13 months

Could it be that it has really been a month since Emerson's big birthday? I can't believe it! But, Emerson is now 13 months. She has been changing everyday and is really such a joy to be around. She is rather giggly, ticklish, and all around delightful. Not a day passes that she doesn't make me burst out laughing. She has started to say dog and will even bark going "woof, woof." To make it even better when we go on a walk and the neighborhood dogs go nuts she will wave at them and bark back. She even said what sounded like Hey Dada last week. Her new trick is to find her belly button and she is very proud of that. I have no idea how she learned it but, when I say, "Where is Emerson's belly button?" she pulls up her shirt and points to hers. More proof of her smart little brain is when I asked her if she was hungry the other day she signed for milk. She's making the connection between what I say! She has been signing milk for a long time but it was prompted by her and not a question. Emerson also starts clapping when I sing "If you are happy and you know it.....Clap your hands!" She also likes to strum her lips and play a little song for us. Another word she has been saying a lot is "Doh". I have no idea what that word is. But, apparently she really means it. I don't have any fancy 13 month pictures yet but here is her enjoying her beach weekend. She was chatting up a storm to me saying, "Doh."

Because I'm feeling nostalgic here is Emerson around this time last year. What a difference a year makes!

Our week

So I slacked in blogging for the past week but thats because we've been on the go. We were blessed with some gorgeous weather and it was about time to get out of the house and enjoy it! We went to the park and got down and dirty.

Emerson crawled around for a good hour rolling in the dirt. I gave up after 10 minutes of her squirming in my arms. You can she was pretty excited to play in the sand. So much so that she had a little bite. Yummy!

I finally took off her shoes because they were getting disgusting. But then she didn't know what to think of the cools and on her toes and was frozen. She kept lifting her feet up so she wouldn't touch anything.

Emerson also had a play date with her friend Lilah. I think she was amazed by all the toys and books that she was super quiet for almost 45 minutes. Then she saw animals and went wild! Lilah was kind enough to put a headband on Emerson's head. Girls are already playing dress up.

We also took a little stroll around the lake on one of the prettiest days. Can it stay 70 degrees everyday? Emerson had a good time yelling at all the dogs passing by. She can know go woof like a dog. She's so smart!

Saturday was again very warm and sunny. Absolutely gorgeous. We headed to Duke Gardens and E. was on the go investigating the landscaping. She kept trying to climb over this and I have to give it to her she's confident and persistent.

She also enjoyed walking with her Dad. She loves to walk while holding our hands now. She is standing for long periods of time now so I think it's only a matter of time before she takes those first steps. She's pretty fast when she's with us. I'm sure she will be running in no time!

12 month pictures

So after party planning, party executing, and enjoying the sudden pleasant weather around here I forgot to take Emerson's 12 month pictures. Then I realized her birthday was 3 weeks ago. Better late than never I suppose. Then I had to think of an idea. Of course she had to wear her birthday shirt made by Sweet Couture on Etsy. I'm for sure going to order from her again. The shirt is undeniably adorable. So I figured our bright xylophone would fit perfectly with the color scheme of her shirt and at the same time occupy her.

Turns out taking pictures doesn't get much easier at 12 months.

She found it interesting for about a minute then realized there was other stuff in the room.

And found new use for the stick. Can you tell she has been around a dog a lot? She carries her toys around just like her!

She's proud of that!

I just love this mischievous grin before she takes off.

Her destination?

My trusty nightstand, guaranteed to have something to tear up and where she can get some reading done.

It's here!

My Anna Marie Horner fabric that is! I bought this to make an Easter dress for Emerson. Of course Emerson has around 20 springtime dresses already but I have fond memories of my Mom making my Easter dresses growing up. So even if she'll probably only wear it to the church nursery it'll be worth it. Did I mention I'm in love with this fabric? It's even prettier in person. So vibrant and fun. Orange and pink, how could you go wrong? Anna Maria Horner I don't know where you have been my whole life but I'm glad I found you! I've been reading her blog and she has kids and makes all kinds of crafts for her baby. I think we could be friends in real life. So I'll probably make a simple pillowcase with a contrasting necktie. Can't wait to get started!

12 Month Check-up

It was nice to go the Doctor and not be sick. It was time for Emerson's 12 month check-up. She charmed everyone by smiling and giggling. Even saying hi to complete strangers in the waiting room. She seems to think she is pretty cute. Where did she get that idea??? Anyways she now weighs 15lb 9.5oz, still around 5th percentile, and 28 inches tall (25%). So long and skinny. Every girls dream! Ha! The pediatrician and I discussed her eating habits or lack there of. In the past day Emerson has decided she likes goldfish and tortilla strips. Of all things! The Dr. found it pretty humorous and said not to worry she will eat real food in her own time and can thrive off breastmilk for 2 years! Yes, 2 years! Isn't that crazy?!? I'm continue to be amazed by the human body. Even though she is not a big eater I'm so thankful that we have such a great nursing relationship where I can provide with such great nutrition! Now, can someone bring me an extra large fry and some cupcakes? I'm getting pretty hungry supplying all this milk!

12 months old

Little Emerson is finally 12 months old. The big one year! This past year has gone by really fast and at the same time it feels like forever ago that she was a newborn. I've loved getting to watch her grow, develop, and change from a teeny infant to giggly on the verge toddler. I refuse to call her a toddler until she starts walking. I feel like I have really seen a lot of change in Emerson in the last month. Mostly in her language development. Her words (which are up for interpertation ) are:

• Momma (mostly said while tugging my pants leg)
• Dadda ( chatters it all the time)
• Hey/Hi (she waves eagerly now when she sees someone and says hi)
• Bye ( will say bye while waving as well as when I get off the phone)
• Ball ( Says it obviously when playing with a ball!_
• Baby ( Pretty much says this anytime)

I've also been able to tell that she understands a lot more of what I say. For example, when I say, "Daddy's home" she will go crawling to the door. The other day when I said, "Is it time to leave?" she starts waving like crazy. In the bathtub, I will ask her if she is ready to get out and she will go the edge and stand up with her hands up. She's very interactive, always jabbering away and smiling at us. Emerson points at things and uses her "word" for whatever she is talking about. Her personality has really come out toward the end of this first year. She is playful, sweet, fiesty, funny, and independent. She really enjoys music and is constantly dancing and clapping her hands. She is a big climber giving me tons of exercising chasing her up the stairs. Emerson has become quite the mimic. If I stick out my tongue she'll do the same and finds it hysterical. She also finds it entertaining to feed us and the dog although she avoids pretty much all food herself. Although yesterday she put pizza crust in her mouth and got really excited about it. That's a first! But, I guess everyone likes pizza!

Here is the birthday collage to show how she is changed. Just a little bit don't you think? She has almost tripled her birth weight!

Her hair is much lighter than birth. A nice golden brown. I see a little bit of curls forming at the the ends and I really hope they stick around. As you can see she has dark chocolate brown eyes!

Our teeth count is now at 6!

As illustrated by these pictures she is a big goofball.

Cheering me on as I take her picture.

Not really sure what this means though?

Happy Birthday Emerson! I'm really excited to see what this next year brings. You bring such joy into our lives!