Emily Mae

So we broke down and bought her a little “kitchen” set. Which came with a chef’s hat. And then after playing with that she had a bath, hence the title of this post.

She LOVES her kitchen set. Calls it “FRIG-eh-DUR,” or refrigerator. Scared of the grill, though, which makes whirring noises. Which is too bad, since the grill is one of the reasons we chose this particular set–more to do. Oh well, I’m sure she’ll get over it soon enough.

Baths are fun for all parties involved, though they’re a whole lot more work for Mama and Papa. (Obviously.) How can we complain? She’s so darned cute.

Wow, is it February already?

These photos are from our California winter, and also Emmy’s visit to her grandparents’ house in Florida.

She has proven to be an interesting traveler. Not quite two, but already exhibiting the exciting traits of a two-year-old. Still, I think she does well for the most part.

At this point, she still loves bubbles (as you can see). A fast love for Snoopy and Charlie Brown, but can’t get her interested in the Pink Panther. Hello Kitty and Blues Clues top the list of books and recognizable characters.

She is enjoying her stroller now that she spends so much less time in it. A voracious reader, fascinated with order and one serious appetite. “Where does she put all that food?” her doctor has wondered aloud on more than one occassion.

If I had the answer to that, I’d be rich.

then things will be a little easier later in life.

What’s she listening to? On nothing much, just a tape with some positive affirmations:

• Mama and Papa are always right
• Tofu tastes much better than cookies
• Mama has eyes in the back of her head
• Papa knows if you even THINK of touching the remote… or the TV… or the oven… or the…
• Socks stay ON your feet and food stays ON the plate
• You never heard Papa swear
• You know how to change your own diaper You know how to use a toilet
• Papa can’t make bubbles in the car and he doesn’t control the wind
• Little girls cannot live on apples alone
• Did we mention that Mama and Papa are always right?

Oh, fine… You’re right, that’s not really what she’s watching. Actually, she’s enjoying her daily fix of Baby Einstein - in this case its Baby MacDonald, “At the Farm”.

But, Emmy… I think its only fair to warn you that one thing off that list is true…

Mama really does have eyes in the back of her head.

I don’t know how or why I have been so blessed to have this little girl as part of my life. When I look at her, there is such a feeling of complete joy.

It’s a deep, heartfelt, never-gonna-be-able-to-accurately-describe-it kind of feeling that takes hold of you in your gut and finishes you off with a lump in your throat. It makes you proud, nervous and excited all at the same time.

Does she have clue how much I love her? I doubt it! In fact, she’s still kinda giving me the shifty eyes since I scolded her for trying to eat that last Crayon - but, no matter. I know how much I love her, and that will have to do for now.

Emily’s friend Mia came over for a swim session today. While both girls enjoyed the pool, Mia took the prize for best swimmy swim.

Saying that they both “enjoyed” the pool may be stretching it a bit. It’s very possible that Emily didn’t enjoy it much at all. The picture to the left was the BEST I could come up with out of my usual slew of shots. Not even two, and she’s already a little old lady! Well, that’s just fine with her Papa.

Emily has been in the pool a lot lately - so much so that she has even learned how to ask to go swimming. She points outside, says “pool” and then uses her baby sign for “please”. That is followed up with her saying “splish” - though her rendition is really somewhere more between “pish” and “spish”.

This sometimes frantic combination of words and pantomime will continue until you either sufficiently distract her (usually with a cookie) or get her butt in the pool. Thank goodness for swim diapers!

Mia DID enjoy the pool quite a bit though, splashing to-and-fro with her Mommy, and even dunking under a few times! She’s a natural to be sure! Emily tried to follow suit, but wasn’t as fond of the “dunk”.

Yeah, she hated that. Oh well, live and learn.