My Emma

I take lots of photos of Emma, but few seem to capture the Emma that I know. She hates the flash and makes such serious faces or the photos just don't come out really looking like her. I'm posting this one, even though she's covered with food (which isn't very attractive), but it looks like my Emma. She smiles and giggles a lot, but once she sees the camera, the smiles disappear (she then just kind of stares at the camera or intent on grabbing it...she doesn't quite get, "say cheese", yet.)

Emma took her first step!

When Pete had Emma in China, he told me she'd be running after her big sister by summer and I didn't believe it. Well, now I do. Yesterday, we watched in amazement as Emma took her first step. The big girls in the neighborhood all came running and were screaming (they come over nearly every day to play with my girls....they are in 6th grade and are crazy about babies and my girls adore them, too) . Anyway, they clapped for Emma and fussed over her accomplishment. Emma stood right back up again and threw her arms into the air and yelled "yeah!". It was really sweet. Hillary and Matt each walked at 10.5 months. Today, Emma is 10.5 months.

Hillary and Emma at Walden Pond

Hillary had a biology project to do so we headed for Walden Pond to take some photos. Emma didn't really like the sand at first, but we will keep working on it because we will be spending summer at the beach. I bet she will love the beach by the time summer is over!

A busy month

Emma's been home just over a month and it's hard to keep up with everything which is why I haven't posted much to the blog. She is doing great. She gained 3 pounds in the first 4 weeks home and has adjusted beautifully to our busy household. When I think of all the places she's gone and all the new things she has experienced, I'm amazed by how she has taken it all in stride. She's been to parties, concerts, a trip to the Cape, the circus, the doctor's office (numerous times between all of the kids), the veterinarian's office, baseball games, nursery school, gymnastics, ballet and all of the other activities her siblings are involved in and she seems to enjoy it all (though sitting in the car seat gets old after a while). She learned to crawl in China and now really gets around quickly both by crawling and cruising. She will stand without support, but hasn't taken any steps yet, but I don't think it will be too long before she does. She came home with no teeth, but now has two on the bottom and she knows how to use them. She still doesn't sleep that well at night, but it has improved some. Emma is an easy-going and happy baby!!!