The last weekend being under one.

Emma has been loving walks on our street. She finds so many interesting things down on her level, we meet neighbors and their pets, and she studies her shadow or splashes through puddles. Here she is on Friday:

 I've been meaning to get Emma a small chair that she can sit in, especially for snack time. She likes to make a chair of different things (pillows, her Teddybear, Patrick and I) and I think she'd make use of a seat of her own. 

On Saturday Emma and I walked all the way to the farmers market. That is a long walk for a toddler! We met a dachshund on the way, pointed out starlings and squirrels, and admired lots of balloons. Everyone we passed by enjoyed seeing Emma on our stroll. It's nice that she brings so much joy to others just by toddling by.

Later Saturday we went to a garage sale of some new friends in the neighborhood and found a couple treasures: a toy piano and a hiking carrier. Both are awesome! Emma enjoys this new carrier and Patrick wears her high on his back, where she enjoys seeing over his shoulders. Emma also had the opportunity to play (read: stand) in a sprinkler and play with older children. 

On Sunday morning we spotted a dog wandering our street and with help from a neighbor I was able to catch and leash him. With no tags, returning him home proved to be a big to-do for Emma and I. 

So we borrowed him for a few minutes, got him some water (it has been Hot Hot Hot lately and he was a thirsty pup) then asked around our street if anyone knew this dog and where he lived. We eventually got him back to his own home and went home, dogless. One day he can stay, Emma!

We've been very busy preparing for Emma's first birthday and party on Saturday. Though Emma won't remember this day, we'll have many pictures to show her what a special day it was when she completed her first trip around the sun. As special as she is!

The Weekender

What a full weekend! All three of us had a very eventful past couple days full of outdoors, fresh air and sunscreen. Saturday started with an early walk in Depew Park then Emma and I met with friends in Cold Spring. We were out most of the day and Emma was worn out on the way home but perked up in the evening to finish the day with some play on the patio.

A short video of Emma walking around at Depew can be found here:

http://www.iphoneogram.com/p/483877489594296732_1471241/

Chris showing Emma his favorite book.

On Sunday we enjoyed a decent hike on the Charcoal Burners trail in Putnam county. The fresh air and sun had Emma dozing off in the carrier soon after we started. Once home Emma and I spent lots of time on the patio, splashing in a bucket of water and picking rocks out of the dirt where I've put down grass seed. She's mimicking what I do more and more, like picking up a pebble and putting it in the pile I've made and now putting objects into containers. Balls into the basket, laundry into the dryer.  Recently she threw out her first piece of trash! It was a ribbon of tissue paper that she was carrying around an waving like a flag, then she carried it over to the waste bin and carefully lowered it down inside.. Thanks for your help, Emma!

Around 4 on Sunday we went to the Birdsall House to split an appetizer and play bocce ball. 

Emma tried to play but the balls were too heavy for her. She grunted as she struggled to lift them. She enjoyed watching from the sidelines as Patrick or I threw the ball and I made sound effects to get her laughing. She had a great time!

Mom and Dad sampled beers from the everchanging drink menu, ten different brews between our two beer flights. This and the nachos we split were delicious! Emma stuck with water but did practice drinking from her weaning glass.

Wild blueberries we picked on the way home. It looks like Mom needs a lesson in being gentle! 

(For our personal records; I am presently holding two titles. Bocce ball champion. UNO wizard. Patrick remains Monopoly King) 

The Weekender: first edition

Saturday started with a fantastic breakfast and a trip to the farmers market. We got a pint of the most delicious strawberries, they are so fresh and flavorful, and Emma agrees they are the best she has ever had! We spent a few hours at a friends home celebrating the 1st birthday of her son but Emma wasnt much for sitting and chatting. She was up and all over the backyard, working on her walking and coordination and being chased by mom and dad.

She looks a little silly walking in that skirt, but notice that look of intense concentration. She's working hard to master her steps!

Weee!!

Emma fell asleep on the ride home and continued her nap once we arrived. She must be having good dreams because she smiled and chuckled in her sleep a few times now. Such sweet moments I'm always happy to have witnessed. 

Sunday. 

I'm always expecting a 5 AM wake-up call from Emma, it's when she sleeps past this that I'm surprised. This morning wasn't one of those surprising mornings. Since we were up so early we also went to a few stores right when they opened. By the time we were heading home, Emma had fallen asleep in the car. I moved her to her bed without her waking.

After the nap Emma "helped" pot a Dill plant. She was content to watch me do the repotting but eventually put the soil through testing.

Done! The dill has joined our basil and green onions in the sunny nook. 

Next, a trip to the Blue Mountain Park.

Watching the Canadian Geese 

Today's excitement wore Emma out and she fell asleep in our bed next to Catrick. It's been a great weekend together as a family.