More Tutus

I just had to post these pictures.  They are just too cute not to.  I love them.  Thanks Richelle.

Emmaline's 1st Birthday - June 9th

I can't believe that my little Emmaline is already one!  I know everyone always says "they grow up so fast."  But knowing this didn't lessen the shock that she is growing up so fast.  Emmaline isn't walking yet but she loves to pull herself up on things and walk around them.  I recently got her a walker that she loves to walk with.  She still only has her 2 bottom teeth.  I think her teeth are so cute when she smiles.

So - I kind of went a little overboard making Emmaline a 1st birthday outfit.  A few days before her birthday I was a Target and saw some cute birthday outfits.  This reminded me that I was planning on making her a cute cupcake onsie for her big day.  (I of course remembered this days before her birthday.) 

When trying to find the perfect onsie to make I came across a picture of a girl in a tutu, rhinestone shirt, and a fuzzy birthday hat.  Jon loved it -so I set me sights high and decided Emmaline was going to get the whole ensemble.  It was going to take me learning some new skills in a short amount of time but I do my best crafting under a deadline (it is the only way a project gets finished).  And no, it didn't use a bedazzler - I wish I was that cool.

I have to mention again that Jon thought the outfit was adorable since he lovingly teases me about her outfit.  I can't blame him - I'm the one who dressed her up in it and even I feel a little embarrassed when she comes out in her ridiculously over the top outfit.  But she is so adorable in it at the same time.  I am shocked that she doesn't mind wearing it.

On the day of Emmaline's actual birthday we got some of the family together to witness Emmaline and her "smash cake."  We went over Grandma and Grandpa Stevens since we don't have any shade in our yard.  Grandma & Grandpa Bozung came over and Aunt Linsey was in town from London.

 The Smash Cake

Jon took the day off so we got to make the cake together which is always fun.  Emmaline was very serious about the task before her.  We don't know if she was overwhelmed by all of the cameras or if she was just focused.  She definitely seemed to enjoy the cake based on the amount she ate.  We were worried that she would be sick that night but the cake didn't seem to phase her.  This was the first sugar she had ever had. 

She loves taking big bites.

Grandpa Stevens changed his mind about wanting cake after Emmaline stepped in it.

The day after her birthday we had a casual get together out on the lawn to celebrate.  We inviting some of the neighbors over to help us celebrate.   All of the kids had fun choosing what part of the cake they wanted.  Some wanted green cake with a foot.  Others wanted pink cake with an eye and a cookie.  All of the little neighbor girls loved Emmaline's outfit.  Em is the youngest baby on the street so she always gets a lot of attention from the kids.

The Actual Birthday Cake.  

I have always loved this cake.  I planned on making it for my first girl - long before I was ever even pregnant.  Jon did all of the prep work the day before (cake, filling, frosting, etc.).  I spent the entire day decorating the cake.  I wish he could have been home to help.

Her tutu was very full.  The pattern called for 2 yards of tulle - I used 8 (part of the reason Jon makes fun of me).  He likes to forget that he wanted it to be fluffy.

Emmaline always has her tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth.

Hanging out with Grandma Stevens.

Oh how I love this little girl.  She is such a joy in our lives.  The joy she has brought into our lives is immeasurable.  We are so blessed to have our little bug.

THINGS EM'S LEARNED... since last post (in no particular order)

Emmaline learned how to swim . . . her first time swimming.  She enjoyed the pool but I think she was a little overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of the other kids. She even got dunked a few times.  It surprised her but she didn't seem to mind it. (3-20-10)

Surprise! Emmaline learned to take off her diaper.  It could have been worse (you can imagine what I mean).  Mom learned to always put something over her diaper.

Boy did she have fun unloading all of her books from the bookshelf.  Thankfully, the week before I had put all of her non-board books up high.  Now she can take them off to her hearts content.

Grandpa Bozung taught her how to play hide & seek.  Now it is one of her favorite hang outs (besides anywhere with potted plants).

Emmaline taught me how to drive a tractor.

Anyone who has ever seen Emmaline eat knows that she loves to eat.  She will eat anything (for the most part).  She doesn't care if it is cold.  As long as there is variety and lots of it - she is happy.  I am amazed at the fistfuls of food she can fit in her mouth.

She left this piece of bread there for quite a while.

 

I couldn't resist posting these bath pictures.  She loves bath time as much as ever.  Emmaline gets a kick out of the water draining and the havoc it causes for her toys.

I get such a kick out of watching how quickly Emmaline learns and grows.  It also makes me sad that it is happening so fast.  Jon says that if I am this bad with Em - I am going to be pathetic when I our last child is "growing up to fast".  He is probably right.

Emmaline can walk if she is holding on the something.  She likes to use a popcorn can (the kind you get at Christmas) as a walker in the kitchen.  She can clap, give high 5s, and always has her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth.  I just think she is the cutest kid ever.  Jon and I are so grateful for her and the joy she bring to our lives.

8 Months

At 8 months Emmaline ...

*likes to poop in the tub.  I guess I shouldn't let her play in the tub so long - she just gets too relaxed.  (5th time).  I have said it before but she loves bath time.  She has just learned how to lay in the tub by herself (I'm close by) and relax & play.

*growls like a demon

*rolls all over the place - she no longer stays still while being changed

*loves trying to open the flaps in her books

* got her first cold.  She doesn't like having her nose wiped but doesn't mind if she is cleaned off in the sink.

*sleeps with her legs tucked up under her - so adorable.  She sleeps through the night most nights.

* is babbling more and more everyday.  She is always trying out new sounds & shrieks

*socially laughs when Dad is laughing.  Even when talking to Dad on the phone- he says, "ha" and she will answer back with "ha" or more laughter.

*holds my finger (or Dad's) while nursing.  She grabs on to your finger and then starts moving it all over the place.  If Dad is around she always looks for him.

*can get up on all fours (3/2)

*can sit up unassisted.  It is much fun watching her try to learn the best way to get down.  She is learning but still usually ends up just toppling over.    The trial and error is pretty entertaining.

Making progress toward crawling.

Emmaline with her awesome runny nose.  There is nothing better then a good sneeze to clear out her sinuses.  

Grandma Bozung -Sorry about the snot rocket the other day.  Emmaline didn't mean to get boogers on you.  It was pretty funny though.

She would lay here forever if I let her.

Lately, her bath has ended abruptly when she poops and has to quickly be evacuated from the tub.  All I have to say is "Emmaline" in that voice and Jon answers, "Did she poop?" and comes running to perform his cleaning duties.

 

She doesn't ever mind when water gets on her face and loves to splash.  She usually just lays on her back.  She has begun to start rolling over but changes her mind mid roll.  I can't wait to see her reaction when she gets a face full of water.

7 Months (a little late)

Yes. . . I do realize this is late and that she is now 9 months old.  I'm just trying to play catch up.

Emmaline is so much fun.  We are so blessed to have her in our lives.  Jon used to say that he wished babies could just come out at age 1 (before Emmaline was born) because they are more fun.  Since having Emmaline he has retracted that statement many times.  He would have missed out on all the cuddling, new discoveries, giggling at daddy for no apparent reason, etc.  She is adorable.

At 7 months Emmaline....

*Favors kicking her right foot.  Watch out when she is in the bathtub

*Loves bath time.  She likes touching the running water and knocking her toys into the water while dad lays her across his lap and fills up the tub.  She loves floating on her back and kicking her feet (while I hold her up).  She doesn't even mind when water gets on her face.

*Loves eating solid foods.  Never seems to want to stop.

*Laughs when her bear, Coya attacks her.

*Shakes her head side to side when she hears music.  She loves the music from her gloworm.  I think she picked up some dance moves from her cousin Abigail.

*Laughs when I sing "laaaa" high and low.

* Rubs her eyes like crazy when tired.

*Puts everything in her mouth.

*Hits her chest like Tarzan (short lived)

*Likes to run her open, slobbery mouth across my face.  First kisses?

*Isn't playing with her tongue as much lately.

*She likes to make raspberries with her lips.  This creates the frothiest, slobber mouth and makes her face sparkle from all the spit that flies out while doing this.

*Makes her board books squeak by running her hand down the pages.

*Has started rolling around a lot more lately.  She hasn't mastered rolling to get her anywhere - just back and forth.  (Jan. 25th)

*Has a few hairs that seem to be growing.  My mom said the other day, "See, her hair is growing - some of them are blowing in the wind."

*No teeth - just drool.

*Takes 2 naps for various lengths of time.  She falls asleep in her crib on her own.

Pumpkin Time (10/27/09)

There is something about Jon and pumpkins - homegrown pumpkins that is.  He gets such joy from his pumpkin patch.  It is really quite cute.  For the last couple of years Jon has taken over part of his parents garden and dedicated it to the growing of his pumpkins.

He would love to have one massive pumpkin but doesn't have the heart to do what it takes to accomplish that - kill all of the other ones off.  So instead we end up with tons of fun pumpkins.  This year the pumpkins were pretty funky since the only pumpkins we grew were volunteers.

We usually spend a night carving really cool pumpkins but that didn't happen this year with the baby and other things going on.  We instead invited our neighbors over for a carving party.  It was tons of fun.  The only sadness came when some of the girls were kicking the stems off of the pumpkins for fun.  Little did they know that Jon takes great care when picking the pumpkins to leave the stems long because he thinks they are so cool.  Oh well.

Before the pumpkins could be carved I needed a picture of Emmaline with the pumpkin crop.  I have wanted a picture like this since even before she was born.  I always imagined the baby sitting in a wheelbarrow full of pumpkin.  But since we had too many pumpkins and I didn't want to leave any of them out we changed our plans.  Emmaline was a good sport for the most part - towards the end she was over the pumpkin picture.

 

 

 I couldn't resist including this picture.  Sad but funny.

 

Bryan & Richelle's Wedding

My Little Russian girl.  

At Bryan & Richelle's wedding reception.

 Bryan & Richelle with all of the nieces & nephews.

Mommy, Emmaline, & Brooklyn

 Hanging out with Aunt Lisa and Abigail at wedding dinner.