Happy Mun Yuet Addi!

Addi is one month old today! We had our one month check up and Addi is weighing 8lbs 10oz! Almost a 9lb baby. Growing too fast already - loving the baby rolls forming.

Addi is definitely the more alert baby, awake more than Emma ever was at this age, think Emma was only waking up at this age.

We're on a kind of a schedule - Addison's schedule, having to take each day as it comes and naps as they come. Not yet consistent with her naps, sometimes lasting 10 minutes, other times an hour. Overall a very happy baby. Just love watching her grow, her smiles are forming and every now and again we hear a little, "Eh". We just moved Addi into her own room. So nice to finally have it all set up for her. We've been very fortunate that so far Addi is been a good night time sleeper. For the past week we're been getting a 6 hour stretch from between 8pm and 3am, it's been great. I just need to get to bed earlier and make use of that long stretch of sleep.

Life with two is quite busy and it's only the beginning. Constantly trying to care for both, making sure both kids are happy. Not an easy task. Times I'll just have shushed Addi to sleep, then Emma starts shouting and wakes Addi....or when I'm able to have a little one on one time with Emma, Addi starts crying!

Shannon has been here for almost 3 weeks now, so so wonderful to have her here. Honestly I think I'd still be in my pjs and not have washed my hair for 3 weeks if Shan were not here. We've been spoilt. Great knowing someone is there to entertain Emma while I'm busy with Addi, or hold Addi while I see to Emma. Gives me time too, to think how I'm going to handle these situations when I'm alone. Which ends up me not wanting to think about it just yet.....

Emma seems to be adapting well, she has her moments, but some are hard to say if it's because of Addi, or just being a 2 year old. Our Ped said that the jealousy escalates now, as Emma will realize that this baby is not leaving the house - so we'll see. I do wonder whats going through her mind each day....even tho this little person has stolen some of her time, she's still wanting to hold her sister, help bath her, willing to give Addi some of her toys and books.
Talking ever so much, talking 5 - 6 word sentences. The other day we were at the mall on the top level, Emma caught sight of the kidzone area and did her usual, "whoa!!" when she sees something she really likes. Then asks me, "how do we get down there?? how? how?" I was asking myself how did she know to ask that?? So wonderful to see her face light up when we finally made our way down and she got to run around and play a bit.

Not quite the lit up face - but a cute pic nonetheless
Emma coloring in at her little table

My mom and dad arrive in less than 2 weeks time - another exciting thing to look forward to. Going to be so wonderful spending Christmas together. Can't wait for them to meet Addi and see how Emma has grown.

Happy one month Addi!! and can't believe Emma is 27 months!

Tickle Tickle

At least once or twice a day, Emma has to hold her baby sister.  Sometimes it lasts a minute, sometimes a second.  Today after lunch Em asked to hold Baby Addison, and decided she'd tickle her while holding her.  It was so cute to see.  It was almost as though Addison was laughing.
Our sweet girls!

Two weeks with our girls

We've been home for two weeks now....why does time go by so fast??

Today we went to the Dr for a weight check and general check up to make sure everything is looking good.  Our little munch is weighing 6lbs and 10oz, so she is back to her birth weight plus some oz.  In 7 days she's picked up 7 oz, the Dr generally wants to see at least a 3/4oz weight gain per day, and so far Addi is gaining an oz a day. 

Addi has been a real angel for us, we're already at 4 hour stretches between feeds, last night was our best night so far....we only have one feeding session at 1am, and then she slept until 6am!  So wonderful!  We definitely can't complain about lack of sleep.
Dr says that a growth spurt should happen within the next week, so I'm prepared for more feeds and night disruptions...

So funny that going to this appointment I had no questions for the Dr.  I remember with Emma I  had my list of questions to ask....at that time didn't realise there is a wide range of normal for babies!!!
I do however go back to my books and reread to make sure I'm doing things "correctly".
It's really been great with Rod at home.  Daddy has been busy preparing the nursery (painting done, now for the finishing touches), cooking for us, taking Emma out in the mornings for some sort of activity, then fitting his work in too and allowing me to take my naps when I can.  It's been good that we've been taking turns playing with Emma and keeping her busy.  Hopefully she doesn't feel any sort of neglect.  The first week was a little trying for Emma, but this week seems a whole lot better.  Emma is very interested in Addison, asking for her as soon as she wakes, wants to hold her every so often, very keen to help change diapers and bath Addi.  A very sweet moment, I had told Emma I was going upstairs to change Addi's diaper....a few minutes later I heard Emma saying, "Here you go mommy."  She was sitting at the bottom of the steps holding the wipes wanting to give them to me.  Whenever Addison sneezes...Emma will say, "bless you Addison", and when she cries, quickly runs to her side, tries to cover her or tuck her in, saying, it's ok Addison.  Just amazing seeing Emma being the big sister.  I think Emma's favorite time tho is when I feed Addison, Emma gets to sit next to mom and watch her shows on the iPad! 

Despite having to adjust to the new person in the house, Emma has just grown up overnight.  She's constantly making us laugh, her manners have improves, constantly saying "please" and "thank you" (guess we've drummed it in her head enough).  Her vocab has increased significantly...still unclear at times with her speech, but she's really putting sentences together, she talks about everything from what we're wearing, to what we're doing.  It's incredible.  Her latest is copying what we say...the other night Rod said, "Oh gosh", then we hear Emma saying, "oh gosh" she runs into the kitchen and laughs...then continues with "Emma, copying dad!"  since then, lots of copying!  Last night I had tripped over Addison's rocking chair...Emma says to me, "Becareful mommy, becareful!" and shakes her little finger at me.  Where did she get that from??

Its so great that lately she's joining in our conversations.  Rod and I were talking about the hospital,  I had mentioned all the cots that were lying around by the elevators and how grateful I am for having such healthy babies.  Em obvisouly listening to me then spoke about the fish that she saw and a button that she pressed to make bubbles.  Right where I was talking about there is a fish tank and Rod had taken her there to see the fish.  She just amazed us that she knew where I was talking about without even mentioning the fish tank.  Such a big girl.

Last night Addison was wide awake at 8pm.  She had the hiccups and made a few baby noises and I managed to capture one on video.  I know 2 weeks is too early for this, but I'll just take it as talking to mommy.  So weird to have to talk in Parentese again...please excuse the high pitched voice....Addison has been very alert and awake alot sooner than Emma was.  It took Emma what felt like a month to open her eyes for longer than 5 minutes.  So cute to see these two beady eyes.

Have I told you how much we're loving our girls?? 

Halloween

I was really looking forward to Halloween this year, dressing Emma up and taking her around the neighborhood to collect a bit of candy!  Unfortunately we couldn't go trick or treating...but Emma at least got to wear her costume to music class and to story time the week before Halloween.

So glad I took the above pic after music class - the teacher her decorated her front porch quite nicely.

Emma chose her outfit, she wanted to wear a Cinderella dress.

The other day she asked to wear her dress for Halloween  so I think she's still waiting for the day to come.

I thought to hide candy in the garden and have her find them...or take her to our neighbor to ring their bell and collect candy, but the day I asked her if she wanted to get dressed up, Emma said no.

Next year should work out better for us - lucky Addison gets double treats and gets to dress up every birthday!  Guess that doesn't mean Emma can't dress up on her birthday!

Superman and Cinderella (storytime at the library)

Cinderella in music class - jumping into the hulahoop - thought it was a cute action shot

Welcome Addison Kate Fok

One week ago we were hours away from meeting our next bundle of joy.  Time is flying even faster now that we have two....
We are so excited and thrilled to have welcomed our little Addison Kate into our lives on October 31, 2011 at 00:47.  Quite the surprise, as I wasn't expecting her until November 6th.  I was kind of hoping for an 11/11/11 baby, but knew I wouldn't be able to hold her in for that long, I thought I'd at least reach my due date, but Rod and my friend Amy had a feeling baby would be born a week before.  Amy's exact words, "by Sunday you'll be holding your baby"...she wasn't far off.

So begins our birth story - be prepared for a long read....if you wish to skip all the details you can go to the last few paragraph.

Saturday I felt awful, almost as though I were coming down with the flu, dull aches and pains (cramps), tired and just no energy to do anything, thankfully the weather was cold and rainy, so made us stay indoors the entire day.  I think Rod was having sympathy pains as he wasn't feeling too good either.  Sunday morning I woke at 5:30am to slightly more intense cramps.  In my mind I was thinking, uh-oh today is the day.  Feeling a little anxious I wanted to wake Rod, but left him to carry on sleeping, I would need him to be rested too for things to come. I tried to take my mind off of it but not very easy.  I just laid in bed and started timing the contractions, very erratic 6 - 8 - 10 minutes apart.   Rod eventually woke and I told him today might be the day...his response...uh-oh are you okay??
I messaged my folks, told them I think something is happening and also messaged our babysister incase we needed her urgently.

The contractions carried on throughout the day, and we already knew I was going to contract at home for as long as I could just so we could spend as much time with Emma than in the hospital.  I had told our babysitter at 10am, that nothing frequent was going on that she must carry on with her day, but to please be oncall.  The Dr had advised that I come in when contractions are 4-5 minutes apart consistantly for half an hour to an hour.  I was also advised that I try come into the hospital a little earlier as I was Group B positive (bacteria in my body that could infect baby at birth) and needed to be administered Penicillin through an IV and receive 2 doses at least 4 hours apart.

My last request before delivering Addi was Dunkin Donuts - not something I eat, but had this craving.  While Rod went out my gut told me to call our sitter and tell her to make her way through within the next half hour to an hour, this was around 5:30pm.  I called, but no answer, smsed her, no response. called again...  An hour later still no response from her....now I start panicking as contractions are going from 6 - 4 minutes apart!  I had to go for Plan B or Plan C.  Plan C was for my friend Amy to come through, she has 2 kids of her own, but was willing to leave them with her husband and spend the night here to watch over Emma.  After my call to her I remembered Plan B and called our other friend Annie at 6:45pm.  She got here by 7:10pm.  Before Annie arrived, we quickly bathed Emma and fed her dinner.  Then Annie arrived and we ran her through Emma's night routine before we dashed off to the hospital.  Quite comforting to see Emma give Annie a hug when she arrived since we hadn't seen Annie for a few weeks.  Around 8pm I was checked in at the hospital, and around 9pm was told I was 4cm dilated and at -3 station and would not be sent home - with contractions like that I would hope not.  I got my first dose of Penicillin around 9:30pm and then was set up in my labor and delivery suite.  I got to meet my nurse Carleen and Doctor, Dr Nieves...he is quite a delightful and funny Dr, gave us a two thumbs up and said, "we're going to have this baby tonight." 
Around 11pm I was at 7cm and contractions were coming fast and furiously....I had to hold out pushing until 1am I was told so I could get my second dose of penicillin, I did not see this happening, but tried to hold it off, however there is only so much I have control of.  Closer to 12am the nurse walked out the room and said if I feel the urge to push I must call her right away, I think she put one foot out the door and we called her back.  The nurse dashed off and came back to say that it was okay to administer the second dose of penicillin, so I was quickly hooked up and she literally squeezed the penicillin into my arm - actually the faster it enters your body the more it burns...the nurse asked if she could carry on at that rate and even tho it burnt it wasn't anything compared to the contractions (in the back of my mind I was thinking is this the rush drug users go for?).  All I could see was the nurse squeezing the penicillin as quickly as she could...then it was time to push.  About 5 attempts and 30 minutes later I was told a head made an appearance, then her body, I had reached down to try grab my baby girl - Rod saying, "no not yet", and Dr saying, "no she can".  So with Dr's help I pulled our baby girl to my chest and just smothered her with hugs and kisses, it sounds crazy, but the warmth and smell of a newborn baby is beautiful.  I was wondering when they would take her away from me to suction her and clean her up, but the nurses left her with me for quite some time before they did this.  Once cleaned up, shots given and measured we got another 2 hours with baby.  This was great as Rod and I really got to bond with baby, I even got to breastfeed which was successful.  We could not stop looking and aweing at our second precious gift, was like having Emma all over again.

Eventually we allowed the nurse to take baby to the nursery to have her bath and other checks done.  I was told I'd be staying in the labor room for the rest of my stay, which I didn't mind as it was one of the bigger rooms.  Rod was going to go home, but instead decided to stay at the hospital (4am) and then left to see to Em in the morning, (6am).

This was another unforgettable birth experience, great Dr's and nurses and Rod was once again the best supporter, being there for every moment and holding my hand whenever I needed it.  At times squeezing my hand harder than I was squeezing his, that I had to tell him to let go.  He said he was feeling my pain.

Rod brought Emma through to the hospital later that morning to meet her sister.  Such a special moment seeing Emma hold Addison and just showing her love, and being so gentle.  Emma actually got the final say as to what her sisters name should be...we gave her options and Addison was the one she chose.  Wonderful to see the first moment of our two little girls together.  Rod took Em home for nap and lunch, then came back later to have dinner with me.  That night was hard for Emma to leave, so hard to hear your daugther cry for you, made me want an early discharge even more.

I had to be at the hospital for at least 24 hours before I was allowed an early discharge.  All checks were able to be done in time so I could leave the hospital, but crazy thing....the wheel chair to wheel my out the hospital took longer to get than anything else...I waited in my room for 2 hours for this "service", all part of the protocol. 
The one nurse who had seen me waiting and eventually wheeled out, said she could have piggy backed me out the hospital, I told her I was eager to just use one of the stools on wheels to wheel myself out.

We are all home now, and it's still early days to say how it's really going - right now it's wonderful as we have a sleepy newborn and can still focus alot on Emma - as days progress and baby becomes more awake, it'll be most interesting how we manage the time to see to baby and entertain Emma.
Em adores Addison, she talks about Addison as though it's her doll, so I'm not sure she gets the whole big sister, little sister thing.  It was such a weird but blissful feeling, the one night I checked in on Emma in her room sleeping, then walked into our room and there was Addison sleeping - our two girls....still unbelievable that we're parents of two now. 

We managed to capture a few (a few in my book is alot to others) photos of the birth.  Rod was the photographer and manage to capture some great moments of Addison's first hour.  We couldn't have pics of Emma's birth and none of Addison.  So another chapter in our lives captured....

(sorry quality isnt great so pics are a little grainy)

I love you so much

A moment like this deserves a post of its own....
We just finished dinner and as I took Em out of her seat I told her to thank her daddy for dinner.  I then asked for a hug.  Em wrapped her arms around me then said...."I love you so much!"  How I've been waiting for Em to say this on her own accord.  Too sweet for words.
Rods response.....I've been training her to say that to me....and she goes and says it to you.....
I love you so much too Emma.  Precious precious moments.

I can't not laugh at my little Emma

As the pregnancy is nearing it's end, I'm trying to do as much as I can with Emma, keeping her busy and enjoying this fall weather.  Em has really been such a good girl and just keeps me entertained.

Yesterday morning I took Emma to Barnes and Noble, she normally enjoys playing with the train set there, and also looking at the water fountains at the mall.  Surprisingly she wasn't too interested in the train set, instead chose books and wanted me to read to her.  I happily obliged to read - it's so great to see her concentration span increasing these days, enjoying books by Dr Seuss, Curious George, Disney stories and the like. 

So we get to Barnes and Noble, and the escalators aren't working.  We decide to walk up the stairs, as we reached the top, the thought that ran through my mind was, gosh I feel so unfit, my legs were burning.  Then Emma bends down and says, "Knees sore" and starts rubbing her leg.  Obviously her little legs were burning too from climbing the stairs.  Poor little dear.  Then when it came to leaving I gave her the option of walking down the escalators or using the elevator, and she immediately replied with, "no, elavator".  Too funny.

We then walk to the mall for lunch, and Emma gets all excited when she sees the escalators there working.  Saying, "these ones working". 

We had a nice little lunch with daddy, and we gave Emma a treat after lunch - ice cream.  We are able to exchange the toy we get in Emma's meal for an ice cream - so I asked Emma is she wants the ice cream now (since she had eaten quite a big lunch), or if she'd like to have it another day.  She looks at me and answers with, "Now".  Like that's a silly question mom. 

I/We can't not laugh at this little girl - the way her mind works and the responses that come out her mouth.  Too funny.

With this great weather, we've tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible with Em, and just enjoying this one on one time with her.  Such a great age, so much fun.  Two more Saturdays till we meet our due date.  Soon soon Em will be sharing her toys with a real baby, and not just balancing it on her mommys tummy saying, "here you go baby sister".  I just wonder what her reaction will be like when she sees a real baby and I lose my tummy.  It's become a favourite resting place for Emma's arms and head during storytime.

Some latest photos of Emma...and us!

enjoying a picnic at the gardens - eating grapes



Emma just loves her daddy - sweetest picture!

 and a video - Emma playing "soccer" with her daddy - we received a flyer in the mail the other day showing kids playing soccer, after I explained the picture to her, she waited for her daddy to come downstairs waving the flyer saying, "Emma want to play soccer".  We'll see how things go and maybe enrol her in a few classes, should be cute.

Busy few days....

This weekend and today are part of the reasons why we love living in the States, and also having Emma around, so we actually get to see all these things too.

There is never a shortage of things to do with your kids.  From storytime at the library, the variety of parks to play at, different music classes going on and other festivals that happen throughout the year.

This weekend we were busy with the Lego Expo and Hillridge Farm.  Lego was more for Rod, but we knew Em would love it just the same, being able to build with lego and see all the amazing creations these lego people come up with.

I haven't seen so many lego pieces, they had different stations - duplo, monochrome bricks and then regular lego stations, where pieces were just dumped on the floor and everyone is free to build.  Then other theme related areas where you can explore and build some more.  Em seemed to enjoy the smaller pieces than the duplo.

 

  

amazing attention to detail

We also went to Hillridge Farm for the Fall Festival.  Held every year, but this was our first visit.  So great that Em is at an age that she can enjoy it.  This farm is like an amusement park with so much for the kids to do, from jumping castles, to playground equipment, pony rides, farm animals to see, bunnies, mazes, pumpkin picking, hayrides, train rides and more....  It far exceeded my expectations, we couldn't believe how many people were there already when we arrived and the line to get in.

kids maze

Pony ride which Emma requested she go on

almost 3 feet

 To get to Hillridge was almost an hours drive, Em fell asleep just as we got there and probably a good thing she did, as it gave us more time to enjoy it there.  Em had a blast.  She was most enthralled by the hayride and seeing the masses of pumpkins on the ground.  This farm does not grow their own pumpkins, so we didn't get to pick our pumpkin off the vine, but still fun nonetheless searching thru all the pumpkins for the perfect one!  Funny how everyone is looking for the biggest to get their monies worth. 

Emma's reaction to seeing all the pumpkins from the hayride

so exciting

Ben and Emma

I had just got Emma a book about the Fall, which mentions hayrides and pumpkins etc, so I think for her to see it in real life was great.  She was quite excited to pick her own pumpkin...we would ask her which pumpkin she'd want and she would point and say, "this one, this one, this one...." then be so adamant that she carry her pumpkin, but when she did and realised how heavy it was, she'd say, "daddy carry".

Emma's friend, Ben and his folks (Avi and Tom) joined us, so it was fun to see both kids enjoy themselves.

We were all wiped out after this....Em had a great 3 hour plus nap and Rod and I managed to get a good hour and a half nap too.

Then today, we met up with Avi and Ben again at Duke Gardens - we (Avi and I) were a little unsure how much fun the kids would have, since there are no jungle gyms to climb.  But with all the space to run around, water fountains to see, fish and ducks to see too, the kids had a grand time.  We had packed a few snacks and were able to have a small picnic, so it was another funfilled day

Another good napping day for Emma, over 2 hours!  Bliss, gives me time to kick up my feet for a bit and have a nap of my own.

This video is from today at Duke Gardens - Emma just being Emma and having fun.  It's so amazing to see the little things that we take for granted, being enjoyed...like walking up a step, jumping down a step, venturing up a hill and running back down, chasing a bird....really makes you realise to stop and smell the roses every once in a while.



Family/Maternity Photoshoot

About two weeks ago, we had photographer Sarah Elaine take a few family photos and maternity photos before our 3 becomes 4.  Trust it to have been the coldest and wettest day!  Days leading to it were glorious and sunny.   After numerous calls and emails back and forth to the photographer and constant watch on the weather we decided to just go for it, and see what happens....worse case we reschedule.

But it didn't turn out too bad in the end, we all got soaked, wet jeans, wet feet, poor Em caught a bit of a cold from this session.  But the end result were memories captured of our growing family.  These moments with Emma are precious, she's brought so much joy and happiness to our lifes the past two years, we almost feel bad that she's not going to get ALL the attention, but we are so looking forward to another addition and experiencing life with two girls and seeing how much more joy and happiness...also chaos and tantrums can be added to our lives! :)

5 more weeks to go!!!!  Can't wait!

Duke University with Aunty Sharon

Two posts in one weekend....

Today we took Sharon to see Duke University.  We did not get to show her on her last trip.
It was a great day to walk around and enjoy the campus.

I couldn't help but take pics of Emma, as Duke sets such a nice background.
I especially had to take pics of Emma in her Ralph dress that I got for her for our family photoshoot, which she unfortunately did not get to wear.  Also with the weather cooling down, best she wears it as much as possible, as next spring or summer I doubt she'll fit into it :(

25 Months

Another month gone by....Emma is 25 months now.
I'm almost thinking I should give up on the monthly updates, as I think all I'll be talking about is how much Emma is growing, becoming more and more independant, expressive, talkative....

I'm really loving this age now, it's like we've really formed this mother/daugther bond - sounds weird, but it's true.  Emma will now ask for hugs, or just come up to me and place her head on my shoulder, or tummy, sometimes wrap her arms around my neck.  She's now starting to call me "mommy".  Funny how is started off with Ma, then Mama, now Mommy.  Rod has also noticed that he feels more loved by Emma and has some purpose to her life.  haha
 
There is no more walking for Emma, it's all about running lately, skipping, hopping.  Em has a new friend from across the road, Madelyn, she's almost 3, and Em just loves watching her and copying everything she does.  They have a ball together, Emma cannot wait till she sees her next.  It's kind of crazy how quick Em will catch onto the bad habits - I guess it's bound to happen eventually.  It's funny how you think, I've taught my child to never do things like that, and then there she is learning from someone else.  The two girls were drawing with chalk on our driveway, our garage has now become the driveway with their artwork on the floor and walls.  Then Madelyn decided to draw/color her legs, and there's Emma doing exactly the same.  Guess you can only control so much and they're just being kids.

With all the running and skipping and hopping, Em works up quite an appetite.  So sweet when I tell her it's lunch time or dinner time, she'll come running to the table saying, "Emma Eat, Emma hungry" and  get comfortable in her chair, waiting for her food.  Such a great feeling too, seeing your child actually enjoy your meal and ask for another mouthful after her first.  It's become soooo much easier having Emma eat what we eat now...and if I make sometihng that I don't think she'll like and give her something else, she'll want to try what we're eating.  Hesitant to take that first bite, she'll just put her lips to the food, taste it and if it appeals will open her mouth wide.  I can see she does not trust me fully, I've probably tried one to many times to force things into her mouth!!

Sweets and treats are a big thing with Emma right now.  Every now and again, if she's been really good, ate all her food, made a pee or poop on the potty, we reward with some treats.  This poor girl gets so excited about it,  you'd swear it were Christmas or her birthday.  We've been to the mall once to have some haagen daaz, now each time we walk past, Emma will shout, "ice cream, Emma want ice cream".  I'm glad to say that even tho we don't get it for her, even after asking so nicely, she won't throw a tantrum or keep asking.  Times like that I think, we have it too easy with Emma.  What will Baby #2 bring??
Em caught a bit of a cold the other day and thought I'd give her some apple juice to make sure she drinks her liquids.  So we're sitting in the car and I ask her to drink some water, Emma doesn't take a sip, I ask her again and nothing.  Eventually I tell her, take a sip Emma, maybe there's a surprise inside.  she looks at me confused and lifts her cup....I tell her to take a sip and try it, again she looks at me...then says, "apple juice?"
So I said to try and see, again the happiest girl in the world, because she gets to drink apple juice.

Like identifying the ice cream stand at the mall, Emma will mention things like, Mama driving on the highway or big truck infront of us, lots of cars infront of us, bulldozers digging sand, man sitting in bulldozer.  Emma will point out the obvious and it's so great to hear her string more and more words together.  We've been looking at photos from our Hong Kong trip in December 2010, we've looked at them so many times, she thinks that her Ma Ma and Yeh Yeh live in Disneyland.  There is also one photo of Yeh Yeh sticking a Tinkerbell sticker on her t shirt, so this morning when I put that particular tshirt on, I asked if she remembered this shirt, and she replied with "Tinkerbell sticker", I then asked "who stuck it on your shirt?", she replied, "Yeh Yeh", then I asked where were we?, Emma, "Disneyland", and my final question was "which Disneyland?", she said, "Hong Kong".  Obviously when I tried to repeat the conversation with Ma Ma and Yeh Yeh on skype, it didn't go as smoothly.

As of yesterday Emma can count to 4, and today to 5....before it was always, 9, 10, 9, 10....now she's finally getting the hang of it.  Normally when Emma does not listen, I'll say something like "Emma I'm going to count to 5, and if you don't come over and change your diaper then we can't go for our walk." or whatever threat I need to use.  Then when I start to count, Emma will lift her fingers and start pointing to each finger as I count.  She takes all the seriousness out of it!!  Most times she'll then listen, just funny how she'll stop doing what she's doing and starting counting and pointing to her fingers.  "Oh this child!!"

Then reading...a few times I've caught Emma in her room "reading" her books.  She knows quite a few of her books, but the Dr Suess ones she knows pretty well.  So the one day I see her paging thru her books and memorizing a few words from the story.  Just such a sweet moment to watch.  You think, all my reading has not been done in vain.  Same with songs, I was cooking dinner the other night and she's sitting at the table waiting for her meal, and I hear her singing something, very quietly.  I listen hard and try make out what she's singing.  I finally figured it was "you are my sunshine", so when I started singing, she looked up at me and just gave his huge smile - big enough to melt my heart.  Emma will read, sing and repeat things back in whispers.

So much is said and done with this little one, it's quite amazing.  I try keep a journal of all the things she's done but with the lack of energy by the end of the day, I keep saying I'll write tomorrow and then a week later, I'm trying to remember everything, and obviously I've forgotten some things.

Rod has been travelling back and forth to Columbus for work, gone during the week and home for the weekend.  Rod's sister, Sharon is visiting this weekend and arrives tomorrow.  So I asked Emma this morning, "Do you know who's visitng you this weekend?"  Emma said, "Dada! Dada come play with Emma"
I had to laugh that she thinks dad is visiting, which is partly true, as he is likely to travel again next week.

Oh the cuteness.

Baby sister is 34 weeks tomorrow....and lately I've been feeling really excited about her arrival.  I cannot wait to meet her.  Em doesn't talk much about baby sister, but she knows she's in mommy's tummy and occassionally give her hugs and kisses.  I think though she's more fascinated by my belly button.  At times Em will be rough and push my tummy or accidently squash.  When I say, "becareful Emma", she'll say, "so so baby sister", thats, sorry baby sister and give a little kiss.

I've been blessed that this pregnancy has been really smooth, I haven't even felt the backache and other aches and pains as much as I did with Emma (besides by the pelvic area, when I lie down too long, or roll over too quick) - guess I don't have time to think of all the aches and pain with Emma keeping me on my toes.

Before I know it another month will pass, and I'll be close to popping, crazy to think.  Right now just trying to keep the energy levels up and keeping up with my little Emma.  Even tho I'm run off my feet by the end of the day, esp when Rod is out of town, I just love watching Emma enjoy being a kid, absorbing everything said and done around her, and being fascinated by the little things.

Our Morning walk on the American Tobacco Trail

Today was sadly, my first form of exercise since falling pregnant.  The weather has been great lately...not humid, not too hot - just right!!  (Sad to think that our summer has come to an end, and soon we'll be complaining about the cold.)  We didn't have any errands to run, or playdates to go on, I decided to go for a walk with Emma along the ATT.  Would be great for Emma to see other walkers/runners, bikers, dogs etc.

After about 30 minutes into the walk, Emma got antsy and did not want to sit in the stroller anymore, she wanted to walk.  Although she didn't walk...she started off running.  So she sure got her exercise this morning.  So sweet to see her little legs go and her arms at times tucked in at her sides while she waddles, I mean runs! 

And then, it was time to cool down....

Since turning 2 and Bald Head Island

Since Emma turned 2 it's like we have a new child on our hands.
One blink and we have this little girl who now seems so tall, talking endlessly, becoming so independent and really expressing herself.
I've lost track of how many words she can say now, it's endless words and trying to figure out what she's saying.  We're caught by surprise many times when she repeats something we've said either from a while back or instantly.

This past weekend we managed to go on our Summer Holiday.  Our first family beach holiday which I've been looking forward to for a long time!  You can imagine my dissapointment when I heard that Hurricane Irene was on it's way and we were right in her path.  With continuous calls to the lodge where we were to stay, they convinced me that we'd be arriving after the storm and we'd be good to go.  Still unsure about going. What the weather would be like after the storm? Will the beach be covered in debris?
It turned out beautifully, sunny skies everyday and it was so hot!  Just the getaway we needed with our little Emma before Baby sister arrives.

Emma showed so much excitement as we were packing the car before we left.  It was so cute to see, reminded me of how excited I would get going away on holiday, but I never thought a 2 year old would react that way.  She was very vocal, jumping around, shouting.  She had her little suitcase ready, sat by the stairs waiting for her shoes to be put on, then climbed in her carseat and was ready to be strapped in.  We eventually leave the house, and Emma asks to see Ella and Amy...hmmmm.....

So our first stop on Sunday was Wilmington, where we would visit the aquarium and try get to the beach before sunset.  Fort Fisher has a small aquarium, but adequate enough for Emma explore the sea life.  She seemed to have enjoyed herself, she got to touch a horseshoe crab, starfish and some urchin.
All excited about taking Emma to the beach later that day, turned out to be quite the ordeal for Emma.  We went to Wrightsville beach, Emma hated the sand, which I expected, as she never wants to play in the sandpit.  But thinking the water might entice her, it didn't.  Our little girl, squealed and whined about the sand in between her toes and on her hands, when we sat her on the towel she would continue to whine and have both hands and feet in the air.  Funny girl.  Dad tried to take her to the water, if Em could climb on top of her dads head she would have.  We knew we were in for a "good beach weekend" with Emma behaving this way! :)
That night we were all in bed by 9pm and fast asleep - Em loved being in her own bed, jumping up and down, so happy, and crying for just a bit before falling asleep.

Monday we made our way to Bald Head Island, this involved 2 ferry rides, one being a vehicle ferry, ie we take our car on the boat, and the other we had to park our car and catch the passenger ferry to Bald Head.
Once on Bald Head Island we were transported by tram to our place of accommodation - Marsh Harbor Inn.  We checked in and were assigned a golf cart, the only means of transport on this island.  This was fun for all us.  Em got to sit with mom and dad in the front, put the key in the starter and at times even helped dad drive.
Bald Head is a small island, that takes 15 minutes to get from one end to the other, has one little grocery store, one main restaurant (which sadly had poor reviews, so opted to not even eat there, luckily there were two deli's we could eat at and the grocery store), and just a few little boutique-ish stores which we didn't get to see.

So the next 2 days we spent exploring the island, trying to get Em used to the beach - which was not quite successful, we hope it's just an age thing.  As soon as Em walked on the sand she froze and would not move, as though she were stuck in concrete.  The only time she took a few steps was when I had her sneakers on, but obviously sand would eventually get in and Emma would hate it.  Only our girl wants to wear sneakers to the beach, and sit on her towel while digging in the sand.  I hope next summer will be a different story.

priceless!

We also rented bikes and rode around the island, Emma loved this sitting behind her daddy and just taking it all in.  She found it funny when Rod would stand and peddle going uphill as she would rock side to side.  An hour into the ride Em fell asleep, and we had to head back, poor girl was all slumped in the child seat.

All in all, a wonderful, relaxing little getaway.  Emma was so easy going, we just love how big she's gotten, expressing herself and commenting on things, showing her excitement and talking about things after.
She has become a little cheeky these days, but we hope to nip that in the bud.  Em got to fill up on lots of fries, chicken tenders and grilled cheeses, funny how this is all what eating places offer kids.  The night we got home, I steamed carrots and I was surprised that Emma went for them and said, "nice"!!  I guess she missed her veggies, we did too!

We got some really great shots this holiday - these being our favourites, so much love from our little Emma, we can't get enough!

Now we wait for our next exciting adventure, arrival of baby sister, just shy of 10 weeks to go....

Birthday Morning

Happy Birthday Emma

Video of Emma's birthday to share with you all.
Singing Happy Birthday and blowing the candles out.