Kicks and Giggles

Emily loves to kick and play, especially under her play gym.  She is becoming quite strong on her tummy.  This week she has a new trick - bearing her own weight on her legs.  Nelson and I love laying beside her on the floor while she kicks and plays.  During this time, she babbles and laughs often.  Every time I turn the camera on, she seems to know because she is always quieter.  I love watching Emily's voice and personality develop and emerge.  She is a sweet, persistent, and playful spirit.  Emily is definitely full of life and makes ours as well.

Emily's 1st Cold

Emily has been experiencing her first cold.  On Saturday her eyes were really watery and she was a bit more irritable.  Sunday her nose began to run.  As the week has gone on, her little nose has become increasingly stuffy.  I want so very much to take this cold from her little body so she can feel better.  I can't imagine how uncomfortable she may be, and hope and pray things get better soon.  Despite being stuffy, Emily is still her darling self.

My Little Helper

Nelson often calls Emily our "Little Angel."  She has always been that even before she was with us.  During my pregnancy and even before, I could feel her sweet, persistent spirit.  Emily motivates me to want to be better for her and for me.  I love her careful watchful eyes.  Although I should be watching out for her, she is watching out for me.  Each day as I attend to the needs of the home, work, and family, she is there beside me to watch and love.  I love her so much!

3 Months

Emily is 3 months!! It has been an eventful month for her.  As we glance through her first three month pictures we are amazed how much she has grown!!  It seems Emily is growing right before our eyes.  She is the sparkle and joy of our lives.  These are some milestones for her 3 month birthday:

• First airplane ride to Utah for Christmas and home to Arizona.  Slept most the way both times, but a little fussy on the way home.
• Enjoyed time meeting family and friends in Utah
• Loves dancing and kicking to the play gym Nana and Grandpa Handy gave her for Christmas
• HATES her carseat and the car
• Went to work with mom a few times
• Likes reading books with mom and dad
• Starting to like playing in her swing
• Found her thumb and likes to suck the left one in particular
• Loves her nook in Mommy's arm to fall asleep in
• Gurgles, hums, and giggles
• Loves going for walks outside, especially in her snuggy carrier
• Made lots of Christmas cookies with Mommy

We love our Tink more than words can say!

Teammates

Families make the best of teams.  Growing up my family team enjoyed time working together in the yard, cleaning the house, and supporting one another.  I have fond memories of planting and nurturing my grandparents flowers with my family team.  After school and Saturday chores were always fun with music and games with my siblings.  Every once in a while my dad would buy treats for us at the gas station.  This is why sometimes we were eager to volunteer for the outside jobs:).  As I played sports in middle and high school, my siblings and parents were the best cheerleaders.  Someone was always at my games and often more than one came. 

As my little family grows, I am trying to create special team memories with them.  Nelson and I have really become a team since moving to Arizona because at times we only have each other to rely on.  Nelson is a great helper.  He is so willing to help in any way he can - bath time, feeding, garbage duty, emptying the dishwasher, and vaccuuming.  I am grateful for his helping hands as you never have enough as a mom. 

Emily is a great helper for us too.  She keeps us energized with giggles, smiles, and lots of kicking.  Emily is the best break during our busy work days.  We love cuddling, kissing, and playing with her. 

The other day we had a family team activity cleaning the carpets - lots of spit-ups and such.  I operated the machine, Nelson filled and emptied the tank, and Emily kept us entertained.  We had fun working together to accomplish a big task.  Here's Emily snoozing on the job.

Emily's Blessing

 

 

On Sunday, December 30, 2012, we blessed Emily. It was a special occassion to have all our family there. Emily looked darling in her white dress. Nelson was a great spokesman of Emily's blessing. We were grateful to share the day with those we love. 

Emily, Mom, Dad, & Grandparents

 

 Emily, Mom, & Aunts

 

My Aunt Vera, who lives close by to us in Arizona and watches Emily (her babers) while I'm at work, surprised us by coming to the blessing.  We were thrilled to have her there.

 Emily & Aunt V

 

Nelson's brother David also flew in for the blessing from Kansas City.  We appreciated his special effort to make it there to stand in the circle.

 

Nelson & David

Yates Family

Christmas 2012

On December 19th, our little family headed home to Utah for the holidays.  We have been anxiously awaiting the chance to spend time with family and show off our little girl.  Each day was fun filled visiting with family, friends, and loved one.  The best part of the trip was just being with those we love most.

Emily with Aunt Brooke

 

 Emily with Aunt Michelle

 

 Emily with Aunt Heidi & Uncle Aaron & Ellie

 

  Emily & Grandpa Handy (Papa)
 

 During our stay we were excited to see snow fall a few days.  However, as we have returned home we think 2 weeks of snow is just right.  Today in Arizona it was about 65 degrees with beautiful sunshine that we enjoyed a nice walk outside.

We were spoiled with great memories and gifts from our families.   Although all the gifts were marvelous, the best gifts were hugs and visiting in person.

Emily had fun meeting her cousin Ellie, who is just 10 days younger than her.  They were so cute together.  I know they will be best of friends as time goes forward.

 Emily & Ellie

 

One thing I really wanted to be sure to get while in Utah was a 4 generation picture with Emily, my mom, and grandma.  It was so fun to introduce Emily to my special grandma.  My grandma just loved to look at her to the point she had to be told to look at the camera.

 

 Emily & Great Grandma White ( Double G)


 

 

 

 

One day while we were there, I was able to go to the Center for Change and introduce Emily to my Tinker Bell Julie.  It as a special experience to see my two Tinks meet.  Julie was darling with Little Tink and mentioned repeatedly that I could just leave her there. My answer was always no, but I would work on a transporter to visit more often.  Coincidently I went on my 3 year anniversary of entering the CFC.  I reflected about life's changes since then on my way to and from the Center.  I am grateful for the rebirth of life and the chance to continue towards complete recovery.  Although I didn't ever think Ed's voice would get quieter, it has.  I think one of the biggest secrets of success is the choice to be happy with who I am and life's experiences - challenges and all.

 My two Tinkerbells - Dr. Julie & Tink