Emma Dancing

Emma loves dancing to Daddy's new "Union" CD.

Goodbye 2011

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

2011 was a rough year, to say the least. I'm not sad to see it gone, in a way. The year started out with my Mom dying unexpectedly. I'm fearing January 3rd, just because it will be the one year mark of when she died, and I'm not ready for that milestone. I lost 4 babies this year -- the most I've ever lost in one year (2 chemicals and 2 lost at 9 weeks). Joe stopped going to school without completing his Ph.D. and struggled to find a job with his Master's, so was unemployed for 5 1/2 months. His health has been poor all year, and he had surgery on his neck just 3 months ago. It's still not 100%.

But in all of it, there has been one consistent bright spot, and that is my Emma bean. She is my angel, my hope, my love, my light. She is independent and attached, all at the same time. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.

I hope that for everyone, 2012 brings light and joy. I hope and pray 2012 brings us a healthy pregnancy and sibling for Emma. Most of all, I hope that 2012 brings peace in our little family. God knows we need it.

Happy 2 Years!

My amazing, gorgeous, smart, wonderful little girl is 2 years old today! Where did the time go? What happened to my little snuggly, squishy baby? Now she's a talking, running, busy little girl. I can't figure out where the last 2 years went, but I know I'm grateful for every single moment I've had with her.



Happy Birthday my Emma bean.... I love you so very much!!

2 Year Pediatrician Appointment

Emma is 34 inches tall (75th percentile), 24 1/2 pounds (15th percentile) and meeting her developmental milestones. Her bottom 2-year molars are peeking through and she has a bit of walking pneumonia. The pediatrician is happy with her development! She seemed happy and excited that we were still breastfeeding and didn't even talk with me about stopping. We can go in for a 2 1/2 year appointment if we want, but basically we're in the clear until she's 3.

Exploration

Sorry there haven't been many posts lately -- I'm buried in work, 50+ hours a week, and just getting my head above water now. Emma is almost 2 years old and I feel like I've missed virtually the last year of her life because of work. I like my career, but I hate that I'm away from her so much.

We do get moments like these though, and it makes it all worth it.