Naps, toys with buttons, and swine flu (not)

I've learned over the last few days that Emi has outgrown most of the toys we have for her, and that she needs less nap time. She needs something more complicated than a rattle or stuffed animal. She loves buttons at the moment. So I'm going to make a trip to DI tomorrow to see if I can find some things that she might like. As for nap times, I have been trying to wait for at least a 1/2 hour--if not longer--after she starts acting tired to put her down for her nap. That way, she is exhausted and doesn't fight me to go to sleep. I've been praying to know how to better take care of her and interact with her, and I believe that these are answers to my prayers.

I was at my parents until this morning and we all got sick. Some type of flu bug, i think. Because of the swine flu pandemic, it was interesting to get the flu and think that I had to be careful to watch it, so I didn't die. It was a very mild form of the flu, though, so I never got worried. It wasn't incapacitating, but it was very uncomfortable. So strange.

busy but boring

I was sitting here thinking about what I wanted to post about and I couldn't think of anything! I've been so busy lately, but not with anything really exciting. Steve has 1 more week left in the semester, so he is way busy doing homework and grading. I've had 3 photo shoots in the last week and they've gone pretty well, but not really anything to tell about them. Emi had a doctor's appointment today, I guess. She weighs 20 lbs now and is in the 75% for weight. Up from 50% at her 6 month check up. Guess I don't have to worry about her not eating enough. haha. She's still above 90% for height, too. I think I have a picture of her, but it's on Steve's camera which is in the closet--which means I'd have to put the laptop down, move the blanket, stand up, get the camera, dig out the USB cable, get the pictures off, and then do all that in reverse. WAY too much work for 11:30 at night. (Even though it's Friday. Emi doesn't know it's Friday, so I don't get a break from getting up early.) Just thought I'd give a shout out to let you know I'm still here and thinking of ya. Love, Brina

ALL about Emi :)

Emilia has been cranky the last few days. I think she's teething again. Sheesh. She needs to just cut these teeth already.

I've been struggling to find ways to make her laugh lately. All my old stuff was "so yesterday" and didn't work anymore. So finally the other day, I was just goofing around with her and pretended to drop her. She loved it! Crazy kid is going to be one of those people that loves horror flicks because she likes being scared. Here is a video of it, so you know what I mean.

After I made the above video, she wanted to see the camera. I found it humorous, so I will share. It might be one of those "I'm her mom, so everything she does is cute" things, and if it is, I'm sorry. :)

A couple pictures of her as well:

Emi ready to go out in the snow we had AGAIN today

Emi on Easter Sunday after I took her dress off of her. She just looked so cute in the bloomers, I had to take a picture.

Emi showing off how flexible she is. She's got such cute chubby legs!

I just liked this one. :)

There you have it. All about Miss Emi, Queen of Everything.

talking and almost crawling

There's a little dead time at the beginning of this video as I'm going to get the "kitty," but I wanted you to see her reaction when I brought it out. And I didn't want her to know the camera was pointed at her, so it is a little far away. You may have to turn up the volume on your speakers to hear her talking. She's so great! :)

A Yummy Picture

We aren't sure whether my mom is going to be able to do a bakery. Apparently there are laws prohibiting people from selling food out of their houses. But...we're still looking into it and until then, we are encouraging her to do a cookbook. Here are our first pictures of a recipe:

Also, Emi is REALLY close to crawling and to talking. We were at my parents' house the last couple days and we all swear she says "kitty" when my mom's cats are in the room. She is just fascinated by them. She gets all excited and will try to pet them when they are brave enough to lay down near her. Good thing they are gentle cats because she still grabs a handful of fur every once in a while. All three of my mom's cats are black. I bought Emi a stuffed dragon this week at DI (a thrift store) and it's dark purple and about the size of a cat. I let her play with it this afternoon and I think she thought it was a cat. She got all excited and said her version of "kitty" and gently touched it's face. It was so cute! I'll have to try to get it on video tomorrow and post it. Love you all...Brina