Letters to Emma: 8 Months

Dear Emma-

You're growing into a beautiful, smart little girl. You are determined just like your brother to get what you want. Very soon you'll be giving Mason a run for his money, running around after toys and taking back what he so kindly calls "sharing." You have learned that to draw attention to anyone going by, mainly mommy, if you're sitting down. You want to be held up or walk along. 

You are so ready to walk and move around that you can barely sit for longer than a few minutes until you leap forward, as if to crawl, but instead, extend your little fingers forward as long of a stretch as you can make it in an effort to reach further. This is of course, coupled with a couple of back and forth rolls. You are still not wanting to crawl, truly, I believe you could but you are choosing not to bother with it, there is enough people to help you move and you really have your little mind set on a goal- walking. 

You had a very busy month. You also had a lot of firsts. We took you on your very first Disney trip- as this is traditionally what we would do around this time of year, we decided to try it out with you and your brother. You also had your first airplane ride. You did very well on your first airplane ride, as we knew you would. 

 Your brother did get pretty sick and was diagnosed with pneumonia the day before we were to leave. So you and mommy and nana went on the flight as planned and daddy and Mason stayed behind a few hours to get the all clear from  the doctor the next morning. Mommy said you were an angel and occasionally you got fussy because you didn't sleep after the plane took off and you fell asleep as the plan was landing. All that being said, for a traveling baby, you did very well! Everyone though you were adorable!

As far as the trip- you loved it, you've always had an affinity  for Minnie Mouse. Ever since you were born, mommy will put "minnirella" on and you start to kick and smile and laugh. You really love this episode, no matter how many times we play it. So seeing Minnie Mouse for the first time was both exciting and confusing. Confusing because she was not wearing her normal outfit and you were a little overwhelmed to say the least. 

Mommy worked very hard to make you and your brother matching Disney Prince/Princess dresses. Each dress that you wore to see a character or a princess was meticulously sewn just for you and your brother. This caused a big reaction from just about everyone in the parks. From Disney employees to the princesses and characters themselves to random strangers, you two were celebrated and met with many "awwws" as we walked by. 

You loved meeting Ariel and Anna and Elsa,  you immediately were drawn to the sparklers on the dresses. As suspected, you love everything that glitters, just like mommy. You were definitely overwhelmed by all the new scenes and experiences, you enjoyed riding the little mermaid ride, Its a small world, peter pan and even the haunted mansion. We are so excited for you to start seeing Disney and enjoying it as much as we do!

I love how much you and Mason enjoyed being around each other during this trip. Mason was attentive and wanted you to see and experience things in the best way. He would point out things to do and make you laugh. It was heartwarming to see be a big brother to you in so many ways.

Another first was your first pool experience. It was no surprise to us that you loved it since you love baths so much! Although we didn't stay out long because it was hot and you were tired, you still enjoyed playing with the spouts!

We loved seeing you and your brother experience Disney together. We loved what a big girl you're becoming and can't wait to continue watching you grow. We love you silly girl. You are the sweet little baby. 

Love, 

Mommy, Daddy and Mason