I used to update about Emery monthly. Once she hit a year old, I started slacking. But she is doing SO MUCH right now.

First of all, she continues to mimic anything and everything she sees. She covers her mouth when she coughs. She blows her nose using a kleenex. She shakes out the laundry if they're wrinkly from leaving them in the dryer too long. And her biggest, most hilarious imitation that has turned into quite the task for us during mealtime?

She loves to dip her food. Chicken tenders in ketchup. Pancakes in syrup. Crackers in water. The girl will dip anything in anything. I've tried to get creative, as she eats really well if given something to dip her breakfast, lunch, and dinner in. I'm half-tempted to start pureeing some veggies for her to "dip" in :)

She really enjoys brushing her teeth with her dad..

We've been enjoying these last few weeks with just one baby. Trying to give Emery as much attention and affection as we can while she's still an only child. This past weekend, we visited the playground & she got to spend time with her two favorite things: daddy & the swing.

and last but certainly not least...she's developing her own sense of style. That's all I really need to say.

Grateful for you and your joy, baby girl.

Emery's New Room

I am officially back in the decorating spirit. After being too exhausted (to say the least) to even think about doing any new projects around the house, I've been itching to start something new. The holidays are over, and though we're waiting on the arrival of another little baby within the next month, I can't sit still! Thankful for the energy and motivation...I just need to decide what I want to do!

We've talked about redoing the guest room - which will become Emery's new room once the new baby is here and sleeping in her own crib. We're leaving the current nursery the same...it's all set for a little baby girl already! (Plus, we put up flowery wall decals in there [which were pretty costly and time consuming] and I'm too afraid to ask Matt to take them down just yet ;) )

I've been pinteresting away...trying to look for the right wall color & decor. I've never really been a huge fan of pink. Emery has changed my mind a little...but I'm still very picky (too picky, my mother would say) in what kinds of colors I even let her WEAR. Anyways...I am really liking a soft pink these days. Here are a few of my favorites:

Those stripes are growing on me.

I want every single paper doll picture!!

Really like those peach curtains.

Do you not LOVE that tree branch curtain rod???

I'm excited to figure it all out. There are so many great ideas...and I feel like this will be the last room of hers where I actually have some input. Taking advantage of it!

Well, I kept to my word - sort of. I've taken only 3 belly photos of my own...but did manage to get a few extra nice ones in with my friend Toni. She is a gem.

5 more weeks!

Day 14

Hey dad! I'm having so much fun in Indiana!

I've watched Dora's Christmas with Meems...

looked at the Christmas lights with Manda...

and I even colored you a picture!

Miss you so much & can't wait to see you in just 5 more days!

Love,

Emery

Love Expanding.

Thirty weeks along.
Ten more to go.
Fastest pregnancy I've ever experienced. Hah.

Baby #2 tends to get the short end of the stick - I was told.
You take millions of photos of the first baby,
and you find yourself having a lot less interest in preparing the second time around.
(I'd like to think you just have a lot less ENERGY rather than interest -- hello, I have a 14 month old!)

So far, these people are dead on!
With Emery, I spent 9 months thinking about all things baby every.single.day.
Her nursery was complete, belly shots were taken each week starting at 13,
a [pricey] custom baby book for milestones was purchased,
maternity photos were taken, and I was swimming in pinks & purples
all before I was even 7 months along.

This time around? I have taken maybe three belly shots,
booked a scaled-down version of maternity photos for next month,
and that's about it.

I suppose I feel like I'm really slacking because we're already set in a lot of areas
- thanks be to having another little girl.
 Clothes [loads of them], blankets, rattles/toys, baby gear - all handed down from Emery.

I don't want to be one of those parents who let the little things go with a second baby
(even though it's clearly headed in that direction)
So for the next 10 weeks, but goal is to try a little harder.

We're excited for you, baby #2. I promise!!!

Weekend Family Vaca Whirlwind.

Matt & I have been wanting to take a road trip for quite some time. I've been dying to get out of this heat & experience a little fall weather. So we packed up what seemed to be our entire home (thanks be to having a one year old) and took a quick Thursday-to-Sunday trip to Georgia. So glad we were able to visit some special people & spend some time catching up. Also? Emery still holds the title for the best travel buddy. I would honestly choose vacationing with her over many, many people :)

Our first stop was visiting Matt's sister - who now resides in Atlanta. While we were there, we took Emery to the aquarium.

Emery LOVED these huge fish tank walls.

And she made some friends.

We found a Beluga sign!

She really wanted to get in that water.

The next day we visited one of my favorite couples - the Lowry's. They showed us around Athens & we  got to see a little bit of why everyone loves that city & UGA.

We got our fix of fall weather and leaves. That is for sure :)

Emery has no idea what to do in leaves.

Last, we visited one more couple - the Hambricks - whom we've known for years. (I should have taken more photos of all these people!!) Such a sweet few days filled with lots of love and catching up. I'm slowly but surely talking Matt into residing somewhere with a more distinct change in seasons. I'll get back to you on it...

Love These Signs.. & You Will Too!

There are a few people in my life that I admire SO much, I wish everyone could know them, too. Name somebody? Tara Lowry. She's a friend that I love everything about and look up to in so many ways: the way she takes care of her family and household, her hair and style, her sweet southern accent, THE WAY SHE DECORATES HER HOME, her love for Jesus...I could go on. One of my favorite things about her is her craftiness and ability to make beautiful things on a budget.

Last year, when we moved into our new home...her and her husband gave us a SWEET sign as a house warming gift. Coolest part? They made it themselves! Don't you love it??

Since then, they've been selling these signs. Tara has different ones throughout her home (family rules, cities, etc) and I covet them all!

This week on Tara's blog - found here - she's giving away one of these amazing signs. You should head over there and not only enter to win one...but read up on just how wonderful of a wife, mother, and talent she really is. And tell her I sent you!