Lazy Legs

Emma. Sweet baby, Emma. She will be 14 months old very soon, long passing up the 1 year old mark, and yet she has absolutely NO DESIRE to walk. If you try to hold her up and encourage her to walk she becomes limp, unwilling to stand, and drops to her knees. Thus the nickname: Lazy Legs!

She is typically motivated by food (she is a MUCH better eater than her sister), more specifically any form of meat. In fact, Carrie Fay has said, “How is it that the smallest, most adorable Garland is also the most aggressive Carnivore?!” True. So true. However, even when holding the tastiest of treats, she has no desire to walk. She will speed crawl across the floor to get to what you are enticing her with, but refuses to even attempt to walk.

While there is a part of me that is so ready for this milestone to happen, there is also a part of me that knows that once she starts going she will never stop. Right now, if you sit on the floor, she will crawl right to you. She will get in your lap, and just snuggle. Will this still take place when she becomes more mobile? Or will she just chase her sister around? Either way, it’s going to happen, it’s just a matter of time.

Until then, we will simply cherish our time cuddling on the floor and anticipating what adventures are yet to come for our little Lazy Legs!

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Today's the day my baby girl turns one. Pretty crazy to think how fast the time has flown by, but certain things still remain. When I learned that I was pregnant for the second time, I began to question how much more love I had to give. Would I be able to love a second child just as much as I love our first? Would I be able to spend time with her and care for her, like I know she depends on? The answers, a resounding YES!

This little girl is such a blessing, an answer to prayer, and the piece that our family of three was missing. On a daily basis she brings such joy and warmth to our hearts. It's hard to believe that it's already been a year, but I can without say that this year has been amazing. It's been so incredible to watch her grow, learn and develop into the little girl she is today. We've got countless memories from this past year, and can't wait for the many more to come.
We love you, Emma. Happy 1st Birthday!

*photo taken by Carrie Fay Amaro

The Snatcher

Could it possibly be because she is the younger sibling? Or is it the other kids in her class? Either way, one thing is for sure, my precious baby Emma has turned into quite the toy snatcher! I've seen it in action now, and the teachers have told me, she will go after a toy if she wants it - no matter what she has to do to get it!


The other day I was observing her classroom from the window, when I watched her go in on the prowl. One second she's playing quietly to herself with a rainbow colored ball. The next second, she spotted it; one of her innocent friends was playing with a green turtle. It was like a switch flipped in her brain and she had to have it. She went after that turtle like it was the only toy in the room and it was going to save her life! She crawled right on over, snatched it from her friend leaving him in tears. Then she sat about 6 inches away from him playing with it, all as if she did nothing wrong. She's only 11 months old! How can a baby girl this cute and precious already be leaving boys in tears...? I think I'm in trouble!

Swimming Lessons Complete!

Emma's swim lessons came to an end today. She is now proficient in the skill of rolling from her stomach to her back and up to a float! Love it! Here's a picture with Emma and Ms. Tammy, her swim instructor.

Ms. Tammy and Mr. Carlos (Ava's instructor) have been amazing with the girls. We're so blessed to have found them this year and we can't wait until next year when Emma can do the full swim-float-swim sequence!

Testing Out - Day 3

Here is Emma on day 3 testing out of her swim program. This time she was to swim in Winter clothing. This was the last test she had to pass...tomorrow's lesson is just water play for her!