"I'll miss being five" says Emma last night as I lie in with her bed, waiting for her to fall asleep. "What can you do when you are five, but not six?" I ask. "Oh, you know, all the five year old thigs" she answers. "Things like what?" I wonder. "Ummmm" Long pause. "Like telling people that I am five!"

So, I guess being six won't be TOO traumatic for her!

Today my girl is 6. I was just pregnant with her, I was just carrying her everywhere she went--swaddled in a sling, I was just nursing her and changing diapers all day and all night. I was just helping her walk, listening to her first words, keeping her out of cupboards. I was just watching her color outside the lines and learning to write her name.

Now she is in Kindergarten, confident that she can do anything. Tying her own shoes, getting herself dressed and getting herself a drink of water. She is aware of others feelings, aware of right vs. wrong, and remembers everything. She is sure that Jacob is either the biggest pest she's ever met, or the best friend she's ever had. She knows her mom is a little crazy but so full of love for the brown eyed girl it hurts, and knows her dad is tons of fun when at home, and works for our family when he isn't and that she has him wrapped around her finger. She knows her Heavenly Father loves her, and that Jesus is her brother. She knows they listen to her prayers, and she has the faith to say them. She is her dad and her mom's first blessing, and has a huge spot in our hearts.

Happy Birthday Emma Kate. I love you forever.


(yeah, and I'm 36 wks here. I'll probably be this size at 18 wks this time...)


10 days old


6 weeks old


2 months old


9 months old