dishwasher

For the last month or so, Emery has become fascinated by the dishwasher. No matter where he is in his walker, the second he hears us opening it, he comes RUNNING. And he doesn't stop until he plows into the opened door.

Here's a glimpse at the wonderment he has when he sees Nate about to open it (yes, I'm a lucky woman because my husband does the dishes often!) ...


and here's his crazy "I want to go to there" look as the bottom rack is pulled out.


Then it's no holds barred.


He actually grabbed that plate completely out and was holding onto it. I wasn't capable of taking a picture and removing it from his hand at the same time, so you'll have to trust me on this one. He's a strong little man!

walk in the clouds

It was one of the first nice days in months, so we went for a walk with our friends through the neighborhood.
Although a little sleepy, Emery assumed his favorite position, sitting up straight and holding on for the ride.



Christian was tired, too.



Todd, on the other hand, was excited to help with Max.







It wasn't long before Emery's eyelids got heavy.



We ran into our other cute friend, Roman.



Nothing could keep the little ones awake, though.

I could not resist.

What little boy doesn't need a camo hat?!?

mommy and me

Nate's in Vegas with a couple of his best friends from college for the weekend, so Emery and I have been left to our own devices.
Tonight, I snapped a bunch of pictures after dinner. He was happy and fun and giggly and dirty.

It was wonderful.

It was hard holding the SLR for self portraits, but we managed. The pictures at least capture the memory-- I sat at one end of the floor and he came barreling towards me in his walker, charging with a grin. I especially love how he's started to grab my face and lean into me-- an Emery hug. Pure joy.

Dutch Babies

Emery had his consult with Dr. Bhupendra Patel at the Moran Eye Center (that's attached to Primary Childrens') for his dermoid cyst this morning.

Grandma came with us. I had forgotten to put the stroller back in the car after we had taken a walk the day before, so I was glad she was there to help with the squirmy little guy. Uncle Corey was flying in the same day a couple of hours later, so we thought we'd go to the appointment and then pick him up afterwards. Perfect plan.

In the waiting room, Corey called-- his plane had arrived really early. When I asked the receptionist how long until we were seen, she said AN HOUR AND A HALF. What?!? Turns out, Dr. Patel is a world renowned facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon that specializes in the area just around the eyes. It's no wonder that people travel thousands of miles to be treated by him. And it just so happened that there were 7 other patients ahead of us that morning.

So my mom left Emery and I to fend for ourselves, sans stroller, to go get Corey. I think the nurses at the office felt sorry for me, because we actually got in right away. Emery did a wonderful job. I had lots of cereal for him to munch on and he even fell asleep in the exam room while we waited for the doctor.

As we walked out of the office, my mom and Corey walked in. Everyone was all smiles. We stopped at the Original Pancake House for lunch on the way home. A sweet treat after such good news.

Details from the doctor's visit-- because the cyst seems to be fused to the skull, Dr. Patel will have to make an incision right in the middle of Emery's forehead where the cyst is located. If it didn't have to be scooped out of the skull, the incision could have been made on his hair line at the top of his forehead and then pulled out. Surgery will be done in July/August to remove it. It was advised we wait until he's at least 13 months old, as the anesthesia is much safer for him after his first birthday. I feel very confident about Dr. Patel and because of his expertise, Nate and I feel Emery will be in great hands. The surgery will take place at Primary Childrens' Hospital and will be an outpatient procedure. He'll be put to sleep, have the surgery, and then after a couple of hours we should be able to bring him home.

h2o

Emery loves water. He loves the shower. He loves the bath. I'm sure he'll love the pool.
After an especially dirty diaper, I washed his cute bum in the sink. He also enjoyed that.

A-Man's birthday

I still remember Grandma Jeanne walking into my 3rd grade classroom on Valentine's Day 1985, telling me I got to leave school a little early because my baby brother had been born that morning! Valentine's Day took on a special meaning that year.



To celebrate this year, we gathered at Fuddrucker's for lunch. It was snowing. Hard.



Emery was enthusiastic about the party.



He was entertained easily.





And he wore his sassy khaki blazer in honor of his stylish Uncle.



Brooklyn and Chloe helped eat the cupcakes.





Happy Birthday A-Man!