What I Know About Emma

I have recently discovered a blog called, "Hands Free Mama"  and I love it. It is so inspiring. I want to be hands free, and not feel like my phone is glued to my hand all day. It's a work in progress, but by reading her blog, I have been encouraged to leave my phone in the kitchen, and go play with Emma in her room without wondering who has updated their Facebook status. 

One post that I read a few days ago stood out to me. It is about really knowing your children. Knowing who they are, what they like, and understanding their personalities. It is called Missing More Than Life. In celebration of Emma's 2nd birthday, I wanted to write down some of the things that I have learned about my sweet girl. 

I know...

She eats and sleeps on her own time. Ever since she was born, she was in charge of her schedule. We would put her down for a nap when she was "supposed" to sleep, and she would end up playing in her crib for an hour or more until she was ready to sleep, sometimes not sleeping at all! She is now two, and still does this. I put her down for a nap between 1 and 2 every day, because some days she's just not ready to sleep at the same time as the day before. 

She eats when she's ready. To this day, I will make her a meal, and if she's not hungry she simply won't eat. I have learned to leave it out on the table for her, and she will climb up on her chair and eat everything on her plate...when she's ready.

I know...

She has a deep belly laugh when you tickle her that is music to my ears. It's pure and happy and magical all at the same time.

I know...

She loves music. She loves to sing and dance. We usually dance after her nap, and she asks to wear her "pretty" (her poofy skirt) to dance around the house in. She learns lyrics and music quickly, and with only hearing a song once will remember certain parts the next time it comes on, singing it perfectly with the musician.

I know...

She pronounces "drink" as "gook" and we have no clue how she came up with it. I know someday she will learn how to say it right, but I will always remember her saying it this way.

I know...

Her puppy is her best friend. She plays with it, talks to it, and sleeps with it. Sometimes we pretend her puppy is talking to her, and it makes her so excited that she wants to show her puppy everything all over the house. Her favorite thing to do, is touch her puppy ears to her nose as she falls asleep.

I know...

Emma cuddles are the best.

I know...

She has a tender heart, and will give me a hug randomly throughout the day. When no one's looking, she sits next to her baby sister and talks with her, pats her on the back, and gives her a kiss. When she knows I'm sad, she'll ask, "okay Mommy?" while patting my arm, and then give me a hug. If we stub our toe she'll ask if we are okay and then promptly give our "owie" a kiss. 

I know...

She is an artist. She loves to paint, color, doodle, and write. If she sees the crayons, she always asks to color. If there is a pen anywhere in sight, she will ask for some "paperrr" to scribble on. If you say the word "paint" she will not let you rest until she has a brush in her hand dipping it in her favorite color (which is every color). 

I know...

She is very independent. She believes she can do everything herself. Her new motto is, "I do it! I do it! I do, do, do it!!" as she runs in front of me and cuts me off from wherever I was going to do whatever I was going to do. 

I know...

She likes to help, even if she doesn't ever end up helping. She will ask, "me help, too?"

When referring to the washer machine, she says, "washhhh" as she twists her little body back and forth imitating the washing machine.

She loves to be outside. Anywhere. Anytime. She loves nature. She loves to see new things and explore. The other night, she saw the moon, and was so excited she shouted, "Hi Moon!!"

I know...

She loves Oreo cookies. 
From this, circa 2011:

To this, circa 2013:

She will never turn down an Oreo cookie.

I know...

She has an imaginative mind, and loves to play with her toys as if they are real. Every night, she goes deep into her own world of imagination and we love to sit back and watch.

These are just a few things I have learned about Emma over the past 2 years. I know with each year I will have the opportunity to learn more about her, and I so look forward to it.  I am so happy she is a part of my life, and I will always keep trying to change and be better for her. Happy Birthday my sweet 2 year old!!

xoxo
Rachel