The First Day of the Fifth Year

Today is the first day of the fifth year (not to be confused with the last day of this year) which means that yesterday was the last day of the fourth year- which was Tommy and my Fourth Wedding Anniversary!

Tommy spent the day at the movies with his brother. I ran a few errands and played with Emi. Tommy got home around 630, and we left Emi with his family so we could go have dinner.

Tommy had asked me where I wanted to go. Sure we were in a big city with lots of different and good options for dining, but after being away from home for ten days, I wanted something familiar. So we went to our favorite- Houston's Restaurant. And it did not disappoint.

Houston's is kind of our place. When we first dated and lived in Lawrence we would eat at Houston anytime there was something to celebrate. And Houston's did not disappoint this time! Tommy got the ribs and I got the chicken strips and we shared our dinners. During dinner Tommy got up to "wash his hands" but really he went to tell our waiter it was our anniversary and to bring us a special dessert. So after we finished our meal the waiter brought us a brownie and some ice cream on top. The waiter served it with a candle- which still makes me wonder whether the waiter misunderstood and thought it was my birthday. Regardless, it was a sweet! (Pun intended!)

By the time we got done eating I would normally insist on going home right away. I'm such a homebody. Tommy suggested that we go to Dave & Buster's instead. I'm not much into arcade games, but I must admit, we had a lot of fun. We shot baskets, played Deal or No Deal, Connect 4,  The Price is Right and more! Every time we would pick a number or pull a lever in a game- we would say "This is for Emi!" Or "Pick 2- that's Emi's number." I'm not really sure why 2 is Emi's number (other than to represent her birth month) but it now is.

As we headed home well past the 11pm hour, we arrived safely to Tommy's parent's house to find little Emi waiting up for us!

It was a lovely ending to a lovely year. And so far the first day of the fifth year is looking swell also.

Happy Anniversary, My Love!

Our Almost Trip to the Zoo

We spent our morning like we spend most mornings in Houston- eating breakfast well past the 11am hour with much discussion of what we would be doing for the day.  I generally pick up on about five percent of the conversation as it is mostly conducted in Spanish. I'm always surprised that so much discussion occurs as we never seem to do what was planned.  

At some point during this conversation during breakfast, I did hear his brother mention that the Zoo is free on the first Tuesday of the month. I then replied "Well, Tuesday is a holiday, so are you sure it will be free?" No further discussion was had (at least in English) on the free zoo days.

So, at about 1pm we all got into our cars (yes, we needed two to travel) and headed to the Houston Zoo. We arrived a little after 2pm (which admittedly did cause some sort of anxiety for me because the Zoo closed at 5pm). We got Emi ready in her stroller, locked our car doors and approached the Zoo entrance. This is what the Zoo entrance looked like:

And that was as far as we got. Because as we approached the gate it was then decided that because the Zoo is free on Tuesday (it was Saturday) we should come back and visit the Zoo then.

So we fed the ducks....

And Emi rode the train with Dad and Uncle Hikaru...

And visited the Japanese Gardens....

We then headed to Ikea to get some storage containers that were on sale for $1.99 (regularly $7.99) but of course, because we didn't arrive until after 4pm, they were sold out.

My understanding was that we were going to meet Tommy's other brother for dinner, but I must have misunderstood because we did not eat with them.

But we did end the day with a trip to a Christmas light display at the ZOO! (Most animals off display). Also, this was specifically discussed that morning prior to us leaving home where we decided that we would not be going to the Christmas light display, so I had no packed extra warm clothes. But Emi did have lots of fun with her cousin, Farah, and Uncle Hikaru.

And as we headed home for the day, Tommy gave me a big hug and kiss and said 'I love you, honey. You did so good today."  And you know what?! He was right!

Thankful Thursday...

I had to check my calendar twice today to make sure it was appropriate to write a Thankful Thursday post.

So this Thursday I am thankful for:

A safe 16 hour drive from Des Moines to Houston with a happy baby and semi-happy husband.

A fun ferry trip I just took with Tommy and Emi.

Some good TV on Bravo! I was missing Andy Cohen.

Extra time with Emi over the holidays. And it is even more fun to watch her play with her new toys.

But this Thursday I am most thankful for perspective. I think it is easy to feel sorry for yourself or a situation you find yourself in. But the truth is even my worse days are not as bad as some people's best.

Yearbook Surprise!

I had the pleasure of viewing Tommy's Spring Forest Middle School circa 1996.

Some of my favorite comments that friends wrote in his year book were:

-- "Tom, You are very ghetto but you 'r' still my boy peace!" (signature not legible).

-- "Hey Sweetie, What's up (except enter arrow pointing up here). Nuttin much over here. I am just chillin. I am sorry you did not have good luck w/ the girls this year. Love ya, Scotti Thompson"

-- "Tom, stay nice and dont treat girls like shit anymore! Ill miss you when I move! Sara. Ps. Im Pimpen."

-- "Baby, I know at time u may think I'm mad at u so dont worrie I will always love you. Love Cherry."

-- "Tom, Sweetie sorry for what my dad did. Just want to say please dont forget me. k. I love Nathanial always + forever. Charity."

No news on whether Cherry and Charity eventually became strippers.

Seeing Tommy's yearbook also reminded me of two things when I was in junior high.

1. My friend, Andrea, had this girl, we'll call Lisa Haltom, write in her yearbook "Have a good summer you annoying b***h." What was so bizarre about this was that none of us really knew Lisa. Andrea was too classy to write anything negative back. This is probably why Andrea is saving lives everyday in the E.R. and Lisa is probably standing in the welfare line with her fatherless children. Probably.

2. I am fairly certain that I wrote in my 8th grade boyfriends yearbook that I would always love him. I feel bad for lying. :-)

Stay Cool!

10 Things... Texas Driving

Here are ten things I noticed about Texas driving...

1. Nobody uses cruise control. I mean nobody.

2. Toll roads are so dumb. Can't I just stop at the toll booth, show you my tax return proving I pay taxes, and proceed without paying a toll? When is enough, enough?!?

3. It's easy to forget you are on an interstate because its totally common to come to a complete stop every few miles or so.

4. All interstates have highways that run parallel to the interstate. It is then from the highway that you exit/enter onto your roadway from the interstate. It's an extra step to getting on/off the interstate. It is supposed to be faster, but I can't tell a difference.

5. Nobody goes the speed limit. People are either ten over or ten under regardless of the surrounding traffic pattern.

6. The mile markers must not mark actual miles because it takes FOREVER to get anywhere- even when traveling at a high rate of speed! The marker will say I only traveled one mile when I swear I have gone three.

7. The left lane is never the fastest.

8. The road construction that was started in 2009 is still ongoing. Get these people some stimulus money!

9. Before every single bridge a sign reads "Bridge may be icy." Every. Single. Bridge. Yet, I have yet to encounter an icy bridge. Wouldn't they be better served just putting that question on the DMV test?

10. Did I mention it takes FOREVER to get anywhere?

Merry Christmas!

 

Merry Christmas to all! I hope your Christmas is filled with as much love as ours!

The.Best.Ever.

I saw this picture the other day on Facebook:

What do you think when you see this picture? This is what I think!

"Wow! It looks like my cousin and my cousins' kids are having a good time sledding. But nothing will ever beat sledding with my cousins when we were kids." Why's that, you ask?

My cousins Micheal, Missy and Jason lived on a farm in southeast Iowa. One year for Christmas while the adults played Rook at the kitchen table, my cousins, sister and I went sledding on the farm.  We tried a few trips town on the toboggan on the steep hill by the hog shed. But let's face it, a few times of that and the fun isn't worth the cold.  That's when my cousins said to my sister and I "Follow us. We found a car hood and mattress that somebody threw in the ditch on the farm. We turned the car hood upside down, threw the mattress on it, and hooked it up to the 4-wheeler." Let's really go sledding."

My cousin, Michael, took the seat on the 4-wheeler while my cousins Missy, Jason and my sister, Erin, and I hopped on the mattress in the back. We spent the afternoon sledding up and down acres of farmland covered with fresh white snow.

I distinctly remember my cousin going over backwards on the 4-wheeler at least once while going up a steep hill. I kind of can't believe we laid on that old dirty mattress. But to this day it is one of my favorite memories with my cousins.

The.Best.Ever.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for the little high-five my Emi gave me this morning. She also said "Hi, Dawn!" yesterday when I got home from work. I swear I'm not exaggerating as much as you think!

I'm thankful that my new checks arrived in the mail. I'm also thankful for my mom.  My mom so generously bought me a new wallet for Christmas that my life is nearly put back together since the purse burglary.

I'm thankful for half-price boneless wing night tonight!

I'm thankful for my blogging friends. I have not been able to sleep well lately so I reminisce with my friends by reading old blog posts. So much fun!

I'm thankful for the show "Watch What Happens Live." It is on the Bravo network and is hosted by Andy Cohen. I used to hate it, but I've learned to appreciate Andy and all his awkwardness. Even Tommy said the other night "This show is actually kind of good!"

I'm thankful for my smartypants hubby. For a few days I had been rocking Emi to sleep. Two nights ago he was putting Emi down and I could tell it wasn't going well. I thought "Oh, my little Emi needs mommy to rock her to sleep." And as I started up to her room suddenly the crying stopped. I said "What'd you do?!?" Tommy said "Oh, I just turned her sound machine from the "wave noise" to the "rain noise" and she fell right asleep!" What?!? Emi has been listening to the wave noise since birth! She just wanted a different noise?!

10 Months!

(Emi is smiling so big because Tommy is behind the camera singing La Bamba- and he knows all the words!)

Tommy said to me the other day "I asked your dad once if he ever felt a little unsatisfied that he only had girls. He told me 'no'. I had always thought he was lying to me, but now, after having Emi, I believe he was telling me the truth."

I know when you dream of having kids, you dream that they will be absolutely perfect, but somehow it is still overwhelming and unbelievable when you have them and they totally are!  The way Emi smiles, laughs, talks, eats, sleeps is just absolutely perfect. Love her- to pieces!

While my little one is an incredibly quick crawler she is not a walker. She stands up all the time, and occasionally with no hands, but she still has some work to do on her balance.

She still has the same sleeping habits- going from about 8-7 straight, but lately has wanted to be rocked to sleep. And since she NEVER wanted to be rocked to sleep as an infant, I'm loving every second of it.

Emi still says Mama and Dada, but I'm still not entirely sure that she knows what that is. However, she does know "no" and I'd say she uses it correctly most often. I'm glad it is still cute and not yet annoying!

Emi still has 4 teeth totally in, one broken thru, and another one that should be here soon. Her hair is growing so much! I can't wait to put it in a pony!

Emi still loves crawling on the floor with Daddy chasing her like he is the lion and she is the prey. She is so giggley and funny. She definitely knows more tones to use with her voice and when that is appropriate, and is developing more and more of that each day.

Emi still loves her car seat and loves looking out the windows. She loves her Minnie Mouse shopping cart and cash register, but she loves her Minnie Mouse Credit Card the most! She also loves this new riding toy that we bought her for Christmas. We havent given it to her yet, but its under the tree, unwrapped, and in packaging. She loves it that way- imagine how much she'll love it when it comes out of the box! Probably not as much!

Today a new baby started and daycare which means that Emi is no longer the youngest. I couldn't believe my eyes watching my little girl crawl around the room ready to pounce on the new infant. It made me realize just how much I want another one big she is!

Thankful Thursday!

After hearing my series of bad news, a friend told me "You are surprisingly upbeat for everything that is going on right now." And for that, I am thankful.

I am thankful for the upcoming weekend. I hope to get lots of time in with my hubby and Emi.

I am thankful for the nights like last night when Emi wouldn't go down easy. She stood in her crib and screamed and cried. I would pick her up and instantly she would start snoring and fall asleep as I held her. I would then put her back down and she would wake up again. This happened a few times. Every once in awhile it is nice when your baby needs you. And its nice to take a few moments out of your day to spend that extra time with them.

Ironically, I'm kind of thankful that I haven't had any money over the past week since my purse was stolen. I have packed my lunch everyday. Not made any trips to Target, grocery store, or TJ Maxx. Every night we have eaten at home. We are saving so much money! And when my mom takes me out for lunch today she knows she has to buy! This is a good lesson that I can really live on much less money!

I'm thankful that my credit card is supposed to arrive in the mail today so that I can score the Pampers deal at Baby's R Us this weekend. $35 off two boxes of diapers! (Mom- my card wont come until after lunch so you still have to buy!) (Lesson learned- I want my money back!)

And after doing a home visit for three kids that I have been appointed as their attorney, I'm thankful to have a roof over my head, and the ability to pay for water to shower, and access to good health care. Its easy to forget the simple things to be thankful for!

I will be thankful if every reader takes time out of their day after reading this blog and thinks of five things to be thankful for! I bet it only takes a moment!

Jerks.

Remember how my last post stopped after "If only that were the end of the story...."

The end of the story involves these jerks:





(There were actually three indiviuals, but for some reason the third person's picture will not copy onto the blog- but since the third guy cooperated with the police so I feel okay not putting his picture on my blog).

After we attended the firework display (where my coat was ruined) we returned to my parents house. We got Emi out of the car, settled down, and went to bed. At about 3am somebody banged on the front door. It was the Clear Lake Police. They asked me to come look at my car because there was a suspected Burglary and my purse had been retrieved from the vehicle and they just couldn't figure out why these jerks had my purse. Well, they had my purse because they STOLE IT! Along with my gps, ipod, sunglasses, hotspot.... and so on and so forth. Don't worry, my ruined Northface jacket was safe inside!

Apparently these jerks were going around Clear Lake looking for vehicles to steal from. Another individual saw them stealing, reported it to the police, who put out a watch for a vehicle. The vehicle was stopped for suspicion of burglary by the Mason City Police. As the officer approached the vehicle, he saw my purse sitting on one of their laps. Inside my purse was about half of the belongings which included my business card with both my maiden and married names. The officers were able to then track me to my parents house in Clear Lake where I could identify what was left of my property. One of the suspects fessed up to the burglaries and identified all the other vehicles that were stolen from as well so those people were able to get what was left of their belongings (see- they could only identify me because of my purse. Everybody else they would have never known who it belonged to until they called in to report it stolen.).

Two of the jerks are still sitting in jail awaiting their initial appearance later this week. Unfortunately I didn't get all my property back. I am working with the County Attorneys Office to try to recover anything else I can from these jerks- since you know, my deductible on my home owner's policy (it goes on home owner's not on vehicle sine it is loss of personal property) is $1000. This is approximately the value of my property that was stolen. These jerks will probably be out of jail by the weekend and be slapped with a year or two of probation with no additional jail time, never pay their court costs, and never pay me restitution.

Somedays our justice system feels so.... unjust.

Christmas By The Lake!

We went to the annual Christmas By The Lake in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Emi and Anthony had their picture taken with Rudolph!

Sam stayed cozy in his stroller!

Sam, Emi and Tony met Santa.

Emi hated it!!!

Tony saw the petting zoo!

Watched the geese stroll down Main Street.

Took a horse carriage ride!

 Which made this boy very happy!

And this one too!

Enjoyed the beautiful scenes of the quaint town!

And was hit by firework debris and burned my Northface Vest. I'm quite thankful the debris burnt my vest rather than my daughter who was just inches from me. But I'm still pissed.

If only the story stopped here....

What?!? How Much Do I Owe You?!?!

I distinctly remember lending a quarter to a classmate in second grade so she would have the remaining funds she needed to purchase a book at the Scholastic Book Fair. I went home that afternoon and told my parents the news. My parents responded "It's nice that you lent that money to your classmate, but anytime you lend money to anybody you should do it with the expectation that you will never be repaid. If the person repays you then you should accept the money, but if the person does not repay you, then you should not fret about that money you lost and not let it destroy your relationships."

While that day may parents were only speaking about the quarter I had lent to a friend, the lesson reached beyond the scope of actual money. Throughout my life I was taught that when we do things for people we do it to foster that relationship. We do things because it is common decency. We do things because we like to help others out. We do not do things so that people are forever indebted to us.

I have been fortunate enough to mostly surround myself with like-minded people my entire life. The generosity of my family, friends and sometimes complete strangers never goes unnoticed. And I hope that they find I have a giving heart as well. And I hope they know when I do something for them I do it because I want to do it, not because I want them to owe me.

I came across a situation recently that foolishly took me by surprise. (Foolishly because I had witnessed this person believing the rest of the world was in debt to her- why would I also not be?) I have an acquaintance that has without question helped me in my life. What I did not realize was that my relationship with this person was tied to a debt. And every thing this person had done in my life that assisted me caused me to go more and more in debt to this individual. And the value this person has placed on their actions far exceeds the value I would place on their actions- if I were so required to do. And, like my parents had taught me to do so many years before, I had also done things in my life that had benefited this person, but I did not keep a tab. I have now been asked to start a repayment plan on the debt I owe to this individual.

While I have yet to figure out how I am going to deal with this situation. It reminds me to be grateful for all the people I do know who love me and support me and my family not so that I will owe them, but just because they want to. And I want to keep doing things for them too. I find sitting around at the end of the day all looking at each smiling and thinking "Wow, isn't this life great?!" is far better than sitting around and fighting about how much we owe each other.

This Blog is Mostly Me....

I noticed a few days ago that one of my friends hadn't updated her blog in some time. I use blogger reader and figured it was some sort of malfunction. I typed her blog address in and found that her blog was now a private read! What?!? How dare she make her blog private and not send me an invite to read! I quickly facebook messaged her to let her know of her mistake. And the response I got from her went something like this "Dawn, I am sorry to inform you that my in-laws had  HUGE problem with my blog so to salvage my marriage I will no longer be blogging. I turned it to private because there are some posts I want to keep." (Emphasis original).

Hmmmm.... perhaps referring to her husband as her "current husband" in one of her most recent blog posts didn't go over well with her inlaws. (On a side, that is kind of a joke among divorce attorneys because often our clients will refer to their wife as their "current wife" as to distinguish them from their "ex-wife." What they don't understand is they could call their "current wife" "wife" and by placing current in front of it indicates it may not be something permanent.")

But I knew exactly her pain. There are many days I want to get on my blog and vent. There are many posts that are toned down because this is a public blog, and I know many blog posts would offend some. And there are several what-would-be wonderful blog posts that would make a fantastic read.  It is somewhat disappointing to have to do that because I feel like I am cheating my readers and sometimes cheating myself. Also, I have some pretty amazing stories to tell that you wouldn't believe were real anyway. But the truth is, if I could really post those things I'd have an ex-husband, few angry family members, a couple less friends, and no co-workers because I'd be unemployed.

So this blog, my friends and family, you will have to settle for. And know that it is mostly me.

I love Black Friday, right?!?

You know this dutch girl loves herself some bargains. Allegedly no bargain is better than that which is found on Black Friday. For years Tommy and I have shared the passion of reading Black Friday blogs, scanning ads, and finding our best purchase for an unbeatable price. And over the years we have gotten some pretty amazing things.

I remember being in Las Vegas for Black Friday 2011. I remember being somewhat less excited about Black Friday than I had in years past. Even though Tommy and I ordered a laptop, which we have been fairly pleased with, I left the day feeling unsatisfied. I blamed it on my pregnancy and felt that the excitement would surely return in 2012.

 Now throughout this past year I have found many deals. At least once a month I get emails from Limited and Banana Republic for 40-50% off.  I got an Ipad (3!) a few months ago for 20% off. And earlier this month I purchased a new Samsung Galazy III for $.96. I thought with bargains so good, I couldn't even imagine what I'd be able to buy on Black Friday. Little did I know, these great prices all year long were spoiling my Black Friday fun!

So like the dedicated shopper I am, I left the house very earlier with my mom and husband to get that feeling of satisfaction that has been missing since 2010. I started early with an unplanned trip to WalMart. See, Tommy had found two things on Amazon that he wanted to order on their Lightning Deals. We diligently waited by the computers for the time of the deal. I had the responsibility of ordering one of the deals and Tommy had the other. Tommy successfully ordered his deal while my purchase suffered some sort of Operator's error which resulted in my husband being somewhat disappointed with me. Like the good wife I am, I decided to jump in the car and head to WalMart as it was going to be opening in a few minutes and I could purchase that same item at the same price to salvage my marriage. And I am happy to report my friends, I did just that.

 I saw so many shoppers with so many bags I kept feeling the excitement inside that I too was going to purchase something very special for very cheap. But my luck would end there. Banana and Limited and Gap were selling things at pretty much the same price I could buy previously.  A little trip to Kohl's did result in some good purchases with a large result of Kohl's cash to go blow next week. Seriously, how does that place stay in business? I did buy a few random things online. Nothing at a price I want to brag about. And nothing that was enough to leave me feeling that Black Friday magic.


As the day came to an end I decided that next year I probably will just stay at home and tell Emi the stories of how magically Black Friday used to be.

What'd you buy?!?

Conversations....

_______________________________________________________________________________
Grandma to me: "You have such a cute little boy."
Me: "Emi's a girl."
Grandma: "Well, I've never had one that looked like that before."

Ten minutes later...

Grandma "Emi's really tan."
Me: "Grandma, she's not entirely white."
_______________________________________________________________________________
Somehow throughout the week my name became an euphemism for screwing somebody financially... at least according to my bosses.  For example.... "Now figure out your bonus using the "Dawn" method."
_______________________________________________________________________________

I figured out that I need to go to the eye doctor after this conversation:

Me to Tommy: "Who is that big guy at first base?"
Tommy: "Prince Fielder, son of Cecil Fielder."
Me: "Huh.... that's weird. I had Cecil Fielder's Tombstone Pizza Baseball card and I could swear he was black."
Tommy: "He is."
Me: "Then how is his son white?!"

Here is a picture of Prince Fielder, the son:



_______________________________________________________________________________
My boss told me in all seriousness this week that if I were in jail he would totally bail me out. I told him in all seriousness that I would totally never call him.
_______________________________________________________________________________

You know you spend too much time working on the house when your nephew says "I like Lowe's. It's like Auntie Dawn's house."
__________________________________________________________________________________

It's Beginning...

... To Feel A Lot Like Christmas.

Here is what my life looked like last November:

I'm starting to feel a lot of stress towards the end of this year. Suddenly it was the end of 2012, and

I feel like nobody warned me. I always love the holidays and this year, I have no doubt, will be no different. But I'm feeling a little bit of added pressure to make sure everything is perfect for Emi's First Christmas. Maybe she will not remember, but she will see the pictures one day.

Now, do you remember our gorgeous Christmas tree from last year?

Yes, that beauty. Do you also remember me blogging about the HOURS of time Tommy and I spent changing out the light bulbs. Well, towards the end of December nearly all the lights burned out again. This means it is time for a new tree this year. I want to go to a tree farm and cut down a tree, but Tommy quickly nixed that idea. So we went to Costco instead.

This weekend I had a chance to run around to a few stores to get some new ribbon, pick up a few ornaments, and start thinking about how to make those Christmas traditions extra special.

I thought a Christmas tradition could be falling asleep in the shopping cart while I picked up some items. This was my nephew last year while I shopped (I heart him!).  But Emi was having none of it on our trip.

 One of my favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent Calendar. We had an Advent Calendar growing up. My mom hand crafted it. I remember the excitement of getting to put another decor from the calendar onto the tree every night. I'm not nearly as crafty as my mom, but some people on etsy.com are. And I found a beauty I hope to order this week.

I felt nearly all my stress subside when I saw a rotating Christmas Tree Stand while at Costco, and when I told Tommy we needed it, he agreed. Now I know our tree will be very special as it rotates in our living room.

On our way home from shopping, Tommy let me play my favorite Christmas song for Emi. O Holy Night. She liked it. And when I asked Tommy how I sounded singing it- he said I was good! It truly  is a special season.

Wherever you are, I hope you find many Christmas celebrations within your own family. And I hope you remember that the Earth's tilt is not the only reason for the season!

O Night Divine!

Just Cause....

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who also happens to be Emi's wonderful dad (phew, right?!).

This morning Tommy needed to bring donuts to work. I was already showered and dressed for the day, and so was Emi, but I couldn't drop Emi off at the sitter for another half hour. Tommy was still in his jammies. We decided he would get ready for work/watch Emi while I went and got the donuts. I came back home from Dahl's to find Tommy still in his jammies chasing Emi around the upstairs acting that he was a lion and she was his prey. She was crawling so fast from him and turning around and laughing at him. It was the best sight. Ever!

The other day Tommy was telling me about this $15 book he wanted to buy on Amazon. I said "Just buy it." He said "No, I feel guilty spending that much money on a book." I said "Honey, then just don't eat lunch for two days." That was the end of the conversation.... until two days later when he came to me and said "Let's order me that book. I didn't eat lunch for the last two days!"

Love him!

Nine Months!

Just when I think it can't get any better Emi starts doing a new fun thing. She is one busy nine month old. Besides the busy social calendar, she is busy learning lots of new things, making new noises, crawling incredibly fast, pulling herself up on anything and everything, and eating any new food we put in front of her. We started giving her those little puff treats in addition to all different types of baby foods. She spotted Tommy drinking milk out of a straw the other day and mastered that skill in a few minutes. She drinks out of her sippy cup during the day and a bottle before bed.

At Emi's nine month check up Dr. Rinderknect said Emi was acting like a one-year old. While she was somewhat fussy and annoyed (Tommy was trying to get the boogers out of her nose) I think he meant it as a compliment.

Emi weighed in at 21.9 pounds (90%) and 29 1/4 inches (95%). We had a different nurse then the last measurements, and she had to measure her height twice because the first time she measured shorter than her six month visit... so I'm not sure about that.

Emi has 4 tooth and a few more breaking through. She has been a real champ with her teeth. Though she drools a bunch, she doesn't fuss too much.

My favorite thing that Emi is does is put her arms up when she wants to be picked up. She is mimicking our sounds all the time and Tommy and I love walking around the house mimicking her!

Emi is still a great sleeper.  She still goes down around 830pm, and I usually have to get her out of bed by 7am. I swear that girl could sleep all day if I let her.

She is truly such a delight. When I picked Emi up today the sitter was having a conversation with another mom at the daycare who said "I don't think I've ever seen Emi in a bad mood."

10 Things....

Here are the ten things I love most about my home:

10.  Location. I live in Johnston. Not far from the American TV store on 86th. I love the location. I can be downtown, out west or to Ankeny in 15 minutes or less.

9. The washer/dryer. I love being trendy which is the sole reason why I own this washer and dryer. I rarely use the steam function and the wash cycle takes far longer than a regular wash machine. But I feel trendy doing laundry. And since I do a lot of laundry these days. That's important.

8. The fridge. If you are on the market for a new fridge, consider buying one with that extra fridge drawer. It's amazing.

7. This fire place. Tommy and I designed it, and it's so divine.

6. Master closet. Our mastroom bedroom closet is like 8 foot by 15 foot. Its amazing.

5. Emi's Room. Not only do I love Emi's room, but she loves it too! She stares at the wall decals, talks to the owls on her bumper, and lays on her cozy rug.

4. The swimming pool. I have great time with family and friends out here, and I love entertaining.

3. This couch. It looks messy with all the blankets on it but that is because not too long ago we got up from our Sunday nap. Our = Tommy, Emi and I. It fits us three comfortably, and even has room for a few more babes!

2. Our bedroom. We bought this tempurpedic mattress and bedroom set about a year ago. I hate shopping for a bed mattress so I'm so happy that we love our tempurpedic. I also love the bedroom set. But most of all, I love the king size bed. Plenty of space for all three of us when Tommy says "It's the weekend, can't Emi sleep with us please?" We then put her in our bed for ten minutes and she hates it so we return her to her bed.

1. What I love most about my home is who I share it with (I stole that quote from Pinterest and a friend just recently posted it on her blog!). But seriously, these two are the best!