11 Months

 Right at the end of April and the beginning of May, she started getting really brave about walking.  She would let go of the couch and stand on her own for a few seconds, slowly trying it out.  The first video I have of her taking "Solo Steps" is on May 1st, 2012.  She had already taken a few little half steps and stands before that, but as soon as I got out the camera or my phone, she would sit down.  I happened to get the following video after several more happy attempts.  Sadly, I had my phone on silent so it did not pick up the audio, but at least you can see video of some of her first real steps. :)



We are also in one of the busiest months of Emmy's little life so far. This month we have: prom, Aunt Kari's Graduation, and her party.  We also have all of the regular end of the year test, grading, and miscellaneous time suckers that this time of the year entails.  This may not seem like much of a list, but since I am the co-prom sponsor this year, I am at the school many hours every night.  My mom has graciously been watching Emmy for us, but I still feel guilty about not getting to be with her as much as I would like to during this big month of change for her.  I was so scared that I was not going to be there for her first steps, but thankfully, she waited for us.  I just keep telling myself that after this month, we will have 2 and a half months of solid "Mommy & Emmy" time.

Vocabulary update:  She says Ma, DaDa, Uh Oh, and other one syllable sounds.  She is trying to say NaNa but she can't quite get it yet.

She likes: WALKING!, Pushing her walking toy all around the house, riding in her stroller outside, being pushed around in her car, climbing, crawling around when we are trying to get her to walk, singing songs, reading books, playing with her dinosaur toy, laughing and smiling, sitting on the floor and playing with toys, daycare, her teachers, her new friends, snuggling, music, being the center of attention, "singing", trying to escape our pew at church, and dancing around the house.

She dislikes: Being told no, waking up by herself, being put in her baby bed (don't know how to fix this one), the dark, getting her diaper changed, drinking from a sippy cup, being forced to eat her vegetables if she wants fruit or Mum Mums, being picked up by "strangers" (or people she doesn't recognize), not having your complete attention (please do not try to check your phone if she is around), and being ignored/not picked up when she is ready for you to pick her up. Basically, she is spoiled and the whole world must obey or suffer the consequences. :)

She eats: Mashed Potatoes, refried beans, Carrots, Peas, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Vegetable Chicken Dinner, Turkey and Mixed Vegetables, Turkey, Chicken, Beef, Applesauce, Bananas, Mixed fruit, Beef Vegetable Dinner (doesn't really like this one at all), Chicken and Apples (a new favorite!), Puffs, Mum-Mums, Apple Wagon Wheels, and baby Milk.