and father that he is, but also everything that he has given you (and your sister too!).  It never stops, and he continues to educate himself every day as to how he can be an even better parent. I see a lot of him in you, and I cherish that :)

Baby Love

Dear Emily,

You are loving baby Wyatt, Jennifer's littlest son, and I can only wonder how you will be with your very own baby brother or sister. I suspect that the two of you will be very close, and you'll be an amazing big sister. Yesterday Jennifer came walking outside with baby Wyatt, you caught sight of them, hold out your arms, and yelled, "MY BABY!!" You kisses him and helped me hold him. I can't wait for you to hold sweet little sibling... hopefully soon :)

Pig Tails

Dear Emily -

Yesterday Jen and I put pig tails in your hair for the first time, since I noticed it was finally thickening up!  Aren't you the cutest thing??  You really enjoyed them and didn't try to pull the rubberband out.  Today I put it up in a pony tail -  not as if there was really enough hair for it to work much, but it did work and cuuuuuute!!!

'morning giggles

Dear Emily -

I love morning times with you.  Just being next to you really, and as much as I enjoy having you asleep in your own bed and being able to stretch out in mind, I love having you so close to me.

On this morning in particular, you were barely awake and full of so many giggles!!

Bed Time Fun

Dear Emily,

Although you were born in water, and spent your very early years taking showers with me, you reached a point where you didn't like showers any more or even baths for that matter.You spent quite a long period of time just preferring to be wiped down with a washcloth, which worked just fine for us.  You now though, you you absolutely love water.  When I was trying to take a shower today you were trying to climb in.  You would play in the tub for hours if you could, splashing away.  I need to start bringing toys in for you. 

Running water facinates you, most especially lately.  You like to get a container, of any sort, and let it full up and dump it.  Today you loved watching the water trickle down the spout on the house, and fill your little plastic half eggs up and dump them.  You were not happy when I brought you inside, but a storm had come in and it was quite chilly outside.

Your other love, teeth brushing.  This is a great love to have!  You'd keep that toothbrush in your mouth all day if you could, chewing away.  You now have grasped the hand coordination to brush your front teeth, although we're working on the back.

Dear Emily ~

Time is moving too fast.  Your words have gotten more clear, and your humor has grown!  You love to do things that make others laugh :)  Your independence is so strong, but you're so mature and responsible in how you handle yourself.

There are times though that you throw your fits, and they make me smile.  If you dont want to be in the carseat you scream and arch your back, or if you feel you aren't being understood or listened to you voice your frustration.  Life with you is so amazing Emily, every day I feel such thanks for having you as my daughter.  I'm so proud of you!

When Wyatt was born Feb. 10th, you stayed with your dad for the entire week so I could stay and help Jen.  It is such a feeling of peace to know you are well cared for and loved, and in very good hands.  As much as you love being with your dad, it's progressively gotten more difficult to let you go.  It seemed that as soon as we fell in to our routine again together, you were gone again.  Your dad was so patient this last week and didn't question my need to hold on to you.  After a week I was fine letting you go again.  It's both the most joyful emotion to see you so happy when you're with your dad and hear about all your experiences, and so difficult to face letting you go.  But, oh Emily, what a good daddy you have.  I feel such thanks, and hope he always knows how appreciative I am of him, and thankful.

Last week we decided to split week/week.  Emotionally, for me as your mom, I think it will be easier.  I hope so.  To have one long stretch of days before you're back to playing with your dad again.  Hopefully it'll be easier for him as well.  The greatest though, is that we both love all the moments of joys you bring in to our lives each and every day.  I'm thankful that even when you're with your dad he shares so many of your events with me, and when you're with me he is truly interested to hear all you've experienced in your day.  You seem to know the tie between the two, and know we talk from our computers, since when you hear the message alert daddy says you grab him, point to the computer, and say, "Mommy!"

We decided it was time to try for a sibling for you!  Wow, to be a big sister.  Are you ready?  I think you'll be an amazing one :)

Dear Emily -

I should be in bed now, but wanted to write to you first.

There have been many times I have started to write something to you, and planned to come back later to finish. Almost four months since I've written to you last. Four months. That's such a long time in your toddler years. So many firsts I've missed sharing with you. So many things I've been so proud of, which I should have written down. Forever they will be in my memory though, and what a very sweet memory it is.

Every day you amaze me Emily. Every day you accomplish something new, and every day you change someone's world. The most precious one to watch is your fathers. You've been spending more and more time with him, and as he shares so many new accomplishments and experiences he has with you is makes me cherish all the two of you have together all that much more. He is an amazing man. I feel very blessed to have him a part of our family, and for you to have him as your dad. I will always be grateful to him.

Today you are 20 months 10 days old. Your second birthday is getting closer and closer! You now are speaking 5-6 word scentances, cooking food (blocks, legos, and such) on your play stove and serving them to your dad and even your grandparents over the webcam, and with great excitement you are accomplishing the toilet training :) You are so very close!

You are very particular about things, such as eating (you insist on using utensils), where your cup goes, and the order in which things are done. You are particular, but not overly so - good things since our house doesn't follow any type of order :) You are an incredible little sister to your big brother and sisters, but also are quite the tag-a-long and helper during my nanny jobs, even with Harrison - you are amazing and holding your own with peace and strength. I am so proud of you.

Today I went to pick up your paperwork for the Montessori School you've been accepted in to. Normally their age is 2.5 yrs, but with your interview and observance of how you handle yourself you have been accepted 6mo early. While picking up that paperwork I talked with one of the teachers, who laughed and shared her thoughts on how amazed she was just watching you as well as how observant you were. She is very excited to be working with you come this summer.

I am very excited for you and school, but dreading the time coming as well. When will I get to see you? When will I spend time with you? I'm looking at you attending school 3x week (9-12), but come Fall you're moving up to full-time (up to 10hrs a day) 3x week. I have no doubt you will love every moment, and yet I miss you already and it's still 4mo away *counting fingers.....* Four Months????? :( Well then, you will have to tell me about all your experiences when I pick you up from school each day :D

Today marks the 8th day you've been over at your dads. This is the longest we have every been apart, although I did see you for a few hours on Monday (five days ago) when we all got together for dinner with your grandparents (my parents) when they were in town. You've been with your dad because Jennifer had her baby. Baby Wyatt. You will love him! What a special time for you, to have all this time. Your dad shares so much with me, from teeth brushing, dinner cooking, talking to your grandparents over webcam, you chasing "bunnies" (squirrels), accomplishments in the potty, and so many more!

I have such big sweet news.....

..... in five days, most likely, we will be trying for your baby brother or baby sister. We are beyond excited. I have a journal started already, and will write more. I hope as you grow older you'll find the same joy to write in it as well.

I look forward to all your life is going to bring Emily. All your accomplishments to come, and watching you grow in to becoming all you can be. At the same time, I wish I could rewind the clock. You're growing too fast, but oh how much of an amazing little girl you have become already!

Every Moment I Love You...... my beautiful little Emily. Every moment. Every moment, whether you're sitting next to me or climbing over my head, I love every moment.

I can't wait to wrap you in my arm tomorrow and hold you forever. Eight days has been too long, and yet at the same time I cherished every minute for you since you were with your dad :)

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 :)