Happy First Birthday, Emma Grace

Dearest, Sweetest Emma Grace,

I may not have written as much during your first year as I did during your brother's, but rest assured, it is not because Mommy loves you any less. It is because you have filled Mommy's days with such laughter, love, and happiness, that I just don't have as much time to fill these pages. Each day, I wake up, excited and ready to face the day. Each day goes by in a blur. And each night, I go to bed and fall asleep almost as soon as my head hits the pillow. You and your brother keep me busy.

But not a day goes by that I do not think about how lucky I am to be your mama. You are quite simply the easiest, happiest, most wonderful baby girl that has ever been. From the day we brought you home from the hospital, you have been a great sleeper and awesome eater. Your quick smile and belly laughs have filled this house with joy beyond compare. When I see you and your brother together, my heart swells with the love that I have for both of you.

Now, don't get me wrong, Little Miss, you may be easy to please and happy as a clam, with a laugh that makes others laugh right along with you, but you are also fiesty, full of heart, and have a huge personality.

You like to tease people. You will offer me a bite of food and then pull it away and plop it in your own mouth. You like to play peek a boo with your daddy and steal his glasses. You like to play keep-a-way with your brother. And if you don't get something as quickly as your little heart desires, well, then we are going to hear about it!

But, oh Emma. Your heart is so big. You are so sweet and smiley. Everyone always comments on your big, toothy grin and how happy and content you always are. You love to imitate us. You will make just about any sound we do. . . except Mama, you little tease! Some of your favorite words are "sish" (fish), "Boo!", "ticky ticky" (for tickles), "tank too" (thank you), dadda, and Va Va Va Vee (for when we were trying to teach Will how to say "Vee").

Today, your grandma Jane said, "Just think about where you were a year ago and how happy you aren't there right now!"

And I thought to myself that the day you were born was the best day of my life and I would give a lot to be able to live that day again. Yes, of course, there were some stressful (and even painful) moments, but what I really remember was the peacefulness that came into my soul the moment you were placed into my arms. Those moments with just your Daddy, you, and me in the hospital were filled with bliss and happiness. I had waited my whole life to hold you in my arms, to kiss your sweet face, to count your fingers and watch them curl tightly around my hand. My whole life, I wanted to be a mommy, but I had no idea that what I really wanted was to be Will's Mommy and your Mommy. I had no idea what being a mommy meant until you and your brother arrived to show me. Each day, you teach me more and more about what it truly means to be a mother.

Today is your first birthday. I am sad to be saying goodbye to your babyhood but I am already looking forward to all of the wonderful and amazing times that we have ahead. Watching you grow into a toddler, then a little girl, and finally a woman will be the greatest honor and privilege of my life. I know I will make mistakes along the way, I know that there are times that I will let you down. Please know that I will always do my best to be the very best mother to you that I can be and to guide you a long the way, while also stepping back and giving you room to grow and conquer the world on your own.

Also know that there are times along the way that you will make mistakes. You will think you have let me down. I promise you this, Sweetest Girl: there is nothing you could ever do that would make me love you less. I will always be proud of you and humbled by the opportunity to be your mommy. All that I want for you is health, happiness, and faith in yourself. You will do amazing things, my wonderful daughter, and I will be there, cheering you on and bursting with pride. I can't wait to see who you become, because the person you are today is just a tiny fraction of who you will one day be, and yet you are already so amazing, I don't honestly know how you could get any better.

Yet I know you will.

With love forever and always,
Mommy

I Love My Baby Sister

She might cry a lot, but she is "My Emma." And I love her.

Adenoids OUT

Well, I survived my surgery. So did my mommy. To be honest, I think it was almost as hard on her as it was on me.

Mommy woke me up very early on the morning of the surgery. She put me in some soft, comfy jammies and gave me lots of hugs and kisses. But she wouldn't let me have any cocoa or even water. This was very confusing because I kept asking, even using my best pleeeeeeease, and she still wouldn't give me any.

Daddy was home from work and that was very nice. He gave me lots of hugs and kisses, too, and then we all go into the car. I noticed that Mommy put my suitcase in the car, too, and I wondered if maybe we were going to Gramma's house.

But instead we drove for a long time in the rain and lots of traffic and then parked our car in a dark building. Then we went to a big, while building. Then, we started going to all of these different desks and booths. I got a white bracelet - so did Pillow! Then, we sat in the waiting room. I wasn't scared at all!



After we waited for awhile, a lady came and called my name. We went into a smaller room with a nice lady called a nurse. I had to change out of my jammies into something called a gown. She asked Mommy and Daddy all sorts of questions. They took my blood pressure and temperature, just like they do when we go to the doctor for Mommy to hear Emma's "heartbeep."

Mommy and Daddy let me watch some t.v. while we waited. Some doctors came in to talk to us and then a lady with all blue clothes came in. She started talking about me "going to sleep" and Mommy asked if she or Daddy could come with me. I started to feel uncertain, but then she said that Daddy could come with me.

Daddy and I walked into a room that was very bright. They took a mask and waved it around, putting it on my knee and my elbow and then my face.

The next thing I knew, I woke up. And I was mad!!!! Mommy was trying to hug me and Daddy was trying to hug me, but I didn't want any hugs! My nose hurt! My throat hurt! I was scared. It was time to go home and they wouldn't let me. So I cried and screamed and threw myself around. I wouldn't let Daddy hold me and I wouldn't let Mommy hold me. I wouldn't even eat a popsicle or drink any juice - I'll show them! Then the nurse gave me some medication and it made me very tired. Then she said that we should walk around. I decided that might be okay, but I would only let Mommy carry me. We walked all through the hospital with the nurse and Daddy. Mommy patted my back and I felt better.

Then we went into THAT room, the room where it had all started, and I got mad again. So the nurse said it was time for us to go home. Mommy and Daddy put some comfy sweatpants and a t-shirt on me. We went outside to our car. I have never been so glad to see my carseat! I started smiling when Daddy strapped me in. Mommy rode in the backsesat with me and held my hand. I fell asleep right away.

When we got home, Mommy took me to her bed. Daddy had to go back to work, but Mommy and I got into bed and cuddled all day. She gave me more medicine that made me sleepy, so I took a lot of little naps. I also got to watch t.v.! This was very exciting as I usually don't get to do that.

The next day, Gramma came to visit me. She brought me all sorts of treats, including Lightening McQueen sunglasses and M&Ms!

Auntie Cheryl came to vist me and brought me a Choo-Choo cake. At first, I did not want to eat it, but then Mommy let me have some of the fruit on it and then I wanted to eat all of it!



Having surgery wasn't fun, but I did like all the snuggles, treats, and love. And now, let's just hope that I feel better.

Uh-oh

I have been sick a lot this year. Mommy and Daddy have been very worried about me. This winter, we found out that I have very big adenoids. So, we made an appointment with a special doctor at Seattle Children's Hospital. It took a long time to get the appointment. We went today and me with a doctor who recommended that I have my adenoids removed as soon as possible.

When they say soon, they mean soon. My surgery is scheduled for June 16 - that's just next week! I am not excited about this thing called surgery, but Mommy says I can have all of the ice cream and cocoa I want, so I guess I might as well make the best of it. And hopefully, I will not be sick as much after this.

Spending Time With Friends

I am lucky to have some really great friends and I get to do lots of fun things with them. Here are some pictures of me with my favorite people.

Reading with Ava in the rock rock. . .

More rocking with Ava . . .

Getting away from the mommies at the zoo . . .

Driving Miss Ava. . .

C0-pilot Cody . . .

I Love Ice Cream

Today, I got my very first ice cream cone.

It was delicious!

Ice cream. . . where have you been all of my life?

Happy Easter!

Last night, Gramma Jan came to stay with me while Mommy and Daddy went to something called a concert. I had such a fun time with my Gramma!

She spent the night and when we woke up, it was Easter! I really like Easter.

First, I got a basket filled with fun toys.

Gramma Jan said the Easter Bunny was silly to bring me this fun toy! I think he was genius.

After that, I went to church with Mommy and Daddy and then we drove to Bellingham to have dinner with all of my family. I love holidays!