Shafer Family

Potty Training . . .When I Turn 3 I Will Pee in the Potty!

2010-02-22T18:40:00.001-08:00

Emma's almost 3, April 10th to be exact, and I have yet to get her potty trained. I've started and stopped twice now but no success. The first time, I wasn't committed and Emma Kate wasn't ready. The second time she just wanted to be like her brother and wear diapers. So this morning we woke up and said Hello Mr. Potty Chair! I was hoping she would be excited about it since I had put all my love and care into making her the most beautiufl potty chair chart where she gets to put princess stickers on it every time she peepees and pooppoos in the potty chair. I know she eventually get it, my patience will be tested in the process but this time, I'm not stopping and looking forward to Emma Kate learning this new skill - you know, peeing is a skill! Stay posted for more . . .

Thoughts on being a Mother. . .

2009-02-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Being a mom has always been at the forefront of my heart. I knew as a little girl, I would be a mom and looked forward to the day that I could nurture, love and take care of little ones. When I had Emma Kate, I knew this was the best job I would ever have. There have been times that I missed the dressing up and going to work or having the mental challenge of a project or a deadline. But nothing compared to the compeltness as a woman this little one gave me. To hold a little newborn at your breast or to rock a baby to sleep or even wake up at the slightest little sqeak to check on them . . .if your a mom, you know what I'm talking about. There were many of times I would second guess myself if I was doing the right thing or wonder if when you left her in the nursery if she was really going to be paid attention to and cared for the way you care for her.

I got the priveledge a second time to be a mom and I have to say, it just keeps getting better! I have learned to treasure every moment (even the moments that are stressful) because I now know how fast they grow up. Christian is the most precious baby. He smiles all the time, giggles in his sleep, responds to tickling and loves to flael (sp) his arms and legs in pure delight for life! I treasure rocking him to sleep and cuddeling him at night.

I am often asked the question "Are you going to have anymore kids?" Well, when I was pregnant with Christian, I thought in my heart that this was it. Our family is complete. But after having him and holding him, and even now that he is 2 1/2 months old, my heart keeps telling me we're not complete as a family. Its not even that I love prenancy or even labor and delivery. I actually don't like those stages at all! Is all I can say is that the Lord has put that desire in my heart to welcome another little one to our family. The timing of it all - I don't know. Is all I know is that its busy around here. Life with a 2 year old and 2 1/2 month old is busy. Being married for only 2 1/2 years and still consider yourself a newly wed with alot of distractions is another thing to consider. The economy is another factor. But regardless of all these things to take into consideration, I know that the Lord is good and has been very gracious to me. I am married to the best husband any girl could ever want, I have a beautiful daughter and a healthy newborn baby boy. When the time is right, I know the Lord will be faithful to lead us and give us direction.

The verse that says "Happy is the man that has a quiver full" is definetely being made real to both Brock and I and we love the life God has blessed us with!

Daddy's are the BEST!

2009-02-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Brock is such a good Daddy. He plays with Emma, does airplane, wrestles with her, takes her on walks, dances with her and what she loves the most is when daddy reads to her. She is definetely a daddy's girl! When Brock comes home from work, Emma runs to the door with pure excitement and joy to see her daddy. If she's in trouble - she wants daddy, if she wants to play - she asks for daddy, if she wants to read books - she takes a book to daddy. But if she has a boo boo - She comes to mommy and when its time to sing songs before we go nigh nigh - She wants her mommy!

Emma's Room - Finally "almost" Done :)

2009-02-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

Emma's Bedroom finally coming together!

For Months we've been wanting to put the 2nd coat of paint on the walls in Emma's room but with me being pregnant, we decided to wait. Brock tackled this task about 2 weeks ago and I was able to decorate her room with the Uppercase Living Expressions. I am a demonstrator for the company and LOVE the product! I am not completely done with her room but at least this is a start!

This is a growth chart that says BLOOM!

My Brother, My New Best Friend!

2009-02-08T20:05:00.001-08:00

Emma Kate - 22 Months Old

Christian - 2 Months Old

We Joined The Memphis Childrens Museum

2009-02-08T19:14:00.001-08:00

Grocery Shopping at Krogger - Looks like we're having Lobster for dinner!

Do I see a future fireman?

Police Man?

WEEEE - we love the slide!

Climbing in the tree house

Dressing up as a Giraffe

How do I look mom?

Color Color!

Emma crawling through an "artery" of a heart! Pretty cool. I'll have to take a picture of the exhibit so you can see the whole thing.

Fishing in the Mississippi River! They have little poles and fishes that you can catch as well as boats you can float and watch go down the Mississippi River! This is her favorite.

Christian - 2 Months Old!

2009-02-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Christian Brock Shafer - Dec 9th 8 lb 10 oz 21 in.

2009-02-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

Getting checked into my room.

Daddy's excited to meet his son!

Christian has black hair, blues and looks just like daddy when he was born

Getting ready to go home!

This is the outfit Brock wore home from the hospital - 37 years ago!

A Cold Rainy Day!

2008-11-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

What better is there to do on a cold, rainy day!

Emma Kate and Tatianna playing. Its more fun to be the toys than to play with them!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

My idea for a sweet little girl for her first Halloween was to be a princess or tinkerbell but as you can see, Emma Kate was a bigk, orange PUMPKIN! I'll not mention who picked this costume out! I think she looks cute even if she didn't get to be a princess.

Thymian Becker and Taylor Becker

2008-11-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Thymian has responded very well to the treatment for ITP. As of last week her platelets are now up to 61,000. Still a long shot from 500,000 but its doing what its supposed to. Her bone marrow is making the platelets and that is what matters most. The bruises are going away and she is acting normal and is back to her sweet, energetic self. Tracie and Jon will have to have her tested periodically to make sure her body doesn't go into "Overkill" mode but she should be fine! The family is going through a lot right now.

Taylor Becker - On Thursday, Nov 20th their eldest son, Taylor will have surgery performed to remove a tumor (non-cancer) from his throught. The surgery will be done at the Children's Hospital in Little Rock, AK (about 3 hours from Memphis). This will be at least a 3 week recovery for him and fairly painful especially around days 4 and 5 after the surgery. Please be in prayer for them during the next few weeks!

We will get to keep Tatianna for about 4 days during this time! Yeah! Emma has a playmate! Thymian will stay with one of her friends from church and hopefully come to play on Saturday. Please pray I DON'T go into labor during this time. I don't know who I would take care of the kiddos. I may just be in labor by myself and Brock will have to take care of the girls. The Lord knows and I rest in His timing!

Diagnosis Update

2008-10-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Thymian has been diagnosed with ITP. ITP is like Leukemia without the cancer in that it destroys the platelets in the blood which creates lots of complications...but it is treatable without chemo or radiation. About an hour ago, they finally were able to get a line in her vein and have started her treatment. Please pray her body responds to the treatment and her platelets increase.

Thank you for your prayers!

Heidi

Please Pray For Thymian Becker - my niece

2008-10-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Jon and Tracie noticed last night that Thymian (4yrs) had bruises all over her body as well as blood blisters in her mouth. Being that it was late in the evening, they decided to have the Dr. look at her first thing this morning. Thymian woke up in the middle of the night vomitting but otherwise feeling okay. After blood was taken this morning, the Dr. notified Jon and Tracie that a normal 4 yr old should have 500,000 amount of blood platelets but that Thymain had literally 1! He immediately advised them he was admitting her to La Bonheur Childrens Hospital for further testing and diagnonis from a Hemotogolist.

Please be in prayer for

1. Wisdom for the Drs. to diagnos her quickly and accurately.
2. Emotional strength for Jon and Tracie
3. Our hearts as a family to remain steadfast on the Lord, our sovereign, good and faithful God!

Praising the Lord for:

1. That Jon and Tracie live in Memphis now instead of TX where the closest hospital to treat Thymian would have been about 4 hours away - Corpus Christi - but they are here in Memphis where we have St. Judes Hospital as well as La Bonheur Childrens Hospital!
2. Tracie was able to call me this morning and since we live in the same town now, I can help out with the other kids. Today I'll pick them up from school, help with homework, play, etc.
3. His goodness even in times of the unknown. Resting upon His promises that He is in Control of every aspect of our lives, He loves Thymian more than we could and has her little life in His hands!

Thymian at the Memphis Zoo this Summer!

Tracie and Thymian at the Children's Museum - Kroger!

She got to check-out her own groceries! So fun!

Thymian all ready for bed in her princess PJ's and uncle Brock reading a bed time story to her!

10 Ways You Know Your Expecting a Baby Soon

2008-10-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

1. You get on an organizing/throwing out frenzy and you start in your attic!
2. You clean out and re-organize everything in your kitchen.
3. You take inventory of all your childrens clothes.
4. You bust out the paint can and go around the house making "touch ups" (of course protecting yourself from the toxins of the paint).
5. All your closests in the house are organized and de-junked!
6. You get over amitious and you "mow" the lawn.
7. You sweep and hose out the garage and finish it off with organizing everything in it.
7. You even clean out your husbands golf bag.
8. You wash down and sanitize all the toys, car seats, swing, bassinet
9. You steam clean all the carpets in your house.
10. You calapse and take a 3 hour nap!

Yes, this is what I have been doing all week! And to think, I still have 6 1/2 weeks left.

Family Time at the Park!

2008-10-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

Pictures are a little out of order.

Weeeeeee!
Feeding the Ducks
Growing up so fast!
She's a daddy's girl!

Mommies Tummy is getting BIG!

Emma had to try them ALL out!

Swinging is definetely the favorite!

Emma Loves Her Friend Ella!

2008-10-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Ella and Emma Playing

Emma loves the rocking chair!

What a sweet face!

Lots of Sand and Water! Fun Fun
Books Books and More Books

Ella and Benjamin playing football tag with their daddy, Ross.

Emma on the sidelines cheering for Doby dog.

Thank you Tammy for a fun time. Love, Emma

Emma loves shoes!

2008-09-19T03:15:00.000-07:00

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Thoughts from My Personal Bible Study Today. . .

2008-09-05T11:58:00.001-07:00

I wanted to post a few words about how the Word of God has revived me today. There are days that reading Gods Word feels somewhat emotionless and other days, I get up and have a new energy and thankfulness to the Lord for showing me my sin, giving me hope or like today, Reviving my Soul! His nearness is so good to me!

I started this series on the Pillars of Christain Character. Today was the Pillar/Attitude of Faith. The Lesson pointed to the book of Habakuk and how Habakuk cried out to the Lord for deliverance for the people of God. "How Long O Lord Do I Have To Cry Out to You?" There was so much evil and perversity, violence and a corupt justice system, to name a few. . .

The Lord answered Habakuk and said "Look, among the nations and watch - Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.

What the Lord went on to tell Habakuk was that He was raising up the Chaldeans (an even more wicked people) to overthrough the wicked of Habakuks day. WHAT! This wasn't what Habakuk had in mind at all. He was asking the Lord for revival.

V12 Habakuk answered the Lord and proclaimed the Lord's Sovereignty. "Are You not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness. . .

I was reminded of a few things while studying this passage 1. We trust someone because we Know them. We know someone because we spend time with them, learning them, conversing with them. Just like our Faith, we trust the Lord because He is trustworthy, because we know Him and have spent time in His Word, understanding and learning His Heart, His Ways, His Words.

I was also reminded that Habakuk recounted the character of the Lord in his response. . .He proclaimed the truth about who God was. "You are from Everlasting, O Lord My God, My Holy One." He understood and knew that the Lord was Soverign, that the Lord had a promise to keep and that was to fulfill his covenant with His people. How could God destroy a people in which he loved and had made a promise (covenant) with.

I love what Habakuk says in 3:17 . . Though the fig tree may not blossom, or fruit on the vines dont' produce, or the olive fail, the fields produce no food. . .(meaning, anything that is ordinary, dependable, upside down in our lives) YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION! (though I don't understand my circumstances, I know my God and I can trust in Him)

3:19 The Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like deers feet and makes me walk on high places. How do we get to walk on HIGH PLACES? We trust in the Lord, knowing He is our strength. That is Faith!

Life is evaluated not by our circumstances or what we see, but on the character of God who is unchanging!

I especially felt the Word revived me today as this morning I struggled to have joy as I looked into my day. For many months I've prayed and asked the Lord to fill or complete a few areas of my life that I long to see Him work in but nothing changes. I know my heart has been redirected today as I look not on my circumstances but on the unchanging character and goodness of my God who is at work, even though I cannot see it!

We're Back!

2008-09-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Heres a few funny things from the past few days. . .

Yesterday, Emma was playing with the cell phone and I didn't realize she was pushing buttons. She called Chea (a good friend of Auntie Shea's) on Hawaii - (She called him at like 4:00 in the morning HI time, OPPSS, Sorry Chea.)

I was emptying the dishwasher and of course my little buddy was right there helping me. She takes the Kitchen utensils and one by one carries them in the other room. I thought she was taking them into her room but NO, she had other things in mind. . .

Emma Loves to wash her hands after eating. It usually takes a good 10-15 minutes to get the job done as she turns it into playtime. Heres 2 videos that show how proud she is of herself for figuring out how to turn off and on the faucet.

Visiting my Grandpa and Grandma Avram

2008-08-16T11:16:00.001-07:00

The past week, Tracie and I took all the kids to see Grandpa and Grammy Avram in West Branch, MI. The trip was 14 hours long (driving not including stops) and the kids did AWESOME! Tracie and I shared the driving - while one drove the other helped keep the kiddos happy. . .you name it, oh, you want more grapes, here you go, another lolly, okay, here you go. . . did you say you wanted more candy, okay, here's another piece. Anything to keep them happy and contented was the goal! Once we hit Fort Wayne, IN we called our mom to say, we are about 4 hours away and we're going to keep driving through and we should see you around mid-night. . .well, come four hours later, we were in Grand Rapids, MI. Now, Westbranch MI -where papa and grammy live, is on on the East side of MI, and Grand Rapids, MI happens to be on the West side of MI! How did that happen???? We obviously missed a turnoff and didn't realize it! OPPPSS So we decided to stop and get a hotel for the night and let the kids sleep in and swim a little before we finished the 2 hour drive the next day. Did I mention we ordered take out at 2:30 in the morning and watched cartoons before we all fell asleep again! We just had a blast!

Here are a few pics of our stay at Papa and Grammy Avrams!

My brother Bill and his wife Sara and cousin Brady drove up from Dupont, Ohio spend time with the family. David and Carrie and not in this picture but they live in Westbranch, MI so they also got to join in on the family fun!

After we visited with Papa and Grammy for about 5 days, Tracie and I started our head back home. On our way home, Tracie visited with her friend Jillian who lives in Fort Wayne, IN for a day and I was able to visit with my brother Bill and sister in law, Sara and cousin Brady. Emma Kate and Brady played very sweetly together. Emma loved all of Brady's toys!

A future cook!

In the tub with cousin Brady!

Whose this little girl? Where did my baby go?

2008-08-06T06:24:00.001-07:00

The first thing Emma wants to do when she wakes up in the morning (of course after eating her cereal) is to read books. She LOVES books and will spend most of her day looking through them. The other night while I was making dinner, I looked over at her in the living room and she was turning the pages and laughing and babbeling like she was reading. . .it was soooo cute! This is her Squishy Fish book from Grandma Avram.

Whose this little girl? Where's my baby? I think she's looking more like her daddy every day!

Emma goes to Brusters for an Ice Cream Cone!

2008-08-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

Out for a little treat to cool down!

Emma, Lets see how tall you are! Wow 30 Inches! Thats 10 inches in 15 months!

Am I taller now mommy? Emma stood on her tippy toes all by herself!

Ummmmm This is good!

My own vanilla cone!

Hangin with my dad!

Emma's Sunday School Class

2008-07-27T19:42:00.001-07:00

Carrie Moore, the lady on the left, each week goes to all the Nursery Sunday School Classes and sings songs with the kids and teaches them a little Bible Story. I "shadowed" her just to see what she does as I have heard about her ministry. All the kids love her! This has been her ministry for the past 30 years! What a heart!
So where's Emma?Sound asleep on her teacher's lap. Her nap time is 11:00 and she usually is fine until noonish on Sundays but today, she had enough and crawled up on her teachers lap and went to sleep! I was looking forward to seeing her in her class and thought how fun to be a part of her world in the nursery. Its so fun to see how she interacts with other kids her age. When we got to Emma's class, I found her cuddled up in her teacher's arms! Everyone always says what a sweet girl she is! I think so too!

I had to add this picture. . .this is the "crawlers" class (about 7-9 month babies) and they put the kids in this table with built in chairs and sing songs, blow bubbles, shows the babies toys that they would be interested in and talk about how God made our eyes, nose, hair. . .it was so cute to see how they all responded.

Pictures from the past few days. . .

2008-07-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Out for a walk. . .she loves to stop and pick all the flowers! (It looks like she is standing on a side of a cliff, but she's just standing by the side of the road.)

I love my bike Grammie Avram!

Oh! Spotted an ant!

At the Doctor's Office. . .just found out we're having a boy!

Its a Boy! Its a Boy! Its a Boy!

2008-07-16T09:51:00.003-07:00

Yep, His little package!

Can you believe it! This little one is such a miracle. God is sooooo Good!

This just in from Jake, the Mongolian!

2008-07-15T03:40:00.000-07:00

(Picture Slideshow) Jake sent these pictures this morning from Mongolia. He is back in Mongolia visiting with his host family before he heads back to the Gobi dessert. We Miss and Love you Jake! Glad to see your feeling better! Enjoy!

Will it be a Boy or a Girl? Brother or Sister?

2008-07-15T02:30:00.000-07:00

Goodmorning! Its 4:00 in the morning and I can't sleep! Today we get to take a peek at our little Choocher (thats from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) to see what we're having. I have to admit, in the back of my mind I always wonder if this little one will have formed perfectly, what will he/she become someday or will he/she have any sort of physical difficulty. Have I eaten all the right things. . .Have I put my baby in any danger by any activity I've done. . .But then my thoughts have to go back to the truth of God's Word and His soverignty over every life.

Psalms 139:13-16

"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them."

After reading that passage, my heart always finds rest in knowing that The Lord is so good, even if life does not seem to be by "our" standards. I just get to sit back and trust in His goodness and blessing to our family with this new little life! I CAN'T WAIT!

Praise be to our God, For He does Great Things!

Going to the Ball!

2008-07-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

(Picture Slide Show) I watched the girls while Tracie went to her interview to substitute teach this fall. The girls and I had a lot of fun playing princess dress up. I don't think Emma knew what was going on but she loved being part of the group and showing off her dress. Thymian is a princess at heart! Tatianna is Emma's little buddy and she loves to play with her cousin. I'm so thankful to have family in town. It makes life that much richer and fuller! That evening we all had dinner together and heard an update on Jon and Caedmon's missions trip to Argentina! For awhile there, both Tracie and my (Heidi) husband's were out of the country. . .Brock in Thailand and Jon in Argentina! We're glad your back!

Thanks for my new toy Gammy!

2008-07-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

Gammy sent me this new Learning Chair! I love it! Thanks Gammy. I love you too! Emma

Emma's Cooking!

2008-07-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Emma Kate

2008-07-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

4th of July. . .sitting with my cousins, waiting to get dark so daddy can light the fireworks!

I bought the girls these little chairs.

The girls love to sit in them.

Look what I did!!

Emma Wearing the new outfit Grammy Shafer sent her! Thanks Grammy!

Emma is on her way to VBS with mommy. (June 2008)

Brock's report on Jacob's health

2008-07-06T03:40:00.001-07:00

Brock's younger brother Jacob has been in the Peace Corps to Mongolia the past year. On a weekend furlow in the city, Jacob was beaten up by a gang of youth. Jacob's friend Jason was attempting to talk to the group of young men, but due to his inability to speak Mongolian well, some of his words were taken out of context. Also, the yourth were intoxicated, and before long Jason and Jacob were being attacked. Both were knocked unconscious. When they came to a few minutes later some other Peace Corps officers helped both Jason and Jacob to a hospital. Jacob's vital functions were stable, but he did suffer a broken orbital bone under his left eye and a broken nose. Due to the extreme nature of the injury, Jacob needed repair to his broken facial bone and some plastic surgery. He was shipped to Bangkok, Thailand, where those services could be rendered. Jason was released with minor injuries.

Upon hearing of Jacob's assault, Heidi encouraged Brock to visit Jacob. That's all Brock needed and with rushed passport papers was off to Bangkok in just a few days. Brock spent 8 days there encouraging Jacob and keeping him company. Upon being discharged to a local hotel, Brock and Jacob enjoyed playing ping-pong by the pool, bartering with local merchants on the black market, watching terrible movies on TV, and interacting with the hotel staff. Sherry Shafer, Brock & Jacob's mom, called every morning for an update. Brock and Jacob never lacked an amusing story from the previous days activities. One of the more amusing stories was Brock and Jacob's visit to the in-hotel tailor's shop where they decided to purchase identical blazers. Not finding any fabric suitable from the many bolts hanging on the walls, Brock saw a burberry handkerchief in the display case and had an idea. Jake, being just as brazen in the fashion sense as Brock, jumped right on board. Not a day later they were slipping on identical burberry blazers. Thailand's leading fashion magazine reported it as the 'boldest fashion statement of the year' and Brock and Jacob became instant celebrities. Everyone cried when they had to return to their home countries, but they comforted the Thai people by declaring a likely return, if not simply to cash in on a few more of those hour long foot massages for 6 american dollars. The Thai people, not sure whether to receive this statement as a complement or an insult, wished them well nonetheless and preserved their national motto of being a 'land of smiles'.

All joking aside, the trip was a success as Jacob arrived in Mongolia and Brock landed safely in Memphis on the last day of June. Thanks go out to Mom for helping financially and for enjoying our comic relief on each morning's call. Thanks to all of you who prayed for us while we were there. We sensed your love and know God was with us during that time.

Pregnancy Update

2008-07-03T14:30:00.001-07:00

Shafer baby #2 is due on December 8, 2008! I am officially 17 weeks along and we can't wait to have our ultra sound on July 15th. Hopefully our little one will cooperate so we can see what we're having. Everyone asks, so what do you want? Of course I am thankful just to be having a baby and pray for a healthy one at that, but its hard to say. Selfishly, I would love to have a boy so I can have one of each (AND BE DONE . . . don't tell anyone I said that), but then I think of how wonderful, rich and blessed my life is to have a sister who I count as one of my best friends and how blessed Emma would be to have a sister too! So I guess I just have to settle on whatever we have is what the Lord wants us to have and I'm thankful for that! We do still want to adopt someday, looking at when the kids are at least 3 and 5 years old. I'll have my hands full for awhile with #2 coming!

Emmas World

2008-07-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to start a blog for a long time now and finally sat down today to do it! Mainly because Emma Kate is growing up so fast and I feel as if I'm cheating our family out on being a part of her little world. So bear with me as I learn to do this blogging stuff!!!

Emma Kate had her cousin Tatianna over for a sleep over last night. After swimming at the YMCA for about an hour yesterday morning, I brought Tatianna home with me so Emma would have a little friend to play with. If you could only see them together! Emma Kate follows Tati around like a little puppy dog. Imitates her every move, trys to say words that Tati says and even copies her sweet (and sometimes not so sweet) attitudes! I love it!

Emma's latest milestones are saying the preverbial "No" and "Mine" oh Yes, at 15 months at that! I didn't think it started this soon. Getting dressed in the morning and even diaper changes are a bit of a restling match at times! We love her expressions, especially her eyes. Emma knows how to work those eyes! She loves outside. Any chance she gets to be outside, its a definite squeel of excitement. When she's excited about something, she lets out this sweet burst of excitement and marches in place! Her favorite thing outside is to push this little cart around that grammy Avram got her for Christmas. She fearlessly pushes it right off the curb and into the street. . .doesn't even stop to think she may fall. Then down the street she goes with mom or dad in toe. The other day I was out on a walk with her (more like her taking me for a walk) and she stopped to pick the flowers. Little did I know that one of them ended up in her mouth! Yikes. Grammy Shafer is all about organic Emma but really, do you have to eat the flowers? Her other favorite thing to do is swim! She loves the pool, especially when I sit her up on the edge and we both count 1, 2, 3 and then she thrusts herself into my arms, letting out her sweet little squeel!

For my first time posting, I think I've said enough. I hope to post a few videos here for you to enjoy. . .I have to figure that part out!