Now I know...

I always thought that "child-proofing" the house was for the safety of Emily Grace. Wrong! It's to help me keep my sanity; even if it isn't working very well these days. Mom uses baking soda to clean the house and stores it under the sink. The cabinet is "child-proofed" but every time I turn around Emily's walking around with the baking soda and the cabinet is still locked. How is this possible? It's like living with a miniature version of David Copperfield. Finally, the secret revealed! Just like a bad Fox TV special. Emily was crawling into the cabinets two doors down and climbing over everything until she gets what she needs. I'm not sure I feel any better now that I know that I need to keep everything four feet above floor level. Should be handy in case of flooding.....

Love,
Dad

Where does she find the time?

I just don't understand how someone so little and so busy has the time to do so much damage. Who re-programmed the stereo? Why is everybody on the TV green? Who put my watch in the toilet? Where did my shoes go? Quick! Run to the bathroom to be sure someone's not flushing them too. Yet, every time you look for her she's sitting quietly, reading a book or hugging her dolly. Might be time for some security cameras.....

Love,
Dad

it was bound to happen

Emily Grace and I are now on the same nap schedule.

Love,
Dad

the picture says it all

only days away...

It's hard to believe that Emily Grace is going to be a year old in two days. She loves to read (Duck on a Bike) is a favorite, she loves birds and airplanes. She would eat fruit and nothing but fruit for every meal if we let her; mealtime is easy, Emily eats everything (lobster didn't go over too well). She calls me Dada to get my attention and works to make me laugh. Best of all is to watch Emily and her mom interact; the expressions of love that pass between them is breathtaking to behold.
Happy Birthday, beautiful.

Love,
Dad

We're on vacation

God help us all! Well, fortunately, for mommy and daddy grandma and grandpa came with us so there is plenty of entertainment and people to cajole Emily. We must admit, however, that she's been a good traveler. She survived the plane ride with a little fussing because she wanted to sleep, but then had a blast going up and down the stairs in the Baltimore airport during our layover. She's not a big fan of her car seat, but she's almost outgrown it and who would like to ride backwards anyway?

She's been on a few hikes, pushed her stroller on the carriage road (instead of riding in it), splashed in a tide pool, picked up over a million rocks (only ate a few), and watched the tide go in and out. Tasted some lobster today (she preferred the corn), yelled at some kids in the park, drove a tractor, and figured out that standing in the crib to yell at mom and dad gets immediate results, especially when mom and dad are forced to sleep in the same room. The one thing good about coming home will be separate bedrooms. Pictures will follow....more hikes and adventures tomorrow.

Love, Mom

so many things to bite, so little time....

I don't which is worse, six teeth or two feet; either choice is nothing but trouble. I watched the other day as Emily walked across the kitchen, removed the "child-proof" lock from the cabinet and proceeded to use it for dental floss.

At ten months old Emily is already clamoring for "real" food. No more pre-digested chicken for her. It's lots of fun watching her inspect each bite of food before she decides whether to allow you to shovel it in.

The walking is still in a "toddling/crashing" stage. It's like watching a drunken sailor walking on the deck of a ship during a big storm. Your first inclination is to yell man overboard and throw her a life preserver; in which she would promptly bite a hole.

Dad