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!

Her Very 1st Haircut

My mom and I decided it was time for a little trim. Emmy's hair is crazy these days. She had a long piece on one side and long hairs everywhere. And she's bald in the back, with some long thick hairs on the bottom. Uncle Skylar calls it her bangs, even though they're in the back. So, my mom fixed it up a bit. It looks so much better, and Emmy seems to be pretty happy with it too! We took video of the big event to send off to Wade.

6 Months and FLYING

Emberlyn turned 6 months yesterday! We made funfetti cupcakes with purple, pink, and green icing to celebrate. Yes, I DID celebrate her 6 month birthday. It's a big deal to a new mom, I mean, she's HALF A YEAR! She's turning into such a big girl, I can hardly believe how fast this is all going by. I love you my little Emmy Lou!

6 Month Doctor's Visit

Emberlyn is one fantastic baby! I don't know what we did to get so lucky, but she's truly wonderful. We went in today for Emberlyn's 6 month check-up. She is 15 pounds and 28 inches long! My oh my! The doctor noticed a light rash on her tummy and back that is usually caused by a virus. Surprise, surprise! Hopefully, it's on its tail-end and out of her system soon. I'm just waiting for her immune system to catch up and start fighting harder with all these viruses and infections. I keep joking around with my mom that I'm going to stick Emmy in a bubble to protect her from all these stinkin' germs! Emmy got 3 shots today and handled them rather well. She was crying before the nurse stuck her. She had a little bit of a fussy morning. She let out a longer, harder cry when the needles went in, but settled down once I held her. I was very happy to know that her next immunizations aren't until 1 year! And I say, it's time for Daddy to catch up! And she doesn't have her next check-up until 9 months. I gave Wade the big doctor's update through email, he's really excited about seeing pictures of her first 2 bottom teeth. The only thing is that he doesn't quite understand that I, myself, can hardly stick my fingers in and see them. It's quite difficult to catch a glimpse of those little toofers. But, I'll keep trying Wade!

My Sworn Enemy

To the little bits of chocolate heaven: You know what you do to me. And I ask you to stop! I'll keep my distance if you keep yours. Someone needs to give me the proper motivation to eat right and exercise. For some reason, knowing that my husband's coming home soon, isn't getting the job done. But it should! I've got some tummy to lose and killer legs to gain and not much time! All that's left to do is quit pouting, and just DO IT!

Just look at him. He KNOWS what he's doing to me.

It's Easter Time

Happy 1st Easter Emmy! We had such a fun day with family! We ran around on an Easter egg hunt and had a great brisket lunch. It was spectacular! Emmy did a good job of making us laugh all day long. Teething's been getting to her lately, but she always cracks a smile. She got a teething toy, "Where are Baby's Easter Eggs" book, and a Baby Einstein video from the Easter bunny. Oh, and of course, mom got lots of chocolate! She also tried out applesauce for the first time today. There was a little gagging involved, but all in all, I think she likes it. She first experimented with bananas, which seemed to always end in a sour face. So, maybe applesauce will be a winner! It's so much fun introducing these new foods to her. Wade is going to have SO much fun with her when he gets back. We always talk about how fun it's going to be to feed Emberlyn her first foods and have food everywhere, BUT her mouth! So far, I think he'd be pretty impressed.

Playing football with the Easter egg. Touchdown!!!

First Teeth Making Their Debut!

I'm so excited to announce that Emberlyn's teeth have decided to surface! I'm also relieved that these "sick symptoms" are not from her being ill, but from the stress that her little mouth is under. This afternoon after her pacifier wouldn't do the trick during one of her fits, I decided to stick my finger in and see if that would calm her down. Low and behold, sharp little daggers on her tiny bottom gum! I could not believe it. I whisked her up, and told her the great news! Little Emmy, your teeth are here at last! That's what's been bothering you! That's why we've had all these sleepless nights! That's why your pacifier just hasn't been doing it for you! Daddy's going to be so proud! Then, I rushed to the computer, my other best companion these days, and emailed Wade the wonderful news! One more milestone reached and I couldn't be more ecstatic!