I've missed a few

I've missed a few milestones such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, & Alice's birthday-- just a few minor events, right :)  It's been busy, work is demanding, but the kids are thriving.  Alice is doing well in 1st grade and becoming quite the reader.  Audrey keeps reminding us that she is almost 5, but after 5, she will stop growing for her mommy.

Emmet is no longer a hybrid crawling/stepper, but a full-fledged biped --He is on the move and we are noticing the increased bravery of having a boy in the house.  I forgot about the days of "where's my hairbrush?" "Anyone seen the remote?" What happened to the XXX (insert any household item)"  only to find something buried in a toybox, the laundry hamper, or behind a pile of books.

I guess it's hard trying to keep up with two older sisters, but he sure is doing his best!  A few pics to show off his mobile and curious self!

Happy 1st Birthday, Emmet

Dear Emmet,

Today is your first birthday.  I can’t believe it.  I know I say this every year when my children grow a year older in a moment’s time, but you are my last baby, and I especially want to hold on to your youth. 

You are now standing solo and thinking about taking those first steps.  You love it when I hold your hands, let go, and cheer when you are balanced on your feet. 

Your first word was “Mama” and I love that you are a mama’s boy.  You love your Daddy so, but when it comes to calming you down, it’s a mama’s touch you call for.  Every night before I lay you down, you snuggle on my shoulder—somehow able to block out your sisters’ bedtime racket.  

Speaking of your sisters . . .

You adore them.  You call them both “All—lie.”  You crave being near them, and oh how they can make you laugh.   Especially, Audrey.  she has that magic gift. They fight over you, daily—racing to your room when you wake from nap—climbing into your crib to play. 

Along with your sisters, you love the dogs.  You call for them as soon as we get home in the evening.  “Dog-a” is probably your favorite word at the time. 

Your favorite pastime?  The bath.  You flop around like a fish, even dipping your face in the water.  Eating is a close second.  You haven’t met a food you haven’t liked. 

I didn’t know “boy” after having two girls.  I wasn’t sure about having a little boy because it was out of my comfort zone, but baby boys are an amazing gift.  We get to teach you how to grow up to become a good man, like your father. 

Life with three kids is challenging at the moment.  Never enough time, enough hands, or a clean house for that matter, but I don’t wish for this current frenzied life to pass quickly.  One day my house will be clean, I will be productive, and I may even have leisure time on a regular basis, but I will miss this.  I will miss the frenzy.   

I can’t imagine our family without you.  Today, please know the profound difference you have made in our lives. 

We love you Meatball/EmmieT/Whapadoodle! 

  

Splashin' at French Lick!

We had so much fun today at the Big Splash Indoor Waterpark.  Emmet, once he got used to the pool water, loved the toddler pool and swimming with the family.  Audrey, spent about 1 1/2 hours going down the kid slides-- just like a hamster running in its exercise wheel.  Alice, rode ALL the slides.  Even the biggest, tallest, and craziest ones!  Only took Daddy bribing her with five dollars and whatever dessert she wants this evening.  

French Lick has been a wonderful Indiana get-away.  Definitely will be coming back here again soon!  

Fall Break-French Lick

Alice had 2 weeks off for fall break, yes, 2 weeks.  After our 10 year anniversary in French Lick, we knew we wanted to bring the kiddos down for a family vacation.  It's only 2 1/2 hours from Indy and such a great get-a-way vacation.  We originally were going to head out over my fall break (2 days, not 2 weeks), but Audrey came down with a fever.  We did some rearranging and pushed back our trip --ended up working out well because the fall weather in French Lick is just perfect!  Mom and Dad were able to take time out of their busy retired schedules to join in the fun.

I'm typing now from the hotel room as Emmet is taking a late nap.  We spent most of the afternoon on a family bike ride, followed the the girls swimming, and now bowling with Andy while Emmet naps.

Here are some photos from our bike adventure and pit stop at West Baden Hotel!  

He's 10 Months, Really?

He LOVES to give open mouth, slobbery kisses.

AND-- His first word is Ma-Ma!

Milestones

Emmet is full of little milestones--

He now has three bottom teeth through, and his top teeth are budding.


He (semi) crawls-- definitely gets around scooting on his belly (army crawling)-- breaking in between for a little downward dog.

Sing "Clap Hands, Clap Hands" and he follows - even if he's in the swing and can't get his hands out of the straps, he tries

Speaking of swings, he loves his outdoor swing-- and the girls love to push him.

Does a fast wave of his hand and says "Hi," which at this point sounds like more of a grunt-- nevertheless. . . .

Does not like to be left in a room alone-- prefers to be on the kitchen floor where all of the action is!

Loves bath- rolls right to his belly-- kicking hard and slapping the water.

Sleeps great, eats great, and is overall, an easy going little boy.

9 Months Old

The girls and I have a special song we sing to Emmet.  It's written by John Lennon and titled,

"Beautiful Boy"

Before your cross the street.  

 

Take my hand

Life is what happens to you

While you're busy making other plans

Beautiful, beautiful, 

beautiful, 

beautiful boy

Beautiful Boy, by John Lennon

Let me Tell you about Alice

This pretty girl just boarded the bus for first grade!  

Here is what she said she was most excited about:

1. Meeting her new teacher (Mrs. Voigt)
2. Making new friends
3. Lunch
4. Recess on the BIG playground

I love her confidence.  We missed ice cream social this year, and she has no qualms about heading riding the bus and heading into school without knowing where her classroom is or what her teacher looks like.  

She loves school (and let's hope it stays that way!)

and . . . it will be Audrey's turn here in a few weeks.

Audrey, Emmet, and Alice

helping Alice walk to the bus stop. 

Best of luck today Alleycat.  We love you and are so proud of our first grader!

Jump Jumpin'

I got out the jumpy seat -- not really expecting him to be ready for this contraption, but I was wrong.  He loved looking around and having his sisters (while highly supervised) help him bounce and swing. 

I know we are extremely biased, but could this baby boy be any cuter?  

Happy baby-- just jump jumpin'!

4 Months and Firsts

This incredibly handsome boy is now 4 months old!  Today he had his first taste of rice cereal....  and unlike his oldest sister Alice

(Alice -- March 2008)

He loved it! 

The girls were eager to help fight over feeding their little brother.  

 

(Audrey with her first attempt at rice cereal September 2010)

At his 4 month appointment, Emmet was 90% for Height; 50% for weight/head.  He is for the most part, an easy going and happy little boy.  He is amazing and we are filled with love for this baby boy!