So much family love!

Dear Maya and Emi,

To say the last two weeks have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. Mommy missed blogging last week not because of a lack of news to report, but because I was so overwhelmed by everything going on that I couldn't make sense of it all. Thankfully, things have really improved.

It all started the weekend of Mother's Day. We went for a nice drive and stopped at a park with sandwiches the night before to enjoy the beautiful, warm weather. Then on the actual day, we went to visit your great-grandparents because your great-grandfather was going to the hospital the next day for a quick procedure. The procedure ended up being halted and a major surgery was scheduled instead. The entire family was so very worried but he made it through with flying colors. Whew!

these 3 photos by daddy

During this ordeal we were so lucky that Grandpa and Lori happened to be visiting us. Mommy was able to go to the hospital once on my own and once with you, Emi (you were SO well-behaved there) while you, Maya, played and played and played with them. You both had a blast with them.

photo by Grandpa

photo by Lori

As soon as they left Grandma and Papa Stan came to stay with us. They were here for Aunt Bobbie's graduation and will be here until this coming weekend. We went together yesterday to visit your great-grandparents and were relieved to see your great-grandfather looking like nothing changed, like he hadn't had surgery at all. Unbelievable. Also amazing was the sweet little thing you said as we were leaving their house, Maya. "I hope you feel better soon, Poppy." You melted our hearts.

In the midst of all the family stuff, there were also errands and appointments, but also some fun things. We went to a birthday party for two sweet girls over the weekend. It was a hot day so Maya, you played in water with the other kids until you were soaked to the skin. We all had a lot of fun.

Also, Emi, you turned 10 months old the other day. You will start walking soon, no doubt, but for now you're just content cruising, standing for long periods of time, and dancing while holding on to furniture. You also love eating, so much so that you yell and grunt when you run out of food. Cutie!

 

Well, mommy is going to get some peaceful sleep! Love you both!

photo by Grandpa

The preschooler, the waver

Dear Maya and Emi,

Just a quick post this week as mommy has a very long to-do list.

Maya, this week you've still held on to some of the moodiness of the last couple weeks here and there, but you've made some great strides, too. We went in for Pre-K screening on Monday and you didn't bat an eyelash when mommy left the room to fill out paperwork while you went through different screening stations with the teachers. We are all so proud of you! You've also been helping out this week in new ways like taking out the recycling and drying dishes. Hooray!

Emi, the other day we went to the library story hour for the first time in a long while. When a little girl went home with her mother, you waved goodbye and have pretty much been waving constantly ever since! You wave at us, at your food, at your reflection--anything! It's pretty adorable.

Well, mommy is going to see how much more I can get done during this naptime. Love you both!

Cousin birthday, cousin fun

 

Dear Maya and Emi,

We had a kind of hectic but fun week.

Your cousin Gracie just turned 2 years old and we went to her birthday party at the kids' amusement center. Maya, your best buddy Wyatt was there with his family, too, plus there were cupcakes, plus daddy had made pizza for us when we got home. In your words it was "the best day everrrrrr!"

Aunt Kelsie brought William and Grace over to our house yesterday, too. Emi, you spent more time right next to Will than you probably have before and you both seemed intrigued by each other. Maya, you and Grace just love each other--so much that Grace cries when she leaves you.

I wonder if these girls are ever going to let me join in their tea parties? - Will

Hmm...I think I smell something. - Emi

I'm teething. Mind if chew on you for a bit? - Will

Whaddya mean, "no"? - Will

Aunt Kelsie, he was chewing on me--right here on the eyeball. See? - Emi

We are just the height of sophistication, don't you think, Maya? - Grace

Last night and today we spent time at the children's consignment sale where mommy is volunteering this weekend. You both behaved pretty well considering all the strangers and the tempting toys everywhere. To make it up to you, we went to the park late this afternoon to play for a while.

Well, mommy's going to go watch a DVD and relax for a change. Love you both!