Emersonisms

He loves to get in to my essential oil bottles, or rather take them out of the bag and disperse them all over the floor while proceeding to put as many has he can to his mouth. I keep a close eye on him because some of them are not-edible or hot. He's put Thieves (which has cinnamon and clove in it) in his mouth before and looked at me wide-eyed then started brushing at his tongue with his fingers wondering why it was spicy. I'm sure his tongue went numb for a second or two. Needless to say, I can't wait for the everything-goes-in-the-mouth stage to be over. 

Emerson is quite the Daddy's-boy. I was a bit envious of Phil at the beginning but now I adore how much he loves his Dad. Though I think he's starting to balance out because in this case he wanted Mommy more than Daddy. Heart, melted. :)

All better!

His personality is really starting to show, even just in the last few days. He's beginning to notice when we laugh at something cute or funny he does and he'll then repeat it to gain another reaction from us. After a horrid teething episode last week he's finally back to himself and laughing and playing. He's such a ham, I love it! 

His favorite book right now is a book that has a bunch of animals and their sounds that show when you open up the flap. He giggles in anticipation EVERY time. 

He laughs so deeply when he's being tickled, chased or when we play "where's Mommy/Daddy?" and pop out to scare him. I love how playful he is and how many games he's catching on to. He's finally able to understand he must sit long enough while I hold his toes and play "this little piggie." He loves it! 

He bites everything though... his books, his parents, everything. I know it's common when they're getting teeth, but seriously, I have bruises from some of his nibbles. He does it almost as a type of affectionate expression when he's happy or without thought when he's playing. Not sure what to do to stop it before he get's older... ??

I love being this boy-boy's Mommie! He's seriously one of my best friends and the best snuggle-buddy around. Just today he initiated giving me a kiss and repeated it when I asked if I could have another one. I love when he's still enough to show affection. He melts my heart in new ways every single day.  Love my bug!
 

1 year of Emerson

1 year ago Phil and I became parents. Say what? Now that 8lb 8oz baby is nearly-walking, babbling, generating his own wants and un-wants and giving us a run for our money. Every little bit of him is so precious to me (aside from his whiney-cry, that, not-so-much) but honestly, he brightens my soul and brings me such immense joy. I can hardly breath sometimes when I snuggle up with him, kiss his forehead and when I look back through pictures I take of him throughout the day. He's a special little ray of light in our lives and I'm so happy he came to us.

Let's see lately... he's entirely obsessed with brushes, particularly tooth brushes and would prefer to carry one of those around to a blanket or snuggly bear. He babbles all the time and you can tell he's understanding words. I'm certain "doggie" will be his first word, if he jumps out of his skin every time he sees one or when we ask what a doggie says, he giggles and laughs. He's nearly convinced us that he needs a dog.

He eats anything thats flavorful or these little puffy rice cakes that have absolutely no flavor at all. He doesn't like bananas, unless they're there for squishing between his fingers. He's a meat, cheese and fruit lover and absolutely won't let us put anything in his mouth for him.

He refuses to stand on his own or even attempt to walk without assistance holding tightly with BOTH hands at all times (unless he's distracted.) He could totally walk by now but refuses. Emerson is a total daddy's-boy except when it comes time for naps and nursing. The less clothing he has to wear the happier he is and does not like blankets on him when he sleeps. He's starting to bob his head or body when music comes on and he love to bang or jingle things that make noise to create music of his own.

A boy that loves nature

There's something so satisfying about watching Emerson play outside. To see his wheels turning and the lights sparking through his eyes. He's so fascinated by textures running between his fingers and of course across his tongue and teeth for more accurate measurement, I'm sure. His favorites are running water, any assortment of brush with bristles and pine cones. 

There's nothing that keeps him more at ease with his babyhood than adventures in the outside world. He rarely gets restless on walks and could crawl in the grass, through dirt and under bushes and trees for hours, if only naps weren't a necessity for his little body. 

I hope he'll always have a passion for the outdoors, it's such an important aspect of being a child, of being a human. Something one should never be drawn away from for too long. 

We leave on Monday for Germany and I fear the worst for our hours in confinement on the airplane. The lack of space, the lack of freedom Emerson will experience. It's such a trying thing for a little boy to sit still. Even an hour at church is unruly for such a creature of his temperament. Maybe it's due to our frequent use of all the nature-made essential oils, nature's just in his blood. ;) 

Yet my joy will be full when he will be unleashed and get to experience the beauty that is embodied in the country of Germany. A plane ride will be worth it I keep reminding myself, it'll be over in the blink of an eye. Oh how I can't wait. 

Bug-a-boo is getting big.

E is growing up! And this time it's ok. It's amazing how in the first few weeks and months of E's life, his growth was a reason to mourn. It felt like once we saw any noticeable tinge of growth I'd shed a tear feeling like his youth had passed and he was now a grown man of 6 days old. Well quickly those days of newborn-ness have passed and yet the excitement that's come with his ever changing body has grown with each new milestone and stage.


-He's getting over his separation anxiety/month of grumpy crying all-the-time, doesn't-want-to-be-held-but-doesn't-want-to-be-put-down-either stage is clearing and there is hope for a bright very energetic wiggle-worm future.


- He's now got 5 teeth, 2 on the bottom 3 on top with one more breaking through on the top.

- He loves walking while you hold his hands but is a scaredy-cat and chicken's out when you try to let go of even one hand.

-He goes back and forth between loving different foods or just being bored with foods in general. He'd rather play with anything we give him.

- He's ALL about the outdoors and all about getting dirty. I just let him go for it! He's a boy ain't he?