Raleigh Christmas Parade

 Right before Thanksgiving we went to the Raleigh Christmas Parade. Which note for next year apparently a lot of people go so get there early. After we found a parking space we braved the cold to see the festivities.

 Trying to get a better view.

 Highlight of the parade...."Giant shopping cart tractor"

Emerson in disbelief.

Spotting something fun.

Tired, cold, and ready to go.

Say "cheese!"

 The other day I made Emerson some peanut butter toast for lunch. The child went to town and ate it faster than I've ever seen. Since she was a complete mess I took out my camera.

 She looked at me and said "cheese!" I did a double take because she has never done that before. Not only that but I don't know where she got it from. I've never said that to her. I'm lucky if I can get her to look at me.

 But, sure enough she kept saying it begging me to take her picture.

Yummmm...peanut butter goodness. What a goofball.

Style

You can't teach style like this. I personally think the vintage bonnet (aka "mine") is a fabulous choice.

14 weeks

 Back to the weekly updates! Last week I had a nasty stomach flu so I was nowhere near capable of taking pictures let alone blogging about it. I'm starting feel pretty normal now. Still get tired mid-afternoon but I'm hanging in there. Yesterday I made Emerson take a nap with me at 4 o'clock and it was just what I needed! She is much more willing to sleep when I sleep as well. I haven't really had any significant cravings. I blame persistent indigestion and heartburn for taking the fun out of food. Although I gave into some fried pickles at the state fair last weekend but to be honest I would eat those as my non-pregnant self. Not sure of my weight gain so fair. My appointment for last week was rescheduled for this week. I like infected the whole office when I was there getting my iv. :( Seriously.

 Emerson decided to make an appearance. She isn't use to the camera not being pointed at her. Of course when I'm not trying to take her picture she has perfect eye contact. As you can see I'm sporting the bella band. I can't button any of my pants and I'm sporting some maternity tees I got on clearance for $2 at target. I've thought I've felt a few flutters but nothing too definite. But, it shouldn't be too long. I started feeling flutters at 16 weeks with E.

 Now to leave you with some cuteness. 

Pulling a book out that we read no less than 20 times today. 

Lover not a fighter

A couple weeks ago at the church nursery they had informed me that Emerson had been pinching other kid's cheeks. I was thinking, "Oh great, we have a bully on our hands." So last week Mark and I decided to take her to the playground. It was overrun with toddlers enjoying the nice weather. Emerson spots a "baby" and immediately runs up to a little girl pretty much her same size. She dives in for a hug while eagerly saying, "hi," to her. While the little girl is in shock from this forward approach Emerson grabs her cheeks, and says "mmm" while going in for a kiss. Whoa! Her cheek pinching was her way of showing affection. She wasn't trying to be mean she was trying to be loving. I knew she was a lover not a fighter. Now to address the issue of kissing people on the mouth the moment you meet. Hmmmm...

19 months

 Here's is our goofy 19 month old. Silly, happy, and apparently ticklish. She even likes to tickle herself when we aren't available going, "tickle, tickle."

Headed full steam ahead to age 2, she is talking up a storm and turning more and more into a little person   instead of a baby. She hasn't met a stranger yet and loves to chat it up with new people. Her tiny little wave is about the cutest thing I've ever seen. Who wouldn't want to talk to her with social skills like that?

 

She has become a ridiculous climber. Climbing our stove, the baby gate, the high chair. All to give her mother a heart attack. She's eating a lot more but is still fickle most days. Until I get myself some food and of course she wants it. I think she is pretty much addicted to cheerios and could eat them all day. She is a fruit lover, but a veggie hater. Hopefully I can convince her by Christmas that veggies aren't poison. Things to hope for. 

 She loves to read books, and affectionately calls them "b's." She definitely gets stuck on her favorite books and you can't convince her to read anything else. Last week she brought me The Pottery Barn Kids catalog and was determined for me to read it to her.

 She's has really picked up on that everyone has a name. She can say more than a few names now and lovingly says, "Hey Mimi," to our dog. They have become better friends this month. That is when Emerson isn't attempting to hit her. But, having a snack cup always encourages Mia to stick around.  She also has started saying amen at the end of prayers. Emerson also loves to imitate animals. She is definitely an animal lover!

 Another thing Emerson loves is babies! She talks about them all day and can spot them across the room.  It's like Christmas to her when she finds one. I recently put up a new picture of her in the hallway and she is beyond excited to have a picture of a baby in our house. 

 I'm really glad she loves babies. 

 Seeing as she might be seeing one on a regular basis pretty soon.

Because....

She's going to be a big sister!