First Haircut

My dad and I took Emma to get her first haircut yesterday at Jackie's Barbershop in West Chicago. We went there because my dad has been seeing his barber Kathy for over 20 years and I got haircuts there as a kid. I just loved the nostalgic idea of bringing Emma to the same place and person I went to for her first haircut. I thought it would be better than those kitschy kid snips places. Emma did not like it at all. She flinched every time Kathy would squirt her hair with the water and cried through most of the hair drying. But overall, she did pretty good considering she doesn't like people touching her. It is so funny to see Emma's little personality develop, and to watch her do some of the same things I would do in different situations. As I was watching Emma's reaction to getting her haircut, it was like she was on high alert and nothing could distract her or calm her down. I am the same way when I am in new or uncomfortable situations. I'm sad for her that she is like me in that sense, but I also feel better equipped to help her face difficult situations. I just have to think about what I would want done for me.

After the haircut, we surprised my mom at school and that was so fun. Emma ran right up to her in the classroom and then danced for all the kids, much to their delight. Then my dad, Emma and I went to the Morton Arboretum for lunch and play. They have a great kids garden that has a stream running through, Emma loved playing in that.

Overall it was a great day filled with firsts. I love exploring life with Emma, and I hope that she knows how much I enjoy doing so.

Easter Weekend

This Easter weekend was so refreshing. I spent Good Friday service alone (along with thousands of people) at Willow Creek. In a way, it was nice to celebrate such a reverent day on my own. It gave me a chance to reflect and thank God for sacrificing his only son for us. We spent Easter Sunday with Brandon's parents and a few other members of the extended family. It's always nice for Emma to get a chance to play with Brady and it was nice to get to spend some more time with Sloane. I'm so thankful that I married into such a nice family and that we all live so close.

So fun to see our babies grow, and the new additions!

Playing the piano with Grandpa

Easter Egg Hunt!

Enjoying Easter treats with Dada

18 Months!

Well, I clearly have been away from this blog for awhile. I wanted to hop on though and remember a few milestones. I've been reading blogs of friends who are pregnant and reading about their cravings and feelings during pregnancy has made me realize that I don't really remember much of those little details. I want to be more diligent in writing down the "every-day" things with Emma so that I can look back later on, and maybe even have some notes for whenever baby number two happens.

Emma's 18 month check up.

Emma is still a big, healthy girl. Her last weigh in was 26 pounds 8 ounces and 33 & 3/4 inches long. Both land her in the 90% for weight and height. She is one smart cookie too. The doctor said that she seems to be at the cognitive level of a two-year-old which makes me one proud mama. The worst part of the visit was, of course, the shots. Poor girl is smart enough now to know what's happening, and as I held her on my lap it broke my heart to see her so visibly terrified of the needle coming towards her. Just another moment that proves to me that as much as I want to be in control, I am not. I cannot protect her from everything that will harm or scare her, but I will do my best to comfort her when it's over.

Snow!

Another milestone this week; Emma played in the snow for the first time! It was actually Brandon's idea, I was worried that she didn't have the right snow-appropriate attire and she would be cold and uncomfortable. But, once again, I'm not in control. So we bundled her up as best we could and went outside camera in hand. And she loved it. She loved walking around in circles, occasionally bending down to brush the snow with her mitten. To my exclamation "I can't believe she likes it!" Brandon so wisely replied, "of course she does, it's a new experience".

Duh. 

I was putting my own reservations about the snow onto Emma without her actually trying it. Just because I don't like playing in the snow doesn't mean she won't.