Lillacs, Memorial and baths

I know, I know - it has been a while.  Is anyone still out there?  Things have been pretty busy, but Emma continues to do great.  She is loving the yard and being able to get outside.  She was a little hesitant with the grass at first, but now she is running around and thoroughly enjoying it.  She went to her first parade the other day on Memorial day, and had a chance to meet several of her new neighbors (at least they will be later in the summer when we move into the new place).

And if you get far enough through this set of pictures you will actually see a picture of the three of us (in front of our new house).  We need 10 pics before October.  Sounds easy, but this is number three after 7 months.  They can't have food, bare feet, or alcohol (you decide which has been the limiting factor :)). 

Hope everyone is doing well and I will try to update again in a couple of weeks. 

Happy Easter!

"Yes, you can take ANOTHER picture ..."

"Are you guys ready yet?"

Getting ready for dinner

Reading with Auntie

"So this is how I see things going - dad start in the kitchen"

"Don't even think about taking my egg"

Having a social break with cousin Nora - discussing the crazy adults

Walking AND reading at the same time

Assessing her basket

Emma and her Illinois' cousins

Getting tired ...

But plenty of room for dessert with Auntie

Reflections ...  Sorry to be so profound out of the proverbial "gates",
but couldn't help it.  Can't wait till she can get in the yard ...
And start mowing of course :)

Still working on the "pose" ...  Need to subsidize college at some point.

"Full on" walking, and the squeaks are there to prove.  Very cute - for a while ...

Yup.  You are witnessing the genesis of a shoe "obsession" - thanks Mom ...

"How cute am I?  Really?"

Every star needs a profile shot.  Emma "look away like
you really don't care".



All dressed up for Saturday night!!!  Time to meet some cousins.



"Just let me grab my bag, and I am ready to go!"

A future wrestler?  She has the pose, just needs to drop the smile.

After countless hours of pondering how to teach the skill of "drinking from a straw" she

finally mastered it.  Only wish we had actually come up with a solution. 

How do I look?

"Stop interrupting me! @$*&@  I am trying to read."

I love a good ending ...

Someday she will hate me for this one.  But can I say
"Emma waz a punk rocker, Emma waz a punk rocker ..."

Updates - finally!

Emma is getting bigger by the day, and has started taking her first steps.  She has been adjusting well to school (aka daycare) - at least better than mom and dad have been.  All in all, she continues to do great, is very happy and has been an absolute joy to be around (most of the time :).

She had her first plane trip last weekend since China when we went back to Rhode Island to visit Auntie Barbara.  Auntie -  Emma is hoping you can see this and the video clip below with her and one of the presents you sent - THANKS again for them.  We love you, miss you and are thinking of you every day.

Getting ready for Sunday lunch at Peggy Kinnane's.

She is playing hide and seek around the corner in the following video.  For some reason this crack her up when we do it.  She is starting to mimic, so I need to start "saying things to myself - first".

Recently back from RI - "Whatchya lookin at?!  You wanna piece of me?"

Emma kissing and hugging her bear from Auntie.  Yes - this is more kisses and hugs than mom and dad have gotten - combined.  Except when I am wearing my old college mascot costume (just kidding - I wasn't THAT guy).

Yup - she is sitting on the kitchen floor - funnest place in the house.

Another peek a boo segment - only this time with the coffee table. 

Striking a pose.

Getting ready for school.  Thanks for picking out my clothes mom before you left!

"Dad - you're not that funny.
Put down the camera and take me to school please."

"How about this?  So what exactly
CAN I touch? 

Hi Auntie Barbara!!!

Hey Auntie - thanks sooooo much for the presents!!!  I absolutely love them and can't wait to meet you.

THANKS Auntie!  Can't wait to see you.



Time for a break ...



Smiling AND wearing her hat!

Token profile shot.  Every star needs one.

Whatchya lookin' at?