A Long Overdue Update

One moment while I brush the dust off this blog. Okay, we’re back in business …

So much to fill you in on! Where do I start? When last I posted, Emmett had finally started saying ‘mamma,’ and while he still sometimes prefers to call me ‘dadda,’ it’s pretty much a regular thing now.

In other news, we had a great time visiting my family in NJ and PA for Thanksgiving, and I think it’s safe to say Emmett and his cousin Gus became pretty good friends, despite the occasional sharing mishap.

Emmett & Gus at Pop Pop's for Thanksgiving

Emmett also experienced his second Christmas in Boston and Maine and was much better at opening presents than he was a year ago. His favorite gifts included a harmonica from Gran Lucy and Grandpa Mac and a new laptop (video) from GranD and Nana.

Emmett gets down with his new harmonica

Emmett’s SpongeBob themed second birthday warranted a fun visit from Aunt Lulu (video), Nana, GranD, Uncle Shawn, Aunt Sara, cousin Ben, and a few friends and resulted in a new basketball hoop, some yummy cupcakes, and Emmett’s first sledding experience.

Emmett blows out his birthday cupcake candles

So … what now? I’m pleased(?) to announce that we’re now embarking on the exciting new adventure that is… POTTY TRAINING!

Brace yourselves, everyone. James and I are sure to be in for a wild ride…

Snow Toddler

Photo Links:

See photos from Thanksgiving

See photos from Christmas

See photos from Emmett’s 2nd Birthday

Age Timer: 2 years

Emmett Says ‘Mamma!’

It’s official, and there’s no disputing it this time: Emmett has totally made me the happiest mom ever, saying ‘mamma’ for the first time while we were sitting on the couch last Friday night watching TV. Okay — so I may have prompted him to say it, but now he’ll say it without question whenever I ask him to, and it’s the best feeling ever. I literally melted the first time he said it. Who knew something so simple would make my night? Anyway, if you don’t believe me, here’s the proof…

This is huge, considering he’d started saying complicated words like ‘purple’ before ‘mamma,’ and I’d starting thinking he and James were playing some kind of crude practical joke on me. Are kids younger than age two even capable of making practical jokes? The jury’s still out. Next stop: saying ‘mamma’ without being prompted.

Emmett watches Toy Story 3 as he lounges by our first fire of the season.

Age Timer: 22 months

Emmett’s Favorite Playground Activity

The slide!  Last weekend, Emmett’s 1-year-old cousin Ben and his family stopped by for an afternoon visit, so we headed to the playground, where Em expressed his undying love for the slide…

Ben enjoys some swing time

Emmett takes a trip down the slide with dad

Age Timer: 21 months, 3 weeks

Where Did They Go?

It may have taken Emmett a little bit longer than others his age to jump on the talking bandwagon, but it seems he’s hit quite a turning point recently. Starting to speak in full sentences and mimicking almost anything we say (EXCEPT any form of ‘mom’ — can you tell I’m bitter?), his favorite new question is, “Where did they/it/he go?” He’s even got the hand motions down pat!

Where did the skee balls go?

See for yourself in this recent video from Nana and Gran-D …

I couldn’t be prouder of his growing vocabulary!

Age Timer: 21 months, 2 weeks

Superman Goes Trick-or-Treating

With Emmett’s grandparents in tow, James and I took Emmett (AKA Superman) for his first ever trick-or-treating experience this past Halloween.  Emmett made a pretty fabulous Superman, selecting the red and blue suit over the alternative lobster costume (though much to my dismay).

A sad lobster and Superman. Superman won.

While Superman was a pretty indecisive trick-or-treater when first presented with bowls of various goodies, he got the hang of it by the end of our adventure, knocking on doors himself and saying “Thank you — bye!” without even being prompted (video).

"Trick or treat!"

So much to choose from!

Nana and Gran-D even taught Emmett how to appropriately get into the Superman character. Watch the footage below to see Emmett flying and making sound effects like Superman.

Quite a step up from his first Halloween, huh? For more photos from Halloween, check out the Halloween 2010 set on Flickr!

Age Timer: 21 months, 2 weeks