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!

Getting Bigger

Mommy and I are growing. . . see?

Big Brother To A. . .

It turns out that Mommy was right.

I am going to have a sister!

I was kind of hoping for a brother, but I do love my Aya, so I guess a sister won't be too bad.

Mommy keeps talking about pink! and more pink! And Daddy keeps saying, "Not too much pink." Whatever pink is, I think I am going to be seeing a LOT more of it once my sister is here.

Oh, and one more thing.We have decided on my sister's name, too.

Emma Grace Henry

Will's Big News

I have some very big news. I am going to be a BIG BROTHER!!!!



I am not exactly sure what this means, but my Mommy and Daddy seem to be pretty excited. Here is a picture of my little brother or sister! We will find out which one it is in February.

The "Kitty" Scan

Today, Mommy and Daddy took me to another doctor's office. This time it was for something called a "cat" scan. I looked very hard, but I did not see a kitty. I also did not see a clock, but I kept telling everyone that I did.

Mommy read me a story while we waited and then a lady came and called my name. Mommy stayed in the waiting room, but Daddy went with me. We went into this room with a big circle. Daddy said it was a clock, but I think he might have been wrong. Clocks do not look like this.

A strange lady came and took me from Daddy. I did not like that one bit. Mommy could hear me screaming all the way in the waiting room.

I have a new trick now, I just don't cry. I cry Mama! Or I cry Daddy! Usually this works, but today it didn't. I still was strapped down and put in this scary hole that made noise and had lights. Daddy did keep his hand on my chin, but I wanted him to hug me.

Daddy said that when I cried it wasn't too bad, but when I switched to a scared voice and just said, "Daddy, Daddy, please, please." It made him really sad. But it was just a quick test and then we came back out to Mommy in the waiting room. She gave me some milk and we went home.

We will have the results in a few days and then another doctor's appointment to hear what's going to happen with my adenoids.

Aden-Wha?

Mommy wanted me to post an update to let you all know that the results of my x-rays came back today. The doctor called and told Mommy that the x-rays were rather blurry - that will teach them to strap me to a chair and take my Mommy away! Despite the poor quality, they could still tell that my adenoids are enlarged. Thanks, Daddy, guess I got those from you!

So, the next step is to have another test done. It's called a CT-Scan and will take place at a different doctor's office. Then, I have to go see a pediatric ear, nose, and throat doctor. Mommy knew him when she worked for Johnson & Johnson and she has promised me he is very nice. I will be the judge of that!

It is not recommended that little kids like me, who are under 2, have their adenoids out unless it is causing a lot of problems. I think that me not being able to eat my cookies because my nose is all stuffed is a lot of problems! But I don't want this thing called "surgery," either, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the doctor says.

Allergy-Free

I had a big day yesterday. Mommy took me to see a pediatric allergist so that they could find out why I am losing weight and always stuffy.

The allergist looked in all of my parts - she looked in all of Elmo's parts, too, because I wasn't too sure about the light she wanted to stick in my nose. She asked Mommy all sorts of questions and then she asked me questions, too, because she wanted to hear if my voice sounded nasally. I also got to eat a snack so she could see how I breathe when I eat (not well, the doctor noticed, which might be why I am not eating much lately).

After all of that, a different lady came in and took a marker and marked on my arms. I was starting to get a little suspicious. . . and it turns out I was right to be worried. She took these strange sticks and poked me! Fourteen times! Mommy just sat there and let her do it! I didn't cry, but I gave them both a look.

Then, Mommy and I got to play with more toys until the timer went off and the lady and doctor came back. They looked at my arms and. . . no allergies! Yay, we can keep the puppies and kitty! And I can keep eating my beloved cheese and milk!

The doctor told Mommy that she thinks I have problems with my adenoids. Daddy had problems with his, too, and it can be hereditary. So she sent Mommy and me down to the x-ray lab.

Things hadn't been too bad at this doctor's office until then, but that is when things got really scary. They strapped me into this chair while Mommy held me and then. . . Mommy went away. She left the room while this strange man held against this white board. And they took pictures while I screamed. No one seemed to care that I was very scared and screaming. I was not happy. Mommy came back (she was even crying a bit, proof that I was right to be scared about something) and took me off the chair and gave me a drink of juice and then the man gave me a sticker with a fish on it. I still had the hiccups from crying so hard, so Mommy and the man were very surprised when I said thank you for my sticker without even being asked. Mommy put it on my shirt and we finally got to go home.

I didn't really enjoy the x-ray part but I did like the fact that I got a sticker. And I am not allergic to anything. Although I have heard rumors that I have to go to another doctor to talk about my xrays. Mommy better not leave again. I did not like that.

Oh, and because I was such a good boy, I got to have cookies for dessert tonight. I like to lick the cream out of my cookies and dip them in milk. . . just like Daddy!

Out and About With "Aya"

I have a friend. Her name is "Aya." Well, her real name is Ava, but that's not how I say it. I say it really, really loudly: "AYA!" Just like that.

I love my Aya.

A Love Of Cinnamon Totes

Will has always liked food, but as a toddler, his appetite has gone a little more finicky. No longer can I give him the same banana, waffle, sausage every morning. He likes variety now.

One of his favorite meals, sure to gain a big smile, is cinnamon toast. He used to ask for a "wawa" (waffle) when he first got out of bed in the morning. Now, he asks for "totes."

Here is he with his cinnamon "totes."

Monkeying Around

Will was (what else, of course?!) a monkey for Halloween!

We had a wonderful time on the big day! We went to the mall for their indoor trick-or-treating (since it was pouring buckets outside). Will was quite intrigued.

"You mean, there's candy?"

"Look, Daddy, over there! More free candy!"

"Ava, which way should we go?"

"Stop making me pose for pictures and let's get this candy thing going!"

"Ah, finally. CANDY. Put it right here in my Elmo bucket, thankyouverymuch. "

Will even learned to say "Trick Or Treat" - though it sounded more like Tee oh Tee - oh, and he didn't learn it until the day after Halloween!

After trick or treating, we went out to dinner with Mike, Courtney, and Ava. We went to a BBQ restaurant and the kiddos really enjoyed their dinner - and by the amount of BBQ sauce on our face and hands, the moms and dads liked it, too.

But Will's favorite part of Halloween had to be answering the door for the trick or treaters at home. He would come running to answer the door and we let him hand out the candy. Here he comes!

He then wanted our new "friends" to come on in and explore his playroom. You could see the confusion on his face as he would walk out on the porch, wondering why our visitors weren't coming to stay and play.

I am pretty sure Halloween was a huge hit for our little Monkey! I do know that he slept great that night. He was tired after all the running and playing.

Pumpkin Patch Tour '09

My mommy LOVES pumpkin patches. I love them, too. This year, I went to the patch THREE times.

The first time was with Mommy and Daddy. I got to see pumpkins and a really loud turkey.

I had my picture taken in front of this sign last year. . .

See how much I have grown?!?!



Next was a trip with Courtney and Ava. We saw more animals, which I was pretty excited about!

I quacked at the ducks!

Mommy tried to make me take a picture with the pumpkins. She can make me sit with them, but she cannot make me smile.

Finally, we went to a different patch with Cody and Cheryl. I got to wear my giraffe costume.

And see a goat.

And a plane!

I love pumpkin patches!

Yes, Folks, We Have A Walker

One Year Tomorrow

My Dearest Baby Will,

On the eve of your first birthday, there is so much that I want to say to you.

Looking back over the course of the past year, it amazes me to see how much you have changed. From that tiny little baby that was first placed in my arms, to the squirming toddler that now barely sits still in them, you have grown into such a little person. And though there have definitely been challenging moments of sleepless nights, first tantrums, and occasions when I feared I was failing you, I have loved every single second of you.

Each stage of your life so far has brought us so much joy. When you were a newborn, and nestled so sweetly in my arms, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

When you were six weeks old and gave me your first smile, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

When you were three months old and started laughing your deep, baby laughs, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

When you were six months old and started eating solids with great zeal and taking two naps a day, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

When you were nine months old and saying Dada and smiling your outrageous toothy grin, I thought, "It can't get better than this."

And then it did.

Now, I cannot imagine that life with you could be any better or any sweeter. You fill each day of my life with your smiles and laughter, each moment of my life with greater meaning than I ever thought possible. I am so proud of the little boy you are becoming. You have the biggest heart, the sweetest little soul, and the kindest spirit. Yet you have determination, know what you want, and aren't afraid to let us know about it!

I know so many things will change. I am wistful to leave behind your babyhood and yet so excited to see you continue to grow into a toddler. There are so many wonderful things in store for us as a family and for you. I really don't think it can get any better than this.

But I know it will.

Happy, Happy Birthday, my Little Monkey. May all your dreams come true.

Love always,
Mommy

I Love Peas