Ethan's Susu Sendoff!

It was time... 

It was time for Ethan to sendoff his susu! 

This has been a LONG time coming! He really only used it at night time and sometimes on long trips... But either way, it was time for this BIG BOY to say goodbye to his susu's. 

So last Thursday we tied his susu's to balloons and sent them off "for God to take care of his susu's"! 

We started off with 6 balloons, but only ended up with 1 after the rest popped! It didn't quite have the same effect, but still did the trick! 

Ethan has done a fantastic job letting go of his precious susu. He has asked for it quite a few times... but then is very proud of himself when he wakes up from a nap or the night without his susu. 

We are proud of him too... It was a big step for this little boy! 

11 MOnths Old...

This little girl would NOT SIT STILL during her 11 month shrinking Bear photo shoot. All she wanted to do was rock on the chair, laugh at her brother and attack the bear. 

We bought Bella a double bed and moved the crib out of our room into Bella's room... And I let Emalina 'cry it out' and stopped nursing her at night... It took all of ONE night for her to get used to the change and has literally slept through the night since. SHOULD HAVE DOEN THAT A LONG TIME AGO!!!!! Thank goodness for the cry it out method (mean mom... I know). But to get a good nights sleep... it is SO worth it! 

• Started crawling and pulling herself up 
• Has 7 teeth
• Only nurses in the morning and at night
• LOVES FOOD! 
• Has the sweetest disposition
• Its almost impossible to change her diaper... she flips and rolls all over the place
• Fits in size 4 diapers, 6-12 month clothing
• Poops A LOT!
• Still loves her susu and her blanket
• Still has 2, 2 hour naps during the day
• Goes to bed at 7 and gets up between 7:30 and 8
• Loves being outside

TEN Months!

Wow... 10 Months old. Isn't she a cutie?!? 

She's our loud little spitfire! This year has just gone by so fast...

Here is a list of things Emalina is doing these days:

• Sometimes she refuses to sit down, stiffening up her body when you try to sit her on the floor. It is usually accompanied with a grunting scream
• She's getting her fourth tooth on the bottom
• Is still getting up at night to eat... but not nursing so well during the day
• She gets super distracted if there is any noise when she is nursing
• My favorite time with her is just after I nurse her at night and she is half asleep... she snuggles into my shoulder
• She LOVES Peety, the water and chewing on my keys.
• She can wave and kiss the air, can sign all done and use a sippy cup
• Weighs almost 19 lbs and is 27 1/2 inches long
• Still plays shy with almost everyone. Has yet to stay in the nursery without screaming.
• She started sleeping on her stomach
• SHe has two 2 hour naps during the day and goes to bed at 7 and usually sleeps until between 8 and 9 (with a few night nurses)
• Has a dirty diaper almost every time I change her (at least 4-5 a day) 
• In size 4 diapers and 6-12 month clothes

S

He's Home!

Ben arrived home on July 1st. It was a VERY sweet reunion! 

Bella was chosen to marshal Ben's plane in to the parking spot. She did a fantastic job, not even flinching as the plane came to its rest spot. Ben didn't know that it was Bella holding up the wands until he turned to corner (he was the pilot). 

The kids were SO excited to see Ben. Ethan wouldn't let go! 

It is great to have him home safe and sound! 

We are so proud of him for serving his country and keeping us free! 

Thanks baby, great job! We love you!

9 Months

9 Months already... can't believe it! She has grown up so much in these last few months its crazy... It almost makes me want to have another one... almost! Ha! 

Here are some things Emalina is doing these days:

• Sleeping on her stomach
• Getting two new teeth
• LOVES picking up her food 
• She has eaten: peas, carrots, banana, crackers, pancakes, toast, avocado, cheese, sweet potatoes, 
• She can tip up her sippy cup and drink from it all by herself
• Loves standing on her legs
• Doesn't sit still for very long
• Is still getting up at night to eat! 
• Wearing 6-12 month clothing
• In size 4 diapers
• LOVES her baths
• Does not like the nursery
• Plays shy and clings to me if we are around new people

I can't believe that Emalina will be a year in just a few short months. Where does the time go!