July = Our Month of Visitors

This month is a month of visitors. My mom and sister flew out on the 1st. My mom helped me accomplish many projects while she was here. Our biggest, was the landscaping project. My sister and I ripped out our front bush, and we replaced it with a stone path and plants. It turned out so great! Thanks mom for your impeccable design and strenuous labor! My sister will be with us the whole month, thank goodness! She is a HUGE help, and Emberlyn just LOVES her! Chelsea can get Emmy to laugh like no other! My mother-in-law flew out last week. We went to the beach, and Emberlyn was NOT a happy camper. I don't know if it was the waves against her feet that she didn't like, or the sand. But she was howling! She prefered sitting under the umbrella on my lap and playing while watching all the kids around her. Emmy also got to go on her first merry-go-round with Mimi. And then Wade's dad and stepmom fly out late next week to see us. So, it's been one crazy month so far. Emberlyn just loves the attention, and we most certainly feel spoiled from all the help. But it's wonderful! We only get to see our families a few times a year, and now with Emberlyn, it's even more difficult not seeing them. So, we're having an absolute ball now, and I'm sad to see July go. We love you and can't wait to see you all at the end of the year!

Emmy and Chelsea on their computers

Emmy and Mimi K

Emmy and her Auntie

Emmy and Mimi on the merry-go-round

A Day at the Beach

Emmy and Her Toes

9 Months and Growing Like a Weed

Emberlyn is 9 months today! Yay! She had her check-up this morning. She weighs 18 lb. 8 oz. Which is in the 45th percentile. And she's 29 1/2 inches long, which is in the 97th percentile! We've got a basketball player on our hands! The doctor was asking if she's crawling or pulling up yet. Emberlyn enjoys sitting, just sitting. She's been doing a belly flop from the sitting position. She flops on her belly and just lies there. She doesn't roll over, or try and move her arms or legs. I try and hold toys out of her reach, to get her to move, but the battle usually ends after a couple minutes of fussing. So, needless to say, she's a little behind in the area of mobility. I never crawled either, so I'm thinking that she's just going to take after her mommy; straight from sitting to walking. She's just a laid back baby that likes to sit and play with a mammoth pile of toys sprawled out in front of her. The doctor wasn't too worried, but said to work with her on her tummy. Fortunately, my mom and sister are flying in on Tuesday. So, they can help work with her too. We can't wait to see you! Happy 9 months Emmy! Mommy and Daddy love you!!!

Where Does the Time Go

It's been awhile since my last update. Life is good! And BUSY! We had a great Father's Day. We went to Buffalo Beach for lunch. Then we grilled with Derek and Lindsay that night. It was a great day! So, here's a happy late Father's Day to the BEST and most FABULOUS Daddy! We've been doing project after project since Wade's been back. Which has been fun, but TONS of work! We put in new carpet upstairs, which has been so nice! What a difference new carpet makes. We got new bedroom furniture, FINALLY! It's been a long time coming. We went from a full-size hand-me-down bed and dressers, to a king-size black antique sleigh bed, dressers, and night stands. We redid the downstairs bathroom with paint and new fixtures, and did some other small painting projects on a few other walls. And we're now in the middle of painting our kitchen cabinets. Does it ever end? Fortunately, Wade's gone this week to North Carolina for training. So, he can get a break, away from his project happy wife! I blame it on HGTV. I'll post pictures soon of our newest endeavors. And of course, our little Emmy who turns 9 months on Thursday!!!

She's a Fish!

We went to the pool with Emmy for the first time yesterday afternoon. The weather's been incredibly hot, so what a time to refresh in the pool! The second she got in the water, she had a blast! She was splashing, kicking, and swimming on her tummy, with Daddy's help of course. She had such a good time, that she cried when we got her out! We'll have to bring her back soon!

8 Months and Clapping

Emmy turned 8 months last week! Since we are no longer in Texas, I have to give my family a daily update of what she's doing. And I thought, what is she going to be doing differently day by day? But, to my surprise, she IS changing...EVERYDAY! She is up to so many new things, it's unbelievable!!! She still says "dada" all the time. Still working on "mama." =) She finally learned how to bring her hands together. When I clap my hands and say "Yaaaaay," she copies and does the same thing. It's so funny, we've actually been working on that for awhile. So, that's tons of fun now. Everything she does, I say "Yay!" And then she claps, and says "Aaaaa". Which is her "yay." She is also becoming tired of her runny baby food. She gets much more excited AND hungry, when I put cut-up fruit, veggies, or animal crackers on her tray. Which is actually a REALLY good thing! She's letting me know that it's time for big girl food. It's also been so much fun having Daddy to ourselves this last week. We've gotten so much done in our house with painting and organizing. He's gotten to spend TONS of time with Emberlyn. Which has made her so happy! She LOVES Wade! I knew she was going to be a Daddy's girl! He's back to work this week, so it's back to being just Emmy and me. Man, that time went by fast! But fortunately, he's home around 4, at least for the next couple weeks. When he got back from work this afternoon, Emmy looked at him and waved. It was adorable! She's still sleeping in her crib! I'm SO proud of her! AND ME, for keeping her in there! She wakes up once or twice, but goes back to sleep rather easily. Quite a smooth transition, which is so relieving! I thought it would be much more difficult. Her and I have been in the same room, and the same bed, for most of her life! Wade and I are so in love with her. There's nothing like being a mom! Well, summer's finally here! I'm thrilled that it's finally heating up! I can't wait to stick Em in her turtle float and go swimming! I think she's going to be a fish like her Daddy. Speaking of Daddy, I also want to give Wade a shout-out for putting on Lieutenant this last Saturday. Way to go babe!

Congrats honey on the LT bars!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

So proud of my Daddy!

Welcome Home DADDY!!!

We picked Wade up at the Norfolk base airport last week, and I've been holding my breath ever since, trying to bottle and savor every moment. It's been nothing short of AMAZING! We got there about 2 hours before his plane landed, and waited another hour for him to go through customs. The butterflies were consuming me, and I couldn't wait any longer!!! The second he came through the doors, a huge rush came over me of excitement, anxiousness of the first embrace, and a sense of peace. I finally have my best friend back. After we hugged, he studied Emberlyn, and Emberlyn studied him. The expressions on both their faces were priceless. Emmy went to Daddy, and it was as if the last 6+ months without him never happened. It's the strangest feeling ever, but it's as if we never skipped a beat. Everything was back to normal, we were a family again. And I'm so excited to share in making more memories with Emberlyn as a family of 3! I love you Wade! We're so excited to have you back! It's been a wonderful journey so far, and I know we have incredible adventures in front of us. WELCOME HOME!!!

Cute Shoes for a Good Cause

I LOVE Pedipeds! And just the right time to buy, because it's for a good cause. Select styles are on sale for $20 a pair through June 15th! Half of these sales goes to Make-A-Wish Foundation. So, I of course, granted myself permission to buy a few pairs for Emberlyn. We purchased the Abigail and Madeline shoes! TOO ADORABLE!!! Now it's your turn. So, go! Splurge!

5 Teeth Later and Sleeping in Her Crib!

Em's little mouth has been busy for months now! She's got her fifth tooth coming in on the bottom. How many teeth is she going to have by the time Daddy comes home?! The crib has been a difficult transition, not so much for her, but more for ME! She's been sleeping with me since pretty much Day 1. And I can't let her go! My goal was by the time we got back to Virginia, I'd move her into her very own room in her very own bed. I laid her down in her room for her afternoon nap, and no problem! She fell right to sleep. I was so proud, and I'm hoping I can keep it up at night too. Consistency is key. I keep telling myself, she'll get used to not being right next to me. The question is, will I??? What else has our little miss been up to? Well, she's learning to wave! That's been so much of fun! We took a walk this morning, and she was just waving away! So I kept saying "Hi Emmy! Hi birds! Hi flowers!..." She's always laughing and smiling, especially when you're laughing or smiling at her. Her entire face just smiles, and it's contagious! I can't help but laugh when I see her big grin with two top teeth poking out and her nose all scrunched up. She surprises me everyday with what a big girl she's becoming. In other big news...Daddy's coming home in a few days! He finally got orders this time, so it's a little more official. We can't wait! He's been in France for the last week, so what a way to end his cruise! Straight from France to HOME! Emmy and I have been running all over town, getting last minute things done to make our home just right for Daddy's return! I can't explain what this week holds for our little family. We love you Wade! We miss you so much, and we'll see you soon! Muah!

Proud Daddy
He was deployed when she was 5 weeks old. My oh my, is he going to be surprised!!!

Greetings From Virginia

We got home on Sunday, and it's been a whirlwind since! My fabulous sister-in-law and brother, Skylar, helped me drive back from Texas. They were an amazing help with the drive and little Miss Emberlyn. We had a great 3 day trip, the anticipation was almost too much to bear! We're home and it feels WONDERFUL! Thanks so much Michelle and Skylar, for helping us unload, pretty much our ENTIRE life! The countdown has really begun. Wade's going to be home in a matter of days! We still don't know an official date, it's been changing by the second. All I know is, SOON! VERY SOON! Unfortunately, I don't have a camera with me, so I won't have any recent pictures of Emberlyn to post. So, the next picture you'll see, will be of all 3 of us together again!

My Mini-Me

Emberlyn was such a big help while we were packing up her toys! She was getting very involved! But most of all, she LOVED being inside her toy containers. Too cute!

Ever-Changing Hair

If you know me, you know that I change my hairstyle ALL the time. I don't know what it is. I get bored and want a change. So, here's the new-do.

And Up Comes #4

Her fourth tooth is here! She was working on this one all last week. She has her top two, and her bottom two, and I swear she's working on more! We'll have to see what happens these next couple weeks. Well, we've been running around like crazy these days, getting ready to say our good-byes. We're leaving on Friday, and I'm so excited to get home! Our families have been amazing these last six months! Thanks for all the hospitality. I wouldn't have had it any other way, than to be at home while Wade's been out at sea on his first deployment. How awesome to have Emmy get acquainted with both sides of the family in Texas! I'm so thankful, and forever grateful. Daddy comes home in a week and a half! I can't believe it! It's going to be an exciting time, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

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!