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

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

Last Days of Summer: Labor Day in Maine

Traditionally, Labor Day marks the end of summertime. Usually, this is a major bummer. But this year, I think my family had a pretty awesome summer, making it a little easier to watch it go.

Emmett and His Shovel in the Boat

Some of this summer’s highlights:

1. Emmett got his first buzz cut.
2. James and I got engaged and started planning our wedding. (Have I directed you to our wedding website yet?)
3. We visited with Cousin Gus, Aunt A and Uncle Mac in Michigan.
4. Emmett took swim lessons.
5. We had Emmett’s first trip to the Jersey shore with Nana, Gran-D and Aunt Niki.

A couple of days in Maine with Gran Lucy, Grandpa Mac, Uncle Shawn, Aunt Sara and Cousin Ben were a great way to top off the summer.  We enjoyed a yummy lobster feast (and learned just how much Emmett enjoys corn on the cob), spent some time on the beach and the boat, did some shopping in Freeport for Emmett’s fall wardrobe, and mainly just relaxed.

Emmett with Gran Lucy and Cousin Ben

Emmett Devours His Corn on the Cob

Emmett Confronts a Lobster With a Grill Lighter

Who else is looking forward to toddlers playing in piles of leaves in the fall and making snowmen in the winter?  I know Em and I are.

For more photos from our Labor Day visit in Maine, view the set on Flickr.

Age Timer: 19 months, 3 weeks

Emmett’s Mother’s Day Message

I can’t believe it’s already my second Mother’s Day!  James has been working all day, so it’s just been me and my little man.  He wanted to record a Mother’s Day message for his grandmothers and great grandmothers, and here was the best result…

Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow mothers out there!

Age Timer: 15 months, 3 weeks

Santa Baby

Well, the holidays are officially underway, and as always, I’m super behind on my Christmas shopping.  We have, however, managed to get the stockings hung, the tree (delivered by James’ parents from Maine) up and decorated and our holiday cards safely to their destinations.  Although I wish I could send a card to everyone I know, it’s simply not possible, so here’s a peak for everyone to see:

Yes, Emmett has a full-out Santa suit.  Yes, this was the best picture I could get of him in it, even after two photo shoots on separate occasions.  Now I understand why people take their kids to professional photographers.  It was literally impossible to get a quality picture of Emmett smiling that also showed off the Santa suit.

Santa Baby

In developmental milestone news, Emmett is officially only a month away from his first birthday.  He now has six teeth — four on the top and two on the bottom in the front — and as of earlier this week, he weighs 21 lbs, 11 oz.

He’s getting more adventurous about his standing, too.  If you let go of him he can stand without help for a few seconds, and if you hold one of his hands, he’ll walk around with you.   He can also now climb onto the chair in our living room by himself, which means he now garners a lot more attention from me.  Can I say the cliche thing?  He’s seriously growing up so fast!  After much hesitation, I even gave him his first (very) overdue haircut tonight – just a little off the sides.

For more pictures from Emmett’s Santa Baby photo shoots, check out the Flickr set here.

Age Timer: 11 months