Happy 4th of July Ya'll!

Grateful

We are fast approaching the 2nd anniversary of mama's passing (September). However, July 3rd markes a day that will live with me forever - the day she told us she was basically dying of cancer. This time of year always conjures up bittersweet memories of her - me sitting outside with her on the swing in the heat of Summer talking about life - what has happened and what lay ahead.

However, instead of dwelling on my sadness, I thought I'd think about all she was able to do with me. I know for some, knowing their mama is something they were not blessed to do in life. Many never get to meet their moms or lose them too young to ever remember or build memories. While my mama left me WAY to early, she was able to see me through 28 very important years of my life. I am sad she is not with me now, but am so very grateful for the time we had together. My greatest prayer is that I'm able to see my Emily through her many life milestones and watch her grow into a woman.

My mama…

• Watched me take my 1st steps
• Gave me the gift of a baby sister
• Saw me get my braces on and 5 long years later, taken off
• Took me on lots of vacations to the beach
• Visited the mountains of Colorado and Tennessee
  
• Shared in her two little girls' excitement at Christmas time
• Took me to get my ears pierced (twice)
• Spent hours watching me take dance lessons
• Broke her wrist because of me - so she claimed.
• Took me to school for the very 1st time
• Watched me win my 1st dance competition - and cried. =)
• traveled to Disney with us - A LOT
• Helped me with my homework
• Took me to my first movie - The Care Bears Movie =)
• Tried to teach me how to cook - I wasn't very into learning, which I regret now.
  
• Taught us to always be a friend - "If you see someone sitting alone at the lunch table, go sit with them - it could be you sitting alone some day." =)
• Instilled in us good morals and values.
  
• Taught me to love and respect animals - they are God's little creatures.
  
• Cuddled with me in the bed - right up until I left home at 24! =)
• Had trouble adjusting to me dating. =)
• Left messages on my cell phone that started out, "Hey Baby, it's Mama."
• Bought my 1st bra.
• Took us on lots of shopping trips
• Taught Lisa and I to always be there for each other
• Dropped me off at my 1st slumber party
• Taught us to "ask God to get you through it."
• Bought my 1st car
• Taught me about the birds and the bees =)
• Worried about me when I would drive in the rain - or drive anywhere period.
• Hated when my sister and I to traveled anywhere together without her - what if I lost both of you?!
• Freaked out when she saw an ambulance - always thought it was headed for one of us!
• Taught me the value of money.
• Helped me pick out prom dresses
• Saw me graduate from high school
• Watched me grow into a woman
• Helped me pick out a wedding dress
• Helped plan my wedding
• Gave me my wedding china
• Watched me get married
• Saw me graduate from college and graduate school
• Saw me get my 1st job
• Met my husband/father of my child and loved him
• Helped pick out the décor for my 1st house
• Told me, someday you'll understand a mother's love
• Loved my dogs, Gracie and Harlee
• Talked me into the best purchase I've ever made - my Harlee.
• Displayed INCREDIBLE strength
• Helped us say Good Bye to her

7 Months Old - May 22, 2010

Dear Emily,

You are now a big 7 month old! Over half way to a year! It's so bittersweet for me to see you grow. I want you to grow big and strong - into a very sweet young lady, but at the same time, I wish you could stay my little doll baby forever. =)

You are on a great schedule - your day starts around 7:30 each day (6:30 on Tues/Thur when Mommy works). You eat every 4 hours and take 3 naps a day (we dropped one of your naps while on our beach trip and it's worked out great so far). You are in the bed by 9 or 9:30 and sleep the entire night!

We are still nursing and you aren't biting me as much. No teeth yet.

You are the HARDEST baby to feed! You blow bubbles and bit the spoon. I know you'll eventually get better though. =)

We had lots going on this past month...

We celebrated our 1st Mother's Day together. We visited Mimi and got to hang out with her mommy (your Grandma Roberts) and Aunt Jean who lives in Colorado.

You also started swimming lessons at Maley's this month with Abby Grace. While Abby LOVES the water, you don't know what to think of it yet. I can't wait for you to splash with the excitement that Abby shows - it's so funny. =)

Something terrible happened this past month! Something I've been knowing was going to happen sooner or later and I'd been DREADING! You discovered your headband/bow!!

You also LOVE to pull mommy's hair and ear rings...ouch!

You love to play! Your fav things now are the Jeep Walker, Swing, and Jumpie.

You have also been working on sitting up all by yourself. You will still topple over a lot, so I have to make sure you have a pillow behind you or hold your hand.

Your little personality is starting to shine through. You are SUCH a happy baby. That's actually an understatement. You smile ALL THE TIME!! I LOVE it! You also talk a lot - make little high pitched squeals. Mommy loves playing with you and so does everyone else!

We got to be in a fashion show this past month too! You modeled your Easter outfit and I modeled some shoes, a diaper bag, and some ear rings. It was a lot of fun and you did great!

You went to the beach for the very 1st time this past month. Mommy has been going to the beach (Destin) since she was your age, so it's so fun for me to take you. I can't wait to build tons of beach memories with you. I was a little worried about the long car ride, but you did great!

You were POOPED by the time we got to our condo though..you almost fell asleep on Pawpaw!

We stayed at the Beach Retreat Condos - they are one of the only really nice pet friendly condo's around that we can find. It's so nice to have our WHOLE family on our vaca. =)

It was so fun taking you to the beach for the first time. You seemed amazed by the waves and as always, were very smiley.

One negative about the beach...sunscreen! You HATED it! But, it was a must...100 SPF for my baby girl! I was so paranoid about you getting burned I could hardly enjoy myself.

But, even through the trauma of getting ready for the beach, you stopped to flash a smile to the camera...that's my girl!

The pool was fun, but like swim school, you just weren't that into it yet. You seemed to like your lady bug floaty that Aunt Lisa got you for Easter though. I already can't wait for next year - You and Abby will have a big time playing together in the pool. This year, it took mommy about 1 hour to get everything ready for about 20 minutes of enjoyment at the pool or beach!

Although, mommy was determined to stay out there longer than 20 minutes, so when you got tired, we took a nap by the pool! It was one of the highlights of my entire trip! I just LOVED holding you while you napped. While you slept in my arms, I watched Abby play in the pool. Can you say Heaven? =)

While in Destin, you got to meet your Great, Great Aunt Es! She is your Great Grandma's, sister. Pawpaw has been visiting her in Destin since he was a little boy and Aunt Lisa and I have been visiting her in Destin since we were little girls. Now, you and Abby get to visit her too! She is a lot of fun!

Also while at the beach, we ate at our usual favorite restaurants (The Back Porch). Well, you didn't get to eat, but next year you will.

Annual Fam Beach Pics!!

Can you believe the last time I was in Destin, you were in my tummy and Abby Grace was only 8 weeks old?!!

You and Abby are learning more and more about each other. It's so fun to watch you girls together - especially when you really start interacting with each other. I hope you can grow to be close and love hanging out with each other. Well, you sort of don't have a choice - you're stuck with each other for life whether you like it or not! ha!

I love you with all of my heart and soul. I get all teary eyed these days when I think about you growing up. I say it all the time...how I want to soak in these days with you because I know tomorrow you'll be 13 going on 25! I hope some day we can be the best of friends. I know that will be a long time from now - I have to be your mama 1st - not your friend. =) But, someday, when you are married and have babies, I hope we can be best friends. I love you punky!

Love, your one and only...

Mama