Roller coaster week

What an emotional week...down, up, down, up.

1. Tim, we are so glad your bypass surgery went well. We are thinking of you constantly. Happy healing.
2. Sarah & Ab, thank you for a fun and relaxing girl's night out. I left dinner feeling refreshed and very happy to have spent the evening with you lovely ladies.
3. Megan & Mike, congratulations on your new arrival, Ava Elise. We hope you're hanging in there and that Ava is out of the NICU soon.
4. Tommy & Kendal, congratulations on your engagement. I couldn't be happier for you both. Tommy, I am so very, very proud of you.

Now for an update on little Miss Emma...

The good news: One and a half is fun. Emma loves to pucker up and give big, wet kisses. She's totally into her blocks and won't stop building until she's used every single one. Then she knocks them over and says "gen" and starts all over again. She loves to dance and tries to hop and jump (this is really funny). She loves taking care of her babies (dolls). She loves to read her favorite books over and over. Sometimes she even likes to lie on the floor beside Andrew, each of them reading their own book. She can point out the letter E. She likes to sign smart ("mart") when Andrew and I act extra proud of her. And she says "han" when she wants to hold hands. She's very into stickers and coloring. She loves to "mim" (swim) in the tub and usually sings a little "mimmin" song while she does it. She loves her "new" daycare; her friends welcome her warmly each morning. (Today her friend Liam even went to find her favorite doll for her when she arrived.) I could go on and on...

The bad news: The terrible twos have hit with a vengeance. Emma's new favorite word is "no." Getting her dressed requires chasing her around the room and often tackling her. Mealtimes are a struggle. Suddenly she hates all her old favorite foods (unless they're from Mommy's plate, of course). When she doesn't get her way, Emma now resorts to fake crying, running away to stand in the corner and/or lying on the floor. Tantrums anyone? She tends to be a bit grabby and does not like to share. (Sorry, Connor!) Good thing she's so darn cute. Really, it's not as bad as it sounds. She's not terrible, just strong-willed, right? I wonder where she gets it.