We Have a Roller!

Emma rolled over for the first time this afternoon! The best part about it was that Jeremy, Claire and I were all there for the big event. We knew it was coming, but we were shocked that she actually did it right before our eyes. It was very exciting, and Emma entertained us with multiple rolls throughout the afternoon.
I think Emma knew that we needed a little pick-me-up today. We were supposed to be heading down to the Gulf Coast this afternoon. However, after much debate, we decided that our long journey was not worth the threat of a Category 3 hurricane or its potential side effects. We are so disappointed, and are sad not to have the time we had planned to visit with friends and family. My thoughts on it now are that Emma's little body was ready to roll today, and if she had been strapped in a car seat all afternoon, it would have never happened.

New Tricks

Emma is now 3 months old, and in the past week or two she has discovered a couple of new tricks. Drum roll. . . She can hold her own hands together and make spit bubbles! We're so proud!

Visitors from Virginia

Missing their grandchildren (and daughters and sons-in-law too, I'm sure!), my parents decided to come on down for a weekend visit. Although Tropical Storm Fay brought us much needed rain throughout the weekend, fun times were had by all. Claire decided to kick things off with a game of Hide and Seek. When Nanny and Baba arrived on Friday, they had to find the missing Claire. Considering that she never bothered to close the shower curtain, it was a pretty short-lived game. The rest of the weekend was filled with pretend picnics, painting, and Play-doh. Come back soon, Nanny and Baba. We miss you already!

Stars In Her Eyes

Claire decided that since these glasses were too small for her, they would be the perfect fit for Emma. Surprisingly, Emma didn't seem to mind. I'm just glad that Claire was able to get them on without poking Emma's eyes out!

1st Day of School

Today was Claire's 1st day of preschool. Unfortunately, I couldn't really get a picture of her face this morning because she was so mesmerized by the new tote bag the school gave her. However, she did very well and seemed to have a great time in her new "Lively Ladybug" class. I, on the other hand, got a little teary as I dropped my first born off in the carpool line. If I got choked up for 3K, I can only imagine what the first day of kindergarten will be like!
My soft heart paid off for Claire because while I was out on my errands this morning I decided to pick up a special "1st Day of School" gift. Last week while we were at Target, Claire found these shiny shoes (and I do mean shiny!) and fell in love with them. I, however, insisted that she put her own shoes back on (after she removed them to give the new ones a try), and told her to keep moving because I wasn't buying shoes coated in glitter. Well, today they seemed like the perfect gift. Claire was so excited when she opened these shoes. As she slipped them on her feet for the first time, she began singing Cinderella's "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes". Every now and then throughout the evening we would hear, "These sure are nice shoes". Ah, the simple things in life.

Not Quite Yet

In the name of fun and curiosity, I decided to let Emma try out our new Bumbo seat the other day. Although she did hold her head up when first placed in the seat, it didn't last too long. I think we need a little more time before the ever popular Bumbo seat comes into play on a daily basis. Looking at the attached picture, I am sure that most would agree. However, when the time comes, it seems like it will be a very handy thing to have around.
I've also attached a picture of Emma and her new friend, "Ellie". Claire has "Doggy", so I thought that Emma would like an animal friend of her own. Only time will tell if they become the best of buds. If they do, their 1st moments together have been captured for posterity.

Orientation Day

Claire and I headed out today for Preschool Orientation. Up until this point, Claire has been attending a Mother's Morning Out program a couple of days a week. Now she will be in an official preschool program for 3 days a week. I can't believe we have reached the school years! It is even harder for me to believe that Claire is the age of the students I had when I was last teaching (while I was pregnant with her!). Time flies!

Tummy Time Fun

Last night we pulled out another one of Claire's old toys. It is an inflatable "tummy time" duck that you can fill with water, and it has toys that float around inside. Emma loved it! She looked at that smiling duck as if it was her new best friend. They locked eyes for a good long while until exhaustion took over, and Emma's face slowly dropped down into the mat. We've scheduled another play date between the two for this afternoon.

Sweet Dreams

The other night (while she was supposed to be getting ready for bed herself) Claire managed to find yet another way to stall the process - by putting Emma and Doggy to bed! We seem to be noticing a pattern of Claire and Emma "playing" together more and more. Claire better have her fun now before Emma finds her own voice!

Here Comes the Bride

Having been in the weddings of her two aunts in the past year (and being obsessed with Cinderella's magical day), Claire has always enjoyed pretending to be a bride. Now she can be one! Jeremy's mom made Claire a wedding dress for her birthday this year, and it is too cute. In the future, it will be fun to look back and compare Claire's real bridal portrait to this one. For now, we are enjoying the pretend version - especially Emma!

Water Painting

Claire has discovered two new activities this week. The first is "painting" the outside of the house with water (a great mess-free summer activity!), and the second is watercolor painting. Both activities have brought her much joy. You can also see that Claire does not do much of anything these days without a little extra flair. She has definitely entered the stage of dress-up, and everything must be done in costume or shiny shoes!

Rocking the Baby

Claire decided the other morning that she wanted to rock Emma while watching some cartoons. Emma was all smiles at the beginning, but I think that by the time Claire had had enough, Emma had really had enough. No crying, but the look on her face said it all.
Is it just me, or does Emma look like a pretty big baby next to Claire? I can't believe she is only 2 months old!