Friday, August 7, 2015

May...

What a busy month it has been!  I always forget how hectic the end of the school year can be until it is here...and then I am quickly reminded!  We have been able to do so many fun things, though, so I am definitely not complaining!

As mentioned in the previous posts, we started the month celebrating our sweet Emma's second birthday!  That evening we went to a festival at Railroad Park hosted by the Alabama Baptist Children's Home.  It was such a fun night!  






Our church held a VBS expo at a local park, which the kids LOVED.  Our VBS theme this year is Treasure Hunters, so the expo had a pirate/treasure hunt theme.  Anything involving pirates and pretend is right up Watson's alley!
 

Just a random picture of Emma in all of her diva-ness.  Keys...check.  Sequin puppy purse...check.  Papi...check.  Sippy cup...check.  She is ready to go!


One of my dearest college friends got married this month!  Blair was such a rock for me while at Samford and I am so thankful that our friendship has continued over the years.  I can genuinely say that Blair and Marty are the most joyful people I know!  I was honored to read scripture during their ceremony, which was one of the most beautiful, Christ-centered weddings I have ever been to.  I have no doubt that the Lord is going to use these two to do mighty things for His Kingdom! 

 

While Graham and I were in Georgia for Blair's wedding weekend, Nannie and CarCar came to Birmingham to keep the kids.  To say that my kids love their Nannie is quite the understatement.  I am SO thankful that even through the distance they are able to maintain such a close and special relationship!



Lately, you never know what Watson is going to walk around the corner wearing.  As you can see....it could be an army vest and underwear, or a trip to the grocery store with his daddy in his Elmo pjs, tennis shoes, head lamp, and a red balloon?  :)



W and E get so excited when we turn the sprinklers on.  They love running through them!


We have seen a lot of this lately.... This is Emma's infamous 'frog position' when she is sad, tired, or frustrated about something.  I had to document it :)


While playing outside one afternoon, Watson requested I take his picture in his new pool.  Of course I happily obliged :)


Watson's soccer season wrapped up this month.  I can't exactly say that he loved it, but I can say that he improved drastically from the beginning of the season to the end.  By the last few games there were no tears and just a little more hustle from our boy!  His favorite part of the entire game was definitely the snacks they got each time :)  Oh well...there's always next season! 



The kids wrapped up their year at MDO this month as well.  I, unfortunately, did not get a picture of Emma with her teachers.  I did, however, make sure I got a picture of Watson and Ms. Susan - his favorite person, ever.  Watson LOVED Ms. Susan...I mean, Loved her!!!  We are so thankful for her influence over his life this year and the way she cared for and loved our sweet boy. 


Emma had her first big fall this month.  We were at church and as she was running down the hall she tripped and fell right on the corner of a metal plate at the bottom of a door.  It scared this mama's heart, but thankfully did not need any stitches. 


This boy... :)


Abby spent the day with us one Saturday as we went to a birthday party then out to lunch.  This girl is one of a kind - so thankful she is the oldest of the cousins and can set such a good example for them in everything! 


Memorial Day Weekend was spent at the lake.  Sadly, this was my last weekend, ever, at this lake house.  I have tears in my eyes just writing this!  My parents have had this lake house for 15 years, so it has been SUCH a fun and special retreat for our family.  They decided, however, that it was time to sell the house and move on to new adventures...and although it makes my sister and I so sad, we understand and are so incredibly thankful for the memories that were made here over the years!  We soaked up every second of our trip this weekend...








The preschool director at our church has started Wacky Wednesday for the summer - a time where moms and preschoolers can come to the church to play, have music and story time, then enjoy popsicles and lemonade together.  It is fun for the kids, but even better for us moms as we can spend time together!


We have had lots of cousin time!


Abby had her dance recital this month.  She loves dancing and is truly so good at it!! 


To end the month, but start the summer, we went to a Baron's baseball game.  It was beyond hot, but so much fun!!  If you live here and have not yet been to Regions Field...go!  It is so great!!




Thursday, May 7, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR EMMA!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

For Emma's second birthday party, we decided to do a Pancakes and Pajamas party.  I thought this would be great because Emma LOVES breakfast, parents could bring their kids in their pjs, and it leaves the rest of the day for everyone to enjoy with their families!
It was a lot of cooking and work to pull it off, but it was perfect!

Emma, you are so incredibly loved my dear!























24 Months...

TWO!!



Emma Hill you are TWO YEARS OLD!  I seriously cannot believe it.  I feel like you have always been a part of our family, but at the same time I feel like these have been the fastest two years yet.  I am really beginning to understand what people always say..."The days are long but the years are short"  This is true.  So true!


A few things to note about you at this age:


You are becoming more and more shy in public.  You warm up pretty quickly to people, but you almost always hide behind my legs around strangers.

 

You run all the time and proudly say "I fast!"


You watch every.single.thing your brother does and you want to do everything he does!  I think this has helped you become more independent at such a young age.


You are a great eater in that you love to eat, but you are hit and miss on what your favorite foods are.  I  know that anything unhealthy will always be a hit, as well as any kind of fruit!  You love strawberries, bananas, grapes, blueberries, oranges...really all fruits!


You love shoes and are always trying them on.  I think I put this in a previous post as well!

 

You like holding hands...even with older boys :)  When we went to the McWayne Center with the Welsh's you held Asher's hand most of the day!

You are beginning to get in to baby dolls.  You love pushing them in strollers, feeding them, bathing them, really anything to mimic being a mom.  I hope and pray that the Lord will bless you with children one day because I think you will be a fantastic Mommy!


You are not a huge tv fan - it will hold your attention for maybe 10 minutes max.  You do, however, LOVE the phone.  You can navigate it as well as anyone and you love looking at pictures and videos of our family.


You love washing your hands.  I remember Watson being the exact same at your age.  I have clean babies :)

 

You are becoming more girly every day!  You are starting to get into jewelry, dresses, shoes (as I already said).  I love seeing this in you :)


You love going to church and visiting daddy's office.  Especially when you get to see "Miss Arrdra" and get a piece of candy!


Emma Lou, WE LOVE YOU!!

23 Months...

Emma, you are a delight!  You bring so much joy to our family and you are your brothers best friend. 

 

This month, however, has been a tough one...if I'm honest :)  I think it must be a stage you are going through because I remember this with Watson as well, but fussiness is in full swing every day.  I can't decide if it's your strong-willed personality, or just a language frustration, but the smallest things can set you off and sound the siren that is your cry!  Daddy and I are trying to figure out the best, and most effective, way to handle these fits.  Nine times out of ten, a snack or "nack" will calm you down, but I don't know if that's always the best answer! 


At the same time, though, your smile and your laugh can light up a room.  There is such a special quality about you that people are just drawn to and love! 


Your voice is the sweetest - people comment on this often and I couldn't agree more!


 You love food.  I think I have put this in all of your post, but it is worth noting :)  Especially breakfast...oh my...you LOVE it!


Playing outside is your favorite thing to do.  All day long you say "pay ousside Mommy?" You love slides, climbing, swinging, running, playing, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, everything!


We took you and Watson to see the Blue Angels this month.  It was freeeeezing but you were a good sport!


We are still having to do breathing treatments with you anywhere from 1 to 4 times a day.  Thankfully they really seem to help.  Hopefully once warm weather is here to stay we can put away the nebulizer!


You are talking a good bit - I feel like every day you are surprising me with another word or phrase.  You are very obedient most of the time, and are 100% a mommy's girl!  You love playing with Daddy, but you always want to know where Mommy is.

We love you so much precious girl!