23 Months.

And just like that, its one month until Emma turns 2. How did that happen? 

This month has been a whirlwind. The word busy is an understatement. I have traveled to Memphis for my cousin's bridal shower (her wedding is July 2nd), had a much needed girl's weekend in HOTlanta, Dustin (along with my uncle, brother, and dad) were in the Le Bonheur Children's Hospital Golf Tournament in Memphis, and Dustin's baby brother got married to Ms. Ashley (finally!). I'm tired just thinking about the month of May. 

But can we say...Hello Summertime! Sundress, baby shorts, swimsuits, and sunnies. I love this time of year and I can already tell Emma does too. She has become very independent when we go outside. She still loves to hold our hands when we take our nightly walks, but stops on occasion to pick the "bowers". She is growing like a weed and I can't wait to find out how big she is at her 2 year (I said it...) appointment. 

Her dance moves are coming out again! We saw this at Cody and Ashely's wedding. Let's just say we danced ALL night long and she wasn't in bed until 10:30p. We had to bribe her to get her in the car, she probably would have closed down the place if we had let her. Talk about a late night. We all were tired and slept in Saturday morning, we actually had to wake her up at 10a. Girlfriend loves her sleep. Hope this sticks. 

With all the travel she started to realize that I wasn't there or Daddy wasn't there from time to time. She would say "Daddy at work?" or "Mama at work?". Now that is her go-to-saying whenever one of us is not in the room. 

She has become a sympathetic crier as well. Whenever someone else (another baby or toddler) is upset or crying, she turns to us and says "ok?" and we try to tell her that they are ok but eventually she starts crying herself. She has the biggest heart. Its really sweet to see her growing and realizing these different emotions. 

But with the good comes the bad... We may have hit the "terrible twos" stage. Defiant. Stubborness. Anger. Not listening. I would say 90% she is a perfect baby, but that other 10%. Wow. Watch out everyone. We did time out for the first time this past month. It seemed to work pretty well. She listened to us afterwards, but it was apparent that she was tired and needed sleep. Her new phrase is "be nice, all-one (everyone)." We trying to teach her to be nice to everyone and that we don't have to be whiny or mean to get what you want. Ask and play nicely. Seems to be working majority of the time, with her still having tantrums. She's not going to be perfect all the time, again, 90/10 is a pretty ratio I think! 

For our 3 day weekend we had really no plans except hanging out with family, being outside, testing out the pool for the first time this year, and remembering the fallen soldiers and why we get to live in a free country! God bless, we are so lucky! It was a great weekend! 

XOXO

We have already started planning for Ms. E's "Ohhhh Twoddles" birthday party. Minnie and the gang themed, of course. Can't wait to see her face! 

22 Months

Wow, time flies when you are having fun.. and super busy at work, I guess. 

This month has been filled... we went to the beach with the Murdock's, Emma was very sick with a very high fever, she has been rocking her glasses for more than a month, and she is growing like a weed. 

Time is a thief. 

We went to the beach March 26th-31st. Emma had a blast, but HATED the sand. It's hilarious to me how last year she absolutely loved the beach and sand but this year was terrified and wanted no part of it. Needless to say, we stayed on the blanket or you found us at the kiddie pool (inside and outside). The weather was not the best this time around. We have been lucky enough for it be hot and sunny every time we have gone with her, but this time... kind of cool and rainy. Boo! But we entertained ourselves with balls inside, lots of toys and thank goodness for an indoor pool. Emma loves playing her cousin Tristan, too. They are 2 peas in a pod... with him being a little more adventurous than Emma. Boy vs girl type personality perhaps?! 

We were struck with sickness in the Murdock household again mid-April. Dustin came down with some kind of stomach bug and Emma got a bad virus with a very high fever. 101.3, so we took her to the doctor and he said sleep and Tylenol. I couldn't get off work, obviously Dustin couldn't watch her, my parents had the other grand kiddos, so thankfully the stars aligned and Dorothy, my MIL, was able to watch her. She pretty much slept ALL day long and was back to her normal self the end of the week. If we could not get sick one month this year, I will be so thankful. May is looking good so far.... 

Emma has been wearing her glasses like a champ. Its been over a month and its a part of the normal routine now. She takes them off at night before we read and go 'night night', we have a bottle in the morning, brush our teeth, change, and then they are on for the whole day (minus naps and sometimes car rides). She loves looking in the mirror with them on when we do her hair. They make her look so smart... but its not just the look, she is super smart. Her vocab is expanding daily. Putting together words and sentences and understanding what people are saying to her is the name of the game now. Nothing gets past her unless of course she is focused on Robin Hood, Mickey Mouse, or Aristocats. She knows the difference between a truck and a car, saying 'bye bye/night night/hello Mama' 'daddy work' 'sit down Moose' 'lets get him' 'whats happening' just to name a few. 

She is obsessed with baths (#1 right now), shoes, her hair with bows, chairs, Mickey Mouse, Minnie and the gang, Robin Hood, Arisocats (new one), playing in her kitchen, chasing Moose around the yard, going for walks around the neighborhood, repeating what we say, getting tickles, balls, picking flowers outside, and her bed (she sleeps in like a teenager on the weekend). 

Stop growing up sweet girl. This mama can't handle it. 2 months from the Big 2. 

XOXO

Mother's Day 2016

Being a mother is the most selfless 'job' but the most rewarding one. God definitely knew what He was doing when He gave me this sweet and sassy girl. Her calling me 'mama' is the absolute best feeling, every time she says it I get butterflies in my stomach. 

Mother's Day weekend started out on Friday morning when I was able to do Muffins with my Emma at her school. She had cheerios, I had a poppy seed muffin. It was perfect and so sweet. 

For the weekend, we were in Memphis throwing my cousin/best friend a bridal shower. She is getting married July 2nd. So it was nice being able to spend time with mom and the family. I celebrated with my mother who has taught me everything I know about being a great mom yesterday by taking her out to lunch and some shopping on Saturday. She felt loved and that is all that matters! 

Isn't she is the cutest? 

When I arrived home on Sunday, I was welcomed with the biggest hugs and kisses from my husband and baby girl (and Moose). Dustin bought me beautiful flowers (pink tipped roses) and he helped Emma make me some precious gifts that will forever be treasured. Hand print red flower and the cutest picture frame with our picture in the middle. Dustin topped it off with a steak on the grill, mac and cheese and spinach. The best dinner, we couldn't finish it because the steak was so big. They made me feel extremely special and loved. 

Alli Golden Photography worked her magic again with these amazing pictures.

It was the best 2nd Mother's Day for me. One that I will cherish for a lifetime.