Lucky Number 7

Emmy turned 7 months on Saturday! She's changed so much and continues to enamor me. The anticipation of Wade's return just grows and grows. I can't wait for him to hold her! Emmy's new things: she twirls her wrists and feet when she gets excited, she cracks up when you pretend to sneeze, hiccup, or make any funny noise at her (we discovered this last night, so cute), she's sitting up very well now on her own, but sometimes gets lazy and decides to fall backwards, or when she gets excited, she'll pull her weight backwards (so funny) and then falls over. She holds out her arms like an airplane when she's reaching for someone. Or when I run up and down the stairs with her, she'll do her airplane arms out of excitement while squealing. She scrunches her nose when she smiles and makes a funny grunting sound. She eats Cheerios and strawberry-apple puffs and loves them, she's learning to drink out of a sippy cup (such a big girl these days!), and she continues to surprise me with her "I'll eat anything you give me" attitude! What more could we ask for? She's an amazing baby and I'm so happy that our families have been able to spend all this time with her. It's been a blessing to be in Texas. The last 6 months have flown by. But we're looking forward to getting back to Virginia and welcoming Wade home! We leave in a week and a half, but we'll enjoy EVERY second until then.

Emmy Meet Your Uncle Austin

Uncle Austin and Emberlyn meet at last!

Saturday morning we welcomed our Marine home!!! My brother, Austin, has been in Iraq for the last 7 months. He flew into Austin, TX from Camp Lejeune yesterday and was then escorted by about 20 cops on bikes to Camp Mabry. Fifty marines at Camp Mabry were welcomed home. Man, what a day! There were so many friends and family along with new babies that haven't met their daddy's yet, it was such an emotional time. There were Harley guys that showed up to express their support, which was amazing. They all lined up with their HUGE American flags while all the Marines marched out and got their official dismissal of duty. We all held our banners, and screamed his name through the crowd. The emotions that you feel to welcome a loved one home is indescribable. There are no words to explain it. We love you Austin and are so proud of your courage, faithfulness, and dedication to protect our great country. Thank you to all who serve in the military. It's a true sacrifice, and we thank you for protecting our freedom.


My mom and my brother Austin

Dad and Austin

We Love Daddy!

We got a phone call from Wade this morning. At just the right time, I've been missing him so much lately. Emmy talked for a little bit too. She said her very favorite word, "Et" and Wade got to hear it! We actually think this word came from her trying to imitate me since I say "what?" all the time. Of course as I'm hanging up Emmy quick says "Da." I don't think he caught it on time, but how cute is that! She knew exactly who we were talking to.

Her famous airplane arms!

What a Mess!

She's been loving all the different foods she's been introduced to so far. She's had applesauce, peaches, pears, bananas, apriocots, and applesauce with blueberries. Wade was wondering when she's going to have veggies, and I don't know why I've held off. So, she had sweet potatoes a couple days ago and loved them! I was hesitant to start this next fruit, but I've noticed that her new food has changed her diaper habits, (if you know what I mean) so she tried prunes...and it was a success! No funny faces or gagging. Mmmm mmmm good! I'm super excited that she's doing well with all these foods! She's also quite an eater! I've been feeding her 1/2 a container for lunch, and the other 1/2 mixed with oatmeal before bed. And her appetite's increasing! So, now she sometimes eats a whole container for lunch, and sometimes I'll even sneak in a third feeding around dinner time. We can't wait for Daddy to join us in the fun! The weather's been WONDERFUL, so we've been taking advantage of being outdoors.

What a mess!

Tooth #3

I felt in Emberlyn's mouth yesterday, just to see if there were any more sharp teeth making their way through. And I discoverd tooth #3! She's getting one of her top front teeth! She's been drooling like crazy lately, but definitely not as fussy as when her first two made it through. The teething rings always come in handy. And she loves when her baby food is cold and just hits her mouth. She does this thing now, whenever I put her spoon in her mouth. She bites down and turns her head side to side like we're playing tug of war. She's so much fun! I can't wait for Wade to enjoy mealtime with us!

My New Favorites

The youngest, CUTEST, and very accomplished pianist!

Just look at her sitting on her own!

She sat on her own for a whole 30 seconds!

She's chatting with Daddy! She typed "yo". We both got a kick out of that!