Sweet dreams.

Last night around 11:00 Emery woke up pretty upset, in fact, I'm not even sure he had gone to sleep yet. I went in to try and soothe him and it was no use. He kept asking me to sleep in "daddy's bed" and every time I asked him why he thought he needed to he responded with, "Because I'm crying."

It's been quite  awhile since he's felt like he needed to sleep with us, although ever now and then before he gets into his own bed he asks if he can sleep in our bed and when we say 'no' he is perfectly content with that answer. Last night was the exception.

Emery asked for his daddy to come in and give him a hug and as soon as he saw Colby he started crying harder and asking, "Can I sleep in your bed?" Colby is a sucker for this and as I kept nudging him to tell him 'no' he would nudge me back because he was ready to cave. Eventually,  he ended up in our bed with the understanding that this was the ONLY night he could sleep with us and that tomorrow he had to be a big boy and sleep in his own big boy bed. Ha.

Colby carried him into our room and laid him next to me and as soon as he hit the bed his arms were around my neck telling me, "You're the best mommy. You're the best mom. We are best buddies." I have to admit it was super sweet. It reminds me how far we've come. He's not that squalling baby laying between us anymore. He's a boy, a very sweet, manipulative boy.

We laid in bed for a good 20 minutes talking with him and asking him why he had been so upset. First, he told me that he was upset because of the smoke detector in his room. Recently he's noticed this foreign thing on his ceiling and is convinced that it makes him sick, even though we continually tell him that it's there to keep him safe.

At one point in the conversation he rolled over and looked at me with his hands on each side of my face and said, "I had a problem, it was an emergency. I was sad because I was worried about you." I told him that little boys shouldn't have to worry about their parents and it was our job to worry about him. He replies, "Mom, I'm a big boy it is my job."

Excuse me, when did this happen? When did that little blob that cried all the time, never gave me any feedback as to what was wrong with him, or why he insisted on being up half the night, decide to grow up? Talk about tugging at the heart strings.

I went to bed so absolutely content with my life. I was very thankful that my husband was a sucker for Emery's late night antics.

Filling in the gaps. Almost 36 months!

Dear Emery Jack,

Here we are just 16 days before your third birthday and so much has happened since I've last posted, imagine that.

Christmas happened and that was really exciting. You were so excited when you woke up from your "big boy bed", yes you're sleeping in your own big boy bed and we haven't had a single problem since we switched you over in January, we made sure that we had the camera ready when you walked into the living room. You barely finished opening one present before you were asking, "What's next?!" After all the presents were open (Leap pad 2, art easel, lots of dinosaurs) your favorite thing was a $3.00 squishy angry bird that we put in your stocking. We lost it in the wrapping paper mess and you almost had a melt down while we were searching through the endless paper for it. We did find it and it's still something that you insist on going to bed with every night.

Another wonderful thing we found out right before Christmas was that you were going to be getting a little SISTER! It was such a shock to your dad and me because there hasn't been a little girl born on daddy's side for 70+ years. I was particularly excited because I've always called you my favorite boy and the thought of not getting to say it anymore kind of made me sad. So, now I have a favorite boy and a favorite girl! It's been quite the adjustment in our household all of the sweet little pink things floating about. You are so sweet and so excited to meet your baby sister and you tell us all the time that you love her and that she can share "Monnie" your blanket. Her name will be Cecilia Grace.

Here's how we told you:


Highlights:

• You are now potty trained and have been since February. We started working on this in January and you are doing amazing! NO MORE DIAPERS!! 
• You sleep in your own bed and you do incredibly well. 
• You know all of your colors, letters (even some lowercase), and your numbers to 10. You even know how to write the letters: I, H, J, X, O, V, Y, U. 

Funny/ Sweet things you've said: 

• You walked out of the bathroom about a month ago and were clearly having an issue pulling up your pants and when I came to help you you told me, "Sometimes things are Wonderfully Complicated."
• I love you mama. That's because you're beautiful. 
• Don't ever ever let me go. 
• You're my bestest friend in the WHOLE WORLD. (except it sounds like wuld)
• Catastrophe! 
• Awww come on, I was only kidding!
• Good-bye World. (When the sun was going down on one of our drives you started bawling and saying, "Good-bye, world!" I explained to you that just because the sun was going down didn't mean the world was ending. 
• Mama, do you know I love you?
• I missed your sweet hugs and your sweet kiss.

This past Saturday, April 6th your Uncle Jake and Aunt Gina got married! You looked absolutely adorable in your tux dressed just like your handsome daddy. You wanted to dance with all the "Beautiful Ladies" and I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual. :)

In a couple of weeks we are going to be celebrating your birthday with a Jake and the Neverland Pirate party. I can't wait! You are super excited and we mailed out the invitations today. This is the last birthday you'll have with it just being just the three of us. Next year at this time we'll be planning a 4 year old birthday and a 1 year old birthday- I cannot believe it.

Daddy and I love you so much Emery Jack! You are the brightest, best boy we know and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. 

Love, 

Mama

23 Months

Dear Emery Jack,

Once again this is a little late, but I've been saving some sweet stories for you from month 23. I cannot believe that in a few short weeks you will be 2 years old. When I was pregnant I thought that 9 months dragged on, when you were born I thought I'd never make it through the first year, and here we are at year two and I now feel like they're flying by.

You amaze me in so many ways each day you're doing something new. This past month you put together short little sentences that melt my heart. Leaving daycare you tell me, "I love you, Mama." I remember waiting so patiently to hear the word Mama and now getting to hear it all the time...words cannot describe.

I am so proud of the little boy you've become. There are a lot of things that I feel I'm doing just OK at, but I feel like we're doing something right with our sweet little almost two year old. When someone sneezes you say, "Bless you." When you are given something you always say, "Thank you." When you're in trouble for something and we ask you to go to your room and sit until you've got it under control you walk into your room, sometimes stomp, and sit down until you're feeling better and then come out and grace us with your presence.

I've always said that when I have children that I want people to want them to come around and not dread seeing them because they cannot control themselves. You have made that a reality. I don't think anyone would cringe at the thought of you coming to see them. You really are a great kid.

Yesterday we had a bbq for daddy's birthday and to celebrate Easter. There were so many people here and you had such a great time hunting eggs with your cousins Maggie and Macee. Here are a few pictures of this weekend and of last month as well. Happy Easter, Love.

Love,

Mommy

22 Months.

Dear Emery,

Yesterday you turned 22 months old! In a blink of an eye you became a toddler, complete with the meltdowns, and silly personality. I would have a hard time denying that you're my son because you and I are a lot alike :) (Daddy is so lucky!)

This past month has been full of all kinds of new changes and opportunities. Your daddy has had five interviews in the past month and next week we should be hearing back from 4 of the schools. One school, Missouri State University, has already given us an offer, but we're waiting to see what the best deal will be before we decide on anything. I hope someday that we'll be able to put down roots somewhere so you'll be able to keep your friends and have some stability. Your daddy and I have been gypsies since we were in college. It's a fun lifestyle to have always moving around, seeing new things, traveling has always been something your dad and I have in common.

This past month has come with little changes in you as well. It's hard to pinpoint now when these things start happening, but now we're able to talk to you and receive an answer. The other day when I was driving you home from daycare you asked about daddy and I told you he was at work. You replied, "Ok." which came out as "O-Day". When you see family photos now you're not only able to pick out mommy and daddy, but a couple of nights ago you were able to point to yourself and say, "Emy!" Your dad and I looked at each other with huge grins, we are SO very proud of you.

Last weekend we were making breakfast and you were in your high chair and daddy dropped something and said, "Shit" and then we heard this sweet little voice mocking him saying, "shit, shit." Our mouths fell open. We knew this day would come. We just didn't know how soon. Our tiny little guy is growing up. When did this happen?!

You recently got your first pet, if you don't count the goldfish and the day when we had two dogs for a night. We have a cat who we lovingly refer to as "June Carter". We rescued her from the humane society and you love her!! You call her "Meow" and this morning were tormenting her with a stuffed mouse. She tries to hide and you follow her into her cat house. It took your daddy 10 years, but he was able to get me to say yes to a cat. Hell has frozen over. :)

One minute I'm carrying you in a baby bjorn while you're snoozing through Target and the next I'm pushing you in the cart each of us Starbucks in hand. Time flies when you're having fun, Emery.

Emery Jack I love you to pieces.

Love,

Mama

19/20/21 Months.

Dear Emery Jack,

These past few months have been very crazy so lets start from where we left off. The last post I had

written was in November and Here it is almost February, where has the time gone? I suppose this is what happens when you're older and I used to think it was because

when you get older you began to forget things, but I think what they really mean when they say things like, where has the time gone or time flies is that your life becomes so much more rich and fulfilled that there is almost no time to sit and write about life when you're out living it.

Thanksgiving has obviously came and went and it was a great time. You spend Thanksgiving day at your Nana and Papa Cochrane's house fussing with your cousins Maggie and Macee. There seems to be a little decent among the ranks now that you're a little older and Macee still thinks she's the baby. You two fight like brother and sister. The following Saturday was

spent at your Nana and Papaw Jennings' house just like always you demanded your nana's attention and refused to get out of the kitchen. You are becoming so very head strong.

December was a fun time and a very very sad time. We spent the 23rd in Butler at your Great Grandma and Grandpa Welsh's house where you got to see all of your 2nd cousins. You and Aerowyn had a screaming match to see who could be the loudest, Aerowyn won hands down. You got a puppy that makes noise that you can walk on a leash that your grandpa went out to wal-mart and bought for you. This is a big deal considering the dog's leash was pink and purple, just seeing the picture in my mind of your great grandpa walking through Wal-mart carrying that thing makes me laugh. The entire drive home the dog was barking and whining in the back seat of his pick-up.

Christmas Eve was spent at Nana and Papa Cochrane's we had a wonderful time and you were SO excited to get to open presents. The entire time we were there you were walking around to all of the presents and people yelling, "RIP IT RIP IT" which actually came out sounding like "RIBBIT RIBBIT". You had a blast!!

Christmas Day was spent at our house just the three of us. We woke up early (I woke up early) and did everything in my power to keep quiet up until the moment I started banging pots and pans around in the kitchen because the suspense was killing me. I thought for sure you'd get up early since we had been traveling so much and your schedule was off, but you slept in until 8:00. As soon as I heard you start to stir I ran in yelling "SANTA WAS HERE!!! Merry Christmas!!" Before anything else we were on the floor cell phones in hand to capture the moment. We got you started on the first present because you were still in a sleep induced haze, but you caught on pretty quickly. As soon as you'd finish open one you'd point for us to hand you another while yelling, "RIBBIT RIBBIT!!". Your favorite gift was the Thomas the Train toys we got you. You are absolutely obsessed and we are definitely enabling this addiction. During the day you have to have a train in each hand at all times. I have even gotten you out of your crib in the morning to find you holding on to one of your trains wondering how in the world you got that. In the car we have to watch Thomas while holding Thomas and sometimes wearing Thomas. Hopefully this is a phase :).

Christmas night was spent in Butler at your Nana and Papaw Jennings' house where we got to see your great grandma and grandpa Jennings' from San Antonio. The last time they had seen you was the Christmas before and you have changed so very much. You were still very fascinated with your Great Grandpa Ron he had a voice that could quiet a room. During this time we were able to get a four generation picture at your Great Grandpa Ron's request. It was wonderful.

On December 29th, 2011 early in the morning your Great Grandpa Jennings went out to walk his dog Riley after flying back to San Antonio and never made it home. Your Great Grandma Jean found him lying on the sidewalk Riley at his side. We are so saddened by this Emery Jack, but so very grateful that he was able to meet you. He was a wonderful man and it isn't the same without him. He was laid to rest in Kansas City, Mo on Friday, January 13th, 2012.

Tomorrow is a very important day for our family as well. This week your daddy has been receiving injections to increase his stem cell production so that he can donate this to a woman that he doesn't even know. A woman who is very sick and needed someone who matched her bone marrow type. I am so proud of your dad. Some days I look at our life and think, "What did I do to deserve this kind of happiness?" People can look their entire lives for what we have. I hope that we can pass this love of life, and what it holds, on to you.

Life is a very funny thing Emery and every day we are reminded that the reason life is so precious is the fact that it doesn't last forever, that we can be taken away in a heart beat. My hopes and prayers for you are that you live your life to the fullest and that you make the most of every moment you have. Know that we love you so very much, son.

Love,

Mama

15 Months Old!

Dear Emery Jack,

You have hit a milestone, 15 months old today that is CRAZY! I know I say this with every month's post, but you really are growing at a crazy speed. Next Wednesday we will be going for your 15 month check up at the doctor and seeing how much you've grown, I'm sure it's a lot. You somewhere within the last few weeks have transformed from a sweet little baby to a very independent toddler.

You are obsessed with your shoes, I think because you know that when you have them on you get to go places, so you bring them to me at least 5 times a day to wear them. I tease with you and put them on my toes and you point to them and start talking. "Mom, cut the crap these are my shoes and I'd appreciate it if you'd put them where they belong so we can get on with our day."

You've discovered that peek-a-boo is a game that can be played endlessly and still be as surprising as the first time. "Oh, you're still behind your hands? Mom, you are a riot!"

This month your dad and I lost our minds and went crazy for less than 24 hours when we decided to get you not one, but two puppies! It was exciting at first, but later when we were trying to keep an eye on 3 toddlers we decided that we were not ready for this crazy change and took your "sisters" back that very next morning, as early as we could. That mistake won't be made again for a very long time.

Instead, we decided to get you a fish tank and it has been so much fun watching you walk up to the fish tank and wave at the fish that we've named Thomas, Kipper, Nina, and Star- All the names of your favorite cartoon characters. :) These fish don't cry at night or potty on the floor, so I'd say they were a good investment.

This month also marked the first night EVER that you were away from your Mommy. For your Great-Grandpa's 70th Birthday your dad and I flew to Sedona, Arizona for three days and were away from you from Thursday morning to Sunday morning. I was SO sad the entire time we were away from you. And the night before we left I had a small anxiety attack for having to leave you for so long. I wanted to you to understand that we didn't leave for good and was so worried that you wouldn't take it very well. You did fabulous though! You stayed with your Aunt Stori and Cousin's Maggie and Macee. You had so much fun swimming and going to garage sales and probably eating things that I normally wouldn't allow.... that you weren't worried that mom and dad haven't been around for 3 days. You were very glad to see us that Sunday morning that we came back, and I cannot even begin to tell you how happy we were to see you! The trip was good for dad and I, but we would have preferred that you be there with us.

That week I told you that you couldn't mess with the bookshelf at our house, and you replied with a "NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!" while you were pointing at me and shaking your finger. I tried really hard not to laugh, but it was so funny. Miss Sharon at daycare also said that she could tell you had spent the weekend with older kids, because you were being very assertive. Oy! The terrible two's are right around the corner.

That very next weekend you went to Butler with your dad to see your Great Grandma who had just been let out of the hospital after a surgery, and I stayed home to have a yard sale that we had been planning for quite awhile. Dad came home early on Saturday and you got to stay an extra night with your Grandma and Grandpa Jennings because they really wanted to have you for one night by themselves. You had a great time.

I cannot believe that we're already in the sleep over stages. You are growing too fast Emery and I need you to slow down just a little bit :)

I love you to the MOON and Back!

Love,

Mama

(You were so happy to have us home. You fell asleep on my lap, and later watched daddy play angry birds. :) )

14 Months

Dear Emery Jack,

Today you are 14 months old! Every month gets faster and faster and I want to hold on to every little memory! Every time you point to something with your chubby little fingers, every time you're doing something you're not supposed to (like taking our books out of the bookshelf) and then you look over at me and grin because you know I cannot resist your smile, and every time you see or hear something that tickles you and you start to laugh. I love these moments and will cherish every single one.

This month you're really started to point to things and I love to watch you try and talk to me and tell me what you want as you're pointing at it. Tonight you kept pointing to my cell phone, or my iced tea and were pleading with the crazy little sounds that come out of your mouth.

You've also started to get a real temper. If we aren't going where you're wanting us to go you have little melt downs or if you're trying to tell us something and we're not giving into your demands you throw your arms around and shake your head NO. I never realized the terrible 2's began so EARLY! :) You really are a pleasant boy most of the time, but we can't be pleasant all the time, what fun would that be?

This week we caught our first cold from the daycare kids, all three of us! It started with you and a little cough and then the cough turned into sneezing, fevers, and snot rockets. No really, I have never seen snot fly so far and then your first reaction is to smear it all over your face. It really doesn't bother me like I thought it would. I just grab it and wipe it on my pants. Welcome to Motherhood, Char-Marie :)

We took you to the Doctor's on Monday and by Wednesday both your dad and I woke up with a horrible sore throat. We've all been walking around with tissue boxes, vicks vapor rub, and tylenol. Now instead of chasing you around with kleenex or baby wipes, you just lean into the tissues. I think you're sick of this cold too. You missed all this week at daycare :(

We have been keeping up on our nightly walk, however, we've only missed 2 days this week. You seem to perk up when it's time to go outside and run for the door as soon as your shoes are on your feet.

I am so blessed to be your mommy Emery Jack, and I love you to the moon and back.

Love,

Mommy

(P.s The picture is from tonight's wagon ride. I'm getting better at getting this done on time!)

13 Months

Dear Emery Jack,

Two days before you turned 13 months old, on Sunday May 22nd, a massive EF-5 tornado ripped through a the neighboring town of Joplin, Mo. That night your dad and I were watching the news and knew a tornado was on the ground, but no one could have predicted the devastation that this storm produced. It directly hit a hospital and ripped through 6 miles of homes and businesses. Even with a 26 minute warning these people had no chance. Stories poured in of people missing, including a story about a 16 month old boy named Skyuler Logsdon who was ripped from his mother's arms. This story has haunted me since the second I learned that this little boy was missing. I prayed and prayed for the safe recovery of baby Skyuler, but sadly he was found not far from where his mother was found. His mother is in the hospital and will never hold her baby boy in her arms again. I think about how his mother laid in a hospital bed for days, not knowing where her baby was or if he was ok. I cannot imagine the sadness this mother is feeling over the loss of her son.

Emery Jack we are so very blessed to have you in our life. You are the light in our eyes. I thank God every day that I was picked to be your mommy, and I know you're daddy feels the same way. You are the most precious little boy, full of life, you're personality is shining through and it is brilliant. You've started dancing when we sing to you and you're favorite thing right now is wrestling with daddy. (You love to carry around baby spoons, and if you ever figure out how to use utensils as weapons you're dad and I are in trouble!)

This week we toured some schools for you to attend when we go back to work in August and when we looked at the room that you'd be in you went straight to the other babies and started playing and didn't even look back at us to see if we were still around. It made me feel good that you felt secure and were able to go off on your own, but in the back of my head I was so sad that you were growing up so fast.

You've started sleeping a little longer during the nights, and even when you do wake up and I'm exhausted, I thank God that I have a baby to wake up for. I cherish every moment I have with you Emery, because any moment could be our last.

I love you to the MOON and back!

Love,

Mommy

The Birthday Party!

Dear Emery Jack,

One week after your birthday, we celebrated with your birthday party on April 30th, 2011! There were lots of friends and family and we had so much fun. Originally we were supposed to have your birthday at the park so we could play outside and take rides in the wagon you love so much, but it looked like it was going to rain so we decided last minute to have it at home. Here are some photos of your birthday party and yes, I made all of the birthday treats myself!

Love,

Mommy

11 Months

Dear Emery Jack,

Look, I'm actually on time and given the past couple of days we've had this is a MIRACLE! You've been really working on getting some teeth and this has caused some sleeping "issues". Needless to say, you haven't been sleeping through the night. Whoever coined the phrase, "Sleeping like a baby" to mean that you slept very peaceful should be shot. :)

I cannot even begin to tell you all of the accomplishments that you've made this past month. We have seen you grow so much and we are so very proud of you.

You've learned to clap. You're sweet little chubby hands are so cute, you were sitting on the floor watching Sesame Street and something made you excited and you just started clapping. Yes, you missed a few times and almost fell over in the process, but you are a seasoned pro at this now!

You also had your first SLEEP ALL NIGHT! I was SO excited! Of course I didn't sleep all night, I kept waking up at your normal hours wondering what you were doing in there... You slept from 10 that night to 9 a.m the following morning. I should have known it was too good to last because that was your first and only time you've slept through the night.

Another HUGE deal was walking this month! You started by taking small steps away from the couch and then falling down, then it turned into walking from couch to couch, then you started walking to people, then just the other night you were playing in your room and your dad and I were in the living room all of a sudden HERE YOU CAME! You walked out of the bedroom and into the living room like it was no big deal! Occasionally you'll stop walking so that you can clap for yourself, it's sort of like the chewing gum and walking.... Sometimes we can't do both. :)

You had your first trip to the zoo this month with Daddy and I, you also had your first ride in the wagon. You looked like such a big boy, you LOVED the wagon! You also loved watching daddy feed the goats at the petting zoo, it was pretty silly.

Books have always fascinated you, but lately you've really been interested in them. You'll sit in your room and look at all of your books, just piles and piles of books around you. A couple of nights ago you picked up a book, brought it to your dad, and sat on his lap so he could read it to you. You did the same to me last night.

This morning you crawled into my lap and just sat with me. This doesn't happen very often, but when it does I make sure to be in the moment. I love the way your hair smells, the little dimples in your hands, the way your lips purse together when you're studying something. I am the luckiest momma in the world!

I love you Emery Jack, to the Mooooooon and back!

Love,

Momma

(Pictures of your picnic to the park with mom and dad)

10 Months.

Dear Emery Jack,

It's crazy how the time flies! You are 10 months old now and I cannot believe that we've made it this far! Your dad and I always say things like, "Where did the little baby go?" It seems like only a little bit ago we were saying, "When do you think he'll get on those knees and crawl?" Now we're saying things like, "Emery Jack, get your fingers out of the VCR!" This is something that just recently has peaked your interest :)

You are a very independent baby and you want to do everything you have your mind set at. We walk with you everywhere until our backs are breaking, you have decided recently that you want to hold onto fingers and walk. EVERYWHERE! If for some reason you cannot get ahold of our hands, or if we hide them behind our backs you go into meltdown mode. You seem to be Very Dramatic. Maybe you'll be an Actor? The other day you were so upset at me for telling you No that you cried so hard I thought you were going to throw up. You were gagging yourself in between blood curdling screams....

A couple days ago we took family pictures and had to cancel them mid-way through because you decided you didn't want to have pictures taken right then, you wanted to sit on the photographers lap. You definitely do not know a stranger, you smile at everyone that looks your way and lift your arms up to them. I've had to many times tell strangers, that they need to leave you in the cart while shopping at Wal-Mart. You're just that irresistible.

I love you.

Love,

Mommy

*Here are some of the sneek peaks before you turned into a pumpkin. :)

9 Months.

Dear Emery Jack,

You're beginning to see a pattern by now, I'm never on time with these blog posts, but that's because I'm always trying to be on time with all the other tasks at hand. I cannot BELIEVE that you have now been out longer than you were in! Huge milestones. I dreamed of what it would be like when you reached this age and were able to interact with us, but never thought it would be as amazing as it is.

We love you more every single day!! You've started waving which is the sweetest thing ever. It happened at Wal-Mart with the customers, even though we had been trying and trying for weeks to get you to move that chubby little arm. :)

You have definitely become Mr. Independent, and throw fits if you do not get to feed yourself. I'm worried though, because you do not get much into your mouth, it's normally all down the walls or all over the floor. Yesterday you shoved oatmeal up your nose then it shot out like an oatmeal rocket when you sneezed. You've also attempted to give kisses and it's a sloppy, drooly mess, but we LOVE them.

Instead of getting scared when daddy comes around the corner playing with you, you chase daddy. You are such a silly little guy. At night when it's close to bedtime you are the goofiest little guy and throw your arms up and fall backwards onto your back. We think you might need a helmet if this continues on, It doesn't seem to bother you though. :)

You are finally able to have "graduates" baby food like corn snacks and cookies and it makes me a little sad, where is my tiny baby?

Right now daddy is making you lunch and asking you what you might want, you have such a wonderful daddy. He has been able to be home with us for two days, SNOWED IN! You've made it through your first REAL snow storm, the "Storm of the Century" is what they're calling it. We've had so much snow, and every morning, first thing, we go to the window to see the Winter Wonderland, and you sneeze because it's so bright. I love you.

Love,

Mama

8 Months, a little late...

Dear Emery Jack,

As you can tell I am writing this month a little late, because once again your 8 month birthday landed on another holiday. We are playing catch up and have just begun to get you back on a normal (for us) sleep schedule.

You are becoming such a big boy and we are really starting to see that little personality shining through. You are such a silly boy, you love to play and laugh with and AT us. We would do anything in the world to make you laugh and don't mind that we look like complete idiots.

The holidays went well. We spend the 23rd with your Nana, Papa, and Giddy Cochrane. It was so nice to see all three babies together for Christmas. You weren't sure what to do with all the packages being thrown your direction since for the past month we had been telling you "NO" anytime you got near them. We helped you open your gifts, and it was no surprise that you were more into the wrapping paper and how it tasted, than the actual gifts themselves. You ended up with one of Macee's Christmas gifts because when she opened it up it scared her to death and she hurled it across the room, it turns out that Rex from Toy Story 3 isn't Macee's cup of tea. You, on the other hand, LOVE him and smile every time you hear him roar.

Christmas Eve was spent at home watching The Godfather, ask your dad, and I may have thrown in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The old version, because it's the best.

Christmas Morning you opened your gifts under our Christmas tree and your Dad and I laughed because what kid wouldn't love opening clothes, shoes, socks, and books? Your grandparents had got you so many toys that we thought we would take the practical route this Christmas. *However we cannot wait for next Christmas when we definitely will have fun things under the tree for you.

After we opened your gifts we loaded you up so we could celebrate with your Nana Cookie, Papaw, and Uncle Jake. We also got to see the Jennings' from Texas and Uncle Matt, and Uncle Daron. You got LOADS of stuff to bring home and play play play all night long.

You have just started babbling and this should probably be on your next letter, but I'm so excited about it I have to add it in. We hear Dada, baba, yaya...and you've even made attempts at the "Mmama" sound :) I know right now you're just trying these on for size, but I cannot wait until you know who you're talking to. It melts my heart to see how big you've gotten.

And I cannot believe that you've almost been out as long as you were in.

I love you as big as the WORLD, and twice n' twice as much.

Love,

Mama

7 Months

Dear Emery Jack,

It has taken me a bit to be able to sit down and write out your seven month letter because of the holidays, and now that you're resting quietly in your room I have found time to sit for a moment. I cannot believe the changes you have made is such a short amount of time. It amazes me every day, because I see something new.

Mom and dad went on a date night and you got to stay with your Aunt Stori for the evening. The entire night I kept getting out my phone to text and make sure you were alright, I was worried that you would wake up and notice that Mommy and Daddy were gone and you would be upset. Apparently you don't need us as much as we need you :) You did fantastic, even though you had your 6 month shots that day *4 shots* Aunt Stori said that when you got tired you just laid your head on her chest and fell asleep. Dad and I just laughed at each other, because we then realized how much you had us wrapped around your chubby little fingers. You never just go to sleep without a fight for us.

On November 13, the day after my birthday, you got up on your knees for the very first time. I remember it very clearly! You were in the bedroom with your dad because I was vacuuming, and you've just recently become terrified of the vacuum, and as soon as I was done I heard your dad yelling, "Come here and see this!" You're still not crawling, but you're attempting it! You get your knees under you and start to move your legs, but haven't mastered the movement of the hands yet, so you go flying forward and do a belly flop.

You have also recently been sitting in a high chair at restaurants instead of the carseat, and you've been sitting in the front of the shopping cart. You look so tiny riding in the cart, but you just sit there smiling, because you're becoming a big boy. ;)

You are army crawling all over the floor and you can really get going if something peaks your interest! Your favorite thing right now is the IPad. You love to look at the fish pond and make the water move and makes sounds using your hands. That's ok with dad and I only you try and buy things, so you need to be watched very closely.

You just had your first Thanksgiving and you spent Thanksgiving day at your Grandma and Grandpa Jennings. You had your first ever table food, Mashed Potatoes. You loved it. We left that night to come home, because you have been battling a cold that turns your sweet little disposition, sour.

On Saturday we celebrated Thanksgiving at your Nana and Papa Cochrane's house. We played Wii Fit, and Zumba danced. You got to see your Grandpa Rex recovering from his second knee replacement and you made his day by smiling.

We put up your very first Christmas Tree and it was a chore! It's 9ft. tall and we had to stand on chairs to put up the ornaments. You seem to love it though because it's the first thing you army crawl to in the mornings. You even pull off certain ornaments every time. A red and blue jingle bell. I'm pretty sure you're in the holiday spirit. I cannot wait to put packages under the tree.

All my love,

Momma

6 Months

Dear Emery Jack,

I cannot believe that this Saturday you will be 6 months old! You are growing so fast and even though I'm so excited for all the things to come, I am going to miss my tiny baby. I've been going through lots of pictures lately and stumbled upon some videos that we took of you when we brought you home from the hospital, I can't even believe it's you. You're so tiny in the videos and almost always have your eyes closed with the hiccups.

The things you have been doing since last month is amazing. Every morning we wake up we feel like we have a new baby! Your hand coordination has become a lot better. You can find something on the floor now and grab it with success and bring it straight to your mouth. You are very fascinated by your hands and always have them in your mouth. When you get excited or think something is funny your right hand goes straight to the open mouth, I love this.

In the bathtub you like for me to pour water over your hands and you try to catch it, it's a game we've grown to love.

One of the biggest accomplishments you've made this month is sleeping in your own room. I have to say I honestly think this was harder on me than it was on you. I would lay in bed crying when you were upset and your daddy kept telling me that it was ok and how I was a good mom, but it was very hard to believe it at that moment. It did get better though and right now you've been sleeping in your own bed for almost a month! When you get sleepy you hummm yourself to sleep and your daddy and I love to hear you do this.

You are really getting good at rolling all over the floor and more than once this week I have had to remove you from under your swing because you get stuck. You've also started sitting up without having to be held, you still need someone around because you still take the occasional nose dive, but it's progress!

You're eating three meals a day in your highchair now and LOVE it! All three of us sit at the table when daddy gets home and have dinner together, something that I've really grown to love. You're a big fan of mac n' cheese, you can thank me for that.

You attended your first parade on October 9th and went to a pumpkin patch. I was worried that the parade with all the noise would scare you, but you loved it. Maybe you'll be a band nerd like your mommy? You got to pick our your first pumpkin at the pumpkin patch and I think if you could you would have brought them all home, you get this from your Nana, who bought you your first pumpkin.

I am so proud of you Emery and I cannot wait for what is in store for our family. You are such a lucky little guy, your mommy and daddy love you very very much.

Love,

Ma

(At the parade with Nana) (Your first pumpkin)

5 Months

Dear Emery Jack,

You are quickly approaching 5 months old *3 days away* so instead of waiting to write this on that day, I'm taking my opportunity now, while you're sleeping in your pack in play (which you've grown to tolerate during nap time.)

You are getting so big, it seems like just yesterday I was cradling you in my arms at the hospital, not really knowing what I was going to do with you once I got you home and there wasn't a nurse to say, "No, that's not how you do it." The first few days home with you were the best, and worst. Not worst because I didn't love you, let me be clear, there was an abundance of love, but something happens when you're no longer protecting a baby in the womb. You were now experiencing all the things outside in the world and I didn't think I could keep you safe like before- tons of emotions flowing those first few days. I cried for 2 weeks straight.

Now, we're back home with our family and you have changed tremendously! You've started smiling and laughing at the crazy sounds and faces your mom and dad make, you are enjoying car rides, where before I didn't know if we were going to make it out the door when I put you in your carseat- the SCREAMS! You babble now, which sounds more like growling and a few times I've caught myself laughing out loud at the hilarious faces you make when you're concentrating on something. You have a fantastic personality, you are a good combination of your mom and dad. Strong willed, High spirited, You wake up smiling every morning (I think you got that from your daddy). You're not that little ball of flesh that just laid there staring off anymore, you're a real live KID! Your dad and I joke about you being "all boy" you love boobs and fart noises, and not particularly in that order.

In the past month alone you've learned how to roll from your belly to back and you are getting REALLY good at it! I turn around for a second and you've rolled all over the living room floor. Sometimes you get stuck and show your disgust by giving a sharp yell, "HEY, OVER HEEEEERE!". You've also started reaching for us when you need help, which melts my heart.

A couple of days ago I caught you really getting into an episode of Sesame Street, you were leaned over your jumper with your eyes fixed on the screen and every once in a while you would let out a squeal and pull your feet up and let yourself bounce. I am in awe of you...

You're still sleeping with us and take up most of the bed, but we don't mind. In the middle of the night, or morning 3a.m-ish you've started reaching for your daddy and grabbing hold of his arm or fingers. Sometimes you lift your head up and get really close to my face and stare at me, I know this because I'm staring at you with one eye squinted so you don't really know I'm awake because it's 3 a.m and momma isn't a morning person.

There is absolutely so much to write about because you're learning something new every single day, and as tired as I am, I wouldn't change this for the world. I am so lucky to be able to spend these first months with you, and I know I'm going to be sad when it's back to work. I cannot wait to see what is in store these next few months.

I love you big as the world.

Love,

Mama