Those Eyes!

Can I make another excuse for not being a more frequent poster? David was in London on business for EIGHT days. Yes, I was alone w/ an almost 2 year old by myself for that long (w/ the exception of Aunt Laura and Victoria babysitting overnight once while I took a trip to Daytona for a baby shower, thanks girls!). It had it's moments and I got to practice some of my new photography skills! I got an awesome Christmas present from David, Lynie and Dick. I have been interested in photography for a few years now, and wanted a more involved "tool" for taking pictures. Thanks, guys, for my new Nikon D40!

Here are some samples of what this awesome camera can do, I was quite pleased w/ how they turned out. I can't believe how much clearer and concise pictures are with an SLR compared to a regular point and shoot. Joy even said I had a good eye for this (thanks Joy!)! See what you think: (be nice, this was my first time...)




I must say I think Emma has some GORGEOUS eyes. But then again, I may be a bit biased.

What Won't Kill Me...

Makes me stronger! It has been a long time since my last post, but for good reason. My mom had her surgery last Tuesday (the 8th) and she is doing wonderfully. She has been up and around since the day after and has a very positive attitude. She is so strong and I am so proud of her!! Lynie (my mother in law) flew down from MI to take care of Emma while I took care of my mom. Thank God for her! Some good news regarding my mom's diagnosis: the lymph node biopsy was NEGATIVE and she was only a Stage 1!!! She has an appointment w/ an oncologist but it is very doubtful she will need any radiation, chemo or other therapy. We are thrilled! Thanks for all of your prayers and positive thoughts!

Lynie, Me and Mom

While we are on this subject of what won't kill me, Emma had her first BIG boo boo the other day. She was walking into the house from the lanai (screened in porch where our pool is) and she tripped on the area rug and biffed it right into the cement wall! OUCH. She scraped her nose, cheek and busted open her upper lip. It was huge. Wah, wah, wah.

Emma normal

Emma with boo boos

...And a Happy New Year

Best Wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy new year. :)

Our Christmas was wonderful, especially because we were surrounded by lots of family. We even got a surprise visit from Uncle J (or as Emma calls him, OJ)! (David's brother Jason)

Emma received a decent stash. She got this awesome crocodile xylophone from Uncles J and Michael:She got a beautiful handmade baby highchair and cradle from Mimi and Papa:

Emma is really into pretend play now--well, for a few minutes at a time at least! She also got her first little laptop "puter" and she already can play some of the letter games on it. It says it is for 3 years and up, but she's got it! Nana and Da spoiled her as well. I would say her favorite thing from them was her Hess truck complete w/ motorcycles! She LOVES anything with wheels. She has the Little People firetruck, school bus and airplane and she plays w/ those toys more than anything else! Our little tomboy...

Emma has recently had another language explosion; she now speaks in full sentences for the most part. We have conversations w/ her and it's quite amusing! She also has some pretty good manners and says please, thank you, bless you, excuse me and you're welcome!

My mom is having her surgery next week. They are doing the biopsy on her lymph nodes the same day to determine if the cancer has spread. Thank you for all of your kind wishes, thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray and think positively that it has NOT spread. We are praying that she can just have the surgery and have no further treatment(s).

I have a few cute videos of Emma and some more pictures to share. I will upload the bulk of them to dropshots (the link is on the right of this blog) and post some here as well...soon!